Private Curiosity Lies

[Liin Terallo]

My statement about not being a warrior or hero was not enough of an answer. For he picked up on it straight away. Not only that, but our conversation had gone full circle and I must once again respond to his questions on what drew him here. And what drew him to me in particular.

Yet for a moment I did not answer. I had a sip of my wine as my mind worked on coming up with a variety of responses that I could utilize to possibly deflect his inquiry. But Mister Nexion is a Force Wizard; and most of them are mind readers.

"You are...correct. But it is not something that I like to discuss, nor do I wish for it to be known more than it already is. I trust that you understand my precaution?"

I would hope as much. But the bounty on my head gave enough detail about what I am up to than I would like.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

"Hmm, very well. I shall let it rest for now, but don't think you've escaped by curiosity just yet."

Nexion sipped his wine as he took one of the menus, browsing through it.

"On another note, how do you feel about dessert? I'm rather partial to a Zoothberry Surprise, myself."

Nexion steered the conversation completely away from their previous topic with no issue at all, resuming their talk as though they were friends simply catching up. He knew if he pushed much further, he wouldn't get very far, so better to let things rest for now and pick up the "business" side of things for another time.

"Although, I admit I also have a fondness for Jogan Seed Oi-Oi Puff. Believe it or not, but I'm more than just a connoisseur of the undead, I am also a connoisseur of wines and sweet treats."

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I bowed my head in thanks as Mister Nexion finally decided to drop the topic of my research. At least for the time being. And luckily for me, I could easily choose to stay out of public view for a while. Doing so would help me to avoid him and others like him that would pry. However given that he is a part of the High Council; it might be a simple task in learning of my temporary residence.

The topic was then changed to desserts. My eyebrows rose in amusement as he relayed his desserts of choice. Each one had their own merits. However given the sudden shift from a tranquil dinner alone to some company that has put me a little on edge; I feel as though something more rich would suffice.

"Well I believe that the perfect treat for me tonight is the Mimbanese Mudslide. There is something wholesome and comforting in it's flavoring. At least for me." These days I could use all of the comfort that I could get. And food seemed to have provided the most in thst regard.

"Do you travel often? Or do you just remain on Bastion?" The less chance that I had to run into him, the better. And I must do my very best to not test out or use any abilities. Besides the side effects; using them could also draw Mister Nexion to my whereabouts too.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Hearing her dessert preference, Nexion chuckled as he nodded.

"A fine choice indeed. While it isn't my first choice, it is a fine selection to make."

Nexion called over the waiter so the two of them could place their dessert orders. As he came over, Nexion answered Ms Terallo's next question.

"Personally, I go wherever I decide to, the moment I decide to. I have no preference over being here, on another planet, or just in the vast space. I simply go wherever I find suits me in the moment. Although, with how often I do leave for personal business, Reign or Rellik would tell you I'm more often off world, than I am on it."

The waiter came over and Nexion placed his order, nodding for his friend to do the same before continuing their conversation.

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Indeed it was not his first choice. Nor his second. But to each their own. Afterall, it is not as though we both need to share the same preferences. I would not expect any guest to do so; both invited and not.

I brought my wine glass up for another sip and found my gaze wandering to the window briefly. For one such as myself that has spent nearly my entire life on New Cov; I find there to be some semblence of safety in constantly being on the move. It is harder for others to find me then. Even one such as Mister Nexion. Afterall I highly doubt that he would be inclined to chase me around the Galaxy.

The waiter arrived and I let him know of my dessert choice before focusing my attention to Mister Nexion once more. "I rather do enjoy the freedom of not being tied down to any one place. And working for myself certainly has it's benefits. In this way I cannot be terrorized or burdened by the many wars that plague the Galaxy." That at least is one positive that I can take from my current situation. There is no obligation required for me to be a hero to anyone. Some might view my indifference as petty or wrong. But with the hand that I have been delt with; it is the only way that I can have any control over myself and my situation.

