Mondder

Jade was pretty convinced that 'back' was not the anatomically correct moniker for what the Admiral had just confessed to having his eyes on. Still, she was flattered. Though, if anyone else had evinced a similar opinion they would be regretting it right about now. She sighed. "I guess we should talk, though, put me down. I do not conduct negotiations from this sort of position!" Jade didn't simply hand out advantages.

As tempting as the offer to remain in Mondder was, she knew she couldn't just agree. She had too many responsibilities now. But, that didn't mean she couldn't visit. If she had any say in the matter, there would not be decades between herself and Z'har this time. Or...had he just offered to come with her? She blinked, then looked up at him narrowly to see what he was about and nearly lost herself in a pair of dark eyes gazing right back at her. "I'm sure a man with as many talents as yourself is more capable of being a guide than needing one..." she replied quietly.

Jade hopped up to sit comfortably in one of the crenellations as this placed her on a bit more level footing with Z'har. Now actually she was a bit higher than him though he was tall enough that he was still above her knee from where she was positioned. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, considering for a few moments what to say.

The tenor of my thoughts was a too convoluted for me to fully trace out in the moment, but I know that I enjoy his presence. I would like him to be part of my life. But, at the same time, we are on opposite sides of a fence. And while I deal with that personally and accept the risks for myself, I am responsible for the lives of others.

"Well," she finally spoke, "I would enjoy seeing you more, at least on a semi-regular basis, even on Corellia perhaps. But, given that my life and reputation would then be staked on you and your conduct," she hesitated, looking down at him with eyes that reflected inner turmoil that eventually settled into calm, "if you endanger the Jedi Order specifically upon Corellia, I do have the power to stop you." Given the seemingly mutual trust between the two of them, though both of them often challenged each other, they both had things they preferred to remain private. "At the very least," she leaned towards him, a half-smile twitching at the corners of her lips, "you'd be missing this body," she lightly carried through her movement and brushed a kiss against his lips.

Jade's eyes narrowed as she considered him closely. For all she knew his definition of 'avoidable' might lay lightyears away from her own. Still, she wished to trust him, in spite of the cynical inner voice that insisted on reminding her of all times she'd trust someone and been proven drastically wrong. Even blood relations could not always be relied on.

"In that case, I would greatly enjoy seeing you." She wondered whether among the Jedi he would rediscover his connection to the Force. That would be an interesting experiment.

Naturally Jade was too dignified to laugh, but "At least you kept the same first name, less confusion and potential mishap this way, although---" she let the last word drag out as she hopped off the wall and slowly circumambulated his newly introduced self before challenging him to meet her gaze directly, at which point she inquired, "Does this mean we have to get to know each other all over again?" She arched her eyebrows nearly up into her hair quizzically, placing her hands on her hips as she spoke.

Having him on Corellia would indeed be interesting. It would be a new experience for him to act the part of someone with much less power and authority than he'd been used to for decades now. Once one has become familiar with command it is hard to set that aside.

She would show him the sunset from the old Last-Dark cantina in Coronet City, if it was still there. She hadn't actually visited the city since she'd arrived planetside. She frowned. That was indeed an oversight and something she'd rectify in the near future. "Coronet City is both beautiful and dangerous. As well as corrupt and whatnot. Basically, a typical capital city with its own unique attractions."

He smiled as he thought over exactly want she probably had in mind.

-Z'har
I'm certain that additionally re-acquainting ourselves would do no harm. As for the dangers, that is why I have you with me. After all, what do I have to fear with you over me?

The double meaning of his words made his smile grow even larger. It was something he knew she would notice. The thought of seeing the galaxy again & mingling with the commoners certainly didn't hurt either.

Elsewhere in the Citadel, one of the communication officers received the message from Taung H'rel. Not knowing the significance of the name included, the clerk marked it as a War-Related update & of moderate-low importance before forwarding it to the list of things needing the admiral's attention.

-Z'har
Well, you do have certain advantages over them in that regard.

He casual states as he scoops her off her feet again.

-Z'har
How long do you plan on staying here before returning to the rest of the galaxy?

It was true that he also had things that he had to take care of. However, one of the benefits of being the primary ruler of a nation was a large supply of capable help willing to step in & prove their worth. He could afford to spend a little time becoming readjusted to the galaxy. A mischievous glint enters his eye.

-Z'har
Very well, I shall ask ye nicely my lady. Shall I ask standing? Or do you prefer on bended knee?

He smiled as he returns her to her feet & started walking back toward the fortress, one arm still wrapped around her waist.

-Z'har
Not now? Well, I guess I'll just have to save that gift for later then. In all seriousness though, it would please me greatly if you were to stay with me longer. I can arrange transport tomorrow to wherever it is that you find yourself drawn to. Once my own personal business out there is done, I will contact you to decide the time & place out our next meeting.

Z'har couldn't help but laugh as the woman raced out ahead of him like an overgrown child. Not bothering to hurry his pace, he took his time crossing the hanger deck. Once he had reached her, he calmly mounted the bike behind her.

-Z'har
So much for the dignity of the Jedi Order. Do you think you can manage to guide us across the courtyard without hitting anything?