Post by Bobbi on Jul 24, 2015 12:32:18 GMT -5
(Sol's first date since ...well, ever.)
Sol:
Hours after everything had been started, and Sol had gotten his hands into the Buffton palace systems, he was taking a break. Evening had rolled around and he had a date to prepare for. Solomon Tekal had a date. He had time set aside to meet with someone of the opposite sex that wasn't a member of his family, or a friend. The oddity about it was that he was excited. He was waiting, already seated. His blonde hair had been styled smoothly away from his face. He was wearing a green nanosilk shirt and black pants. The restaurant, he had been told, served some of the finest on Hapes. His nerves were showing, as well, causing him to fidget by rubbing his palms against the thighs of his pants. It was a bad idea. A really bad idea. And he couldn't back out now because Trinity was on her way.
Trinity:
Trinity was nervous herself. Things had ended so weirdly with Solomon that she wasn't sure how the night would go. She was hopeful, however, and she made sure she was a few minutes early. This restaurant wasn't one she had been to before; it was a little nicer than she was used to, so she did feel a bit impressed. Another hopeful sign that brings a smile to her face as she enters and looks around for him. She's dressed a bit more conservatively than she had been forced to wear the night before. A loose black pleated skirt down to just above the knee, a loose fitting black blouse. Very light makeup and no jewelry; she wasn't a fan of either if she had the choice. Her brown hair braided back and off one shoulder, sparkling blue eyes search for the Tekal man.
Sol:
She would be shown to the table, Sol rising as she appeared. He had slipped to the chair opposite his own and pulled it out for her. He smiled, or tried to. He had never been this type of nervous in his life. It wasn't the same kind of anxiety that came when standing before a council of Masters, or facing Sadhric Tlin's ire. Compliments. Flattery. She had told him she liked that stuff... "You look ...amazing." he heard himself say when got close enough. His hands were shaking. That, he couldn't stop.
Trinity:
Trinity was highly impressed. There had been a chance that Solomon would hate her for not telling the truth and instead.. She saw Sol for the first time and smiled warmly to him. Being led to the table, the Tekal pulls her chair out and her heart flutters. What a gentleman! Then the compliment. Her smile grows wider, and she places a hand on his arm in greeting. "Thank you sweetie," she says, "You're looking very handsome yourself." She moves to take the chair and that's when she notices his hands shaking. Aww, poor thing, she thinks.
Sol:
When she sat, he pushed it in just slightly. That touch to his arm had caused the slightest bit of tension. He was working on controlling that reaction. "Thank you," he replied before moving back to his own chair with his hands folded in his lap, beneath the table where their shaking could go unnoticed. "I'm sorry about the unpleasantness this morning. It...could not be helped."
Trinity:
She felt that tension, as controlled as it was. She was looking for it, trying to get a feel for how he was feeling. No touching right now, she registers it away. At his comment, she shakes her head. "No, Sol. If anyone should apologize, it's me. I'm sorry if I hurt you last night. I deceived you, I didn't want to, but I did."
Sol:
"You were doing your job," he replied evenly, "I understand. That is why I agreed to speak with you, here. I wanted us to have the chance to ...clear the air a bit, I guess you could say."
Trinity:
"I appreciate your understanding." She smiles to him. "I welcome the chance to talk more openly. What I told you last night was all true. I'm a slicer, I graduated from the Hapan University and joined the military. I.. just left out Director Vahn's special training program."
Sol:
"And the fact that you are Force Sensitive," he added casually, "The revelation caught me by surprise, I must admit," He paused as a waiter came to take their drink orders. He requested water.
Trinity:
She blushes a little and looks down, nodding, eyes on the table. "That too.. but I count that under the Director as well. Without him I wouldn't be." The waiter was there, so she looks up to him, also ordering a water.
Sol:
"You wouldn't be sensitive without him?" His brow furrowed for a moment while that sunk in, "What do you mean?"
Trinity:
She raises an eyebrow at him, not understanding his confusion. "No, of course not. He said I had potential, he taught me sensitivity."
Sol:
"Ah," he gave a small nod, "He taught you how to access your potential. I see. That makes a bit more sense." Solomon smiled, working on pulling himself away from his unease.
Trinity:
She nods, what he says making sense. "Maybe that's what he meant. He didn't focus much on terminology." She pauses. "Your brother and his girlfriend.. both Jedi's. But not you?"
Sol:
"Thats a complicated answer," He shifted slightly in his seat, "Yes, and no. Due to some recent circumstances I had my sensitivity severed."
Trinity:
Her eyebrows raise at that. "Severed?" She asks, then notices his uncomfortable movements, and hastily adds, "We don't have to talk about it. Let's talk about something else."
Sol:
"Its not...that," he frowned a bit, "Uhm. Its -- my last relationship didnt end well. Uhm, no. Its alright. It was for my own well being that The Order removed my ability to openly communicate with The Force. I was...dying."
Trinity:
Trinity raises an eyebrow at mentioning the previous relationship, thinking this was starting to go downhill. Then suddenly he mentions dying and concern washes over her completely. "Oh Sol.. wait, was dying? You're okay now?"
Sol:
"For the moment," He gave a small nod, "It was part of a two step solution to buy me more time. I should be fine as long as I remain disconnected until the problem has been resolved."
Trinity:
"For the moment," she repeats, watching him a moment. "So you still have this sickness? But you're not dying as long as you don't have the Force?" She was trying very hard to understand. Concern for his health was there, outweighing the confusion on what this really meant.
Sol:
"There is a being out there, Trinity, that has the ability to drain life through The Force. It...attached...itself to me. It was slowly killing me, leeching my life away," he let out a small soft breath, "When I opted to sever myself from The Force, it lost contact with me."
Trinity:
Her eyes grow wide, her breath catches. It was like something out of a horror story, and it really happened to the man sitting across from her. Her hand covers her mouth for a second before she can breathe regularly again. "That sounds so horrible. And this.. being is still out there?"
Sol:
He gave a small nod again, "The Order is working on figuring it out. Its expanding, and The Jedi are struggling to find answers on it. Corellia is under a medical blockade, but there is nothing that can be done to help. Its becoming indiscriminate, attacking both sensitives and non-sensitives alike."
Trinity:
"Oh, Corellia.. We heard about that. That's this same being? How can it possibly attack an entire planet?" She shakes her head slowly, this kept getting worse and worse.
Sol:
"The Force is everywhere. This thing uses The Force as a conduit. The stronger it gets, the farther it can reach. That's my guess about it. We just don't have many answers." He sighed and shook his head, "What do you do when you are the answer guy, and you have no answers to give?"
Trinity:
Trinity nods along, listening to Sol's theory. But as he asks his question, she stops to really think about it. "My philosophy professor once said, it is better to be able to find any answer, than to know almost every answer. The quest for wisdom isn't to know everything, but to be able to know anything."
Sol:
Grinning, Solomon tipped his head forward, conceding to that, "Your philosophy teacher is a wise person. Did you enjoy that course of study? The philosophy?"
Trinity:
She grins in turn, though it turns to a warm smile as the memories return. "I really did. It made me stop and think about life in a way I hadn't done before. She was my favorite general studies professor."
Sol:
He had to stop himself from smiling too widely. Sol was relaxing, and as that happened, as he became more comfortable, the restaurant around them faded to the back of his mind. This was different than what he had with Camille. Of course the situation was different with Camille as well. For just a moment Sol found himself thinking about his late ex-wife. That relationship. He was glad it was gone. He wasn't gald for her death, but he was glad to be free from the burden of what the relationship had become. "We will have to have a philosophical discussion sometime, then. I have a soft spot for that subject."
Trinity:
"I would like that," she responds with another warm smile. She was relaxed too. She had prepared herself for a long discussion about her past, of fighting to earn this trust again, of them seemingly starting over as strangers.. and that was if he would even still give her a chance. But here they were, enjoying each other's company. She watches him, her analytical brain always at work, interpreting his movements, motions, his words. Trying to understand everything she could about him. He was still a puzzle, and luckily she very much liked puzzles. The waiter would take that moment to return, placing the two glasses of water down. She smiles and nods her head in thanks.. But then realizes she hadn't even touched the menu.
Sol:
Sol had. In his time waiting for her he had practically memorized what the resturaunt offered. That hadn't taken him very long to do at all. "I think we will need a minute more," he said to the waiter with a small smile. "Thank you." With the waiter nodding and heading off, Sol reached for his glass and took a sip. "So much better than alcohol."
Trinity:
Trin takes a sip of hers in turn, and smiles in agreement. "I've never been a fan, even though I've had to drink more than I'd like while on missions." Her brain starts to take her to those thoughts, but she fights it off. Setting the glass down, she pulls the menu up for the first time. "Celeste is usually the one going undercover at fancy places. I tend to get the dive bars," she comments offhand. The menu was a bit out of her comfort zone. Many dishes she didn't recognize.
Sol:
"We'll have to do something about that," He said, watching her for a moment, "Dives have a tendancy to see more action than places like this, true. But places like this hold the potential for bigger secrets. That, and, well, the types of people who lurk in those dives don't take no for an answer." He frowned slightly, "--Not that you can't handle yourself, or anything. Just that," his face was growing warm. Sol was blushing at his miss-wording. There was no way to recover from that without stumbling further. He sighed, " --would you like me to order for you?"
Trinity:
She smiles at his initial words.. but then it grows into a grin as he digs himself deeper. The blush was just too adorable. Finally at the question, she lets him off with a nod. "Please do. I'm afraid I'll end up with something horrid if I try this on my own." There's a pause, and she takes him back to the conversation he struggled with. "Celeste's specialty is getting into people's minds, figuring out not only what they're thinking but how they think. She does our profiling, our interrogating. And she can pull off high priced whore better than anyone." She laughs lightly.. while not nice, it was all too accurate.
Sol:
Sol had looked at his menu while listening, at that last bit his frown deepened and he glanced at her, "Is that how Vahn uses his resources? Or is it by choice that that kind of role is taken?"
Trinity:
Her eyebrow raises at the frown and the question, her laugh dying away as she considers what Sol says. "We do what the mission requires," Trin answers after a moment longer. "It's not always pleasant, but the information gathered can sometimes be crucial."
Sol:
Letting out a slow even breath, he put the menu aside for the moment and fixed a cool blue eyed stare on her, "I come from a family who has made it their life's work to do what is needed, Trinity. The risks you take with putting yourself out there, or exposing yourself? They aren't worth the pay-off. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. There are better ways to get information. There are better ways to get into someone's head. Far less," he squeezed his jaw and forced himself to continue, "Personally dangerous ways."
Trinity:
Trinity rests back in the chair as he speaks, listening, a frown forming on her face in turn. Her eyes close as she considers what he says. Personally dangerous indeed. With a sigh, she opens her eyes once more. "Director Vahn would disagree.." she answers quietly.
Sol:
"Director Vahn is a good man, with good intentions. But he is driven, committed to his duty. He does what he does, and expects you to operate the same way. I'd be interested to know if he was ever in the position of unwanted, and invasive, bodily contact in such an intimate capacity," he leaned forward slightly, "There are not many men in this galaxy who would understand the toll that this kind of contact can take on the body and mind. There are not many women, either. Shrug it off, move on. Complete the job, all the while dying inside? There are better ways to do the job, and they don't include killing yourself."
Trinity:
The girl remains quiet for a long time after Sol finishes talking, her eyes looking down away from the Tekal as she considers what he's saying. Was she killing herself? She hadn't thought of it that way. Lost in her thoughts, the waiter returns to the table, looking expectantly to Solomon. "Are we ready to order, Sir?"
Sol:
His expression shifted immediately as Sol looked up at the waiter and placed their order in a kindly fashion. He smiled, thanked the waiter again, and would wait for the waiter to disappear before looking back at Trinity.
Trinity:
Trinity, too, waited for the waiter to vacate their area before she'd look back to Solomon. "I've never seen it as anything other than doing my job. Some jobs are harder than others.. some nights I feel like scrubbing my skin off in the refresher after.. it doesn't matter," she quickly heads off that line of thought. "Director Vahn has been like a father to me, to all of us. I would do anything for him."
