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[the_force_abides]

[Previously, Quin finds himself in a trap which Ibani rescues him from.]

With the kids all situated in their sleeping quarters, Quin makes his way forward to finally face his wife's reaction to his misadventure. She had been withdrawn when they had met face to face after he got Ibani on her way and, knowing his wife, he had stepped back to allow her to simmer as she needed. He knew he had been reckless and foolish, she just needed the time to find her own way to tell him.

He had been expecting to face her. He had not been expecting to face the holographic form of his once master Tholme as well. Sighing, he stepped forward to face whatever this was.

Comments

[the_force_abides]

"I asked Tholme to join this discussion since I think it will effect any future activities we all engage in," Khaleen said with a tight smile. "I've already outlined what happened and told him about your Sith."

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The holograph of Tholme merely crosses his arms and stands attentive.

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"OK," Quin says stepping forward so the door can close. He takes the NavCom seat which will give him a good view of both Khaleen and Tholme. In a way, he's glad Khaleen told Tholme about Ibani because he had no idea how he was ever going to tell his once-master; Milliways had been trying enough.

"First, I'd like to say I know I was foolish. The mission was impulsive and I should have thought it through instead of reacting."

[the_force_abides]

"Well, that's good to hear. Now you can say you will never do it again. But make sure you really mean it."

[the_force_abides]

"What Khaleen is concerned with is that while you know it was foolhardy, you are likely to convince yourself again that the risk is work the payoff." Tholme says, his voice tinged with static through the subspace.

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"Fair enough," Quin replies with a smile. They both know him too well. "What do you propose?"

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"Simple. For now on, any mission only happens with at least two people and with a third in communication. I don't care how tempting the target. I don't care if the Emperor himself is dancing like a Twi'lek in the cantina you are relaxing in, you do nothing unless you have one of us with you and a third on the comm or at least in communication."

"This is not negotiable. I believe in this mission, but I will not sacrifice our family for it. You have a responsibility to me and the kids."

[the_force_abides]

"Wait, I never agreed..."

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"No. I think Khaleen is right. We need to think of our lives as well as those we can help. Does Ibani count as a second? If I can find her?"

[the_force_abides]

Khaleen is silent as she ponders.

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Tholme is silent for a brief second before he asks, "Can you truly trust this Sith from the past?"

[the_force_abides]

"I would trust her with my life," Quin replies. "Though not with my family I must admit. I don't think she would purposefully harm them but I refuse to gamble with them."

"Some day, I should introduce you. On neutral ground, of course."

[the_force_abides]

"Ibani may count as a second but not as the communication. She has no contacts here," Khaleen finally allows. "And yes, despite my better judgement, I think she can be trusted. Not with the kids though. Not yet."

[the_force_abides]

"Very well. I am at your disposal, though do try to give me at least a rotation's notice before to show up," Tholme says before signing off.

[the_force_abides]

Once Tholme is gone, Khaleen stands and approaches Quin. She grabs his collar and leans in.

"I have your word on this?"

[the_force_abides]

"Yes. I swear."

[the_force_abides]

"Good," she says before pulling him into a kiss.

[the_force_abides]

Leaning back in his chair and taking a long pull of his tankard of ne'trav gal, Tholme thought of what contacts and resources he could bring to bear for this project of theirs. That is until the conversation at the table behind him seeped into his awareness.

"I'm telling you, there is a new Sith or inquisitor in the system. He defeated three bounty hunters and four inquisitors to claim the head of a jedi!"

"Bah, stories and boring ones at that."

"No! Not stories. My hatch-mate was there. Kallig, the new Sith was called. Listen for him I tell you."

Tholme sat and listened. He wondered if this counted as a mission in Khaleen's eyes and if he should call for backup. Laughing, he decided to just keep his ears open for now. If it came up again, he'd tell Quinlan about it and they would decide what to do.