Taking Wing (Ali, Closed)

[Professor Mors]

"The balcony will be more than sufficient-", Sa'ato nodded approvingly, "My kind has little use for humanoid bedding". The Neti was curious to know if any of the window panes might be adjusted, as it would allow for greater light absorption. Nonetheless, that could wait. For the moment, the academic was much more eager to inquire into the Austjor family history. "Quite an accomplishment", the professor remarked coolly as he set about opening his small luggage, "I wasn't planetside the night of the attack– but I chanced to attend a conference a week later. So much of the temple caught fire you could see the clouds of smoke for days on end…".

Sa'ato paused, and gingerly produced his dinner attire piece by piece: an auburn dress shirt with matching trousers, both made of the finest Malastarian silk, and a long, draping burgundy vest, comprised of superior crêpe from Borleias, which gave the visual illusion of a tunic when the adjoining sash was tied snuggly at the front. Setting these aside, the academic continued his line of inquiry, "So then, was it your mother's decision- or her impetus that saw you join the Jedi ranks? I would have thought it more politically sound to keep you, the crown heir, close at hand to prepare for your reign".

Last the Neti checked, Jedi were not known to take padawans on loan. Further still, that Aliclair knew her kin so well implied that she was taken for training at an unusually late age. Was their bribery, extortion? Perhaps a slice of Auschian taxes had been generously ferried into Jedi hands for special dispensation. Sa'ato could not be sure, not that the reality of how Ali had gone hither and thither was of particular importance. No, it was the motive that fired the professor's interest. If the queen mother secretly wished a normal life for her daughter, striking her from the succession with monetary compensation to pursue her own ambitions would surely have sufficed.

The whole situation was odd– and Sa'ato would find the answers, one way or another…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair's ears slightly swiveled before settling downwards at the visual of the Jedi Temple in flames. It was a pride and joy to her mother, just to see it torn and destroyed. She let out a small mhmm.. until the next question came to light. She mentally sighed to herself, figuring it was just the Professor's pure curiosity getting the better of him and the fact she shared extremely sensitive information about said subject. She gathered her thoughts best she could while sewing. However, she knew she couldn't lie; for a few reasons. So, the truth.

"Well, this is just based on what she told me but. She had a vision of me assisting in the revival of the Jedi. She had heard, and even considered returning but instead, sent me in her stead. As to why they would send the heiress, my guess is eagerness to rebuild something she failed to protect. She knew my connection to the Force was unmeasured. That I could tip the scales. And for time, I did. Pushing the Sith and Imperials back. Until Tormentous managed to capture me and, well. The rest is history." She explained to the best of her abilities; she was fairly older than all the youngins and shown great promise within the ranks. Exhaling once more, she finished up her project by biting the thread after securing the fabric together. "I made a vow, to myself. My Jedi past is no more and I always listen to my superiors. If you have further questions, fill free to ask them."

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato turned and watched the Felidae's face while she offered her response. Unblinking, the Neti stood silent for a time, processing this new information and carefully calculating what he said next. "True clairvoyance in the Force is a rare thing indeed", the professor mused softly, letting his gaze drift down to a single exposed thread of Aliclair's handiwork, "In most cases, we are lucky to get fragments of a possible future, like wide shadows cast onto a cavern wall". Halting for a moment, the professor carefully took a knee beside his companion to better examine her stitchwork, concluding, "For all I know, you may well be fated to revive our order- to herald a new golden age".