Sol:
Sol brought his hands up, resting them on the table. They were no longer shaking. In fact, Solomon was no longer relaxed. He, too, was analyzing who sat across from him. "I am not going to tell you how to do your job. That isn't why I am here. Its none of my business how Vahn conducts his agents. Its your work, your duty. Its his influence. Do what you feel you must, Trinity. I cannot condone it. I, personally, do not agree with it. And that doesn't matter. I am sure I have my own ghosts that would give you pause. Do not think too hard on this. My words are coming from my personal experiences. Not ever life is the same, and not every experience will be dangerous. Mine were. They still are."
Trinity:
Trinity felt the mood shifting.. but watching Sol, she realizes just how far it had gone. Her own smile was gone, and at the moment she felt helpless to get it back. Get Sol relaxed again, save the night. She lets out a soft sigh and takes a sip of her water. Does she dare ask about his experiences? Will he shut down on her if she pries? The uncertainty holds her tongue, the awkward moment stretching on.
Sol:
Was it awkward? Solomon was watching her like a Kryat dragon stalking its evening kill. He reached for his water, took a swallow, and let the expression die away. Back on track. They didn't come to argue. They didn't come to poke and pry. Solomon didn't come to tear her apart. "Forgive me for that," he said at last, breaking the silence that had fallen between them, "It is really none of my business. I had no right to pass judgement."
Trinity:
"No.. I appreciate your concern. It really does give me something to think about." Too much to think about. She was trying not to think about it.. because the more she did, the less happy with her circumstances she became. Those thoughts are forced aside. "You've mentioned personal experiences.. and I take it you don't just mean slicing. Do you feel like talking about it?" There. She went for it. She was prepared for a quick no.
Sol:
Sol shifted, one hand reaching for the glass pf water where it stopped just barely grasping. At her question, Sol contemplated while looking at the clear liquid. "No, I wasn't refering to my slicing. That is dangerous, yes. It, however, is not what I had been thinking of. The -- situation between my ex-wife and I had not been the best. There were circumstances that ...damaged me. The lingering scars," he moved his hand and flexed it to indicate the wire thin scars, "Run the entire length of my body with only my head escaping the wreckage."
Trinity:
Trinity's eyes go wider, first at the unexpected mention of an ex-wife, but moreso the detail on his scars. She had noticed them, of course.. but thought it was just on his hands, and thus not such a terrifying thought. "What.." She starts to ask but stops. She was walking on egg shells, tip toeing around Solomon, not wanting to make him any more uncomfortable, or stressed, or worried.. but she had to know. "Can you tell me what happened?"
Sol:
He opened his mouth to speak, but wound up sucking in a short burst of air instead. How to answer that... "The short end of it is that I was indoctrinated into the society of my father. These," he flexed his hand again, "were to keep me easily visible among his people. A...branding of sorts," he frowned and reached for his water, "my ex-wife was...well, they wanted us to rebuild by father's house. We were to procreate so the bloodline wouldn't die out." He took a sip and shook his head, "The fools underestimated my friends, and over estimated their own chances."
Trinity:
Her eyes go wide at the story. It was far more than she could have ever anticipated. "Oh, Sol.." she begins, but what can one say to that? Sorry doesn't really cover it, but she has nothing better. "That's.. that's terrible. I'm sorry you went through that, though it's good your friends were able to free you." The idea of his father forcing him to marry, forcing him to procreate.. that was beyond creepy. She can't imagine what that would be like. An involuntary shudder hits her.
Sol:
He nodded, easily reading her distress, "Its long in the past, and while I still struggle with the anxieties it gave me I am in a much better place than I had been. The last of my ties to those circumstances can no longer haunt me. It's alright, Trinity. They learned their lesson, and wont be bothering myself, or anyone else."
Trinity:
She nods slowly. It was still a hard story to swallow, but she could push it aside if he could. "I imagine that could cause quite a bit of long lasting issues. It's a testament to your fortitude that you were able to overcome it as well as you have." She nods again, and takes another sip of her water.
Sol:
"I'm not entirely sane if thats what you are implying," he gave her a small smile, "It took a long time, years in fact, to get to where I am right now. Eve has a similar battle ahead of her. She got it all at once. My torment was spaced out. I had time to breathe between traumas," he shook his head, "Poor thing."
Trinity:
She smiles in turn, but then at the mention of Eve, she frowns. "Yes, I read the Doctor's file. Horrific tragedy. I was amazed to she her out last night, even more so after everything happened. She seems to be so strong." She shakes her head. "I don't think I would do so well."
Sol:
"You never know what you can handle until you go through it. Eve is in a far better position to come out alright than I was. She was support. She has Niko, and myself. She has friends she can go to, friends who understand. That goes a long way for recovery."
Trinity:
She nods and starts to say something, but stops. Does she have friends she can count on? Do Celeste and Lydia count? Or would they leave her behind. That thought troubles the girl, troubles her more than she would expect. Lost in her own thoughts, she manages a meager "Luckily she has support."
Sol:
"You would, too," he told her, giving a small nod, "We don't abandon our friends," he offered, "Even if it takes a while to get back around, we get there." His smile was small and weak but it was there. "You wouldn't be alone. I wouldn't allow that."
Trinity:
She smiles, hers more warm and inviting. She holds back her true emotions, which would undoubtedly make her cry if she allowed. She had just been questioning whether her current friends.. more like sisters in arms.. would be there for her when she really needed it. But now, Solomon shows more care than she's felt.. well, since her parents passed at a young age. She shakes her head again, forcing it away. "Thank you, Sol.." she was losing the battle, eyes starting to water. "That means a lot. It really does."
Sol:
Had he said something wrong? The waver in her voice and the moisture in her eyes had Sol doubting what he had meant as encouragement. Sliding his chair back, and without a second thought to it, he moved around the table. He stopped beside her and knelt. "Don't cry," he told her, "Whatever it was, don't cry. It doesn't matter, alright?"
Trinity:
Her cheeks redden as his concern is there, and then he is too. She shakes her head. "Sorry.. It's just. I'm not used to someone caring about me. Personally. Everything has been about the job.. but even before that was college, and before that was the academy.. I had friends, but never any close enough that I could call on when needed."
Sol:
"You have friends now," he told her, gently reaching up to clear the moisture from the corners of her eyes, "We Tekals don't let go very easily, and we are always on call."
Trinity:
Trinity smiles at his words, but as the hand reaches up to wipe the tears, her eyes close, her face leaning into the hand. The touch. Such a small action, such a simple thing.. but it was reassuring, it was heart-warming. It was meaningful.
Sol:
Solomon let it linger. He didn't immediately draw away. Her reaction to his touch fascinated him. He had touched Camille like that quite a few times, but this was different. He didn't do it because he felt he had to. Solomon did it because he wanted to. His skin would have held just the faintest of scents. It wasn't that of soap, or flowers, or fruit. It was a slight earthy smell, and the kind of scent that the mind could pick up but would be hard pressed to place. "We're here for you -- -I'm- here for you, Trinity."
Trinity:
The smell caught her attention briefly, and she registers it away in her mind. It was Solomon's scent, that's what she would remember. At his words, her hand reaches up to gently touch his, keeping him close. "It means more to me than you can know," her soft voice lets out.
Sol:
"I understand, I do," he all but whispered. The memory of the kiss from the night before sprang to mind. The way it made him feel had been beyond description. Would it feel the same way sober? Was this the right moment for something like that? Could he trust himself enough to not blow it. Was it love, was it lust? Or was it just a deep seated compassion as it had been with his late ex? Swallowing, Solomon studied her expression, "I don't ever want to be the reason you hurt."
Trinity:
Her eyes open at his words, and tears threaten once more but this time she's ready, and this time she has a stronger hold on them. Her smile warm, her expression showing how much his caring meant to her. "I imagine you'll only do the opposite," she whispers, before leaning in towards him, taking their second kiss if he so lets her. A soft, gentle kiss, tentative though it still may be. She didn't want to push him past his comfort zone. Her mind constantly on his comfort level.
Sol:
The right moment. Who would have guessed that it would have been in the middle of a high end resturaunt while they waited for their food. As Trinity leaned forward, Sol rose just enough to meet the kiss. Don't think he had told her last night. Don't think. His eyes slid shut as his lips met her's and all thought stopped, nothing registered but sensation. There was the light hand that kept his in place, and the feeling of her returning the kiss. The sensation is what drew him in. It was just a momentary contact, Solomon didn't let it go for too long. It lasted long enough for him to pull away breathless, and dizzy but for an entirely different reason than what had made him dizzy the night before.
Trinity:
The second kiss was just as amazing as the first. She cherished the feeling, the tingling within that made her feel alive more than ever. Someone cared for her. It sounds like such a simple thing, but for this girl who had been used and forged for a purpose it meant the world to her. Perhaps one day she could give him detail. As he pulls away, she does as well.. dizziness, a catch in her breath. Her eyes remain close, as if committing the moment to memory.
Sol:
He wanted to say it. Just three little words that could make a galaxy's difference, but he wouldn't. Those three little words would be too much too fast. He had just only met her. He didn't know if it was love beyond a doubt anyway. He knew he liked her. There was attraction. But was it -love-? Could he allow himself to explore that possibility? Their order was delivered, and Sol didn't move. He knelt there for a few more moments, watching her, studying her expression, committing it all to memory. If nothing were to come from this, he would at least have that memory to look back on and smile with fondness.
Trinity:
The words weren't on their lips, but the notion was in her eyes. Love at first sight. She had read about it all her life, watched it in holo dramas. It seemed so easy, but she had never believed. Never believed until last night. At first she convinced herself it was a silly notion. She was just desperate for attention that didn't involve pirates that smelled like a week old wamp rat carcass. But in the moment, she stopped denying it. She wouldn't say it, of course. She couldn't. She didn't even notice the food arrive, her eyes remaining locked on his. She, too, committing his expression, his reaction to memory. She couldn't speak. She didn't want to ruin such a perfect moment. She wanted it to last as long as possible.
Sol:
Nothing exploded. No glass broke. There were no trampling crowds, and no need to go to work. All that there was, was the moment. It wasn't meant to last. A small shift the wrong way had him wincing slightly as the scar tissue in his left knee rolled against the shift of his weight. The wince was soon followed with an apologetic look as he rose, slipping his hand out from beneath her touch. "Remember that," he said with a smile before he moved back to his seat which suddenly seemed too far away.
Trinity:
The moment passes and as he winces in pain, she winces with him, not realizing what causes it until he stands gingerly on the leg. She makes a mental note but doesn't say anything, watching him return to his seat, also feeling it too far from her. Her smile wasn't fading anytime soon. "I'll never forget it," she replies, the message having a double meaning. Finally tearing her eyes away from his, she blinks down at the plate of food, as if it magically appeared out of nowhere.
Sol:
Sitting back down was a bit of a challenge, but he managed with little fuss. He managed a smile, and motioned toward her plate, "I hope you like it." He had been about to start eating, but paused and glance around the room. Not much that surrounded them had changed, and yet.... he gave a small sigh and stood again. His plate was picked up and shifted, then his chair followed. He moved himself to be closer, to be sitting adjacent to her instead of across from her. "Thats better." He said as he sat back down.
Trinity:
"It looks delicious," she answers, also starting to take a bite until he looks around. For a moment her paranoia kicks in, her training forcing her to shrink back just a little in concern. but then he picks up his plate and moves closer and her heart melts all over again. Reaching out, she attempts to touch his hand with a smile, happy that he's close enough to touch.
Sol:
She would have been reaching for his left hand, which he didn't shift away from her touch. He turned that hand, though, closing his fingers around her own. The glance was from the corner of his gaze, and with it came a sideways smile. If anything went wrong tonight, the perfect moment had already been had. Even if the place burnt down around them, he had his perfection. "Tell me about your family," he said after a moment. Sol, being who he was, likely already knew.
Trinity:
The hand hold was welcome, and she gives his hand a little extra squeeze, her smile still standing. At the question, she's silent a moment before she starts in. "My parents died when I was young. Seven, I think. My sister Glory and I became wards of the state, though we were left with enough of an inheritance to provide our schooling. We attended a private academy which also had room and board.. and so became our lives. My sister is in the University now studying programming.. she'll graduate next year."
Sol:
"If I may ask, how did your parents die?" He glanced at her as he began eating.
Trinity:
"The transport they were on malfunctioned and lost altitude, crashing into another that had just taken off."
Sol:
He paused, frowning, "I'm... sorry to hear that" he told her quietly. "Your sister? Will she be joining you in service to Vahn?"
