Saren nodded with that grimly intense look in his eye as Tal’keala assured her loyalty. He believed the intention in her words, and felt that he had succeeded in making some personal connection with her. It was that connection that would save his life, he knew. He felt everyone was against him, and in this case not only were the regular problems present, but now he had a god-like being trying to defeat him. He nodded, in a way that perhaps seemed idle, as she spoke. However idle his attentions might have been, when he did meet her eye, he seemed to realize each time how close they were to him. He had to stop himself from studying the deep chestnut colored irises blazing back at him. He allowed himself to notice, and appreciate, the motion of her lips when she spoke, again so close he could feel their touch if he only moved closer; but he did not.
He slid his hand up her forearm, pressing closer to her, as he peered past them with an intense, paranoid gaze, and answered her question, “It’s not a myth.” He spoke with force, though he knew there was a chance that what he suspected might not actually be the case. “If it’s what I think it is,” he added, glancing back at her. “Then we’ll have control over the rebels and anyone else in my…our way.” He gave her a hard look, and his hand slipped from her arm to her back; he wanted to leave this room and get this on with it. It was easy enough for him to think on his feet as long as he had enough momentum behind him. “But I must have access to this weapon, alone. Since you’ve been among them, Tal’keala, and know how to talk to them, you need to help me infiltrate their ranks. We must make them believe I’m here to help them; we must make them trust me enough to leave me with their weapon alone.”
“You!?” Tal’kaela gasped, “B-but--!” The soldier stopped herself from objecting and took a breath. She was obviously deeply concerned, and swallowed hard before continuing, “Yes, Sire; I’ll do everything in my power. I... Forgive me, but I think I should go ahead of you and see if they’d be open to help with tearing the kingdom down from the inside. I-- W-we don’t know how they’ll respond. I agreed to meet them tonight; I’ll plant the idea, observe their response, and report back.” Tal’kaela frowned, “At least, I’ll tell you what they tell me. But there is still a considerable risk involved... Perhaps I could bring someone to meet with you in a neutral location before I take you to their base...”