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| - The Library of the Republic -- New Alderaan: Ord Mantell This impressive structure is built to be a large column, rising high into the air. Each floor is a balcony along the periphery, with transparisteel windows scattering each level in a unique pattern. The windows automatically tint to keep the light levels comfortable, allowing shafts of pinkish light to fall into the depths of the building. These levels are joined by classic stairwells built into the white stone walls, leading all the way up to a top level observation balcony circling the edges of a domed transparisteel skylight. Some levels hold thousands upon thousands of classic, leather-bound books, where other levels contain data-records and computer archives. At the ground level, the column bores into the ground, where subteraanian levels are dedicated to archaeological finds, and archives of other physical materials, for their safekeeping and preservation. Many of these levels remain off-limits to casual visitors. Conference and study platforms hover on repulsors and can be moved amongst the levels as desired. Dataterminals are available in carrels for individual study on every floor. The weather outside is clear. Only a few puffy, pinkish clouds spot the skyline. With her hands clasped behind her back and moving at a slow steady pace along one of the stacks of leather-bound books, Lynae is shadowed as usual by her two solemn Marine escorts. Despite the clearly nondescript clothing, both men give off that professional air that tends to ward off the casual library patron or random conversationalist. Lynae, however, pays them little heed as she moves close enough to each shelf to tilt her head to the side and read the titles on each spine. The expression on her face is one of soft wonder and a hint of longing as she continues to slowly move down one shelf after another. He has spent much time of late in the library, in particular in the historical sections, levels truth be told, thumbing through entire books and those occasional datapads he downloaded some works on. But it was the books that held the most interest for him. On a trip from his table to that favourite shf of book, Rasi spots from the corner of his eye armed men in the Marines' uniform of the Republic. And given just who he knows to be escorted by Marines, the conclusion that the Imperial woman is around is quickly reached, confirmed when he spots her some seconds later. After a brief second to make up his mind, Rasi heads over to the trio, his pace slow enough that he can be seen coming. The marines notice the approach long before Lynae does, in fact, it is only the tactful cough from the younger of the two that even draws her attention. In the process of crouching down before the shelf, one hand steadying herself by lightly touching the floor while the other traces one fingertip along the spine of the books she's reading the titles on, Lynae tilts her head upwards while her brows draw together in a look of faint annoyance for having been interrupted. Following the pointed glance of the young marine she shifts her gaze in that direction and spots Rasi approaching. Rising from the crouch she dusts her hands off slightly and inclines her head in a nod of greeting. The two men are given a collective nod, Rasi spared from having to salute them by the regular, civilian clothes he has on, however his gaze is quick to settle back on Lyn. "Greetings there, how are you doing?", said jovially enough, and though he does not smile, yet, there is nothing uninviting in the tone used. "Isee that our library has grabbed your attention. Admitted, it's nothing like what's on Coruscant or even on Woostri, but it's something isn't it?" And he peeks beyond the woman, at the books, trying to figure out just what part of the library this is, and more importanty what books those are. Nodding slowly in reply to the jovial greeting, statement and following question, "Aye, that it is. I've seen the libraries on several worlds, Imperial, Republic and many independent held worlds, and they never fail to catch my attention." This is rather a broad statement, a bit of unbending as she invites more conversation by gesturing to the shelf behind her, "Usually the reading I do is centered around specific research or a task at hand, it's refreshing to take a look at something other than reference texts and test results." The section in question, for instance, is one of history, both of the Alderaan people but of the various worlds in the slice. "You've caused quite the rumours to fly around half of New Alderaan you know, half the folks I meet only talk of you and of what your presence means. I'm not sure whether or not that's a compliment or not.", Rasi replies, picking a book at random from a nearby book. "Not exactly what I'd consider light reading, but to each their own as they say. But, enough of that. Miss Cassius, the reason why I'm here isn't exactly for casual conversation, or rather not entirely for casual conversation. I would like to ask you a few questions, if you would not mind it?" Lynae inclines her head once in a nod, "Ask away," she says simply before pausing, "but one thing I would ask of you in return. If you could call me Doctor instead of miss. I've spent years earning my doctorate and title, and I prefer it over any other that I've held in the last few years. Rank comes and goes, after all, but the one thing that no one can take from me is my years of medical training and the years I've spent doing all that I can to repair the things that we do to each other and the damage that we do to ourselves," she says simply. "Doctor it is then.", and for a moment, he debates whether to use Dr or Doc, but then again, Imperials are quite keen on protocol, aren't they? "This is based on the presumption that you're quite a nice person, previous affiliation and all aside. Why do...did you serve the Empire if I might ask? I have never gotten the opportunity to ask someone that, at least not someone as highly placed as you are.", were anyway. And he settles back against one side of the bookshelf, arms being crossed in front of him. One of Lynae's eyebrows arches upwards slowly as Rasi asks his questions, something in his comment making her slowly shake her head. "Mr Cen, if you think I'm a nice person, then I may have to wonder what your measuring system is like. I won't try to convince you that I'm some awful person, or some horrendous monster, but by no means am I some nice young woman. I think I passed 'young' a few years back as it is," she adds in a slightly rhetorical comment. "I am what I was trained to be. A doctor, surgeon, soldier, and efficient naval officer. I served the Empire because it is what I am, I believe in order and justice, sense from chaos, reason from upheaval, order and everything