[D2 MA] Hot Topics

[Tethys Carrack]

"That isn't as reassuring as you might think," Tethys points out. "A lot of suffering comes into the universe through people who decide to just 'serve' someone else, without weighing their own actions. What effects do you and your Blackguards want to have on Alderaan--on the galaxy? What kind of place would you make this if you could?" Her expression as she watches the other woman's reactions is open and curious.

"Choosing to let somebody else decide for you is still a choice--a series of choices, really. It's not the end of responsibility. Especially for someone with the kind of will and potential I think you have, 'Lady Massacre.'"

[Dapper Dog]

Lady Massacre thought on that and said, “The Blackguards are a symbol of justice and terror to our enemies. House Thul did not return to Alderaan simply to be puppets of a distant and irksome enemy. This is our home, some may not like how we go about things but we love Alderaan as much as any other House.”

“Our dedication to the Crown is both earnest and fortuitous that we could provide them assistance when they needed it most. I am not blind to the excesses of our leadership but ambition, ruthless ambition is hardly a poor quality on Alderaan.”

[Tethys Carrack]

"Ruthlessness is a poor long-term investment anywhere," Tethys counters gently. "It eats away at people on both sides. Wielding it makes one weaker and more fearful, not stronger. I've seen that happen, more than once."

Without knowing what exactly Lady Massacre and her comrades have been learning from Zeno and the other Sith, Tethys can only guess whether the masked woman is able to consciously sense her emotions or surface thoughts right now. Perhaps not--that kind of subtle and passive Force attunement doesn't really seem to fit the Blackguards' style. Still, when the memory of Eralynn Varad, defeated and raving with her necklace of human teeth draggling around her neck, floats unhappily to the surface of Tethys's mind, she chooses not to shield her thoughts.

She holds herself a bit straighter and adds, in a more sober tone, "I know at least some of your group feel a connection to the living Force. Ser Villainness, almost certainly you. So... this is the part where I, hm.... Not 'warn,' exactly, but advise you.

"This ruthlessness and terror you seem proud of--nobody wise touches the Force in that state of mind. Even if you think it's for a good and disciplined reason, it's not going to go the way you think. Everything you said you don't care for in the Sith flows from that source, and you're not going to be the special ones who can take the power without the costs." Because no one ever is, say the wearily sardonic lines at the corners of her mouth.

"Take it or leave it," she shrugs one shoulder again. "Anyway, even if you don't ask our help, Jedi will have to keep watching you. That is our responsibility. In case of fire," her lips twitch, "break glass."

[Dapper Dog]

"And who watches the Jedi?" she asked.

[Tethys Carrack]

"Other Jedi, mostly." Tethys's lips quirk. "I did say we aren't very unanimous. And it's hard, living up to the responsibility. Sometimes it's very hard. Sometimes Jedi fail."

She spreads her hands. "You have to trust the people around you to wake you up when you're hurting yourself. Jedi, or just friends... although Jedi have more practice noticing the warning signs."

[Dapper Dog]

"With so many famous fallen Jedi, I suppose they would. That aside, we do not seek to antagonize your Order. But I am not sure constantly looking over our shoulder is a better alternative," she said.

[Tethys Carrack]

"Why not be on better terms, then?" Tethys asks. "If you are toying with the Force on your own, then you're already playing with fire. I can't just stand around and watch you burn your house down. There are things I can't teach to people outside the Order, but balance, focus, inner discipline--those are all within bounds."

Or at least, they're within a somewhat liberal interpretation of the bounds. Admittedly it's been a while since Tethys provided the Order with an account of her practice sessions with Garth back on Bankor...

[Dapper Dog]

"Is that an offer, Jedi?" she asked.

"I admit I would be intrigued to see what all the hype is about."

[Tethys Carrack]

"It could be." Tethys half-smiles. "If your interest comes in good faith. Well... I'm willing to try either way, but without good faith I don't expect we'd get far."

[Dapper Dog]

Lady Massacre-No Mask.jpg (19.3 KiB) Viewed 2022 times

There is a slight hiss and she removed her helmet, "A Blackguard never breaks their word."

"I accept your offer."

[Tethys Carrack]

"Then it's agreed." Tethys extends a hand to shake on it.

"I'm staying at the Festival. Shall we meet in a day or two and see what the Force holds?"

[Dapper Dog]

"I would be honored, master Jedi," she said warmly giving a firm handshake.

[Tethys Carrack]

After their hands release, Tethys hooks her thumb in her belt and nods. "I'll leave you to your... day off, then, for now. May the Force be with you."

She makes as if to descend from the ruined wall...

[Dapper Dog]

The woman turned back to whatever she was doing replacing her helmet.

[Tethys Carrack]

Tethys scrambles back down the rubble, strolling off again toward the main estate entrance and the public thranta transit site.

/scene!