Trinity:
Trin freezes at that question. Almost literally. A shiver runs down her body, cold chills cover her, her grip on his hand increases for a moment. "I.." she takes a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "I don't want her to." She lets out a sigh, as if a weight was lifted from her chest. It had, after all, been her greatest fear. She knew Vahn was watching her sister. She knew he was interested. Trinity always thought Glory was the more beautiful one, more beautiful than Celeste. No, Trinity didn't want her sister on that path.
Sol:
"She is sensitive?" When her grip increased on his hand, Sol had not reacted beyond just the smallest of glances. His reassurances would come after her answer.
Trinity:
Trinity only nods in response, her thoughts continuing to nag at her.
Sol:
"Suggest an alternative route. The Jedi are accepting pledges, Trinity. She'd be safe, and trained, and out of Vahn's grasp. Her potential would be tapped. Its not a luxurous life. Its not an easy life. It has its dangers, and it isn't for everyone." He offered her a small smile, attempting to be encouraging, "I doubt Vahn would go to such lengths to claim her."
Trinity:
"Does she have to train? Aren't there sensitives living normal lives? That's what I want for her. A normal, happy life. A good husband some day.." the sentence drags more than she means for it to. "And I don't know about Director Vahn, He handpicks so few, I don't know if anyone's ever turned him down. Some have failed and left, but they all try."
Sol:
"There are sensitives leading normal lives out there," he gave a small nod, "For that, she might need to relocate. I don't know Vahn beyond what I have seen about him. You need to use your judgement. I can only offer possibilities. You know both your sister and Vahn better than I."
Trinity:
She sighs. "My sister wants to be just like me.. or the version of me she knows. Vahn wants her as a fourth. He always talked about how there should be four of us, but no one else held up to his standard." She shakes her head. "Is it my place to interfere? Anger both my sister and my boss over my desire for her life? It all sounds so selfish."
Sol:
"The most you can do is talk with them. -Both- of them, at the same time if possible. Vahn needs to understand your concerns and your sister needs to see Vahn as a superior without actually being under his thumb. Its not selfish. Its called being family."
Trinity:
"Family," she repeats a little sullenly. "Vahn calls us a family." She shakes her head. "Let's talk about something else, please. Maybe something of the famous Tekal family?" She forces a smile, and hopes it'll turn genuine again soon. She wants the perfect night to continue.
Sol:
He cleared his throat softly, but nodded. "Famous Tekals," he echoed with a sigh, "What would you like to know?"
Trinity:
"Honestly, everything." She grins with a blush. "But that might take awhile. How about.. tell me your favorite heroic story?"
Sol:
He put his utensil down and looked at her, almost laughing nervously, "You really want me to tell you?"
Trinity:
She takes a bite and smiles to him, nodding her head encouragingly.
Sol:
"Well, uhm, alright," he gave a small nod and a moment of thought, "My mother," he started, "Was a Jedi Master. One of the most norotious Jedi to ever fly the spacelanes," he took up his utensil and kept talking, "During the war with The Protectorate she had come and gone from Naboo numerous times. My brother and I were delivered to her, there, after the death of our father. She had sent us off for informal training with The Jedi. We wound up doing supply runs for The Order. Anyway, I digress. Mom had gone back to Corellia for a small retreat. She hadn't been feeling too well. The stress of things had settled on her. While she was relaxing, she got a call from a man named Ashton Moonrider. He was a Jedi Master on Naboo. He requested her return for some urgent matters. When she returned, she found him to be a Dark Jedi Master calling himself Phobos. He tried to get her to submit to his will. Mom stood up to him. She took a beating, but lived to escape and fight another day. Phobos used footage of the battle, he altered it, to call foul on the Jedi. He pointed the finger and called my mother an assassin. He did it to taunt a Sith by the name of Ith'li Shaon, my mother's best friend, in to war. Phobos got his war, but it ended with The Order getting his head."
Trinity:
Trinity hangs on every word, enthralled. Hapes had missed most of the war luckily, and only some knowledge of it had gotten through. The story Solomon told was amazing. Her eyes wide as it gets more fantastical as it goes on, her food long forgotten. "Wow.." she finally breathes out as Sol ended. "Your mother stood toe to toe with Phobos and lived! And she was best friends with a Sith?" She whistles and laughs. "Now I know why the Tekals are so famous."
Sol:
"-Mom- was famous," he corrected with a grin, "It was a shock to the order when her children showed up and she claimed us as her's. The knowledge never went beyond the walls of The Order. For our own protection," he offered, "Her death was never made public. She still has plenty of enemies who would sweat themselves silly to get thier hands on one of us."
Trinity:
She gasps, not having known his mother was dead either. "Oh, Sol. I'm so sorry.."
Sol:
"Its alright. There are no public records of it, its not spread about the galaxy, and it needs to stay that way. -This- goes no further than this table." There was a great deal to be said about misinformation. Keeping the idea that Murra Tekal still roamed the galaxy could keep a lot of people on their toes.
Trinity:
She nods several times. "I will never breathe a word of it, to anyone." She pauses a moment. "Is it difficult not being able to publicly mourn her loss? To have to pretend she's still alive?"
Sol:
"No," he shook his head, "We had our time to mourn, and its more the need to keep her reputation going than it is to pretend she still lives. As I said, she made a lot of enemies, and those enemies have no idea that we exist. She was very careful to keep her professional life seperate from her personal life. Should we decide to mourn her publicly, we inherit her enemies."
Trinity:
She nods slowly. She still doesn't quite understand, but she knows enough to let it go. The notion of family was twisted for the young girl.. not that the Tekal way was normal by any means. "That's still a difficult thing to live with. Looming danger. Is that why you're so cautious, so observant?"
Sol:
"Partially," he said with a small nod, "I've ...not had a very comfortable life," he paused and shook his head, "I've come to expect threats no matter where I am, or who I am with. It doesn't make for easy interpersonal skills. Even at this moment," he revealed, "I am sitting here wondering who else has heard our conversation. I'm aware of who has been watching us and who hasn't. I know where the security cameras are, and I have control over the automated systems of the place. Even now, after we've gotten as close as we have, I find myself wondering how much of this will make it back to Vahn, or what will be leaked to someone who can make use of it."
Trinity:
Trin nods, finally understanding a little more about why he was the way he was. She squeezes his hand again. "I won't say a word, and no one will be able to get it from me." A pause. "..Part of the training, resisting interrogation, both physically and through the Force."
Sol:
"I appreciate your discretion," He told her with a small smile, "You might have to take me over the interrogation resistance sometime. It could come in handy." It could have come in handy....
Trinity:
She goes quiet at the suggestion for a long moment, her smile fading. "I don't think I could.." her voice goes softer. "It's.. well, at least the way I was taught. It's intense."
Sol:
"Hm, maybe I'll bring it up to Vahn," His voice was unintentionally gruff. The implications of her response had him on edge again, "Or maybe we should stay away from talking about work? It seems to be a trigger for us both."
Trinity:
"I think you're right," her voice still soft, her mind dragged somewhere else again. Where was all this coming from? She didn't understand it. Thoughts. Memories. She shakes her head, shaking free. "No more work," she speaks up a little more, taking another bite of food that was now starting to get cold.
Sol:
Silence, again. Solomon was working through staying open. The urge was there to cut off, to pull into himself and disappear into professionalism. He had given her a great big huge look into what made Solomon Tekal tick, and the paranoia that he ran on. He had spilled the beans on several things that could come back to bite him in the ass. It just depended on who was watching, and how closely they were paying attention. Without The Force, he had no way of subtly scanning the dinners around them. He had to trust his systems, and he had to trust her. "We've come so far off from where I had hoped this would take us," he said after a while, once more putting his utensil down, "And if I have caused discomfort in you due to this, I am deeply sorry."
Trinity:
Her hand in his squeezes again. "This isn't your fault. I think perhaps this has opened my eyes to some work related things that need to be figured out... at a later time," she adds the last part with a smile. "And if I caused any discomfort, if I pushed you.. I am deeply sorry as well."
Sol:
"We're fine," He told her, meetinf her gaze, "I think the room is just getting to me. Thats not your fault, not at all."
Trinity:
Trinity smiles again. "We can go if you need. Maybe find a quiet park, or something less crowded?"
Sol:
A park. Fresher air, more open space. He breathed out and gave a small nod, "Yes, that sounds like a good idea." Get up and moving. Keep moving. Who would watch them? Sitting back slightly, he glanced around for their waiter. Having found him, eye contact was made and they would soon have their meal paid for, and they would be on their way.
Trinity:
Trinity would take one last bite of the tasty meal while Sol paid, and as they step out of the restaurant, she glances down the street each way, trying to remember where the parks are in this part of the city.
Sol:
As they left the restaurant Sol took the time to unroll his sleeve, covering the scars that ran up his arms while Trin got her bearings, "Which way?" He would ask after a moment.
Trinity:
Her eyes close a moment as she stretches out with the Force, searching for guidance. A moment later she has her answer. "This way," she points across the street to a small walk path. "Shall we?"
Sol:
Sol eyed the small walk path, hesitating for a moment. This was better than being in a closed in area. "Of course," he said with a smile, offering her his arm. It would be far less likely that they would be interupted with her hanging on him. Paranoid thoughts. The backlash of being out in public for too long. They would die away.
Trinity:
She smiles, taking the arm and hugging herself against it briefly before they would begin heading across the street and towards said path. "Fresh air is always nice," she comments offhandedly.
Sol:
"It is," He replied softly. For a while he would walk with her, just enjoying the moment. Sol would let some time pass, giving himself a chance to relax out of his touchy state. When he spoke, he did so quietly, doing his best to not break the night around them, "Trinity, I need you to understand something, something my ex-wife just couldn't get."
Trinity:
Her body tenses just a little out of reflex when he speaks; it sounded ominous, but she forces herself to relax. "Yes, Solomon?"
Sol:
The tension was felt, and to reassure her, he gave her arm a gentle pat with his free hand, "My professional life comes first. Whatever may become of this time we share, it will always be duty first. If we become a couple, if things expand from this moment on, know that there may be times when you will not hear from me. It may be months before I am able to contact you, again. Also, do not ask about my work. I have friends you will never hear about, and there are jobs it is better that you have no details on. I do not wish to keep these things from you, I will not enjoy doing so. It will just be safer. For both of us."
Trinity:
Trinity smiles at the pat on her arm, but as Solomon begins speaking, she would stop walking and stare at him, listening. The Rules for Dating Solomon Tekal, it felt like. She tried to imagine what it would be like, to be committed to him only to have one day when he vanishes for months. Her heart hurts already just thinking about it. She glances away from him after he finishes, finding it hard to know what to say. She knows what he wants to hear, but she's not sure if she can do it. His ex-wife couldn't understand.. she could see why. Trinity takes a deep breath and looks back up to him. "I.. I need to think about that. Not asking about work, that's fine. Friends I don't know about? I can trust you. But going without knowing if you're okay? If you're still alive or dead or captured? For months..." A cold chill hits her and she shivers. No, even at this point she would worry for him. What would happen if they were more serious?
Sol:
"If I am on my own, I will call. If I am with my group, contact may be harder. I will never leave you in the dark like that. If I fail to contact you, well, the rammifications of that speak for themselves." He frowned, "I know it seems like a lot. But I can't sit still. I can't work a nine to five. I'm not wired that way, Trinity. I'm far too paranoid."
Trinity:
She nods at that. "That, I can understand. I know you have your work and it's atypical. I'm the same way. And I guess in a way, I come with my own stipulations. I go undercover from time to time. It's lasted four months at its longest, when I joined a local pirate gang. It could happen again. Hells, it could happen tomorrow." She shakes her head. "Could you handle that?"
Sol:
"As long as contact is made," he gave a small nod, and a pause, "She always told me that she never asked me to love her. She understood that I didn't call. That she just wanted me to stay." He frowned, "When I came back from the rifts, she didnt even ask if I was alright. Her concern? That I had left her alone for so long." He paused again, and shook his head, "I'm sorry. I just dont want to repeat the past."
Trinity:
Trinity shakes her head. "That's not love, that's possession. You don't have to worry about that from me. If you disappear into the rifts and I don't hear from you, it will take everything I have not to follow and find you, much less ask if you're okay when you return."
