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[Eugen Aker]

Drystan didn't tell her much about the leader, but Jyoti was able to gather enough from her explanation of the organization's hierarchy. It wasn't too different from the operation of the Shadows themselves, really, information compartmentalized to mitigate the risk of any leaks.

The leader and her top lieutenants appeared to be quite cautious and calculating in the way they organized themselves and were gradually spreading their tendrils across the galaxy.

She had definitely been right on the credits to keep an eye on them.

However, a new issue presented itself as Drystan continued, switching in basic to voice her difficulties with maintaining her alias. Jyoti could empathize better than she could ever tell Drystan, almost never able to let her cover down.

"When we craft a persona or completely new identity for ourselves, what springs up doesn't come from nothing. Within Ivory Stroud, there is an aspect of yourself being magnified and played out. The thing is, this 'presence' you speak of has always been within you."

She stretched out, trying to get a better angle on the blonde's face. "Would you say that you enjoy playing Ivory?"

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan had been considering Jyoti's perspective on the state of her perception when the Grandmaster asked her question.

Drystan said nothing for a few short moments as her facial expressions played out an internal monologue - a furrowed brow transformed into the raised eyebrows of mild surprise before it settled into a calm born of understanding.

"...Yes." The blonde woman's hazel eyes rose to meet the silvered gaze of the Grandmaster, and a twinge of concern was visible at the core of Drystan's soul. Quickly, she continued, shifting in her chair, "But, not for the reasons you might think." She seemed uncomfortable for a moment then seemed to relax, turning her gaze to the glass she held. "Whatever Ivory is, I think you're right, she is a part of me... but I," She indicated herself, again meeting Jyoti's steel gaze, "Am a part of her."

"At first, she was a character of convenience; a persona created on the fly, in order to answer a summons - but, she's moved like water, filling in empty spaces. She's acquired keys, certainly - and perhaps The Force has guided me in ways I hadn't thought of. It has seemed, more than once, that my past assignments in The Alliance prepared me for this better than I could have dreamed... Past haunts, old contacts, slips of information & casual conversation have become footholds into an Underworld I'd only briefly touched before."

Drystan offered a sheepish smile, reaching up to tuck a strand of blonde hair behind one ear...

"I can do this, Jyoti." She said with conviction.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"]