(D2MM) No Pain No Gain

[Yulastranza Ulgo]

"You really believe that?" she asked seriously.

[Niall Organa]

Niall stopped his workout, turning to her. "I am... willing to believe it." He said with a grimace. "Not because I trust the Sith, but because I am willing to trust Princess Jameela. If she can be friends with a Sith and still stand strong against them, well, that's fine."

He started to turn back to the bag, but hesitated. "If she can't, then she's not the person I hope she is. At least, not yet."

[Yulastranza Ulgo]

"That's... a great deal of trust given," she said.

[Niall Organa]

"Maybe." Niall said, turning back to her. "I don't trust the Sith. They've put me in bacta for a week twice. They've invaded three times in my lifetime. Alderaan needs to be ready for the fourth."

He smiled gently. "But people need to be given the chance to do the right thing. And people like us need to encourage them to do that. And prepare for what happens if they don't."

[Yulastranza Ulgo]

She seemed dubious and then said, "You Organas are entirely too optimistic, it's endearing and insufferable."

[Niall Organa]

Niall flashed her a quick grin. "It's a fine line we tread, I admit."

A few more strikes, and then he paused, wiping his brow with his forearm. "And what is your opinion, then?"

[Yulastranza Ulgo]

“Honestly, I hate Gaul, but he has been raised for this role since he was well born. Not saying that because I want what I was promised, but because I think it’s right. I think he needs to work out whatever has burdened him and my father will just have to live with that. But that would be too damn easy,” she said with a shrug.

“And no too much bad blood between us for that to ever work.”

[Niall Organa]

"Quite understandable." Niall grimaced. He was silent for a few moments.

Then he shook his head. "Gaul broke a trust. In effect, he was given a chance, and he didn't take it. I'm not sure I would give him another chance, and I don't think the Queen will, either."

He inclined his head. "Your opinion does move mine, though, I don't deny it. Still, I think we'd best prepare for what happens if Gaul is not chosen."

[Yulastranza Ulgo]

"I like to plan for contingencies, I think I get that from my father," she said.

"By the way how is Duke Rhys Organa, he was... missed for awhile and now seems back," she said hesitantly.

[Niall Organa]

"Yes..." Niall slowed, coming to a stop. "My parents took my sister's passing very hard. It's good to see him doing better." He paused again, taking a few deep breaths. "I think he wants to see Alderaan become a better place. Safe. Free of turmoil."

[Yulastranza Ulgo]

"Don't we all?" she said kindly.

"Please give him my best, I missed the old man."