Now and Then (Ali)

[Professor Mors]

Submerged in his disdain, Sa'ato immediately shot the Felidae a look of shock, and perhaps frustrated betrayal at her suggestion. The Chiss however, was faster than his Neti colleague on the followup. "But of course, what's mine is yours", Radrom cooed amicably, "Anything to help an old friend and his very promising student". The azure lecturer's grin retreated some. He addressed the professor but kept his gaze fixed on Aliclair, "What book is she referring to? Surely you aren't hunting for a signed copy after all these years". Sa'ato groaned quietly, carefully considering his response.

"Not on this occasion, no", the Neti bit out, "But it is a signed book: The Solha Compendium of Ancient Languages". Radrom turned to present Sa'ato with an extremely tired expression, "Do I look like a linguist to you? I'm certain I don't have anything like that". To Aliclair's eye, the professor's bark almost seemed to redden as his fury continued to boil up. "I know–", the academic hissed, "You won it at one of our annual sabacc games, at the–". "Ah yes the solstice party!", Radrom half-shouted, half-chuckled, "The year of the armistice– I was very good that year". The Chiss' smile returned en force, "My library is quite extensive, but I'm sure we'll find it– eventually".

Quick to keep things moving, Radrom took both Darksiders by the shoulder and began to usher them over the threshold, "Enough standing around out here– come inside please!". He quickly led the pair to an elaborate, well-furnished, and very shiny kitchen. The Chiss snapped his fingers, and a wall of light-filtering blinds rose to unveil a windowed view of the river in the distance, as well as a titanic swimming pool dominating the back deck of the estate. "Things are supposed to heat up a bit later", Radrom commented enthusiastically, before keying a function on the main kitchen island, "You both simply must try the water at some point!".

At the Chiss' technical input, an integrated bartender droid chirped and rose out from the transparasteel countertop, its many arms branching out, ready to provide service. "First, I think a drink is in order", Radrom carried on, "How about, oh, three Trasi firecomets? Yes that will do". The duo's beryl host distributed the beverages as fast as they were poured, and moved for a toast, "To acquaintances new and old, cheers!". The Chiss took a generous gulp, and waited for his guests to do the same, before narrowing his crimson gaze back on the Felidae, "So Aliclair– I know all of the old man's stories but none of yours: tell me everything! Where you come from– and how you've ended up here"...

[Aliclair Austjor]

Before Aliclair could object toward Sa'ato, she silenced at the Chiss' chime, her ears swiveling back. Exhaling softly, she stepped back as the duo conversed, observing them however as she walked past them to get into the house with the homeowner leading her in. Looking around, jealousy tinged the feminine's tail fur as it bristled. Her life could be so much more than to be the Sith's attack dog. All times she could remember being off world, it was for missions, to retrieve. Tsking lightly, she turned her head to focus her ears toward the conversation. Blinking twice at the sudden sunlight beaming inside, her eyes slightly widened with awe, the glistening reflecting off her opalescents as she approached the large pane window to look out. The feeling of all this got her animalistic instincts, her plumb tail wagging and swaying behind her with increased desire interest to swim and dive, hunt for sport. Turning to the scent of drink, she turned and accepted it with a appreciative smile. Ali wasn't the one to consume alcohol since it tended to attack her senses more than the average being but she gulped it down, roughly and very wrong, causing her pupils to thin with discomfort as she huffily but silently hacked as the drink stung her tongue and throat. Snarling lightly, the feminine just breathed slightly heavy before straightening her bent spine, ears as straight as an alert prey.

Blinking, she looked at Sa'ato then back at him, debating if she should lie or tell the truth. If she lied, would he simply find the truth himself? Or would he let it go and continue his life? The truth seemed to get her well in life so- the truth it was. "O-oh, I'm an Heiress. I left my Kingdom to learn more, embrace more, so that I could be the most effective Queen of Auschia, if you know the Planet, of course. The Professor found his way there, we met and the rest was history. I've been his student since. It's... been rough for the first few months but after a while, and once I opened my ears to him, it's been easy and. Well.. enjoyable." She answered, a tinge of euphoria washing over her but quickly fixing her features. Clearing her throat roughly, the singe of the drink still lingered in her throat. "I would love to take a swim but I don't have a suit nor the skills to navigate the waters but I can get my feet wet." she concluded, stepping forward to take a seat, stumbling slightly before seating.

[Professor Mors]

Radrom's gaze was unflinching as Aliclair gave her introduction. Wholly focused on her words, the Chiss offered a smile both captive and captivating when the Felidae had finished, "I have not heard of your homeworld, but I would be very eager to learn more– perhaps you can point it out to me on my starcharts". Pausing for a moment, the outgoing scientist gulped his drink down in one swift motion, paying no heed that Sa'ato was still working on his own before taking Aliclair by the shoulder once more. "If you can keep up with the old man's lessons I'm certain we'll have you swimming in a day or two", the Chiss cooed, "As for swimwear, allow me to show you your room!".