Sa'ato did not linger on, much less give the Felidae time to crossexamine his observation. Instead, he took her invitation for further questions to heart, and gestured to the fabric, "Having never fully devoted yourself to aristocratic nor Jedi teachings, your skill with the needle is commendable. What other talents might you be hiding beyond the training hall and the pilot's chair?". A very slight smile creased along the Neti's lips, "I would be keen to hear more about your education- your lifestyle before you were sent to the Jedi. It will provide me with a better cultural understanding of this royal court and those that dwell in it". And, no doubt, a clearer picture of the feline that sat beside him…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair couldn't help but to chuckle lightly. "I doubt your Lord of Torment or his apprentice would allow me to move onto such a pedestal. Not that I want it; I have my own throne in the future. I don't need to bare two crowns; but. I wouldn't be too opposed to the idea. If the Order feels I possess the necessary qualities and if Kita steps down as heiress, then who knows?" She pitched, straightening her spine to sit up. The hybrid would never fight for leadership over the Sith, which is how they run their customs. Or apparently, if their Lord is MIA for too long. It did bring the thought of the status of leadership currently but that'd have to be answered at another time. She had more pressing manners on her end.

Ali's tail slightly twitched as he knelt closer to her. She could feel her sternum circulate with slight confliction and her heart race. But, in it all, she managed to keep her composure and even held up the dress for better inspection. "I was taught basic blueblood training; how to walk, talk, act like a princess. How to ballroom dance, and... to sing. Though I haven't sang in years so please don't ask me to." she stated jokingly. "We don't have many restricting rules and regulations and little to no law changes from what was told to me last time.. uhh- the royal staff isn't too large other than the one's you've met. Everything will come in due time and I'll be there to explain anything you need help with." She counter-offered, considering the amount of traditions and formalities of her planet would need to take more than just one sitting to go over. Ontop of having to catch up herself; it's been well over 16 years since she was whisked away and two small visits wouldn't be enough time.

[Professor Mors]

A fierce scowl blossomed across Sa'ato's face as Aliclair gave a broken-record synopsis of the Sith hierarchy. The professor's countenance softened some as she moved back to courtly matters, but cold intensity remained frozen in his gaze. "Silvanius' nomination as heir was a personalized trial at best and a cruel joke at worst", the academic hissed quietly, "Regardless of his malice or mercy, Our Lord's ability to dictate succession ends at the moment of his demise". The Neti closed his eyes and exhaled to steady his roiling temper, "You are just as capable, if not more so, to seize the helm as she is– given time, and study".

Gilt irises flashed back toward the Felidae with their usual scholastic scrutiny, "Consider, the Sith Lord that forged the Galactic Empire wore the mantle of emperor as a trivial formality. If you claimed both thrones, you'd have the benefit of a perfect cover-identity, as well as a headstart in matters of statecraft". Sa'ato paused again, and shook his head, "But now is not the time to look so far ahead– my apologies". Standing back up and shrugging his shoulders, the professor picked up his evening wear so as to begin his own preparations. The acacemic had nearly turned about before stopping short.

"Much like your other abilities, I wonder if you underestimate your singing skills", the Neti mused with a slight smile, "Perhaps a future assignment will put them to the test…"

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair mainly stayed silent as Sa'ato explained his distaste on how the Order was operated. It was a twisted way to view The Force regardless but then to subjugate her people to the Dark Side wasn't ideal for her. Regardless, those were future problems; she had to focus on the here and now, ensuring she wouldn't have to become Queen from Heiress. "I say give Kita a chance. Afterall, it was thanks to her that we could- uhm. I mean, that I can assist you in many missions. She is, also, full of surprises after all. We all have our places in the galaxy. Perhaps hers is to fill Tormentous' footsteps." she said in a surprisingly somber and calm tone.

Ali did her best to cover her flushed cheeks due to the latest complement. She couldn't think of a good comeback, so she offered a small giggle before dismissing herself to get dressed.

{ 2 Hours Later }

Ali flicked her hair to the side as she tightened a headbanded bow over her head then turned to the Professor to see his status. "That is some nice fabrics, Professor, I must say. It goes well with your complexation." the feminine complemented while lifting her hands to fix his jacket and tie slightly. "Perfect." she purred softly before leading the way to the dining room. "Generations ago when we came to be, the union had many celebrations. One was a large dinner where the towns-people and dictators shared a table for once, since the Rulers often ate alone. Its to show change, and that it can be good. I.. have a feeling the assassin knows of these scheduled times. I know I've said it a thousand times, so I'll say it a thousand and one. We must stay vigilant.