in a place and a place for everything. But above all, I believe that the lives of those in my command are unique and precious. Irreplaceable, and the oath I took as a doctor and as a naval officer were rarely in dispute. But when they no longer ran in tandem," she pauses, that pointed expression returning to her gaze as she studies the young man, "the question you have to ask yourself, Mr Cen, is what kind of person are you. When there's no one watching. When there's no one paying attention or rating your performance, keeping a score card and waiting to see what you do in the dark of your own heart. What kind of person are you, the kind that counts your soldiers are mere counters on the sand table, or are they worth more to you than your life?" The Fondorian shrugs, and an answer is quickly provided, "You're a nice person in so much as you've not been shot on sight, or aren't confined to a cell for the rest of your life. Then again, I was told that I was quite easy to forgive others.", something common to those in the Republic it has been said, but let's not focus on that. "You're telling me that the Empire represents order. Not even justice, but order? Come on now Doctor, you have to admit that the Empire is a wee bit too keen on busting out the big guns to represent order, yes? Save for a select few. With all due respect, of course." There is no rise in his voice, heck, he still sounds the same as when he first greeted her, a smile ready to tug his lips upwards. Polite, perhaps even friendly, despite where the conversationis headed. "As for me, I know who I am. I value my folks' life, I value the people's life, and when they aren't shooting at me, I even value that of those who fight me.", not too much of course. Lynae expression remains calmly neutral, her voice even and words carefully chosen as she speaks again, "Mr Cen, what you call 'busting out the big guns to represent order' is the Empires way of removing opposition so that order can be restored and enforced across the known worlds. If there is one law, one rule, one legal system and one standard, then all worlds have the same rules therefore all laws are enforced and it is order. The big guns," she seems to find this statement seems to bear repeating for some reason, "are necessary to prove the point." Malif strides into the area as Lynae is making her point. "Big guns...small guns, in the collateral damage all are harmed." his voice carries smoothly and is shaded with a serene qaulity. "The New Republic and the Empire, both lack the subtle skills of diplomacy. Indeed were it not for the crests and the shades of thier Force Adepts." he gives a casual smile. "One would be unable to tell one from the other." The near human, enters the conversation unannounced and apparently with a very vocal view. His black within black eyes flick between the two. "Indeed, both ideologies seem to be facing similar trials and tribulations." "And on Alderaan, how many of those billions broke Imperial law, how many were loyal citizens, and how many were "Rebels"?", Rasi's quite positively enjoying this, making a note to tell his folks about this. That'll shut up their calls for him to come into civilian life, at least for a while. "Way I see it. No government that is truly based on law and order should harm its citizens, millions of its citizens at that, in the pursuit of a few enemies. That's just thoroughly wasteful is what it is right there, especially given just how much capital was lost on Alderaan. Not only to the Empire, but to the entire galaxy." Rasi's voice trails off when the newcomer makes his presence known with a rather interesting entrance. Whatever mirth was on his face gradually speaking as the black-eyed man speaks, and at last, it is with a very reserved, "Perhaps, stranger, perhaps.", that he answers. "Alderaan was an example, Mr Cen, the kind that comes along rarely and has the lasting power to be remembered for generations," Lynae says simply, neither defending it nor attacking it, just making a clear statement before continuing. Her gaze shifts to Malif and a nod of welcome is offered as she continues, "To make an example, one must select the optimal time and place, the audience carefully and determine what will have the most psychological impact on the social psyche, such as it is. The Destruction of Alderaan had all those qualities, and it proved to be a pivotal moment in the epic struggle between the Empire and the Republic. And while the ideologies of both sides may seem to be facing similar trials and tribulations, the irony is that it is but a few points of difference that separate the two. Make a list sometime, Mr Cen, of the things that the republic espouses and that of the Empire. You will find that the differences between the two are very slight, yet they are massive enough to keep this war ongoing." Malif nods to Lynae and then Rasi, he chuckles. "Though, I dare say. That Alderaan was probally not the best choice of targets." he shrugs and stands slightly to the side of the two. "At the time social impact carried more outrage then an industrial one, had the Empire chose and industrial targer over Alderaan. The Impact would have been both pychological and economical and been more effective over all." he shrugs slightly. "As it was, it was a meaningless tactical strike that did nothing more then outrage and rally support for the Rebellion." He give the area a casual once over and smiles. "But then again Tarkin was a Moff and not a Grand Admiral." "Alderaan was selected for it's emotional impact, Malif, not it's tactical one," Lynae states with a slight shake of her head. "By picking a civilian world instead of, say, a ship yard, the message was sent that there was no place to hide. No world so large or so inhabited that it would not, or could not, be made an example of." Malif chuckles and looks at her with amusment. "Granted, but tactically it was futile gesture. What was acheived that wasnt already known at the hands of Darth Vader?" he cross his arms and regards her with a calm demeanor. "Tarkin had the element of surprise, nobody was really aware of the Death star and had a more strategic target be selected." he smiles in contemplative thought for a moment. " Calamari...or some other openly loyalist world, with critical value to the effort." he tilts his head to the side. "Tactically Alderaan was a failure, it inspired fear yes. But it did nothing to demoralize or reduce the effectivness of the Rebellion, as history so evidently recorded." "And that is where we must disagree. Were the differences between the New Republic and the Empire half as small as you make them out to be, I would not be in Republican space, and you, in turn, would be enjoying the company of whatever would pass for the Republic's interrogation specialist. Come now, Doc. You of all people should know