Sol:
He couldn't help it. Sol found himself smiling at that thought. She would have been right there with the family, risking it all to find him? Such a difference than Camille. "Its a relief to hear that," he told her, "And make no mistake, I would do the same. Hells help the bastard that would hurt someone I care about."
Trinity:
She smiles and nods. "Then Mr. Tekal, I believe we have a deal," she finishes with a grin. The idea that someone would look after her, come after her just because of who she is instead of because it's their job.. it touches her on level she never understood before.
Sol:
"Good, I'm glad we have an understanding," His grin was wide. For the first time, in a very long time, the world they were passing through didn't matter so much. What did matter was walking right beside him, her arm linked with his.
Trinity:
Her grin matches his, and she leans on his arm as they walk, enjoying his warmth. "I'm glad we have that out of the way so we can focus on the more important things."
Sol:
"What could be more important than that?" He asked quietly, shifting his arm just enough to give her his shoulder to lean against. "As far as I'm concerned we have our bases covered."
Trinity:
She leans into the shoulder happily, moving as close as possible. "The more important things," she repeats, "like enjoying our time together and not worrying about work and such things."
Sol:
"That does sound important," he agreed, tilting his head so ut rested against her's for a moment as they walked.
Trinity:
"Mmm.." she lets loose when his head touches her, enjoying the extra contact. "I could do this all night."
Sol:
"You'd be dead for work in the morning," he smiled, "And then Vahn would be all over for keeping you out late. Sorry, Trinity, but I am working very hard to stay on his good side. Eventually, I will have to get you home."
Trinity:
She chuckles at that. "Don't worry, part of our training is to be able to go without sleep for extended periods of time. I've survived two weeks on just a half hour of sleep per day."
Sol:
"Force Use, or circadian manipulation?" He asked lifting his head so he could look down at her a bit in curiosity.
Trinity:
"A combination," she answers. "Same for food and water."
Sol:
"I cant say that the Jedi go through similar things. Personal experience, though, its amazing what you have to teach yourself, and forgive yourself for, just to survive the galaxy."
Trinity:
She nods but doesn't say anything instead cuddling closer to him as they walk.
Sol:
Gently, softly, he kissed the top of her head before sighing, "Darien is going to eat me alive for this," he was smiling again, his eyes on the dimly lit world around them. For a man who was so typically fine with silence, he couldn't stop himself from filling the night with noise. What was he so nervous about?
Trinity:
Trinity was oblivious to any nervous talking, she merely assumed he enjoyed it. "Darien will be happy for you. Anything else and he'll answer to me." She laughs lightly, and at the kiss to her head, she slips her right arm around him to squeeze with a hug.
Sol:
"Then, I am sure he will behave himself," that arm she slipped around him caused a brief moment of tension, and then it was gone in a flash. His arm, the one he had linked with her's unfolded, but only just so he could drape it across her shoulders.
Trinity:
She tensed at his tension, but it vanished soon after he relaxed. She was still learning him, learning what he likes, what bothers him. These things she filed away for future use. "He's a wise man then." She grins. "Thank you for an amazing evening, Sol. I'm glad we could do this." She rests her head on his chest now as they walked, listening to his heartbeat.
Sol:
Holding her close as they walked, Solomon was careful with his steps. Trinity was comfortable against him, he did his best to keep it that way. The pace was nice and even, leasurely. His heartbeat to her ear would be strong, the feeling of him solid. He was possibly stronger than he looked. They would walk like that for a while, Sol content to just let it be. Content. He was content. There were no problems for him to face, no systems to slice, or Masters to appease. There were no Mandals to rush off and talk with. No meetings to attend. There were no snipers, or lightsabers, or blasters. Let it last as long as possible, he prayed. (Repost
Trinity:
If they weren't walking, Trin thinks she could have fallen asleep on his chest, listening to his strong heart rate. She has never been more comfortable in all her life and she meant it when she earlier said she didn't want it to end. Silently they walk, through the park and inevitably on the other side.. To the street that would lead to her apartment. She hesitates when they reach that street, knowing that it would all have to come to a close.
Sol:
Her hesitation brought him to a stop. "Are you alright?" His concern was soft. She hadn't bounded off like she had the night before, she just hesitated in step. Something was ahead that she didn't want to face. It was no outward threat, she was still far too relaxed for that. So something passive.
Trinity:
"Oh.. Sorry. It's fine, just.." She bites her bottom lip. "We're close to my apartment." She sounded unhappy with that idea.
Sol:
"Your apartment?" His head lifted as he looked around them. It was too soon. He, himself, was feeling the burden of those words. "Its alright," he told her, "I dont have to go back to the palace tonight."
Trinity:
She felt a momentary panic at those words. "I.. " she had a hard time putting the words together. "I didn't mean to suggest.." Another hesitation. "I just meant.. I didn't want the night to end yet."
Sol:
"I'm not Darien," He said gently, "Nothing needs to happen. If the thought maked you uneasy, I understand. Just," He swallowed, "Allow me to see you to your door."
Trinity:
She breathes out a sigh of relief, all panic leaving you. "I'm sorry, I just have really bad role models in my life." She chuckles a bit, though still a few nerves are present. "You can come in, I can trust you."
Sol:
"I have a few bad role models myself, I understand." His smile was barely there, "I'm glad you trust me but I wont push your boundaries. Are you sure you are okay with this?"
Trinity:
"I am." She says more resolutely. "You promise nothing happens and I feel safe."
Sol:
"Nothing will happen," He promised resolutely.
Trinity:
"And I feel safe," she answers with a smile. "Just don't judge the apartment too harshly. I've never been the homemaker type.."
Sol:
"It can't be all that bad if its livable," he offered her his arm once more, "which way?"
Trinity:
"Straight ahead." She says, the slight nervous tone still in her voice. But her steps are purposeful as they move forward, heading down the street. It's a few minutes and several blocks later, they arrive. The apartment building is huge and not near one of the nicest. They enter a rackety lift and head to the 30th floor where they get off, and her apartment is three doors down on the right. At the door she pauses, just a moment, before inserting her keycard and opening it. Inside.. It looks practically bare. Perfectly clean, but only minimal furniture and nothing personal. No pictures, no art, nothing.
Sol:
Sol had moved with her. Once they reached the apartment, and they were inside, Sol took a look at the meager furnishings and non-personalized space. "Are you sure you live here? It looks less like a home, and more like a safe house." As soon as he said it, Sol winced, "I'm sorry. That came out wrong."
Trinity:
She chuckles at his comment, then even more when he winces. "Actually, it was a safe house at one point, Director Vahn gave it to me. I do little more than sleep here, so I've never bothered.." she blushes a little, starting to feel embarrassed.
Sol:
"He gave it to you?" His concern was showing, "Its a lovely place," he then said, his smile growing in hopes of not embarrassing her further. He did, though, move away from her in order to inspect the place. His number one concern, now, was that she was being watched by the director.
Trinity:
"He did. We each were given apartments." She smiles at his. "Can I get you a drink? No alcohol," she adds with a grin. And of course the apartment is bugged. Audio and video in every room except the refresher.
Sol:
"Water is fine," he said, "Thank you," his datapad would be pulled out as she would move to get the drinks. During that time, Sol would be testing the security of the apartment. Not just the building, but the room by room surveillance. He would be done by the time she got back.
Trinity:
She would return with two glasses of water a few minutes, handing one to him. The living room, which they're in, has only one small couch and one chair. She moves to the couch, and smiles to Sol, waiting for him to join her.
Sol:
There would be no hesitation to join her on the couch. His smile, as he sat, was warm. Behind his eyes, though, he was thinking. Sol was mentally at work disecting the little set of rooms. Where were the bugs located? How were they being watched? The optimal connection speeds and relays and.... he sipped at his water. She was safe here. The cameras and mics had a dual purpose. Yes, she was being watched. Yes, it was creepy, and stalkerish. Yes, it was offensive and invasive. Trinity, though, was protected due to these protocols. If something were to happen to her, in the apartment, it would be picked up without a doubt. "I can take the sofa," he told her, blinking out of his thoughts. That way he would be able to see the door...
Trinity:
"Are you sure?" She asks, but bites her bottom lip and soon as she does. What other option is there? It's a tiny one bedroom apartment, with just a kitchen, living room, and refresher. Where else could he stay but in her bed with her? No, that was too dangerous. Well, not dangerous, but too soon.
Sol:
"I'm sure," he said with a small nod. There was so very little space here, and none of it belonged to him. Yes, he was absolutely sure. Solomon smiled at her, "I'm a rough sleeper anyway. There is no reason to make you suffer my restlessness."
Trinity:
She smiles, then blushes slightly at the thought of 'suffering his restlessness'. "Er. Okay." She shoves the impure thoughts from her mind and brings the smile back once more. She watches him a moment, wondering what happens next.
Sol:
His smile softened, and he shifted, placing his glass on the floor next to the sofa. He was then reaching for her's. "We should try to get some sleep," he said as he moved.
Trinity:
Her smile fades just a little as he speaks and reaches for her glass. Instead of handing it over, she leans into him for a kiss, her free hand wrapping around his head if he so let's her.
Sol:
The action was unexpected, but not unwelcome. He didn't avoid the kiss by any means. Solomon met her lips with his own, his right hand moving up to glide back through her hair toward the back of her head where he would gently hold her. Whoever was watching? Let them see. Sol would tare through anyone who wanted to stand in his way. There was a bit more force behind this kiss from Solomon. His protectiveness was a driving factor. Trinity was not property by any means, but she was now under his protection. His territory had been staked, and now marked.
Trinity:
She met his intensity with her own, pressing closer to him, feeling a need within to do so. She felt something from him, a need that wasn't quite the same as hers, but she cherishes the feeling anyway. No one had ever made her feel this way before. It just felt so perfect. Her hand begins to caress the back of his head as the kiss deepens.
Sol:
He pulled away just slightly, reaching for her, inviting her onto his lap. This would be the closest they had been during an intimate moment. He wanted it. He needed her closer. It had been so long since he had opened himself up like this.
Trinity:
She would move instantly, legs wrapping around as she settles in his lap, knees pressing into the couch on either side. She knows the danger this could possess, but she ignores it, for now needing more from him. The glass now left behind and forgotten, both hands move to cup his cheeks, her bright green eyes staring into his. A loving gaze if ever there was one.
Sol:
Nothing will happen. His promise echoed through his mind as she settled onto his lap, his hands moving to settle at her small waist. Sol smiled up at her, at ease with her touch. "Kiss me," he requested softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Trinity:
His words were her command. She leans her head in instantly, her lips closing on his. The kiss starts out light but builds in intensity. Her hands run through his hair and grip onto his head, pulling him closer still.
Sol:
Desire was budding within him. It had started as the tiniest speck of want when their lips met. The closer she got, the more of her Solomon wanted, the more he needed. With Trinity's fingers working through his hair, and his lips working against her own, Sol felt himself letting go. He moaned softly against her kiss, tension and paranoia slipping into nothing more than a memory. His hands at her waist tightened slightly, his fingers curling and uncurling just enough for the slightest bit of motion.
Trinity:
Instinctively her hips begin to move in his lap without her even realizing it. Her focus was on the kiss, and the kiss was incredible. Her desire showing as the kiss continues, her tongue moving gingerly towards his lips, exploring new territory.
Sol:
When she deepened the experience, Sol responded willingly. He welcomed her tongue, his mouth opening with a breathless sigh as their tongues met. He kept the rhythm slow, wanting to experience every last ounce of sensation. It was almost torturous. Her hips rocking against his, brought a deep deep shiver of anticipation from him. From her waist he took control, using her position against her. It was his tempo, and he guided her through it with gently applied pressure to her sides.
Trinity:
She let him take control without thought, as if something within her was ingrained to follow rather than lead. A soft whimper escapes her lips during the kiss, her body reacting to the new stimulation. Her tongue explores his, then his mouth, her inexperience likely showing through. Finally she breaks the kiss and takes a deep breath, taking a moment to hold onto his head and stare into those eyes once more.
Sol:
His body had grown taught beneath her shifting hips. Every movement of her body against his had brought a small sound of want from him. It wouldn't take much for him to give full consent by the time she had pulled back from the kiss. His fingers danced up and down her sides lightly as Sol met her gaze. He was burning for her, begging without a word being said. He was breathless, and lightheaded, and so enthralled. This moment, the want and desire, the flame that was pumping through him, was for her. She had given it life within him. Smiling softly, Solomon finally found some shred of his voice in the midst of the moment, "So much for promises."