The duo arrived outside the castle grounds and into a field with many tables bussling with activity from locals, tourists, the whole shabang. A perfect place setting for an assassination attempt. Aliclair couldn't help to feel her hackles raised with uncertainty. Exhaling shakily, she braved through the many eyes on her as she strolled within the fray, closing her ears to the gossip clearly ringing the air since her arrival. They were greeted by the Felacatian King and the Zabrak Queen. "You both look great! I haven't seen that dress before. Ah, no matter; help yourselves to the feast. Or, uhm, sunlight?" Nathzec said, looking at Sa'ato with a quirked eyebrow. He knew of alot species and their biology, but never met a Neti officially until the Professor.

Ali turned her gaze to the side to scan the area, her senses on high alert, but then flinching with her mother tenderly touching her shoulder. The Queen gave her a signaling look, and the feminine calmed down. But as soon as she did, her ears instantly perked upward, instantly lifting her hand to stop a silenced plasma bullet whisking the air using an immense amount of Force, aimed directly at the heart of the Feline King. Nathzec flinched and took a step back before his guards came to scoop and escort him to the safeties of the wall. It took awhile but the crowd realized what Ali held in the air and began to panic.

The Queen stepped forward to calm the riled folk while Ali took the time to analyze the plasma in her hand before she slowly closed and crushed it into nothing, looking back in the direction it could've come from. To see no one or thing. Her brows knitted. "They know I'm Force Sensitive now; damnit I'm stupid." the feminine hissed lowly but enough for just Sa'ato to hear.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato looked more than a little surprised as the Felidae moved to adjust his attire. Nonetheless, he did not fight what was, for all intents and purposes, an amiable gesture in the spirit of obliging decorum. Upon arriving at the courtyard, the Neti was quick to incline his head for the dual compliment paid to Aliclair and himself by the royal couple. At the king's uncertain comment regarding the evening meal, the professor offered a soft but genuine smile, "I must thank you again for your hospitality, Your Grace. Rest assured, I am keen to enjoy all that your cuisine has to offer– in my own way".

In truth, Sa'ato had been looking forward to sampling the texture of Auschian cuisine– and whatever effects their liquor might have on his system. Unfortunately for the circumstantial gourmand, fate had other plans. The academic felt the horrid lurch in the Living Force as the would-be assassin struck at roughly the same time as his companion. But, as usual, Aliclair's feline instincts provided her the adrenaline-boosted speed necessary to act, far before the oaken professor could so much as lift a hand. Luckily, or cruelly, the perpetrator was prudent enough so as to not attempt the same trick twice.

Indeed, while his physical prowess was lesser, the Neti's mental sphere was perfectly attuned. He immediately felt the flames of frustration smoldering within Aliclair. After she had given voice to her anger, Sa'ato drew near, and placed a respectful, comforting hand just below the Felidae's collarbone. "You did what you had to", the professor whispered calmly, "I doubt I could have caught that bolt– or that your lord father would have evaded in time. Our enemies will have to adjust their plans. With any luck they will pivot too far and make a mistake. When that happens, we will pay them back tenfold".

Besides, the academic thought to himself, he remained unknown, obscure, and well-positioned to provide another potent reversal, if– and when it was required…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair's anger continued to boil until she felt the touch of another. Drawing back her ears in slight frustration, she looked up at the Professor before nodding briefly. Exhaling shakily, she released the tension built up. "The reckoning to come will not be merciful. I will have my share of blood." she rumbled only for his ears while up-righting her own. Her mother returned as the crowd dispersed due to the assassination attempt. "Something told me that this would happen. Nathzec wished to put on a brave face. And now the fear I sense is uncanny. I don't know if we can wait for them to come to us." stated the Queen, knitting her brows. No longer a Jedi but a Queen with a duty to her people, her husband. Ali couldn't help but to sense a familiar presences in the Force but she brushed it for now. "For once, I agree. I'm not one for violence. This attempt, however, was sloppy. Too predicable." Ali said, crossing her arms.