that the differences between the Empire and the New Republic are in no way shape or form 'small'." And just as he was about to answer Malif, Lynae takes care of that matter, leaving Rasi entirely free to continue with the subject they are on. "Pivotal, yes. Except, not exactly as the Empire saw it, yes? When it comes down to it, there are two problems with the Empire. A. It's ruled by people who are only there to rule, and not to actually do something for the ruled, save perhaps the occasional crackdown. B. And more importantly, it does not realize that the tighter one squeezes at something, the more likely that there will be other...er, things that escape. Destroy world a, forget about systems b and c....see where I'm going with this. Fear only works for a while, and then people stop being afraid. In which case you're left to deal with people who've nothing to fear, and nothing to lose." "Both of you seem to be missing on aspect of the Alderaan incident," Lynae says in almost a kind tone of voice. "We can debate it all we want, point out the flaws, the pros and cons, but the bottom line is that the example made of Alderaan served many points of focus. And further more, it did what it was intended to do. Reveal the new weapon in the Imperial Arsenal. State again the ruthlessness and the dedeication of the Imperial War Machine to win at all costs. And, last but certainly not least, sharpen the focus of the war once again instead of letting it meander off and trickle out into stagnation." She shifts her gaze slowly from man to man as she speaks, "It was not a failure, especially considering the fact that it's still being discussed. Speaking from a level of experience, I personally took charge of the orbital bombardment of Cochran under the orders of then-admiral Kreldin," her tone hardens slightly and her eyes turn a cold shade of blue before continuing again. "It did what it was intended to do, as high command saw fit. You see, Mr Cen, your points have merit, and I will not disagree with you. But you forget certain aspects of the Imperial mentality. What's done is because it is deemed necessary. Not through emotional reasoning or offended sensibilities. But because the end result will be efficient and expedient, thorough and logical via reasoning that may be different from yours. To that end, here's a hypothetical for you." Lynae turns to face Rasi entirely at this point, "Were I to reach out and strangle you right now, these quiet Marines would most likely stun me into insensibility. But would that be before, or after, I damaged you irreparably? The premise holds for most engagements. The Empire will do what needs to be done, and those who stand by and observe, be they marines or the NR as a whole, may step in too late, or with too little, to alter the outcome. So the question the Republic should be asking themselves, and each other, is fairly simple. Will you stand by and watch, will you let the smaller worlds, the independent world, stand alone?" Malif grins as the conversation heats up. "I would wage stand by, the Senate and the Military dont see eye to eye." He offers in a soft tone and moves around the two to get a better view of the area. "Add to that, the Jedi are estranged from the New Republic and it makes for a very weak frame work." He continues to wander but remains close. "They, resent the power of the Jedi I think?" "Now that's a good topic to pursue," Lynae agrees with a slight nod, "the estrangement of the Jedi from the Republic Military Machine. While the Sith may be a bit.. stand offish and have their own agenda, they back up the Imperial Military Machine when and as needed." Malif falls silent suddenly on that remark and seems to contemplate something for a long while, his black within black eyes flick between Lyane and Rasi "Perhaps you're right, but, ultimately, despite all of that, Alderaan was destroyed, the Rebellion converted many worlds to its side, the Death Star blown to smitheerens, and some years later, Palpatine followed suit.", Rasi says, inserting the last word into this subject, with a grin that almost reads 'can you blame me for saying that'. "See Doctor. You're assuming that the Republic chooses to not destroy entire worlds, or build weapons specifically made for that purpose because we're not being logical, and because we're letting our emotions take the best of it. And in truth, that is categorically wrong. It is precisely because we are being rational that we do no do that. The New Republic is based on being a continuation of the Old Republic, and as such, it cannot copy Imperial tactics, else its image would not survive it. Which sums up nicely to what you said, each side thinks they're being logical, and not letting their emotions, be it compassion or anger, get the best of it. And history decides.", though Rasi's opinion on where history should decide is quite clear. "The Republic should step in where its interests are best represented, it is a sovereign government and its sole responsability lies to its citizens, and not in being the galactic boy scout.", presuming of course that boy scouts actually exist in this galaxy. "The question, I believe, is whether or not the Republic's best interests lie in protecting those small worlds." And there he stops, abruptly turning to Malif, though no words are said until that brief chuckle fades, "And what makes you believe that, good sir? As for the Sith. Well, it's safe to say that many, many view them as controlling the military, not in simply assisting. Would you disagree Doctor?" Lynae lifts one hand in a gesture to wave off the bulk of Rasi's statements, "You aren't understanding the question, Mr Cen. Will the republic sit idly by, minding it's borders, building museums and art galleries, doing it's best sack cloth and ashes, gnaw on it's own liver routine as it ruminates over the atrocities in the past while other worlds fall. Because if this is so, if the republic is more interested in tending to it's own, then my business here will be even more brief than I'd planned." Malif raises a brow and does not respond to the question of how he knows about the Jedi status, but moves onto Lynae's remark. "The New Republic has withdrawn from Galactic affairs as a whole. "The Nar Shaddaa event was an anomaly and will likly not exstend to any other event." he smiles. "The New Republic have left the CSA to hang by its throat, honestly, the New Republic is a pale shadow of what the Old Republic was in its golden years." he slides his hands into the pockets of his coat. "It will never ever, be anything even close to what history speaks of as the Old Republic." he shrugs. "Because they are too worried about saving their own skins and preserving their powerbase." "Good sir, tell me, are you part of either the New Republic's government, or military? You speak as though you know the