"Now hold on just a moment!", Sa'ato sputtered, stomping after the pair as Radrom led them down the long corridor adjacent to the kitchen, "We have work to do!". "But of course!", the Chiss beamed dubiously at the Neti while continuing to guide their feline guest onward, "You can begin your search, and I'll take our aspiring student on a tour of the grounds!". In the time it took the Neti to lift a finger in protest, Radrom punched the controls for one of three dedicated hololibraries, delicately shoved the academic over the threshold, and slammed the door promptly in his face.

Radrom tutted and shook his head now that, for the moment, it was only himself and Aliclair, "He always was a dreadful workaholic– but who am I to stand in the way of his research?". Strolling more confidently now, the aloof scientist stopped in front of what the Felidae could assume was a guest room, and waved a hand for her to enter at her leisure. Once inside, a king-sized featherbed fluttered softly in the breeze of an open window, below which sat a desk and a vanity cupboard in the nearby corner. Giving Aliclair a moment to take in the accommodation, Radrom meanwhile worked a wall panel before clapping his hands and activating an automated garment rack to extend from a built-in closet.

All matters of casualwear, gowns, smallclothes, and even swimsuits gently floated by on a rotating loopline. The Chiss, obviously content with his handiwork, reclined against the wall and crossed his arms, "I don't have the chance to entertain nearly as often as I'd like, but please, feel free to make use of whatever strikes your fancy", the Chiss offered with another smile, "For now though, perhaps you could identify your corner of the galaxy in my study? Or else you might like to see the garden? If you'd like to sample the water as well, I will of course leave you while you find something more comfortable…". Crimson eyes maintained their heading on the visiting feline, patiently waiting for a response, reaction, or otherwise…

[Aliclair Austjor]

"S-swimwear-" she stammered herself, mentally slapping herself on the head. Of course he would have it all; look at his homestead. He probably has three more like this on different planets. And he was willing to teach her to swim. Flicking her non-knicked ear, she involuntarily strode toward wherever she was being led with slightly furrowed brows of worry. All of this would come back to bite her, she just knew it. Glancing behind her as the two men squabbled lightly, she couldn't help but to flinch when Sa'ato was cut off from the rest of them. As strange as it was, she couldn't recall a time while they were separated while out on an expedition. And for her to be left with an old comrade that the Neti wasn't particularly faun in. This was disaster brewing in a sensitive beaker just waiting to burst.

But through her troubled mind pierced the euphoria that radiated from the guest room and her brows raised in shock? Admiration? Whatever it was, it made Ali fold her hands with her lips slightly ajar. "Oh, Mr. Radrom.." she mused softly then looked down at herself, what she was wearing; her Sith clothes with limbs as black as a starless galaxy. Furrowing her brows with sadness, she felt herself indecent and unworthy of such luxuries. She'd spent so long in the pit of doom, the belly of beasts, built to be a sharpened apex predatory for the Sith's gain. Pushing all those negativity down, she decided to enjoy the time she had now, away from Sa'ato. Away from her viper of a mentor and certainly away from the grim aura that was the reaper of the galaxies. She straightened her spine and fixed her attitude; Ali was lucky her back was toward the colbat skinned male so he didn't have to see her going through a mid-life crisis. "I want to see all you have to offer for the three days I'm here. I haven't seen such comfort since I left my planet, which is that smaller planet northeastern of Naboo. It's often overlooked due to its size but its hidden us for generations before and long after my people founded it. Oh the history behind it is so vast and still being written." she purred softly while thinking of home, stepping forward so her tainted fingers brushed the various articles of clothing. She briefly wondered if there was another before her or even if these would fit her. Aliclair knew Kressera definitely would have the entire world dressing the feminine up like a doll. If she were to, pictures would be in order or the glitter bird would have her tail for dinner.

Her fingers settled on a piece of clothing she never thought she'd ever see herself wearing, but if she were to enjoy this mission, or vacation as Radrom now made it, the hybrid was going to enjoy herself, no matter how huffy the Professor got.

Using her pointer finger, she delicately hooked the outfit free, her tail curling with slight excitement. "Fill free to stay or go, it matters not to me but we just left a very dense and humid jungle. I need to freshen up." Aliclair stated while taking advance of this offer, heading into the washroom to delve herself into the luxury of artificially heated water and unnaturally made soaps.