"Whatever it may, it's a job of a Jedi to find the source. Ali, see what you can find. You're the stealthiest of us all. Than, we... have something to discuss." stated the Queen, to which the hybrid felt unease but nodded to her new task. "Very well. I just ask the Weaponsmith make me a bow of phrik, metal woven string as well. I need something strong, silent... deadly. I can only achieve that with a bow and arrows." Ali stated. Clemi, of course, was confused with a small brow raised but with a wave of her hand, a guard was off to deliver the message. "Do what you must. This is your people, your kingdom.. your father at risk." ended the Zabrak Queen before taking her leave to meet up with her shaken husband.

The hackles located on Ali's tail prickled with a mixture of all sorts of emotions. "I am. Going to gut this assassin alive." Ali growled through her clenching fangs.

[Professor Mors]

Despite his best efforts to do otherwise, Sa'ato could not help but smile slightly as the young Felidae indulged her malice, even if it was only for an instant. The Neti recovered himself sufficiently to affect his usual, stoic composure while Aliclair discussed how best to move forward with the queen. The professor's surprise was understandably doubled when, once the Dark Side duo were left alone, his companion yet again voiced her unbridled bloodlust. "And so you shall", he offered encouragingly with a soft voice, "But we cannot hunt a hunter without appropriate bait…". The Neti paused for a moment and narrowed his eyes, as if his gaze and mind were elsewhere.

Sa'ato's gilt eyes eventually drifted back to Aliclair, and he resumed in a more serious tone, "They know a measure of your capabilities, and are thus unlikely to target you or approach without serious planning– but perhaps the same cannot be said for your parents". The academic shot a curious glance at his colleague, and slowly added, "If it would not be– unseemly, given enough preparation, I could alter my appearance to a rough likeness of either of the royal couple. Supposing I just happened to go out for a nightly stroll with you waiting in the wings, we might entice another assassination attempt…".

The professor waited silently for his ever-unpredictable companion to cross-examine or refuse his proposal outright. Granted, putting himself in the crosshairs wasn't Sa'ato's definition of a good time, but he had the benefit of some training and was not so easily destroyed. And, while he was confident in his transformative powers, especially from a distance, there was no guarantee that the aggressors would take the bait. Then again, the royals, Aliclair, and Sa'ato himself did not seem to have alternatives in abundance. And, the academic wagered, if he and the Felidae's true allegiance ever became public, surely one had to catch some slack for past service to the crown…

[Aliclair Austjor]

For a moment, Ali's ears swiveled backwards in protest as Sa'ato offered himself as bait. That idea always left a sour taste within the felidae's mouth. However, it could be their most successful attempt. The pressure the assassins must feel must be tremendous enough for them to attempt in broad daylight. And they may even attempt again. Her brows slightly knitted in thought, rumbling slightly. Footsteps caught her ears as a guard approached the two with the requested bow, handing it to her. Blinking, an idea sparked in her head. "My father and I used to do archery. In an secluded garden." she suggested with a raised brow, hoping he would pick up what she put down. "Come." Ali said, leading the Neti to an enclosed area within the castle lined with weapons. so he could shape-shift. The feminine also offered an alternative more regal and royal outfit for him to fit into. "I do not enjoy this bait business, Professor. However, if we wish to catch them at their vulnerable again." she stated while being some distance away to give him privetcy to change. Swiveling her ears back and crossing her arms. "Well, at least I can teach you archery, right?" she mused softly.

After a few more minutes, Aliclair led the Neti to the part of the royal garden with some targets. The feminine then tested the weight of her freshly crafted bow then plucked the string before walking over to the rack to grab a beginner bow with some simply crafted wood arrows with stoneheads then returning to hand it to him. "Here, straight spine." she instructed while placing the bow in his palm then assisting his hand and fingers to properly hold. "Dock the arrow and fire when you feel comfortable."

Of course, she kept her ears and connection to the Force open for movement, any sort of signs.