inner workings of it, and you take a position that makes me think that you would a great deal of information about what goes on at the highest level. Well...do you?", but of course, his eyes never leave Lynae, Rasi's face quickly going unreadable as he retreats back into that state of mind he refers to as 'commander in bloom'. And when he does speak, it is with words that have been given a great deal of thought, and consideration. Apparently there's more to the woman's journey here than a pleasure cruise. "When the Republic was fighting in Nar Shaddaa, I do not think it was simply minding its borders. And the Republic is ever one to give aid when it is needed, and where it is possible. But your words, Doctor, make me think that you've taken to an odd calling, playing the diplomat for a side that is not in your former companions' good graces. Would I be terribly mistaken?", which, admittedly, happens far more than he'd like it to. Malif looks at Rasi with a very faint smile. "If one knows where to look the signs are evident." he nods to Lynae. "The Doctor can tell you, my observations tend to usually be near the mark." he shrugs and smiles at Lynae. "I do keep my ears to the right places." Lynae favors Rasi with a look that, where he any other officer or one with experience with her command style, would likely have caused him to take a nice measured step backwards. To that end, the look is enough to bring one of the quiet marines a step closer, the set of his posture and expression seems to remind Lynae where she is. "For your information, young man, Malif Tal-Tahn is many things, and an expert observer is just one of them. If he ever advises you to do something, tactically speaking, find a way to make it happen. He is, in my estimate, one of the best tacticians I've ever come across. And I have plenty experience in these matters," she adds in a low clear voice. She takes a step towards Rasi, ignoring the position of the marine as she continues, "Furthermore, what I am or am not is none of your affair at the moment. My 'former companions good graces' not withstanding, I hold years of experience in the line of fire, in combat and out, and as both a doctor and as a naval officer and a veteran of this ongoing war, you will be well served to remember that fact. I do not speak lightly, nor of frivolous matters, and my visit to this .. Planet of yours is not one I do lightly or out of boredom." Lynae draws herself up to her full height, shoulders squaring, blue eyes intent upon Rasi as she continues, "The Republics effort over Nar Shaddaa were trivial, they were an afterthought. They are, as Malif has said, leaving the CSA to hang by their throats. They are leaving the independent worlds to fight alone. What do you think the Empire will do next, hmm? Sit back with it's newly acquired assets and design new squadron symbols and play sabaac?" Except Rasi is not one of the officer under her command, he's Rasi, and anyone would know that there are only a few types of people that make Rasi uneasy, or otherwise uncomfortable. While Doctors are included in that number(a long story involving needles, posterior parts of the body, and sadistic pseudo-doctors), he does not consider Lynae to be one, at least not entirely, and he stands his ground, if for no other reason than to stand his ground, still learning against that bookshelf, and arms still crossed in front of him. "Mr. Tal-Tahn tell me, when Chandrilla fell, where was the CSA? How about Cochran, Corellia, Sullust? And when Coruscant was besieged and supplies had to smuggled so the planet's population wouldn't starve, where was the CSA? When thousands upon thousands upon thousands of Republican soldiers were dying, what was the CSA doing other than entertaining the Empire and all-but handing over the Direx board to their representative. That is, aside from feeding the Imperial War Machine. And if the NR was the one being attacked, as it is on a daily basis, would the CSA send its warships and its fleets to its rescue?" And he turns back to Lynae, does Rasi, "Doctor, give me one reason, a -single- reason why a government should risk the lives of its soldiers, and its resources to people who did not in the least bit help when it was being assaulted. Admittedly, I am rather new...actually, I am /extremely/ new to galactic affairs, but that's the impression I'm getting.", he looks away, at the books surrounding him, and a smile forms on the Fondorian's face, "Do I believe that the Republic should help out those who cannot stand against Imperial aggression...hmm, call me an idealist, but I believe it should. But it should also hold off into rushing into something without first considering all that is at stake." Malif shrugs to the long list of the battles and then smiles at the mention of Chandrila. "Dont speak to loudly of Chandrila, the New Republic mananged to boast about evacuating forty...but the action cause four hundred to be killed out of hand." he shrugs at the man. "Its not like they fought hard for Chandrila either...the Insurgents held out longer then the NR did." he then raises a brow and smiles all the more. "Yes, we pay 3 percent of our gross profit to the Empire...but then again we are free are we not?" Lynae shakes her head slowly and steps back, speaking to Malif, "I simply don't think they understand," she says in a thoughtful tone of voice. "Is that possible? That they just don't get it, after all this time? That if they let One world fall, they all fall. Either we hang together, or we will surely hang separately. A wise man once said that, but perhaps they've forgotten." She turns back to Rasi, "All these books, the wealth of knowledge of generations, of worlds, of scientists and statesmen, politicians and philosophers, and you can only think about your borders, and what it will cost you. You have forgotten what it means to be fighting for the good of all, not just the needs of the few." Rasi says, "-We- have forgotten what it means to be fighting for all? We have forgotten what it means to want the good of all, not just that of the few? Doctor, let's get one thing straight here. You have no right, absolutely /no/ right whatsoever to lecture either me, these marines, the people in this Library or anyone else in the Republic about what it means to fight for a righteous cause, about what it means to fight for the people under your care and to go out there against hopeless odds simply because you must in order to defend those people who cannot defend themselves.", all pretention of mirth, of casual dialogue dropped even as he speaks, this being one of those rare occasions where Rasi lets go of that tight hold he has on his baser emotions. "Doctor, you've ordered destroyed an entire world, killed millions on Cochran, and now you want to take the moral high ground with me, with the Republic? Please, let's