Sol:
Hours after everything had been started, and Sol had gotten his hands into the Buffton palace systems, he was taking a break. Evening had rolled around and he had a date to prepare for. Solomon Tekal had a date. He had time set aside to meet with someone of the opposite sex that wasn't a member of his family, or a friend. The oddity about it was that he was excited. He was waiting, already seated. His blonde hair had been styled smoothly away from his face. He was wearing a green nanosilk shirt and black pants. The restaurant, he had been told, served some of the finest on Hapes. His nerves were showing, as well, causing him to fidget by rubbing his palms against the thighs of his pants. It was a bad idea. A really bad idea. And he couldn't back out now because Trinity was on her way.
Trinity:
Trinity was nervous herself. Things had ended so weirdly with Solomon that she wasn't sure how the night would go. She was hopeful, however, and she made sure she was a few minutes early. This restaurant wasn't one she had been to before; it was a little nicer than she was used to, so she did feel a bit impressed. Another hopeful sign that brings a smile to her face as she enters and looks around for him. She's dressed a bit more conservatively than she had been forced to wear the night before. A loose black pleated skirt down to just above the knee, a loose fitting black blouse. Very light makeup and no jewelry; she wasn't a fan of either if she had the choice. Her brown hair braided back and off one shoulder, sparkling blue eyes search for the Tekal man.
Sol:
She would be shown to the table, Sol rising as she appeared. He had slipped to the chair opposite his own and pulled it out for her. He smiled, or tried to. He had never been this type of nervous in his life. It wasn't the same kind of anxiety that came when standing before a council of Masters, or facing Sadhric Tlin's ire. Compliments. Flattery. She had told him she liked that stuff... "You look ...amazing." he heard himself say when got close enough. His hands were shaking. That, he couldn't stop.
Trinity:
Trinity was highly impressed. There had been a chance that Solomon would hate her for not telling the truth and instead.. She saw Sol for the first time and smiled warmly to him. Being led to the table, the Tekal pulls her chair out and her heart flutters. What a gentleman! Then the compliment. Her smile grows wider, and she places a hand on his arm in greeting. "Thank you sweetie," she says, "You're looking very handsome yourself." She moves to take the chair and that's when she notices his hands shaking. Aww, poor thing, she thinks.
Sol:
When she sat, he pushed it in just slightly. That touch to his arm had caused the slightest bit of tension. He was working on controlling that reaction. "Thank you," he replied before moving back to his own chair with his hands folded in his lap, beneath the table where their shaking could go unnoticed. "I'm sorry about the unpleasantness this morning. It...could not be helped."
Trinity:
She felt that tension, as controlled as it was. She was looking for it, trying to get a feel for how he was feeling. No touching right now, she registers it away. At his comment, she shakes her head. "No, Sol. If anyone should apologize, it's me. I'm sorry if I hurt you last night. I deceived you, I didn't want to, but I did."
Sol:
"You were doing your job," he replied evenly, "I understand. That is why I agreed to speak with you, here. I wanted us to have the chance to ...clear the air a bit, I guess you could say."
Trinity:
"I appreciate your understanding." She smiles to him. "I welcome the chance to talk more openly. What I told you last night was all true. I'm a slicer, I graduated from the Hapan University and joined the military. I.. just left out Director Vahn's special training program."
Sol:
"And the fact that you are Force Sensitive," he added casually, "The revelation caught me by surprise, I must admit," He paused as a waiter came to take their drink orders. He requested water.
Trinity:
She blushes a little and looks down, nodding, eyes on the table. "That too.. but I count that under the Director as well. Without him I wouldn't be." The waiter was there, so she looks up to him, also ordering a water.
Sol:
"You wouldn't be sensitive without him?" His brow furrowed for a moment while that sunk in, "What do you mean?"
Trinity:
She raises an eyebrow at him, not understanding his confusion. "No, of course not. He said I had potential, he taught me sensitivity."
Sol:
"Ah," he gave a small nod, "He taught you how to access your potential. I see. That makes a bit more sense." Solomon smiled, working on pulling himself away from his unease.
Trinity:
She nods, what he says making sense. "Maybe that's what he meant. He didn't focus much on terminology." She pauses. "Your brother and his girlfriend.. both Jedi's. But not you?"
Sol:
"Thats a complicated answer," He shifted slightly in his seat, "Yes, and no. Due to some recent circumstances I had my sensitivity severed."
Trinity:
Her eyebrows raise at that. "Severed?" She asks, then notices his uncomfortable movements, and hastily adds, "We don't have to talk about it. Let's talk about something else."
Sol:
"Its not...that," he frowned a bit, "Uhm. Its -- my last relationship didnt end well. Uhm, no. Its alright. It was for my own well being that The Order removed my ability to openly communicate with The Force. I was...dying."
Trinity:
Trinity raises an eyebrow at mentioning the previous relationship, thinking this was starting to go downhill. Then suddenly he mentions dying and concern washes over her completely. "Oh Sol.. wait, was dying? You're okay now?"
Sol:
"For the moment," He gave a small nod, "It was part of a two step solution to buy me more time. I should be fine as long as I remain disconnected until the problem has been resolved."
Trinity:
"For the moment," she repeats, watching him a moment. "So you still have this sickness? But you're not dying as long as you don't have the Force?" She was trying very hard to understand. Concern for his health was there, outweighing the confusion on what this really meant.
Sol:
"There is a being out there, Trinity, that has the ability to drain life through The Force. It...attached...itself to me. It was slowly killing me, leeching my life away," he let out a small soft breath, "When I opted to sever myself from The Force, it lost contact with me."
Trinity:
Her eyes grow wide, her breath catches. It was like something out of a horror story, and it really happened to the man sitting across from her. Her hand covers her mouth for a second before she can breathe regularly again. "That sounds so horrible. And this.. being is still out there?"
Sol:
He gave a small nod again, "The Order is working on figuring it out. Its expanding, and The Jedi are struggling to find answers on it. Corellia is under a medical blockade, but there is nothing that can be done to help. Its becoming indiscriminate, attacking both sensitives and non-sensitives alike."
Trinity:
"Oh, Corellia.. We heard about that. That's this same being? How can it possibly attack an entire planet?" She shakes her head slowly, this kept getting worse and worse.
Sol:
"The Force is everywhere. This thing uses The Force as a conduit. The stronger it gets, the farther it can reach. That's my guess about it. We just don't have many answers." He sighed and shook his head, "What do you do when you are the answer guy, and you have no answers to give?"
Trinity:
Trinity nods along, listening to Sol's theory. But as he asks his question, she stops to really think about it. "My philosophy professor once said, it is better to be able to find any answer, than to know almost every answer. The quest for wisdom isn't to know everything, but to be able to know anything."
Sol:
Grinning, Solomon tipped his head forward, conceding to that, "Your philosophy teacher is a wise person. Did you enjoy that course of study? The philosophy?"
Trinity:
She grins in turn, though it turns to a warm smile as the memories return. "I really did. It made me stop and think about life in a way I hadn't done before. She was my favorite general studies professor."
Sol:
He had to stop himself from smiling too widely. Sol was relaxing, and as that happened, as he became more comfortable, the restaurant around them faded to the back of his mind. This was different than what he had with Camille. Of course the situation was different with Camille as well. For just a moment Sol found himself thinking about his late ex-wife. That relationship. He was glad it was gone. He wasn't gald for her death, but he was glad to be free from the burden of what the relationship had become. "We will have to have a philosophical discussion sometime, then. I have a soft spot for that subject."
Trinity:
"I would like that," she responds with another warm smile. She was relaxed too. She had prepared herself for a long discussion about her past, of fighting to earn this trust again, of them seemingly starting over as strangers.. and that was if he would even still give her a chance. But here they were, enjoying each other's company. She watches him, her analytical brain always at work, interpreting his movements, motions, his words. Trying to understand everything she could about him. He was still a puzzle, and luckily she very much liked puzzles. The waiter would take that moment to return, placing the two glasses of water down. She smiles and nods her head in thanks.. But then realizes she hadn't even touched the menu.
Sol:
Sol had. In his time waiting for her he had practically memorized what the resturaunt offered. That hadn't taken him very long to do at all. "I think we will need a minute more," he said to the waiter with a small smile. "Thank you." With the waiter nodding and heading off, Sol reached for his glass and took a sip. "So much better than alcohol."
Trinity:
Trin takes a sip of hers in turn, and smiles in agreement. "I've never been a fan, even though I've had to drink more than I'd like while on missions." Her brain starts to take her to those thoughts, but she fights it off. Setting the glass down, she pulls the menu up for the first time. "Celeste is usually the one going undercover at fancy places. I tend to get the dive bars," she comments offhand. The menu was a bit out of her comfort zone. Many dishes she didn't recognize.
Sol:
"We'll have to do something about that," He said, watching her for a moment, "Dives have a tendancy to see more action than places like this, true. But places like this hold the potential for bigger secrets. That, and, well, the types of people who lurk in those dives don't take no for an answer." He frowned slightly, "--Not that you can't handle yourself, or anything. Just that," his face was growing warm. Sol was blushing at his miss-wording. There was no way to recover from that without stumbling further. He sighed, " --would you like me to order for you?"
Trinity:
She smiles at his initial words.. but then it grows into a grin as he digs himself deeper. The blush was just too adorable. Finally at the question, she lets him off with a nod. "Please do. I'm afraid I'll end up with something horrid if I try this on my own." There's a pause, and she takes him back to the conversation he struggled with. "Celeste's specialty is getting into people's minds, figuring out not only what they're thinking but how they think. She does our profiling, our interrogating. And she can pull off high priced whore better than anyone." She laughs lightly.. while not nice, it was all too accurate.
Sol:
Sol had looked at his menu while listening, at that last bit his frown deepened and he glanced at her, "Is that how Vahn uses his resources? Or is it by choice that that kind of role is taken?"
Trinity:
Her eyebrow raises at the frown and the question, her laugh dying away as she considers what Sol says. "We do what the mission requires," Trin answers after a moment longer. "It's not always pleasant, but the information gathered can sometimes be crucial."
Sol:
Letting out a slow even breath, he put the menu aside for the moment and fixed a cool blue eyed stare on her, "I come from a family who has made it their life's work to do what is needed, Trinity. The risks you take with putting yourself out there, or exposing yourself? They aren't worth the pay-off. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. There are better ways to get information. There are better ways to get into someone's head. Far less," he squeezed his jaw and forced himself to continue, "Personally dangerous ways."
Trinity:
Trinity rests back in the chair as he speaks, listening, a frown forming on her face in turn. Her eyes close as she considers what he says. Personally dangerous indeed. With a sigh, she opens her eyes once more. "Director Vahn would disagree.." she answers quietly.
Sol:
"Director Vahn is a good man, with good intentions. But he is driven, committed to his duty. He does what he does, and expects you to operate the same way. I'd be interested to know if he was ever in the position of unwanted, and invasive, bodily contact in such an intimate capacity," he leaned forward slightly, "There are not many men in this galaxy who would understand the toll that this kind of contact can take on the body and mind. There are not many women, either. Shrug it off, move on. Complete the job, all the while dying inside? There are better ways to do the job, and they don't include killing yourself."
Trinity:
The girl remains quiet for a long time after Sol finishes talking, her eyes looking down away from the Tekal as she considers what he's saying. Was she killing herself? She hadn't thought of it that way. Lost in her thoughts, the waiter returns to the table, looking expectantly to Solomon. "Are we ready to order, Sir?"
Sol:
His expression shifted immediately as Sol looked up at the waiter and placed their order in a kindly fashion. He smiled, thanked the waiter again, and would wait for the waiter to disappear before looking back at Trinity.
Trinity:
Trinity, too, waited for the waiter to vacate their area before she'd look back to Solomon. "I've never seen it as anything other than doing my job. Some jobs are harder than others.. some nights I feel like scrubbing my skin off in the refresher after.. it doesn't matter," she quickly heads off that line of thought. "Director Vahn has been like a father to me, to all of us. I would do anything for him."
