She sends a nod. I have more Artefacts to talk to, the two from yesterday's battle. I could loop you in, I can do three-way telepathy, but it'd be a bit of an exertion today. I can relay questions, though. To our hosts, too.

Hm, you needn't loop me in if it would be straining. I would be more than willing to offer advice and information should they prove less cooperative than I, however. 

I may be interested in speaking to our hosts at some point - I am quite curious how human society has progressed since I last had the chance to examine it - but it can wait until a more opportune moment. 

I mostly intend to explain the situation and ask what they'd like to do - one's wielder is dead, and I'll give her the opportunity to look at the options here through my senses, and stay with us if she likes that better than any of her bonding prospects here. The other's is captured; I'm not sure what he'll want, given that I'm unwilling to reunite them unless his wielder defects - I'm not planning on talking to her until tomorrow when I'm fresh.

Hm, unless the wielder is a truly bad match that one is unlikely to be cooperative, he warns her. 

I expect there's not much he can do to me; there's no harm in trying. I suppose I should find out what the usual approach to handling prisoners is here before I decide what I'll do with them in the long term.

Agreement, That does seem wise, yes. 

I'll wait to talk to him until I have a firmer plan, I think. I'll let you know how it goes with the other one.

I will look forward to it, he agrees. 

Tomorrow, then. And with some luck I'll be able to introduce you to everyone.

Anticipation, It will be interesting to be able to speak with more than one person at a time! 

I'm sure. Soon.

Yes. He offers her his gratitude and appreciation for her company, and then his attention turns to other things. 

She drops the connection, updates DZ, and goes to find the Book.

Hello, she sends.

Startlement, Who speaks? 

The Sith. I have powers that are unique in this world, including telepathy.

Unique - you are the one who killed my Tania? There is some hostility to her mental tone, though she mostly feels weary. 

Why do you speak to me?

I am, she acknowledges. It wasn't personal; there's a war. I'm here to offer you the opportunity to see my allies through my senses, to see if any of them would be acceptable to you as a wielder, and to find out what you want to do, if you don't want any of them.

Muted anger, weary understanding. 

I would appreciate time to grieve, she says, after a long moment. But if your telepathy allows you to evaluate potential wielders, I may take you up on the offer in time. She pauses again, If none are suited, I would like to be returned to Tania's daughter, if possible, she adds. 

Understandable. Do you have any questions for me, while I have the connection?

What happened to her body? She pauses, Never mind, I doubt it is what she would want either way. No, thank you for asking. Please give me a few days before you contact me next. 

Sigh. I might be able to arrange it, if you know what she would have preferred.

She restrains herself from making a caustic comment. She was of Kiyin. Her people burn their dead, and return the ashes to the place of their birth to be released. It would not be a simple task. Kiyin was among the first nations conquered in this most recent war. There is still much Imperial oversight there. 

I expect to outlive the war, one way or the other; I might not be able to do it quickly, but I'll try.

I'll leave you be for now; I'll want to know anything you can tell me about how to return you to her family, when we speak again.

She offers a whisper of surprised gratitude, and then turns her attention inward. 

And Deskyl breaks the connection.

She's got DZ with her when she goes looking for Jaim, at lunchtime.