get real now." And for Malif, he has this to say, "And in turn, you're given the impression of freedom all the while the Empire swallows you up and enslaves you. Oh, certainly, you have no overlords, at least not for the time being. But never will the Empire tolerate a CSA that gets too far off the tight leash it holds it on. When it comes down to it, you're justas much under the Empire's thumb as Coruscant, or Corellia, except you willingly chose to place yourself under it." Oh, but he is not done there, is the young man, and he turns back to Lynae before picking up where he left off. "Please understand that when you call Nar Shaddaa trivial, you won't be taken as anything other than an Imperial trying to dictate to the New Republic what it should do. The Republic does not consider trivial lost men, and lost ships, be it its own, or those of others. You want to convince us that we should take an active role in defending the Independents, perfect, and that is entirely laudable and respectable. However, do it in a way that the NR will understand, and stop looking down on us from your pedestal. With all due respect, of course."" Malif sighs very quietly and regards Lynae with an apologetic look. "It is the secular mentality that comes with politics, the Rebellion was driven my need and neccesity. The New Republic, is not the Rebellion." he looks to Rasi. "Its not anyones fault, it is simply the way of things...when was the last time you heard the voice of the Rebellion speak...with the same fire, the same passion." he gestures to the library. "Those content grow soft, look at where the new capital is. It sits on the border of Imperial space...do you know how easy it would be for the Empire to attack." He shrugs. "Let alone, how long it would take for reinforcments to arrive!" His gaze locks onto the man and his voice chills. "We do what we must do to survive, I personally sent a request to the Jedi through one of your distinguished Senators..either it was ignored or they dont care." his black within black eyes narrow. "And since you are so sure your high ground, can you defeat the Sith one on one, where were your Jedi...when their numbers were spreading?" Lynae holds her silence until both men have spoken before she speaks her piece. "How many death certificates have you signed, Mr Cen?" Lynae counters quietly, her face expressionless. "How many letters have you written to the families of the dead under your command? A dozen, a few dozen? I have written hundreds, closer to a thousand or more at this point. I have personally be tasked with dealing out the Emperors Mercy to the wounded and dying on more battlefields than you can even begin to number," she continues in that same clear low voice. "Pedestal? Lecture? You're not grasping the gist nor the purpose of this dialogue. I'm trying to determine if YOU people are worth fighting for." "I was once told that I should not try and...cross words with some people, apparently I should have listened.", the young man now smiling sheepishly and scratching at his head, ok, so he should understand what people are saying before actually going off on a long rant. But one learns, blushes, and then gets over it. "Emperor's Mercy? Sounds...gruesome from what I know of Emperors. Alright, then tell me why you want to fight for us, and why the...epiphany should I call it? If you would." Malif is not ignored of course. "Survive? You may survive, but is that really much of a life? To constantly bow and scrape to a bunch of tyrants, to people who do not give a fig about you. You have a request for the Jedi, perhaps they did not receive it, tell it to me and I will try to get it them. My shop is in the same side of the city as their new residence, so you might have better luck with me." Malif smirks at Rasi and shakes his head. "The time for talking passed sometime ago...the Jedi skulk and hide." he nods in the direction of where the new temple is being built. "Let them sit and consider their...needs." his tone is tinged slightly with anger. "They had their chance." he looks between Lynae and Rasi and settles on Lynae. "They cannot forgive...you will only fall with them in time." Lynae inclines her head slightly towards Malif, "I have, as of yet, to see your tactical advice be incorrect." Her gaze remains focused on Rasi, "You are young, perhaps your understanding of what is gruesome and what is mercy will change in time. But let me explain what the Emperors Mercy is, and perhaps someday you will understand." She tilts her head slightly before continuing, "You learn it when you become a doctor. Not in school - that isn't where you learn in any case - but when you lay your hands on people and presume to heal them. There are so many there beyond your reach. So many you can never touch so many whose essence you can't find so many who slip through your fingers. But you can't think about them. The only thing you can do - the Only thing - is to try for the one who's in front of you. Act as thought this one patient is the only person in the world - because to do otherwise is to lose that one too. One at a time that's all you can do. And you learn not to despair over all the ones you can't help but only do what you can. As a doctor I am trained to perform triage in the worst possible situations, and on a battle field is the worst of all possible situations," she continues in that low clear voice. "You sort the living from the dead. Then you decide who you can save, and who you cant. You weigh which ones you have the time and the resource to save, and which will take too long to work on and in the doing will let others die. Once you've done all you can, and you have no one left to tend but those who will die slowly, and in agony, in pain beyond your comprehension, then Mercy is given. Mercy to die now, instead of later." Great thought is given to the woman's answer, and to his regret, Rasi can see the need for it, part of him, a small part, even seeing some benefit to it. Fortunately, he does not have to comment on it one or the other, and that is good enough for him. When he speaks, it is first to answer Malif. "Skulk and hide, well, I feel rather confident in saying that in at least one thing, you're quite wrong, if not categorically wrong. The Jedi I've seen, which are not that many, but it's still something. Anyway, the Jedi I've seen do skulk, and they most certainly do not hide. Give them another shot, heck, give them a second and third one if need be. When it comes down to it, they're willing to help others, at a risk to their own life and that's more than you can say for the Sith, yes?", and for Lynae, "And as to me two other questions?" Lynae inclines her head slightly in a nod towards Rasi to indicate that he is free to ask the unasked, and aforementioned, two questions. Malif laughs openly now. "The Sith have dealt more