Sol:
Sol brought his hands up, resting them on the table. They were no longer shaking. In fact, Solomon was no longer relaxed. He, too, was analyzing who sat across from him. "I am not going to tell you how to do your job. That isn't why I am here. Its none of my business how Vahn conducts his agents. Its your work, your duty. Its his influence. Do what you feel you must, Trinity. I cannot condone it. I, personally, do not agree with it. And that doesn't matter. I am sure I have my own ghosts that would give you pause. Do not think too hard on this. My words are coming from my personal experiences. Not ever life is the same, and not every experience will be dangerous. Mine were. They still are."
Trinity:
Trinity felt the mood shifting.. but watching Sol, she realizes just how far it had gone. Her own smile was gone, and at the moment she felt helpless to get it back. Get Sol relaxed again, save the night. She lets out a soft sigh and takes a sip of her water. Does she dare ask about his experiences? Will he shut down on her if she pries? The uncertainty holds her tongue, the awkward moment stretching on.
Sol:
Was it awkward? Solomon was watching her like a Kryat dragon stalking its evening kill. He reached for his water, took a swallow, and let the expression die away. Back on track. They didn't come to argue. They didn't come to poke and pry. Solomon didn't come to tear her apart. "Forgive me for that," he said at last, breaking the silence that had fallen between them, "It is really none of my business. I had no right to pass judgement."
Trinity:
"No.. I appreciate your concern. It really does give me something to think about." Too much to think about. She was trying not to think about it.. because the more she did, the less happy with her circumstances she became. Those thoughts are forced aside. "You've mentioned personal experiences.. and I take it you don't just mean slicing. Do you feel like talking about it?" There. She went for it. She was prepared for a quick no.
Sol:
Sol shifted, one hand reaching for the glass pf water where it stopped just barely grasping. At her question, Sol contemplated while looking at the clear liquid. "No, I wasn't refering to my slicing. That is dangerous, yes. It, however, is not what I had been thinking of. The -- situation between my ex-wife and I had not been the best. There were circumstances that ...damaged me. The lingering scars," he moved his hand and flexed it to indicate the wire thin scars, "Run the entire length of my body with only my head escaping the wreckage."
Trinity:
Trinity's eyes go wider, first at the unexpected mention of an ex-wife, but moreso the detail on his scars. She had noticed them, of course.. but thought it was just on his hands, and thus not such a terrifying thought. "What.." She starts to ask but stops. She was walking on egg shells, tip toeing around Solomon, not wanting to make him any more uncomfortable, or stressed, or worried.. but she had to know. "Can you tell me what happened?"
Sol:
He opened his mouth to speak, but wound up sucking in a short burst of air instead. How to answer that... "The short end of it is that I was indoctrinated into the society of my father. These," he flexed his hand again, "were to keep me easily visible among his people. A...branding of sorts," he frowned and reached for his water, "my ex-wife was...well, they wanted us to rebuild by father's house. We were to procreate so the bloodline wouldn't die out." He took a sip and shook his head, "The fools underestimated my friends, and over estimated their own chances."
Trinity:
Her eyes go wide at the story. It was far more than she could have ever anticipated. "Oh, Sol.." she begins, but what can one say to that? Sorry doesn't really cover it, but she has nothing better. "That's.. that's terrible. I'm sorry you went through that, though it's good your friends were able to free you." The idea of his father forcing him to marry, forcing him to procreate.. that was beyond creepy. She can't imagine what that would be like. An involuntary shudder hits her.
Sol:
He nodded, easily reading her distress, "Its long in the past, and while I still struggle with the anxieties it gave me I am in a much better place than I had been. The last of my ties to those circumstances can no longer haunt me. It's alright, Trinity. They learned their lesson, and wont be bothering myself, or anyone else."
Trinity:
She nods slowly. It was still a hard story to swallow, but she could push it aside if he could. "I imagine that could cause quite a bit of long lasting issues. It's a testament to your fortitude that you were able to overcome it as well as you have." She nods again, and takes another sip of her water.
Sol:
"I'm not entirely sane if thats what you are implying," he gave her a small smile, "It took a long time, years in fact, to get to where I am right now. Eve has a similar battle ahead of her. She got it all at once. My torment was spaced out. I had time to breathe between traumas," he shook his head, "Poor thing."
Trinity:
She smiles in turn, but then at the mention of Eve, she frowns. "Yes, I read the Doctor's file. Horrific tragedy. I was amazed to she her out last night, even more so after everything happened. She seems to be so strong." She shakes her head. "I don't think I would do so well."
Sol:
"You never know what you can handle until you go through it. Eve is in a far better position to come out alright than I was. She was support. She has Niko, and myself. She has friends she can go to, friends who understand. That goes a long way for recovery."
Trinity:
She nods and starts to say something, but stops. Does she have friends she can count on? Do Celeste and Lydia count? Or would they leave her behind. That thought troubles the girl, troubles her more than she would expect. Lost in her own thoughts, she manages a meager "Luckily she has support."
Sol:
"You would, too," he told her, giving a small nod, "We don't abandon our friends," he offered, "Even if it takes a while to get back around, we get there." His smile was small and weak but it was there. "You wouldn't be alone. I wouldn't allow that."
Trinity:
She smiles, hers more warm and inviting. She holds back her true emotions, which would undoubtedly make her cry if she allowed. She had just been questioning whether her current friends.. more like sisters in arms.. would be there for her when she really needed it. But now, Solomon shows more care than she's felt.. well, since her parents passed at a young age. She shakes her head again, forcing it away. "Thank you, Sol.." she was losing the battle, eyes starting to water. "That means a lot. It really does."
Sol:
Had he said something wrong? The waver in her voice and the moisture in her eyes had Sol doubting what he had meant as encouragement. Sliding his chair back, and without a second thought to it, he moved around the table. He stopped beside her and knelt. "Don't cry," he told her, "Whatever it was, don't cry. It doesn't matter, alright?"
Trinity:
Her cheeks redden as his concern is there, and then he is too. She shakes her head. "Sorry.. It's just. I'm not used to someone caring about me. Personally. Everything has been about the job.. but even before that was college, and before that was the academy.. I had friends, but never any close enough that I could call on when needed."
Sol:
"You have friends now," he told her, gently reaching up to clear the moisture from the corners of her eyes, "We Tekals don't let go very easily, and we are always on call."
Trinity:
Trinity smiles at his words, but as the hand reaches up to wipe the tears, her eyes close, her face leaning into the hand. The touch. Such a small action, such a simple thing.. but it was reassuring, it was heart-warming. It was meaningful.
Sol:
Solomon let it linger. He didn't immediately draw away. Her reaction to his touch fascinated him. He had touched Camille like that quite a few times, but this was different. He didn't do it because he felt he had to. Solomon did it because he wanted to. His skin would have held just the faintest of scents. It wasn't that of soap, or flowers, or fruit. It was a slight earthy smell, and the kind of scent that the mind could pick up but would be hard pressed to place. "We're here for you -- -I'm- here for you, Trinity."
Trinity:
The smell caught her attention briefly, and she registers it away in her mind. It was Solomon's scent, that's what she would remember. At his words, her hand reaches up to gently touch his, keeping him close. "It means more to me than you can know," her soft voice lets out.
Sol:
"I understand, I do," he all but whispered. The memory of the kiss from the night before sprang to mind. The way it made him feel had been beyond description. Would it feel the same way sober? Was this the right moment for something like that? Could he trust himself enough to not blow it. Was it love, was it lust? Or was it just a deep seated compassion as it had been with his late ex? Swallowing, Solomon studied her expression, "I don't ever want to be the reason you hurt."
Trinity:
Her eyes open at his words, and tears threaten once more but this time she's ready, and this time she has a stronger hold on them. Her smile warm, her expression showing how much his caring meant to her. "I imagine you'll only do the opposite," she whispers, before leaning in towards him, taking their second kiss if he so lets her. A soft, gentle kiss, tentative though it still may be. She didn't want to push him past his comfort zone. Her mind constantly on his comfort level.
Sol:
The right moment. Who would have guessed that it would have been in the middle of a high end resturaunt while they waited for their food. As Trinity leaned forward, Sol rose just enough to meet the kiss. Don't think he had told her last night. Don't think. His eyes slid shut as his lips met her's and all thought stopped, nothing registered but sensation. There was the light hand that kept his in place, and the feeling of her returning the kiss. The sensation is what drew him in. It was just a momentary contact, Solomon didn't let it go for too long. It lasted long enough for him to pull away breathless, and dizzy but for an entirely different reason than what had made him dizzy the night before.
Trinity:
The second kiss was just as amazing as the first. She cherished the feeling, the tingling within that made her feel alive more than ever. Someone cared for her. It sounds like such a simple thing, but for this girl who had been used and forged for a purpose it meant the world to her. Perhaps one day she could give him detail. As he pulls away, she does as well.. dizziness, a catch in her breath. Her eyes remain close, as if committing the moment to memory.
Sol:
He wanted to say it. Just three little words that could make a galaxy's difference, but he wouldn't. Those three little words would be too much too fast. He had just only met her. He didn't know if it was love beyond a doubt anyway. He knew he liked her. There was attraction. But was it -love-? Could he allow himself to explore that possibility? Their order was delivered, and Sol didn't move. He knelt there for a few more moments, watching her, studying her expression, committing it all to memory. If nothing were to come from this, he would at least have that memory to look back on and smile with fondness.
Trinity:
The words weren't on their lips, but the notion was in her eyes. Love at first sight. She had read about it all her life, watched it in holo dramas. It seemed so easy, but she had never believed. Never believed until last night. At first she convinced herself it was a silly notion. She was just desperate for attention that didn't involve pirates that smelled like a week old wamp rat carcass. But in the moment, she stopped denying it. She wouldn't say it, of course. She couldn't. She didn't even notice the food arrive, her eyes remaining locked on his. She, too, committing his expression, his reaction to memory. She couldn't speak. She didn't want to ruin such a perfect moment. She wanted it to last as long as possible.
Sol:
Nothing exploded. No glass broke. There were no trampling crowds, and no need to go to work. All that there was, was the moment. It wasn't meant to last. A small shift the wrong way had him wincing slightly as the scar tissue in his left knee rolled against the shift of his weight. The wince was soon followed with an apologetic look as he rose, slipping his hand out from beneath her touch. "Remember that," he said with a smile before he moved back to his seat which suddenly seemed too far away.
Trinity:
The moment passes and as he winces in pain, she winces with him, not realizing what causes it until he stands gingerly on the leg. She makes a mental note but doesn't say anything, watching him return to his seat, also feeling it too far from her. Her smile wasn't fading anytime soon. "I'll never forget it," she replies, the message having a double meaning. Finally tearing her eyes away from his, she blinks down at the plate of food, as if it magically appeared out of nowhere.
Sol:
Sitting back down was a bit of a challenge, but he managed with little fuss. He managed a smile, and motioned toward her plate, "I hope you like it." He had been about to start eating, but paused and glance around the room. Not much that surrounded them had changed, and yet.... he gave a small sigh and stood again. His plate was picked up and shifted, then his chair followed. He moved himself to be closer, to be sitting adjacent to her instead of across from her. "Thats better." He said as he sat back down.
Trinity:
"It looks delicious," she answers, also starting to take a bite until he looks around. For a moment her paranoia kicks in, her training forcing her to shrink back just a little in concern. but then he picks up his plate and moves closer and her heart melts all over again. Reaching out, she attempts to touch his hand with a smile, happy that he's close enough to touch.
Sol:
She would have been reaching for his left hand, which he didn't shift away from her touch. He turned that hand, though, closing his fingers around her own. The glance was from the corner of his gaze, and with it came a sideways smile. If anything went wrong tonight, the perfect moment had already been had. Even if the place burnt down around them, he had his perfection. "Tell me about your family," he said after a moment. Sol, being who he was, likely already knew.
Trinity:
The hand hold was welcome, and she gives his hand a little extra squeeze, her smile still standing. At the question, she's silent a moment before she starts in. "My parents died when I was young. Seven, I think. My sister Glory and I became wards of the state, though we were left with enough of an inheritance to provide our schooling. We attended a private academy which also had room and board.. and so became our lives. My sister is in the University now studying programming.. she'll graduate next year."
Sol:
"If I may ask, how did your parents die?" He glanced at her as he began eating.
Trinity:
"The transport they were on malfunctioned and lost altitude, crashing into another that had just taken off."
Sol:
He paused, frowning, "I'm... sorry to hear that" he told her quietly. "Your sister? Will she be joining you in service to Vahn?"
