Mondder

Jade replied quietly, "For whatever it may be worth to you, I am glad to find that you are alive." Aware that something here was off, but not yet sure what it was as he spoke of 'unintended side effects' she clarified quickly, "in whatever form is possible." She thought back quickly, he'd seemed very well when she had seen him. "I would hope you have many years remaining to you." As he held out his hand to her, mixed emotions flooded her being, mostly memories of their duel back on Galantos. The fact that he trusted her thus much was a heartwarming surprise; however, it had been long enough that Jade was not, strictly speaking, comfortable discussing that event at the moment, or the feelings it had led to. Well, fine, as a general rule she didn't deal with the emotional side of her being. Most of the time it just hurt too much.

Anyway, it was on the tip of her tongue to ask him if he was sure about this, but she knew someone like the Admiral did not make uncalculated moves. So, she removed her right glove and reached out to take his hand in her own. She barely flinched as his fingers tightened around her own. Jade swallowed quickly, then 'looked' for him mentally. Unlike last time, this was more like walking down the corridors of a building that has long since been abandoned. She felt cold and unexpectedly lonely. Waiting only a few more seconds she made sure that this wasn't just a very strong mental block, as she'd had plenty of experience with things of that nature. And in fact, this was nothing of the kind. He just 'wasn't there.'

Green eyes looked up at Z'har in more than a bit of bewilderment as she finally asked the question, "What are these side effects that you refer to?" Caught up in the puzzle she was facing, she did not realize that she hadn't let go of his hand.

Z'har had just confirmed a damning truth indeed. I knew this, but to have him plainly tell me---either he trusted me more than I had anticipated, or he was going to kill me before all this was over. The war between the Mandalorians and the Jedi was predicated on Mandalorian hatred of the Force. Still, there are not very many easy ways to become cut off from the Force, other than perhaps temporary trauma. This would require meditation and maybe it was connected to the odd 'absent' impression I was getting. Naturally, I was not going to just inquire into that.

She nodded in understanding before removing her hand from his and pulling on her glove. "So, the Force cannot be used to affect you other than in telekinetic aspects? And you truly have no ability to influence it yourself?" If he did not wish to answer, she'd not press him further, at least not now. Besides, she had a bargain to keep. 

"Matango is the name you are looking for. Specifically, Adieumus. However, I expect his bounty to be lesser than mine!" she attempted to inject a fleetingly light note back into a conversation that had become both serious and personal pretty quickly. "Otherwise, I might have to augment my bank account further---"

Jade quirked an eyebrow at him as the tiniest hint of a smile danced on the corner of her lips. "What intentions do you have for me then, Z'har?"

Adi had never really talked much about his personal life, except that very first time they'd met back on Honoghr well over a year ago by now. She nodded, "Yes, I believe so. I do not think I have met her however." Whatever the Admiral had planned, she was glad she wasn't in Matango's shoes to discover it first-hand. And she knew quite well that he'd used this information to deflect her earlier question about the Force.

"So, your advisors do not consider me dangerous?" Jade smiled up at him mischievously, also rising and surreptitiously stashing the black rose he'd given her up the sleeve of her outer robe, which she had first put on. He was just as much taller than her than he'd always been. She found that sameness to be comfortable. Naturally, she was quite pleased not to be returned to a 'coffin' in a drugged state. "How about telling me where I am?" She didn't suppose he would actually stay out of the hunt for revenge, that simply wasn't his personality. But, he'd wished to spend more time with her, and if that happened, she would of course be able to keep an eye on him. Catching up would be nice. She'd actually thought about it in a wondering way over the past several years, not under these circumstances of course, but she was enjoying herself. "That would be nice. I assume you'll know where to find me!" She riposted with a rueful chuckle.

This place was definitely more plush than the Jedi Academy back on Corellia. Jade didn't think she'd mind a luxurious existence for a bit, particularly given her recent stint in some very cramped quarters. Evidently the Admiral knew how to take care of himself very well. She paused in the doorway, next to him. "It makes sense, but you never told me where you were located. I just assumed you would be on Mandalore itself since it is the capital planet of the empire."

A very definitely evil glint sparked in the depths of her green eyes as she looked up at him. He had a nice smile, and he was standing very close to her. "Sooo, I am in your power---Z'har?" She quizzically inquired of him. Yes, the normally dignified Jedi master was indeed on the verge of...flirtation? "Last time we were in close proximity I seem to remember you had the worst of it." Although, given their latest experiment it seemed he had the advantage of immunity in that regard. At least for now.

Centuries of history simply proved the truth of the Admiral's words. People often act irrationally when under the influence of an enthusiastic minority. In many cases, they do not even stop to question the motives behind the actions, ideas, and words that they accept on blind faith. One can have a great deal of influence from a secluded headquarters, and generally it is better for one's longevity to remain outside the immediate sphere of happening politics. Jade had been burned by the easily swayed opinions of the common populace several times when she was in her twenties and thirties. She'd learned the lesson well. The whim of a mob is never a good foundation on which to base a lasting edifice. This was another reason she regularly sought the solitude of nature and disappeared for days at a time into the mountains with only her pet vornskr for company. 

"I would have chosen the same." In fact, knowing this about her was one reason Serrin had given her the specific suite she had at the Corellian Jedi Temple. It was easy to drop out the window and vanish into the nearby woods. Not to mention she could see the rising sun.

She fully smiled in response to him, light dancing in her eyes as she reached up to take his hand in hers. "Well, if you have no pressing demands on your time right now, perhaps you'd consider enlightening me as to these...positive side effects?" Jade queried quietly as she stepped just a minuscule bit closer to the tall Zabrak.

I might regret this later, but for right now, I enjoyed the moment. Honesty would have compelled me to admit that I had occasionally imagined what it would be like to be this close to Z'har, but it would not be easy to actually say so in as many words. Time and circumstances had forced me to get used to being alone, but all those years ago, when Z'har and I had fought hand to hand on Galantos...I still could remember clearly the intensity of that moment.

"How is that possible?" She inquired lightly, allowing him to pull her closer until there wasn't any space left between the two of them. Jade wrapped one arm loosely around Z'har's back for a second before pulling him into a close hug for a few moments. This meeting really had not been what she expected either, but complaints did not seem to be called for at the moment. "Oh really?" She challenged him, light dancing in the depths of her eyes as she looked up at him. "Technically I suppose you could accuse me of having won due to skillful bending of the rules, because if it came to an outright contest of strength, well..." Her voice trailed off as she eyed his physique appreciatively.

A slight gasp was the only indication of surprise that Jade gave as Z'har suddenly swept her off her feet and carried her into the accommodations he'd set aside for her. Her right hand slid up to his shoulder and with her left she gestured towards the door, calling on the Force to both close and lock it. Of course, this was simply out of consideration for the Admiral: he seemed to not be in a mood for outside interruption.

"I suppose, perhaps, there is just an outside chance that I might be induced to concede on that point," she replied, looking up at him archly and suddenly shivering as the strengthening breeze outside hit her. One of the problems of spending too much of her childhood on a planet that was immoderately warm by most standards.

"Oh where's the fun in that?" she adroitly danced around the question, "it seems better for you to figure it out, more of a challenge wouldn't you say?" Daring him to rise to the occasion was of course probably dangerous, but she genuinely wanted to know what he'd do. She approved of the warmer climate, and looked again. A real steaming bath! Not the standard issue refresher. Jade heartily approved so far insomuch as she quickly stretched up and brushed a kiss against edge of Z'har's jaw.