honorably and honestly then any Jedi I have met." he shakes his head and takes a step away. "Oh they Skulk...I have been ambushed by them in the shadows." he shakes his head letting the laughter subside. "I do not have faith in the Jedi order...they are bitten at by their own supposed allies." "Doctor, Mr. Tal-Tahn seems to value your opinion more than mine. Who would you prefer at your side, or anywhere near you, a Jedi or a Sith? The Sith, when it comes down to it, will not hesitate so much as a single second in killing you if it gets them what they want. Can you say the same of the Jedi? And if you can't, why speak of them as such?" However, his attention remains on Lynae, and he notices that small nod of hers, quickly asking once more his questions, "Why do you wish to fight for us, and what cause this epiphany, if it can be called that?" "I'm really starting to dislike that word," Lynae says in a low voice, shaking her head. "Epiphany. As though a switch was thrown somewhere in my mental processes and suddenly there's this revelation that's grand enough to make the crowd 'oooh' and 'aahhh'," she mutters. "Like any thorough scientist, Mr Cen, I am examining all of the viable options before rendering a decision. The more data I gather the better the decision process will be." Malif smiles and shifts his stance, regarding the man for a moment. "The Sith are like any other element that has a potential for violence, you know what that element can do. You respect it for that potential." his tone levels and he speaks calmly. "Do you walk into a raging fire naked?" he shakes his head. "No your respect it for what it is." "And if that fire comes after you again, and again, and again, each time asking for more until there is nothing left. What then Mr. Tal-Tahn, will you still respect it, or will you try and put it out to save yourself?". Rasi replies, with a smile mirroring Malif's, and he shrugs, what the man does,m after all, is his owndecision to make, and there are onlyso many times he can try to nudge him into the right direction. "Alright, then what made you consider the Republic as an option, and why not before?" Malif shakes his head sadly, then turns to let Lynae explain if she wishes. The unenlightened to the mysteries of the force never understand the need of balance. If the Jedi are to exist so to must the Sith and naturally the reverse applies. The library grows more silent and Lynae's marine escorts seem to disappear into a steadily growing darkness as it engulfs the interior of the building, the lights being deactivated steadily. Movement fills the edges of the visual peripheral as it is as if there were hundreds of beings standing at the edge of light and darkness. A cold breeze begins to etch its way into the room. After a few moments the lone sound of a pair of boots walking toward the three in the darkness can be heard. A small orange flare of the edge of a smoke glows briefly as Darth Malign steps into the light and exhales slowly and sighs heavily, "Didn't anyone ever teach you to be quiet in a library?" he perks a brow pulling a small metallic device and waving it, "Comlinks and other communication won't work here." He says politely placing the device down on the ground beside him. The approaching darkness and the sudden descent of silence is enough of a signal to catch Lynae's attention and her left hand moves slightly, a futile gesture really, as she was long since frisked of all available weapons. The nervous twitch of that hand is the only telltale as she realizes that her Marine's suddenly seem to disappear into the dark leaving her alone with Rasi and Malif and then.. Darth Malign steps into the light. She shivers once, straightening slightly to ward off any further obvious responses to the cold breeze that seems to fill the room. "Mr Cen, I believe this is going to go down as a red letter day for you," she says in a carefully mild tone of voice, her gaze centered on Malign as she speaks. "Of all the ways to remind library patrons to adhere to the 'be quiet and studious' policy, I would say this one is going to go down in the books," she says to Tyler. Malif definitly seems to recognize the effect and cocks his head to one side until he hears Malign's voice and turns to face the Sith. "Sith Malign, a surprising place to meet you?" he then smiles and turns to Rasi. "If you do not know him, then allow me." he gestures to Tyler. "Allow me to introduce you to Darth Malign, Inquisitor of the Empire and Imperial Advisor to the CSA." What in the world? And quickly he begins to look around, trying to figure out just what is going on, the Marines looked for...he can hide behind them, or so he hoped until the voice spoke. The newcomer is quickly, and rather regretfully recognized, though for some reason, he smiles when Lynae. A pleasant enough nod is granted to Tyler when he is introduced, "Greetings Inquisitor-Advisor-Darth Malign, I'd say it was a pleasure to meet you...but it's not, it's really not. You can understand it, I believe." Lessons learned long ago to bs his way through situations just like these coming forward in a split second. "The rules in the library are clear." Malign says quietly shrugging silently, allowing Malif to introduce him to Rasi with a light shrug and a nod. His cigarette hangs from his mouth as he sighs heavily, "I have too many titles it seems." Shrugging, "I understand friend, not many people are ever happy to see me." His hazel eyes turn toward Lynae and he gives her a faint smile, "Isn't that right Captain?" he chuckles softly, "But interesting all of you would be together, a durable commander from Nar Shaddaa, and a few good old friends." The Sith waves a hand and a pair of black cloaked figures bring forward a leather chair and place it down allowing the Sith to sit down before the three, "So, why would the Dark Lord of the Sith come here? The answer is obvious, isn't it? I am here to rescue you Captain Caiton." "Well a shrink might help, you know, get to the bottom of just why Johnny is a psychotic killing machine, no offense intended of course. Pet died, and not given a proper burial...ran away to join the circus perhaps? I bet we can find if we tried looking hard.", and bs he continues to do, though even Rasi must stop and get serious, however briefly, when mention is mad of a rescue. "Doc, you need any rescuing or are you fine and dandy where you are?", the question asked after a sideway glance at Lynae, the man positively grinning for now, though some might see through the facade. Malif raises a brow for a moment and then crosses his arms. "Captain?" he muses loud enough to be heard, but shrugs. Now content to see how this new development will play out. Several portions of Malign's statement serve to trip a few f the carefully controlled triggers that Lynae's self control hinges on. While Rasi rambles