September 27, 2009
527. Black Phoenix - Trychon
The Jet Razor settled down into one of Anchorhead's many docking bays. Haley Stargazer had followed her instructions well, matching up documents for their arrival. They had clearance to land nearly immediately after exiting hyperspace in the Tatooine system.
Trychon had sent her a brief message before leaving the Korriban system, giving her simple instructions on preparing for their arrival. He had opted not to actually speak with her, simply sending a brief holo informing her that they would be there, and she would meet up with them prior to their dropping in to meet with Falka and perhaps some of the crew. He figured that was the best way to send the instructions, because that's exactly what they were... instructions. He didn't need to have a conversation with her, though both he and Raezyr were curious about the progress that the crew was having.
They had spent just a few days on Korriban, going through a few tomes and a few exercises, particularly a few on mind influence. They had plenty of training resources handy between holocrons, tomes, and even some training programs... but training and researching on Korriban was something different for them. It was almost as though the Academy or the planet itself was willing them to grow in their powers.
With so much else they felt they needed to accomplish though they stayed only a short while, nearly two days. They'd gotten what they came for and more... they expected a chance to hone a few Force skills, but they left with a pest's holocron and three lightsabers as well. They were reluctant to remove much of the resources actually native to the Academy, so it worked out well. Their brief stay was longer than they'd planned, but they always lost track of time in the Academy and they didn't rest until they were in hyperspace en route to Tatooine.
Raezyr and Trychon shut the Jet Razor down and headed out into Anchorhead. Having checked their chronos, they had a bit of time before Haley was expecting them at one of the cantinas so they wandered around for a bit. A relatively small oasis on what amounted to a desert planet, Anchorhead still was a rather large place when wandered on foot. It didn't take long before they realized that there wasn't much it offered that they couldn't get in better shape or prices on Den Var or any other number of planets. Still having plenty of time to spare, they opted to head to the cantina early, just to get out of the heat of the Twin Suns.
As they turned the corner towards their destination, they were slightly surprised not only to see Haley Stargazer already waiting for them, but more surprised to see that she simply waited out front of the establishment for them, hands clasped behind her back.
Raezyr gave Trychon a slightly annoyed look, and then they headed into the bar, walking directly past Haley. They found a dark booth and ordered a few drinks from the display. Haley wasted no time in following them in and taking a seat at the booth.
Raezyr didn't look up from the menu, pretending to still be interested in the measly selection. "Very discreet, Ms. Stargazer."
Haley looked at Trychon. "Your instructions mentioned a discreet meeting, but you also told us to follow our own judgements. We have found that 'discreet' catches more interest here than being a bit more open. The people here are very good at noticing the hidden, so sometimes it is best not to try too hard."
Still unhappy with the surprise, the two Sith conceded the point and moved on to question her about some of the general actions of the Black Phoenix group they'd helped to create, but they concentrated a lot of their questions on the morale of the members. Haley did her best to answer them, but she answered with a lot of half answers and guesswork.
Trychon ordered his third drink, having finished the one they'd ordered for Haley, who declined. "You don't seem like you were very well prepared for this briefing, Ms. Stargazer. Why not?"
She blinked, but held her gaze. "I was expecting you to ask me more about our current activities, and less about the crew."
Trychon shook his head. "We can get that information when we meet with Falka. We need the story behind the story. In short, you're not sure, but you're fairly positive that everyone's pretty comfortable with the direction of your organization so far."
She broke eye contact for the first time that Trychon could remember. "Yes. If you really are looking for a barometer of the mood of the Phoenix, perhaps you should select someone else. I grew up plugged into terminals from a young age. Emotions are not my strong suit. I won't be upset if you choose someone else. I will not tell Falka or Tocar."
Trychon smiled. "That's why we picked you, Haley. The list of things we can trust is pretty short, but your ability to be objective is about as good as it will get in your circle. Working directly with Falka will cause most of the Phoenix to feel more loyal to him, forgetting who they truly work for in the end. You will not." Haley looked to Raezyr, who nodded consent as Trychon continued.
"We may have asked too much from you today. We will help you learn what to look for and how to interpret it. You need to start by monitoring all communications from personnel, private or not. Scan their logs and holos as well."
Haley looked back to Trychon. "I have everything monitored. What do you need to see?"
Raezyr smiled now. "I guess you were right after all, Trych..."
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