{} 30 Minutes Later {}

She'd taken longer than normal when it came to hygiene but the heat of the showering water felt good against her skin. Watching the sweat and gunkiness go down the drain brought a relief she'd never known before. Exhaling softly, Ali examined the outfit she'd chosen out; it was a bikini piece with a semi elaborate semi-knitted top that formed an exposed X over starting from her neck, covers her breasts and with the ends wrapping around her back to meet with the rest of the Babydoll-styled suit that covered a bikini swimsuit underneath that followed the X. Swiveling her ears forward, contemplation swirled within her head; could she really walk out with something like this? Little to no protection. But they weren't in any sort of danger so possibly...

Aliclair exited the washroom with the outfit on her body and her moist hair in a messy bun. Sweeping a loose strand of hair from her face. She exhaled softly while walking, combing her claws through her tail. She decided it would be best if she kept her feet free from any sort of coverings, considering her only ones were caked in all sorts of elements of dirt and mud. "I feel so exposed and constricted... is this how models feel?" she asked aloud, mainly to herself.

[Professor Mors]

"I've met my fair share of models", a low but familiar voice sounded from the doorway leading out into the hall, "I realize it's a bit forward– but you easily put them all to shame". Crimson eyes and an inviting smile met Aliclair's gaze as the Chiss sauntered over to the feline, "In terms of exposure, believe me when I say you needn't hide anything here–". Not missing a beat, the charismatic contract-researcher gingerly took the flustered Dark Sider by their clawed hand, intent on leading them onto the outdoor veranda. "If the fit is a bit tight the water will fix that in no time", Radrom cooed, discarding his towel from earlier onto a deck chair.

Conveniently, the younger academic's previous workout attire was waterproof. Radrom swiftly stepped into the pool, the waterline steadily rising past his waist before he moved to guide the Felidae after him. His grip on her hand was secure but encouraging, and he waited patiently for the heiress to step in at her own pace rather than try and tug her along as he had before. "Usually I have an artificial current active when I exercise", the Chiss explained, his smile unceasing, "But it probably makes the most sense to get you used to floating first– give me your other hand. I won't let go, you can trust me"...

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair flinched lightly at his voice, quickly looking toward it before relaxing. "A-ah, thank you. As you can tell, I'm not used to feeling this... exposed." she admitted sheepishly, placing a hand over her chest. She was used to glam, glory, blood, sweat and tears. To be dolled up as she was completely new territory. She met his gaze, her ears swiveling forward to give him undivided attention. The hybrid was combat intelligent, pilot intelligent, creature intelligent. Whatever this was, she did not have smarts in this. And thus unsure of how to react, or what to say. The siren's song being spun than the swift motion toward the water was numbing. She just followed him blindly while holding his gaze, her ears drooping against the side of her head; it took her feet being submerged that she was broken free and back into the real world.

She didn't pull her hand away but she did add resistance into going into the water, her brows furrowing with worry. She couldn't swim, and wasn't sure how to feel about water seeing as she never swam before. She stayed where she was for a few more seconds before stepping forward some more, the coolness of the pool water causing her fur to bristle slightly. She moved to give him her other hand but miscalculating a step. Yelping, the next thing she could see is a bunch of whites and blues as water surrounded and submerged her. The feminine didn't panic but her hand did scramble to grab onto the Doctor's arm to pull herself up, gasping softly. She said nothing but look at him while water dripped down her face, but she did begin to giggle. "Sorry, that was rough wasn't it." she said while wiping her face clean.

[Professor Mors]

"Not at all", Radrom answered the waterborne Felidae with a light laugh of his own, "You've just skipped ahead to diving and holding your breath". Making no move to have Aliclair detach from his arm, the Chiss instead began to walk the pair deeper into the water. "Pardon my reach", the aquamarine astrophysicist announced in his usual dulcet tone, wrapping an arm securing over his feline pupil's waist whilst slowly paddling the two into deeper water. "If you don't mind, take my other hand, and lightly kick your feet back and forth", Radrom instructed gently, "Don't worry, I won't let you sink".

The Chiss waited patiently for Ali to get her bearings, letting his own shoulders sink below the surf and compensating with his legs if and when the Felidae encountered any difficulty. As the suave scientist steadily submerged, his long dark hair unfurled and undulated out toward the incognito Dark Sider, its deep blue highlights becoming more visible in the reflection of the late afternoon sun. When he was confident the feline had more or less mastered treading water, Radrom pulled lightly once more at her waist, drawing the duo so close their breaths tickled one another on the exhale.