she stares at Malign with a focused sort of attention that would make lesser men squirm, but not Tyler of course. "I'm no longer a captain, or commodore, and I no longer hold claim to the name Caiton," she finally manages after doing a credible imitation of a landed fish by gaping at Malign in an expression that is so many shades LESS than professional. "Rescue?" is her last, one word, question as both of her eyebrows climb upwards and her expression just settles down in stunned shock. The Sith chuckles lightly, "I haven't killed any pets." He says quietly and shrugs, "I have killed quite a few people though, but they were very bad people, from a certain point of view." He shrugs leaning back in his chair, "Well, then what should I call you?" he looks toward Lynae, "Your days as Commodore are very much over, but your days as a Captain could very well begin again if you wished. Danik Kreldin is dead, smashed into nothingness by the very will of the Emperor. I am unconcerned with your history or your practices, your usefulness is what keeps my eyes upon you. I have watched you, and a new Captain, a former friend of yours has suggested I seek you out once again to bring you back with me." The Sith takes another long draw from his smoke, "Malif, how goes the Coporate Sector Authority?" Oh ho ho, what's that, Kreldin dead, a lower rank than her old one, more things begin to click into place, but still, even more are needed before Rasi can venture forward an opinion, having learned to keep his mouth shut from before. He settles back, letting the others continue to converse even as he looks around, trying to see...well, see anything through the shroud of black that began to cover everything save them. No luck, apparently, as he simply shrugs after a while, "Nice neat little trick that. You wouldn't happen to be willing to tell us how to break it and let others know you're here maybe?" Malif chuckles as he looks at Rasi and then answers Maligns' question. "They are on edge...somewhat, the Inquistor's arrival and such. That whole Nar fiasco has created a mess for me to watch." he raises a brow and shakes his head. "We had people ground side, Axel really needs to learn a little bit of tact in his fire arcs." the near human speaks politely, but does critique the event. "I dont suppose we could leave it at then?" "Kreldin is dead?" Lynae repeats, feeling much like a parrot all of a sudden, repeating the most obvious of the statements but seeming to need the reclarification. "He's dead then," she says simply, "I would have given much to see that, you know," she adds in a rhetorical tone of voice. "Well, no, I would've given much to have been the hand that granted the death, but I understand that there are bigger fish in the pond that wanted a hand in it," she shakes her head slowly from side to side. "Kreldin is dead, how final, well of course it's final. Nothing is more finalizing than death, after all. Unless you believe in all this 'return to the force' stuff which means that death is just the universes way of recycling," and she realizes she's rambling, not something she likes doing. Lynae draws a deep breath, pulling her thoughts together visibly, "Bring me back with you, but to do what, Malign? Why would any of you ever trust me again? I committed treason, in thought word and deed. I committed the ultimate crime of thinking for myself and then acting on those thoughts." The Sith shrugs looking directly at Rasi first, "Careful, you are only alive because of my grace." Malign says plainly leaning back and crossing his legs in his seat and allowing Malif to give his report, now totally in control of the situation as people look to him and ask questions, "Axel Vichten, has his uses, and his alienation from the CDU, keeps him in a position to need the Empire. Everything happens for a reason." Malign turns toward Lynae, "Everything happens for a reason, I trust you because I can see through you." He smirks, "You hunger for the life of a soldier and the New Republic can trust you less. I trust you." He says plainly, "I see your regret and I see your reaffirmed beliefs. I will take you back, but your test of loyalty rests in your ability to serve and not question." "Well alright then your Majesty-ness, relax there, I didn't say anything serious then.", of course, the reply is give with an absent mind, Rasi more interested in just what is going on between the Sith and the former-Commodore. Clearly whatever Fates sent him here wanted his curiousity appeased before they snipped his thread. Malif nods slowly and places a hand on Lynae's shoulder. "You still belive in the Empire, you defended it here." his tone is soft and sincere. "You belong in a uniform and we both know the New Republic will never forget your past." he gives her an apologetic look and then to Rasi as if by example. "Civilian life does not sit well with you." he remarks to Lynae. "I know you want to feel the thrum of a real capital ship beneath your booted heels." He should say something, shouldn't he, and so Rasi does. "You told me earlier, that theres one thig you wouldn't let them take away from you, that thing being that you're a doctor. I don't....think that the rank they offer, and the life they wish you to have will be very compatible with the one you've earned and worked" He pauses for a moment, letting the words sink in, "Doctor, the Republic won't entirely forgive you, not for a while, heck, some think that you shouldn't be forgiven in a long while. But that does not mean the options you've found have to be taken away, and it does not mean that you still cannot help folks." Lynae's normally blandly neutral, so carefully empty and controlled expression seems to waver around the edges at first, but Malif's words strike home and that composure is shattered. She closes her eyes for a moment, holding perfectly still, barely drawing a breath before her eyes open once more. The look of such naked longing can be seen in her eyes, the home sickness, the misery, the abject hatred of what passes for this so-called 'life' plays across her face in a display of emotions that she is unable to contain. Her face pales, eyes shining more blue than ever, her hands curled into tight fists, white knuckled with the effort, her arms trembling ever so faintly as her pulse hammers loudly in her own ears. "I hate this, every day that I wake up and it's not the gray of a bulkhead that I see, I hate it. I hate civilian clothing," she plucks at the sleeve of her suit with one hand, a look of disgust on her face. "I hate having to go SHOPPING for civilian attire. Do you know how many damned OPTIONS there are?" she demands of the group at large. "Not to mention all the trivials like buying cook wear and plates and preparing food and then there's the inane conversation of shop keepers and waitresses and the aimless