"I do not ask the Diarchs about anyone for information on them. It is not my place to pry on anyone's affairs but my own. So you need not worry." I do not expect for Mister Nexion to actually be worried about what others say about him. Yet it is not a bad comment for me to add on.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion released another chuckle at the woman's words. It was clear she was far more serious in terms of her polite demeanour, while Nexion's was more so a mockery of the idea of politeness. While he acted so, it was clear what his true feelings towards a matter was.

"Eh, I don't particularly care what they say about me, or what anyone else does, truth be told. So long as I live my life the way I want to, my life is perfect the way it is. The same could be said for you, though. While I won't pry, I'm sure you at least attest to the opinion that your 'personal project' allows you to both live freely, and is proof of living freely... no?"

Nexion leaned back into his seat, awaiting both her answer, and the dessert they ordered.

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Mister Nexion lives however that he wishes to. For a Force Wizard that must be easy. Yet for someone like me; especially in my current situation, it is not. I do not have the resources that I once did. Nor the prestige.

"You are half right, Mister Nexion. I am living freely, yes; given that I am not tied down to any government or world. But do I really live freely? The answer is no. Not while being hunted." One look at me and surely he could tell that I am not exactly one that could take care of myself in a fight. I am certain that I would look extremely silly while swinging punches. Perhaps causing my adversaries to laugh would be a benefit to me. I could use that as a distraction to run and hide.

Both of our desserts arrived. I bowed my head in thanks to the server and then picked up my spoon. I did not wait for Mister Nexion to start on his first. Afterall, he invited himself to my table. Instead I began to eat mine, savoring the richness of the mudslide. It was enough for me to give a satisfied sight.

"So do you have other dinners to crash this evening? Or will you just be heading home?" I did not exactly want him to be following me to my residence.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion peered up to the roof, looking through the glass ceiling of the building with an amused look on his face. He looked back at Liin as he responded.

"To live freely doesn't necessarily mean you are unrestricted in movement. To me, at least, living freely is simply doing as you wish, consequences be damned. Even if you're life is on the line, even if the whole galaxy is scouring every nook and cranny to find you, you should live as you want no matter what. If you don't, you die with regrets, and that's never a good thing, is it?"

Their desserts arrived and Nexion nodded to the server. Ms Terallo began to dig in, and Nexion followed suite. The dessert was creamy on all layers, with a lovely blend of flavours. It was smooth and rich, and Nexion so admired the man who named it Zoochberry Surprise since it had no zoochberries. His friend asked her next question and Nexion gladly answered.

"No, you'll be pleased to hear. I have no other dinner to 'crash', but I am headed back to my own residence. So, after we have finished here, we shall part ways for the time being."

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Am I living my life without any regrets? I believe that for the most part I am. When it comes to my research; I have little to regret. Only the data breach which caused my research to be known to others is something that I wish that I could change. And when it comes to my personal past; I regret changing the governmental structure of New Cov into something that could not save it from invasion. But besides those two things; I regret nothing more.

I savored my dessert as I continued to eat it. Mister Nexion seemed to appreciate his just as much. And yet what I appreciated even moreso; was that we would soon be parting ways.

However the remainder of his statement gave me pause. And I could not help but to blurt out my thoughts. "For the time being? Do you mean to say that you are going to seek me out in the future?" Are there records of where my own residence is in the governmental files? Or did the two Diarchs keep it private to themselves? The last thing that I need is to be tailed by anyone other than my guards.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion took a few more bits of his dessert as Terallo both processed what he actually said and then asked another question.

"Of course not, what kind of man do you take me for? I simply know that we will meet again one day, who knows how long, and that I will enjoy myself then. I'm not the kind of man who stalks his entertainment, that makes these moments less special."

Nexion grinned as he continued with his dessert, once again allowing the woman to process what it is he said. He took a sip of his wine and another bite of his dessert before asking his own question.

"So, how should we split the bill? I'm thinking you pay for 70% and I'll pay for 30, since you did set up our little meetup. What do you think?"

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Stalking his entertainment. What an odd turn of phrase to use. Although I hardly find myself to be some source of entertainment for anyone. Afterall most find me to be dull and uninteresting. But at least I am comforted in the fact that he will not be following me around. This was just a random chance encounter.