"Look at you, a real natural", the Chiss complimented with barely a whisper, letting the sentence, and the sentiment hang in the air as his crimson eyes remained fixed on the Felidae. Silently, the contract researcher began to lean forward, and his lower lip seemed to almost quiver. At that same moment however, a hazel blur flew between the sun and the tutor and pupil below. Then, the great nebulous thing flopped down into the pool with all the force and might of an artillery shell, sending water flying everything and literally sweeping the embroiled Chiss and Felidae back onto the steps at the shallow end.

Radrom coughed with irritation, and made sure Aliclair was unbruised and upright before attempting to beat the water from his ears. "That was a private lesson", the soaked homeowner hissed, as the familiar, humanoid shape of a Neti floated leisurely toward the pair wearing a makeshift pair of swim trousers. "Oh, I could have sworn I heard you call for the big splash competition", Sa'ato smirked at his Chiss associate, "My mistake– please, don't let me interrupt you". The professor's words did not immediately betray any ulterior motive– nonetheless, his mood clearly having been spoiled, Radrom had already ascended to the deck.

"We'll have plenty of time to continue later", the Chiss dryly answered, "Besides, I should see to it I have a proper dinner ready for my guests"...

[Aliclair Austjor]

Shaking her ears free from water, she gave a brief nod before following the Chiss and his instruction. Of all the survival she had to endure, swimming in deep water was nothing she'd encountered before. It was always land, whether marsh, sand or forestry. She couldn't deny the water did feel amazing against her skin. It was clean, like natural water, guessing that was how it was supposed to be. The Felidae paddled and kicked her feet, retaining this knowledge for the future, despite being a enjoyable moment. She found it outlandish that she couldn't effectively swim until now. It was a simple concept; perhaps she never felt the need to learn it.

She didn't realize it but the moment suddenly took an unexpected turn. Or, she didn't expect it to be so sudden within the same day. Swiveling her mixed match ears backwards in uncertainty, she didn't exactly back away, accepting that this was happening until her senses tingled, her eyes shifting than lifting her head. Ali released a muffled 'ack!' while clawing and kicking at the water as the mini tsunami swept the duo. Shooting her claws to breach the surface, her hooks latched onto the ground where, in swift motion, pulled and climbed herself out of the body of water, gasping lightly then snorted water from her nose. Ali partly thought it was fun, chortling lightly to herself before carefully shaking her body. She settled back to sit against the back of her legs, giving her head an extra shake before looking up at Sa'ato with a quirked brow. Now the question came as to why he did it. "Well that was fun. Are we next than, Professor? Got any swimming tricks you can show me?" She teased with her quirked brow, mostly joking but curious to see what he would say.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato raised a quizzical eyebrow in light of Aliclair's gesture and rather civil commentary. Truthfully, the Neti was expecting his Felidae companion to lash out in frustration akin to Radrom's. He had hardly expected a playful repartee, much less the request, serious or not, for further guidance. The professor was silent for a few moments, before slightly inclining his head, "You seemed keen to wile away the afternoon in Radrom's excess– but if your desire for study is genuine, I am always happy to oblige". Rather than a single hand, as the disgruntled Chiss had done minutes prior, the retired academic extended both his arms out for Ali to grasp his rootlike hands.

"My colleague would teach you swimming for leisure– to waylay the sense of crisis someone of lesser experience might feel in the water", Sa'ato explained calmly, "But he does not know what you are– what you're capable of, and what you train to become. It is not enough to confront fear– we must conquer it. Radrom would have you float– let me help you to sink below the surface". Once Aliclair had given her verbal assent, or else taken the Neti's outstretched hands, he began to lead the two toward the furthest, deepest end of the pool. Upon arrival, it was a simple matter for the academic to alter the flow of the light current, and create a slight vacuum to facilitate the pair's descent.

"I shall never again offer a lesson that would do you harm", Sa'ato offered in earnest just before the Darksiders' heads dipped below the surf, "If you begin to struggle for breath or panic should still seize you, twist both my wrists to the left and I will assist you". As the two continued to drift downward, and water began to log and warp Aliclair's hearing, the Neti shut his eyelids and allowed his thoughts to flow directly to the Felidae's mind, "Close your eyes– feel the water flowing around us. Surely your old tutors must have taught you that the Force moves through all things: the elements are no different".

The Neti paused as the two lightly came to rest on the tiled floor of the pool, more or less sitting across from one another. "There is danger here, make no mistake", the retired teacher continued without opening his eyes, "Even I would drown given enough time– but water can be friend as easily as foe. It can offer us a place to hide, a means for distraction, even a weapon with enough discipline–". The academic paused once more and let his mind wander further out and around the pair, "More than that, it may even serve us in reflection and meditation. While our sight, smell, and hearing are diminished, the current that surrounds us is an extension of the physical Force, and our thoughts are free to travel however and wherever we wish"...