Trinity:
Trin freezes at that question. Almost literally. A shiver runs down her body, cold chills cover her, her grip on his hand increases for a moment. "I.." she takes a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "I don't want her to." She lets out a sigh, as if a weight was lifted from her chest. It had, after all, been her greatest fear. She knew Vahn was watching her sister. She knew he was interested. Trinity always thought Glory was the more beautiful one, more beautiful than Celeste. No, Trinity didn't want her sister on that path.
Sol:
"She is sensitive?" When her grip increased on his hand, Sol had not reacted beyond just the smallest of glances. His reassurances would come after her answer.
Trinity:
Trinity only nods in response, her thoughts continuing to nag at her.
Sol:
"Suggest an alternative route. The Jedi are accepting pledges, Trinity. She'd be safe, and trained, and out of Vahn's grasp. Her potential would be tapped. Its not a luxurous life. Its not an easy life. It has its dangers, and it isn't for everyone." He offered her a small smile, attempting to be encouraging, "I doubt Vahn would go to such lengths to claim her."
Trinity:
"Does she have to train? Aren't there sensitives living normal lives? That's what I want for her. A normal, happy life. A good husband some day.." the sentence drags more than she means for it to. "And I don't know about Director Vahn, He handpicks so few, I don't know if anyone's ever turned him down. Some have failed and left, but they all try."
Sol:
"There are sensitives leading normal lives out there," he gave a small nod, "For that, she might need to relocate. I don't know Vahn beyond what I have seen about him. You need to use your judgement. I can only offer possibilities. You know both your sister and Vahn better than I."
Trinity:
She sighs. "My sister wants to be just like me.. or the version of me she knows. Vahn wants her as a fourth. He always talked about how there should be four of us, but no one else held up to his standard." She shakes her head. "Is it my place to interfere? Anger both my sister and my boss over my desire for her life? It all sounds so selfish."
Sol:
"The most you can do is talk with them. -Both- of them, at the same time if possible. Vahn needs to understand your concerns and your sister needs to see Vahn as a superior without actually being under his thumb. Its not selfish. Its called being family."
Trinity:
"Family," she repeats a little sullenly. "Vahn calls us a family." She shakes her head. "Let's talk about something else, please. Maybe something of the famous Tekal family?" She forces a smile, and hopes it'll turn genuine again soon. She wants the perfect night to continue.
Sol:
He cleared his throat softly, but nodded. "Famous Tekals," he echoed with a sigh, "What would you like to know?"
Trinity:
"Honestly, everything." She grins with a blush. "But that might take awhile. How about.. tell me your favorite heroic story?"
Sol:
He put his utensil down and looked at her, almost laughing nervously, "You really want me to tell you?"
Trinity:
She takes a bite and smiles to him, nodding her head encouragingly.
Sol:
"Well, uhm, alright," he gave a small nod and a moment of thought, "My mother," he started, "Was a Jedi Master. One of the most norotious Jedi to ever fly the spacelanes," he took up his utensil and kept talking, "During the war with The Protectorate she had come and gone from Naboo numerous times. My brother and I were delivered to her, there, after the death of our father. She had sent us off for informal training with The Jedi. We wound up doing supply runs for The Order. Anyway, I digress. Mom had gone back to Corellia for a small retreat. She hadn't been feeling too well. The stress of things had settled on her. While she was relaxing, she got a call from a man named Ashton Moonrider. He was a Jedi Master on Naboo. He requested her return for some urgent matters. When she returned, she found him to be a Dark Jedi Master calling himself Phobos. He tried to get her to submit to his will. Mom stood up to him. She took a beating, but lived to escape and fight another day. Phobos used footage of the battle, he altered it, to call foul on the Jedi. He pointed the finger and called my mother an assassin. He did it to taunt a Sith by the name of Ith'li Shaon, my mother's best friend, in to war. Phobos got his war, but it ended with The Order getting his head."
Trinity:
Trinity hangs on every word, enthralled. Hapes had missed most of the war luckily, and only some knowledge of it had gotten through. The story Solomon told was amazing. Her eyes wide as it gets more fantastical as it goes on, her food long forgotten. "Wow.." she finally breathes out as Sol ended. "Your mother stood toe to toe with Phobos and lived! And she was best friends with a Sith?" She whistles and laughs. "Now I know why the Tekals are so famous."
Sol:
"-Mom- was famous," he corrected with a grin, "It was a shock to the order when her children showed up and she claimed us as her's. The knowledge never went beyond the walls of The Order. For our own protection," he offered, "Her death was never made public. She still has plenty of enemies who would sweat themselves silly to get thier hands on one of us."
Trinity:
She gasps, not having known his mother was dead either. "Oh, Sol. I'm so sorry.."
Sol:
"Its alright. There are no public records of it, its not spread about the galaxy, and it needs to stay that way. -This- goes no further than this table." There was a great deal to be said about misinformation. Keeping the idea that Murra Tekal still roamed the galaxy could keep a lot of people on their toes.
Trinity:
She nods several times. "I will never breathe a word of it, to anyone." She pauses a moment. "Is it difficult not being able to publicly mourn her loss? To have to pretend she's still alive?"
Sol:
"No," he shook his head, "We had our time to mourn, and its more the need to keep her reputation going than it is to pretend she still lives. As I said, she made a lot of enemies, and those enemies have no idea that we exist. She was very careful to keep her professional life seperate from her personal life. Should we decide to mourn her publicly, we inherit her enemies."
Trinity:
She nods slowly. She still doesn't quite understand, but she knows enough to let it go. The notion of family was twisted for the young girl.. not that the Tekal way was normal by any means. "That's still a difficult thing to live with. Looming danger. Is that why you're so cautious, so observant?"
Sol:
"Partially," he said with a small nod, "I've ...not had a very comfortable life," he paused and shook his head, "I've come to expect threats no matter where I am, or who I am with. It doesn't make for easy interpersonal skills. Even at this moment," he revealed, "I am sitting here wondering who else has heard our conversation. I'm aware of who has been watching us and who hasn't. I know where the security cameras are, and I have control over the automated systems of the place. Even now, after we've gotten as close as we have, I find myself wondering how much of this will make it back to Vahn, or what will be leaked to someone who can make use of it."
Trinity:
Trin nods, finally understanding a little more about why he was the way he was. She squeezes his hand again. "I won't say a word, and no one will be able to get it from me." A pause. "..Part of the training, resisting interrogation, both physically and through the Force."
Sol:
"I appreciate your discretion," He told her with a small smile, "You might have to take me over the interrogation resistance sometime. It could come in handy." It could have come in handy....
Trinity:
She goes quiet at the suggestion for a long moment, her smile fading. "I don't think I could.." her voice goes softer. "It's.. well, at least the way I was taught. It's intense."
Sol:
"Hm, maybe I'll bring it up to Vahn," His voice was unintentionally gruff. The implications of her response had him on edge again, "Or maybe we should stay away from talking about work? It seems to be a trigger for us both."
Trinity:
"I think you're right," her voice still soft, her mind dragged somewhere else again. Where was all this coming from? She didn't understand it. Thoughts. Memories. She shakes her head, shaking free. "No more work," she speaks up a little more, taking another bite of food that was now starting to get cold.
Sol:
Silence, again. Solomon was working through staying open. The urge was there to cut off, to pull into himself and disappear into professionalism. He had given her a great big huge look into what made Solomon Tekal tick, and the paranoia that he ran on. He had spilled the beans on several things that could come back to bite him in the ass. It just depended on who was watching, and how closely they were paying attention. Without The Force, he had no way of subtly scanning the dinners around them. He had to trust his systems, and he had to trust her. "We've come so far off from where I had hoped this would take us," he said after a while, once more putting his utensil down, "And if I have caused discomfort in you due to this, I am deeply sorry."
Trinity:
Her hand in his squeezes again. "This isn't your fault. I think perhaps this has opened my eyes to some work related things that need to be figured out... at a later time," she adds the last part with a smile. "And if I caused any discomfort, if I pushed you.. I am deeply sorry as well."
Sol:
"We're fine," He told her, meetinf her gaze, "I think the room is just getting to me. Thats not your fault, not at all."
Trinity:
Trinity smiles again. "We can go if you need. Maybe find a quiet park, or something less crowded?"
Sol:
A park. Fresher air, more open space. He breathed out and gave a small nod, "Yes, that sounds like a good idea." Get up and moving. Keep moving. Who would watch them? Sitting back slightly, he glanced around for their waiter. Having found him, eye contact was made and they would soon have their meal paid for, and they would be on their way.
Trinity:
Trinity would take one last bite of the tasty meal while Sol paid, and as they step out of the restaurant, she glances down the street each way, trying to remember where the parks are in this part of the city.
Sol:
As they left the restaurant Sol took the time to unroll his sleeve, covering the scars that ran up his arms while Trin got her bearings, "Which way?" He would ask after a moment.
Trinity:
Her eyes close a moment as she stretches out with the Force, searching for guidance. A moment later she has her answer. "This way," she points across the street to a small walk path. "Shall we?"
Sol:
Sol eyed the small walk path, hesitating for a moment. This was better than being in a closed in area. "Of course," he said with a smile, offering her his arm. It would be far less likely that they would be interupted with her hanging on him. Paranoid thoughts. The backlash of being out in public for too long. They would die away.
Trinity:
She smiles, taking the arm and hugging herself against it briefly before they would begin heading across the street and towards said path. "Fresh air is always nice," she comments offhandedly.
Sol:
"It is," He replied softly. For a while he would walk with her, just enjoying the moment. Sol would let some time pass, giving himself a chance to relax out of his touchy state. When he spoke, he did so quietly, doing his best to not break the night around them, "Trinity, I need you to understand something, something my ex-wife just couldn't get."
Trinity:
Her body tenses just a little out of reflex when he speaks; it sounded ominous, but she forces herself to relax. "Yes, Solomon?"
Sol:
The tension was felt, and to reassure her, he gave her arm a gentle pat with his free hand, "My professional life comes first. Whatever may become of this time we share, it will always be duty first. If we become a couple, if things expand from this moment on, know that there may be times when you will not hear from me. It may be months before I am able to contact you, again. Also, do not ask about my work. I have friends you will never hear about, and there are jobs it is better that you have no details on. I do not wish to keep these things from you, I will not enjoy doing so. It will just be safer. For both of us."
Trinity:
Trinity smiles at the pat on her arm, but as Solomon begins speaking, she would stop walking and stare at him, listening. The Rules for Dating Solomon Tekal, it felt like. She tried to imagine what it would be like, to be committed to him only to have one day when he vanishes for months. Her heart hurts already just thinking about it. She glances away from him after he finishes, finding it hard to know what to say. She knows what he wants to hear, but she's not sure if she can do it. His ex-wife couldn't understand.. she could see why. Trinity takes a deep breath and looks back up to him. "I.. I need to think about that. Not asking about work, that's fine. Friends I don't know about? I can trust you. But going without knowing if you're okay? If you're still alive or dead or captured? For months..." A cold chill hits her and she shivers. No, even at this point she would worry for him. What would happen if they were more serious?
Sol:
"If I am on my own, I will call. If I am with my group, contact may be harder. I will never leave you in the dark like that. If I fail to contact you, well, the rammifications of that speak for themselves." He frowned, "I know it seems like a lot. But I can't sit still. I can't work a nine to five. I'm not wired that way, Trinity. I'm far too paranoid."
Trinity:
She nods at that. "That, I can understand. I know you have your work and it's atypical. I'm the same way. And I guess in a way, I come with my own stipulations. I go undercover from time to time. It's lasted four months at its longest, when I joined a local pirate gang. It could happen again. Hells, it could happen tomorrow." She shakes her head. "Could you handle that?"
Sol:
"As long as contact is made," he gave a small nod, and a pause, "She always told me that she never asked me to love her. She understood that I didn't call. That she just wanted me to stay." He frowned, "When I came back from the rifts, she didnt even ask if I was alright. Her concern? That I had left her alone for so long." He paused again, and shook his head, "I'm sorry. I just dont want to repeat the past."
Trinity:
Trinity shakes her head. "That's not love, that's possession. You don't have to worry about that from me. If you disappear into the rifts and I don't hear from you, it will take everything I have not to follow and find you, much less ask if you're okay when you return."
Sol:
He couldn't help it. Sol found himself smiling at that thought. She would have been right there with the family, risking it all to find him? Such a difference than Camille. "Its a relief to hear that," he told her, "And make no mistake, I would do the same. Hells help the bastard that would hurt someone I care about."