I worked on finishing my dessert, but not too quickly for I did not wish to be rushed with it.

At his suggestion that I pay for the majority of the restaurant bill; I gave him a double-take. "Excuse me?" I picked up my glass of wine and had a long sip before clearing my throat to continue from where I had left off, calmly and with restraint. "You perfectly well that I did not invite you here. So either you pay for your own portion, or you pay for the both of us."

The nerve of this man....

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

"Ah-hah, so you do have another emotion other than simply being prim and proper! I knew you must be capable of some other expression and tone of voice."

Nexion wiped a fake tear from his eyes as he cackled, knowing his comment on the bill would, for sure, trigger some response from the lady. Even better that it was a brief glimpse of outrage from her. He cackled for a good minute or two before calming down and catching his breath.

"Ahhh, don't worry. I'm not so uncivilised that I demand you pay for a meal. I simply wanted to garner a reaction from you, is that so bad."

He called the waiter over before handing over a credit chip and shooing them away.

"Rest assured, the Diarchs themselves have treated us to this meal... whether they realise it is another matter. Regardless, the meal is paid in full, you're welcome."

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

And like a chisel he had cut through a part of the fortified shield that guards my emotions. At first I was a little shocked at his laughter at my expense, but then I took it for what it was. Now whether or not some people believe me to be akin to an emotionless droid; I am uncertain. Yet I do know that it is very difficult for others to get me to lighten up, as it were. Such a thing tends to be reserved just for in private or when I am alone. And right now I am not in either situation.

But still, I did find myself cracking a smile, followed by a light chuckle. "Well done. And thank you. I should hope that that is all of the entertainment that you need this evening. For it is certainly all that I require."

Already I was preparing myself to leave - at least mentally. But decorum dictated that he must be ready too. And so I remained where I was until he too had given the cue. At least there was no more onslaught of questioning about my research. Nor of what it had changed in my DNA.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion checked the time and proceeded to stand, straightening his blazer as he did so. He looked down to Ms Terallo as his smirk remained stained on his face. He reached into his pocket and dropped what looked to be a communications device in front of Ms Terallo.

"Well, I'd best be off. Thank you for the lovely meal, Ms Terallo. But, before I leave, I'll explain my little gift here. So, Reign told me if I'm going to go off and do my own thing, while still being a Diarchy council member, I could at least do him a favour. So, this device will contact you straight to a council member should you ever be in need of it. Just give it a click and the first to answer will connect to your call. Think of it as the Diarchy hoping you'll be an ally of sorts."

Despite his smirk, his tone was rather dry, not like his usual voice. He sounded like he was simply reading from a memorised set of lines with no enthusiasm at all.

"Do you accept my little gift, my friend?"

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Mister Nexion seemed to have taken my verbal cue that this little visit was over. At least it did not result in either of us storming out; however I was close to that point as he got a little bit of a rise out of me.

The communication device, and the manner upon which he spoke of it's purpose caused me to raise a curious brow. I could almost imagine him at some dusty ol' corporate meeting that was more for routine than anything else. His dry delivery would fit perfectly well; as no one would really be listening anyways. Instead they would be scrolling through data or articles on their datapads that more often than not, had little to do with the meeting itself.

I find it funny that he gave me such a device when my living in Bastion is purely financed by the Diarchy. So an ally to them I already was. Still, I took hold of the device anyways and gave Mister Nexion a slight bow of my head. "Yes, thank you." I honestly cannot think of what I would need to use it for, outside of some emergency; yet I am relatively safe here. Or so it seems. If I find that I am drawing too much attention to myself here, then I will have to move elsewhere. But just where that would be exactly; I am uncertain at this time.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening. " I then rose to my feet as well, stowing the device away in my purse before turning to fetch my coat from the cloakroom. I could not imagine a more peculiar gentleman; one that gives me cause to worry yet also familiarity in his cordial manner. This evening was a very odd one indeed.

Tag: Darth Nexion