wandering of people without purpose, without reason. Blithely moving around so.. freely, without worry or structure. Chaos," she rubs at her eyes with one hand, weariness etched on her face suddenly, in her posture, seeping into her voice, "such disorganized chaos." She falls silent as Rasi speaks, her gaze lifting to study him for a silent moment. She turns her gaze towards Tyler and asks suddenly, "Why didn't you kill us?" in a soft voice. "I expected that, when we came back. I came back to die. " Malign smiles standing from his chair and stalking over toward Lynae and placing a hand on her shoulder, "Because the future, is always in motion, you had a moment of bad judgment. This is not Palpatine or Vader's Empire, it is my Empire and Vadim's Empire and we know good leadership. You are one of use Lynae, you belong in those bulk heads commanding soldiers and serving your Empire. It isn't about the ideas for you, it is about the mission." He says darkly, "I will give you the missions, and you will execute and succeed. Come with me." He steps away from the former Commodore and turns toward Rasi as his dark presence begins to spill over the room and he pushes his presence toward Rasi his voice becomes powerful backed by the Force, "You are not going to remember any of this. I need you to forget this meeting." He says darkly stepping away leaving a suggestion to manifest in the New Republic Captain. He turns quickly to Lynae, "Come with me." The chair was gone the movement in the background was fading and the temperature beginning to slowly rise. "Just remember what you told me Do...", and then, nothing. Nothing? Yes, nothing, and that momentary silence draws out into a longer one as Rasi tries futilely to struggle against Tyler's compulsion and mind tricks. Quickly as it starts, the fight is over, Rasi's beaten(ooc: blasted +check!) and the memory quickly fades as the order is processed. Is he supposed to say something along the lines, 'I will not remember' a-la-Stormtrooper on Tattooine? Well, he does not, he simply stands there staring, presumably until such a time as the plot calls for him to snap out of it, and he can begin putting back that book that now fell to his feet. Lynae stares into Tyler's face with a look of such abject longing, a longing for home. For a place to call Home. For soldiers to serve beside, to fight beside, for the surety the promise that is service. For the future she'd so carefully planned for herself. For everything that the Uniform represented to her, for every moment of every day between leaving the Inquisitor and now. "Forgive me," she says softly, her voice broken, "forgive me, oh please, forgive me," she begins to say over and over. Her breathing is harsh, the sound loud to her ears, tears beginning to slowly run down her face as she shakes her head once to the left, then to the right, "I can't. Oh forgive me, but I can't. I want to so badly, I do. I want to so badly," her voice is broken as she whispers, "I want to go home. But I can't." She covers her face with one hand, covering her expression, covering the tears that run down her face as she turns away and faces the book shelf again, shoulders slumping as she shakes her head from side to side. The lights are back on and any sign of the Sith is gone only a lingering voice, "So be it, Lynae." The voice didn't hold malice or hatred. The guards charged with defending the former Imperial reappear dazed and confused about what transpired as nothing had happened. The library begins to buzz with activity and life returns to normals. And at last things return to normal, the marines are alive and around, and kicking though confusd as to what just occured, but then that's already been said, hasn't it? "As I was saying Doctor, I was wondering why you wanted to fight for us specif...", only then does he notice the tears streamin down the Doc's face, and Rasi stops, clearly taken aback, as any normal person would. He seriously did not expect this, not even the least bit, and as such, Rasi's recovery time leaves something to be desired. "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to sound rude.", he says once having regained his composure, digging through his coat's pocket and retrieving a kleenex, or whatever passes for it. "I really didn't.", of course, the question is, just -when- was he rude, and why does his head hurt? Lynae is shaking visibly, a fine sort of trembling as she draws the remains of her composure around her like a cloak, her eyes holding a hollow look of shock as she accepts the offered kleenex. She can't seem to say anything specific and just shakes her head slowly from side to side, ignoring the Marine's that close in on her while trying to reconcile the apparent loss of time. Rasi moves a few paces back, the same suggestion silently relayed to the Marines as they approach, and just for emphasis' sake a slight flicker of his hand makes his gesture clear. He'll flash that small rank marking held in one of his coat's inside pockets too, if necessary to kee the Marines far enough away. And he remains silent, at least for now, letting the woman recover from whatever ordeal happened to her on her time. Of course, the time is taken to try and flick away that slight headache, slowly succeeding to. Lynae is taking deep quiet breaths, one hand pressed against her forehead, fingertips rubbing at her temples as she speaks to herself for the moment. "Deep breaths, come on, deep breaths, you can do this. Come on, you can do this, come on Lynae, snap out of it," she says to herself beneath her breath, only the movement of her lips and her breathing can be heard from more than a foot away. Her left hand crumples the kleenex beyond recognition and she swipes the back of her hand across her eyes before straightening her shoulders. "If you will excuse me," she says in a thin voice, "I need to retire to my ship for a bit." He remained silent, did Rasi, partly to let the woman have time to regain her composure and to reconsider all of this, the conversation with the woman certainly having brought on many more questins than it answered. "Take care now, Doctor... wait.", and he reaches into one of his many pockets, just how many does the boy have?, retrieving from it a small data card, the period's version of a business card. "If you need help, or just want some questions answered about whatever, just call me at this number," the card held out for the woman to take, or disregard. Lynae exhales softly and reaches for the offered card, "Thank you," she says simply and tucks the card into one of her pockets. "My apologies," she adds, waving that one hand in a gesture to indicate her sudden loss of composure, and while of course Rasi doesn't understand, she's also attempting to apologize for the memory loss he is experiencing.
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