Trinity:
She smiles and nods. "Then Mr. Tekal, I believe we have a deal," she finishes with a grin. The idea that someone would look after her, come after her just because of who she is instead of because it's their job.. it touches her on level she never understood before.
Sol:
"Good, I'm glad we have an understanding," His grin was wide. For the first time, in a very long time, the world they were passing through didn't matter so much. What did matter was walking right beside him, her arm linked with his.
Trinity:
Her grin matches his, and she leans on his arm as they walk, enjoying his warmth. "I'm glad we have that out of the way so we can focus on the more important things."
Sol:
"What could be more important than that?" He asked quietly, shifting his arm just enough to give her his shoulder to lean against. "As far as I'm concerned we have our bases covered."
Trinity:
She leans into the shoulder happily, moving as close as possible. "The more important things," she repeats, "like enjoying our time together and not worrying about work and such things."
Sol:
"That does sound important," he agreed, tilting his head so ut rested against her's for a moment as they walked.
Trinity:
"Mmm.." she lets loose when his head touches her, enjoying the extra contact. "I could do this all night."
Sol:
"You'd be dead for work in the morning," he smiled, "And then Vahn would be all over for keeping you out late. Sorry, Trinity, but I am working very hard to stay on his good side. Eventually, I will have to get you home."
Trinity:
She chuckles at that. "Don't worry, part of our training is to be able to go without sleep for extended periods of time. I've survived two weeks on just a half hour of sleep per day."
Sol:
"Force Use, or circadian manipulation?" He asked lifting his head so he could look down at her a bit in curiosity.
Trinity:
"A combination," she answers. "Same for food and water."
Sol:
"I cant say that the Jedi go through similar things. Personal experience, though, its amazing what you have to teach yourself, and forgive yourself for, just to survive the galaxy."
Trinity:
She nods but doesn't say anything instead cuddling closer to him as they walk.
Sol:
Gently, softly, he kissed the top of her head before sighing, "Darien is going to eat me alive for this," he was smiling again, his eyes on the dimly lit world around them. For a man who was so typically fine with silence, he couldn't stop himself from filling the night with noise. What was he so nervous about?
Trinity:
Trinity was oblivious to any nervous talking, she merely assumed he enjoyed it. "Darien will be happy for you. Anything else and he'll answer to me." She laughs lightly, and at the kiss to her head, she slips her right arm around him to squeeze with a hug.
Sol:
"Then, I am sure he will behave himself," that arm she slipped around him caused a brief moment of tension, and then it was gone in a flash. His arm, the one he had linked with her's unfolded, but only just so he could drape it across her shoulders.
Trinity:
She tensed at his tension, but it vanished soon after he relaxed. She was still learning him, learning what he likes, what bothers him. These things she filed away for future use. "He's a wise man then." She grins. "Thank you for an amazing evening, Sol. I'm glad we could do this." She rests her head on his chest now as they walked, listening to his heartbeat.
Sol:
Holding her close as they walked, Solomon was careful with his steps. Trinity was comfortable against him, he did his best to keep it that way. The pace was nice and even, leasurely. His heartbeat to her ear would be strong, the feeling of him solid. He was possibly stronger than he looked. They would walk like that for a while, Sol content to just let it be. Content. He was content. There were no problems for him to face, no systems to slice, or Masters to appease. There were no Mandals to rush off and talk with. No meetings to attend. There were no snipers, or lightsabers, or blasters. Let it last as long as possible, he prayed. (Repost
Trinity:
If they weren't walking, Trin thinks she could have fallen asleep on his chest, listening to his strong heart rate. She has never been more comfortable in all her life and she meant it when she earlier said she didn't want it to end. Silently they walk, through the park and inevitably on the other side.. To the street that would lead to her apartment. She hesitates when they reach that street, knowing that it would all have to come to a close.
Sol:
Her hesitation brought him to a stop. "Are you alright?" His concern was soft. She hadn't bounded off like she had the night before, she just hesitated in step. Something was ahead that she didn't want to face. It was no outward threat, she was still far too relaxed for that. So something passive.
Trinity:
"Oh.. Sorry. It's fine, just.." She bites her bottom lip. "We're close to my apartment." She sounded unhappy with that idea.
Sol:
"Your apartment?" His head lifted as he looked around them. It was too soon. He, himself, was feeling the burden of those words. "Its alright," he told her, "I dont have to go back to the palace tonight."
Trinity:
She felt a momentary panic at those words. "I.. " she had a hard time putting the words together. "I didn't mean to suggest.." Another hesitation. "I just meant.. I didn't want the night to end yet."
Sol:
"I'm not Darien," He said gently, "Nothing needs to happen. If the thought maked you uneasy, I understand. Just," He swallowed, "Allow me to see you to your door."
Trinity:
She breathes out a sigh of relief, all panic leaving you. "I'm sorry, I just have really bad role models in my life." She chuckles a bit, though still a few nerves are present. "You can come in, I can trust you."
Sol:
"I have a few bad role models myself, I understand." His smile was barely there, "I'm glad you trust me but I wont push your boundaries. Are you sure you are okay with this?"
Trinity:
"I am." She says more resolutely. "You promise nothing happens and I feel safe."
Sol:
"Nothing will happen," He promised resolutely.
Trinity:
"And I feel safe," she answers with a smile. "Just don't judge the apartment too harshly. I've never been the homemaker type.."
Sol:
"It can't be all that bad if its livable," he offered her his arm once more, "which way?"
Trinity:
"Straight ahead." She says, the slight nervous tone still in her voice. But her steps are purposeful as they move forward, heading down the street. It's a few minutes and several blocks later, they arrive. The apartment building is huge and not near one of the nicest. They enter a rackety lift and head to the 30th floor where they get off, and her apartment is three doors down on the right. At the door she pauses, just a moment, before inserting her keycard and opening it. Inside.. It looks practically bare. Perfectly clean, but only minimal furniture and nothing personal. No pictures, no art, nothing.
Sol:
Sol had moved with her. Once they reached the apartment, and they were inside, Sol took a look at the meager furnishings and non-personalized space. "Are you sure you live here? It looks less like a home, and more like a safe house." As soon as he said it, Sol winced, "I'm sorry. That came out wrong."
Trinity:
She chuckles at his comment, then even more when he winces. "Actually, it was a safe house at one point, Director Vahn gave it to me. I do little more than sleep here, so I've never bothered.." she blushes a little, starting to feel embarrassed.
Sol:
"He gave it to you?" His concern was showing, "Its a lovely place," he then said, his smile growing in hopes of not embarrassing her further. He did, though, move away from her in order to inspect the place. His number one concern, now, was that she was being watched by the director.
Trinity:
"He did. We each were given apartments." She smiles at his. "Can I get you a drink? No alcohol," she adds with a grin. And of course the apartment is bugged. Audio and video in every room except the refresher.
Sol:
"Water is fine," he said, "Thank you," his datapad would be pulled out as she would move to get the drinks. During that time, Sol would be testing the security of the apartment. Not just the building, but the room by room surveillance. He would be done by the time she got back.
Trinity:
She would return with two glasses of water a few minutes, handing one to him. The living room, which they're in, has only one small couch and one chair. She moves to the couch, and smiles to Sol, waiting for him to join her.
Sol:
There would be no hesitation to join her on the couch. His smile, as he sat, was warm. Behind his eyes, though, he was thinking. Sol was mentally at work disecting the little set of rooms. Where were the bugs located? How were they being watched? The optimal connection speeds and relays and.... he sipped at his water. She was safe here. The cameras and mics had a dual purpose. Yes, she was being watched. Yes, it was creepy, and stalkerish. Yes, it was offensive and invasive. Trinity, though, was protected due to these protocols. If something were to happen to her, in the apartment, it would be picked up without a doubt. "I can take the sofa," he told her, blinking out of his thoughts. That way he would be able to see the door...
Trinity:
"Are you sure?" She asks, but bites her bottom lip and soon as she does. What other option is there? It's a tiny one bedroom apartment, with just a kitchen, living room, and refresher. Where else could he stay but in her bed with her? No, that was too dangerous. Well, not dangerous, but too soon.
Sol:
"I'm sure," he said with a small nod. There was so very little space here, and none of it belonged to him. Yes, he was absolutely sure. Solomon smiled at her, "I'm a rough sleeper anyway. There is no reason to make you suffer my restlessness."
Trinity:
She smiles, then blushes slightly at the thought of 'suffering his restlessness'. "Er. Okay." She shoves the impure thoughts from her mind and brings the smile back once more. She watches him a moment, wondering what happens next.
Sol:
His smile softened, and he shifted, placing his glass on the floor next to the sofa. He was then reaching for her's. "We should try to get some sleep," he said as he moved.
Trinity:
Her smile fades just a little as he speaks and reaches for her glass. Instead of handing it over, she leans into him for a kiss, her free hand wrapping around his head if he so let's her.
Sol:
The action was unexpected, but not unwelcome. He didn't avoid the kiss by any means. Solomon met her lips with his own, his right hand moving up to glide back through her hair toward the back of her head where he would gently hold her. Whoever was watching? Let them see. Sol would tare through anyone who wanted to stand in his way. There was a bit more force behind this kiss from Solomon. His protectiveness was a driving factor. Trinity was not property by any means, but she was now under his protection. His territory had been staked, and now marked.
Trinity:
She met his intensity with her own, pressing closer to him, feeling a need within to do so. She felt something from him, a need that wasn't quite the same as hers, but she cherishes the feeling anyway. No one had ever made her feel this way before. It just felt so perfect. Her hand begins to caress the back of his head as the kiss deepens.
Sol:
He pulled away just slightly, reaching for her, inviting her onto his lap. This would be the closest they had been during an intimate moment. He wanted it. He needed her closer. It had been so long since he had opened himself up like this.
Trinity:
She would move instantly, legs wrapping around as she settles in his lap, knees pressing into the couch on either side. She knows the danger this could possess, but she ignores it, for now needing more from him. The glass now left behind and forgotten, both hands move to cup his cheeks, her bright green eyes staring into his. A loving gaze if ever there was one.
Sol:
Nothing will happen. His promise echoed through his mind as she settled onto his lap, his hands moving to settle at her small waist. Sol smiled up at her, at ease with her touch. "Kiss me," he requested softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Trinity:
His words were her command. She leans her head in instantly, her lips closing on his. The kiss starts out light but builds in intensity. Her hands run through his hair and grip onto his head, pulling him closer still.
Sol:
Desire was budding within him. It had started as the tiniest speck of want when their lips met. The closer she got, the more of her Solomon wanted, the more he needed. With Trinity's fingers working through his hair, and his lips working against her own, Sol felt himself letting go. He moaned softly against her kiss, tension and paranoia slipping into nothing more than a memory. His hands at her waist tightened slightly, his fingers curling and uncurling just enough for the slightest bit of motion.
Trinity:
Instinctively her hips begin to move in his lap without her even realizing it. Her focus was on the kiss, and the kiss was incredible. Her desire showing as the kiss continues, her tongue moving gingerly towards his lips, exploring new territory.
Sol:
When she deepened the experience, Sol responded willingly. He welcomed her tongue, his mouth opening with a breathless sigh as their tongues met. He kept the rhythm slow, wanting to experience every last ounce of sensation. It was almost torturous. Her hips rocking against his, brought a deep deep shiver of anticipation from him. From her waist he took control, using her position against her. It was his tempo, and he guided her through it with gently applied pressure to her sides.
Trinity:
She let him take control without thought, as if something within her was ingrained to follow rather than lead. A soft whimper escapes her lips during the kiss, her body reacting to the new stimulation. Her tongue explores his, then his mouth, her inexperience likely showing through. Finally she breaks the kiss and takes a deep breath, taking a moment to hold onto his head and stare into those eyes once more.
Sol:
His body had grown taught beneath her shifting hips. Every movement of her body against his had brought a small sound of want from him. It wouldn't take much for him to give full consent by the time she had pulled back from the kiss. His fingers danced up and down her sides lightly as Sol met her gaze. He was burning for her, begging without a word being said. He was breathless, and lightheaded, and so enthralled. This moment, the want and desire, the flame that was pumping through him, was for her. She had given it life within him. Smiling softly, Solomon finally found some shred of his voice in the midst of the moment, "So much for promises."