(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/bloodandhonor/images/7/7f/Kel_Dor.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120511114908)<br/><br/>Behind the mask Shaa Raa was smiling.  It was impossible not to be swept up by Asuna's cheerful nature.   It didn't hurt that she was probably the only person in the room shorter than him.  He looked down at the pastry the exuberant Zelton had placed in his hand.  It certainly looked like something that he would have enjoyed, had he the opportunity to sample it.  The breathing mask made eating something of a chore however.  He'd taste it later.  Enthusiasm didn't necessarily mean proficiency.  He'd discovered that while trying to endure his sister's childhood passion for cooking.<br/><br/>The lightsaber drew his attention for a number of reasons.  The Zelton didn't exactly fit within the Jedi's strict image, so to see one armed in such a way spoke volumes about her ability.  It didn't help that his mind turned immediately back to old habits.  Within a few seconds he'd determined the approximate price he could have gotten for the weapon both on the open and black markets.  He also wondered how a vibroblade would stand up against a lightsaber.  If he could dig up a spare vibrodagger, he'd have to ask Asuna if she was willing to help him experiment.<em>Now I only need to get her not to call me Shay.</em><br/><br/>He turned his attention back to the Yhuuzan Vong.<em>Scourge of the Galaxy.  Organic technology.  Not affected by the Force or so the rumours say.  Short and to the point.  Likely a military background, from the way she sits as well as from her manner.  I probably won't get many chances to speak to a Yhuuzan Vong in a friendly manner.  I should get as much information out of her as possible.</em><br/><br/>He continued his scrutiny of the people in the room.  He certainly wanted to see Kiara curve that blaster bolt, although he expected that it was hyperbole.  Still, the was a self admitted Force user, if not a Jedi.  There were a lot of Force traditions in the galaxy.  Sith.  Jedi.  Even the Baran Do sages.  It was something he couldn't do but that didn't stop anyone else from exploring that advantage.  It was like an extra sense or a species trait that most others didn't have.  He had the ability to breathe the Dorian atmosphere.  Kiara could curve blaster bolts.  He couldn't pull off that trick without using mirrors but then she'd die of suffocation without assistance if she entered his quarters.  It was trade off.  Mirrors were easier to get than respirator masks.  Perhaps it was something peculiar to the Kry.  If it was, it certainly wouldn't be the only thing peculiar about them.<br/><br/>The Chiss ambassador was another from a military background.  She was likely less than thrilled with Asuna, unimpressed by him, skeptical of Kiara's boast and wary of the Vong.<em>Certainly a mixed bag of skills.  A little skewed towards female but that shouldn't present an issue.  In the majority of species, the female is larger and deadlier than the male.  Of all of them, I think Asuna is the most likely to go that extra step to protect someone else, although I could be wrong.  First impressions aren't always correct.  One of the others might take a shine to me.  Not that I'd take that bet.  They all have their pros and cons.  I'll need to be straight up with the Zelton.  They're empathic and she'd sense any ulterior motive.  Kiara too.  Force users are hard to lie to and harder to manipulate.</em><br/><br/>"Colonel?  Is there going to be an official rank structure within this group?  I'm sure there are a few of us who would be more comfortable knowing where they sit within the authority paradigm."<em>And the opening shot is fired.  It can't be said that I don't like stirring the port but knowing where I stand would certainly be helpful.  I'm likely outranked by the Jedi and the Ambassador, the Vong doctor will be outside the regular chain of command, which leaves it between me and Kiara as to who is the bottom bitch.  I'm not liking my odds.  It's going to be hard to get a leg up on a Force user, especially if her curved bolt isn't just a gimmick... </em>