[ If not for the fact that Jessica was very much like her second mother, Bastila would eye her with distrust. Out of respect for her being her second mother, if not her mother, she limits that to mere wariness. Still, sometimes that feeling that she cannot trust the other woman rises up despite her best efforts to push it aside. Now is one of those moments.
She may not be privy to everything that Jessica knows, but even Bastila can recognize that all of them are pieces on a chessboard, subject to plans within plans that change at the slightest blow of wind. And when Bastila thinks of it in that way, she could also see that perhaps Jessica is not in control of every plan either. ]
Emotionless? Sometimes. Heartless? Never. If I might say it, I can tell the difference between when you must act a certain way, not letting your emotions through and someone who is heartless, without emotions at all. I know that is not you. [ She feels as though she can say that with confidence, because from what she knows of Jessica, she is anything but heartless. If she were, she would not have made the choices that she has. Paul would not be here, for one. And, of course, Bastila would have to be blind to not see that Jessica loves Leto very much. ]
But you do disapprove of what I might feel for Paul. [ It is not a question but rather a statement. Jessica might attempt to deny it and she might not, but Bastila believes it to be true. There is no room for romantic entanglements, not where Paul is concerned. ] I suppose I should also temper my own feelings, should I not?
[ Perhaps she is incorrect, and perhaps she is reading things into Jessica's words that are not there, but she imagines that is also on Jessica's mind, even if she leaves it unsaid. ]
Plans within plans, yes? [ Bastila shakes her head once. She dislikes the meddling and manipulation of the Bene Gesserit, even as someone who has received some level of training in the Bene Gesserit way. I do not wish to become like one of them, not entirely. If I do, I feel as though I will lose myself- what makes me myself. ]
The Reverend Mother Superior wishes to speak with me? Why? For what purpose?
[ The answer seems to come moments after Bastila's question, but it hardly clears things up for her. ]
Why speak with me if she is here for Paul? Is it necessary for her to test him? [ She can tell from Jessica's reactions and movements that the test waiting for Paul is not going to be an easy one. Jessica's hand shakes, and Bastila's echoes the movement although she is quick to clench her fists to try and hide it. ] Why is this necessary?
[ She knows she is skirting the line of propriety and she should be reprimanded for questioning Jessica in this way, but she finds that she can hardly help herself. ]
no subject
She may not be privy to everything that Jessica knows, but even Bastila can recognize that all of them are pieces on a chessboard, subject to plans within plans that change at the slightest blow of wind. And when Bastila thinks of it in that way, she could also see that perhaps Jessica is not in control of every plan either. ]
Emotionless? Sometimes. Heartless? Never. If I might say it, I can tell the difference between when you must act a certain way, not letting your emotions through and someone who is heartless, without emotions at all. I know that is not you. [ She feels as though she can say that with confidence, because from what she knows of Jessica, she is anything but heartless. If she were, she would not have made the choices that she has. Paul would not be here, for one. And, of course, Bastila would have to be blind to not see that Jessica loves Leto very much. ]
But you do disapprove of what I might feel for Paul. [ It is not a question but rather a statement. Jessica might attempt to deny it and she might not, but Bastila believes it to be true. There is no room for romantic entanglements, not where Paul is concerned. ] I suppose I should also temper my own feelings, should I not?
[ Perhaps she is incorrect, and perhaps she is reading things into Jessica's words that are not there, but she imagines that is also on Jessica's mind, even if she leaves it unsaid. ]
Plans within plans, yes? [ Bastila shakes her head once. She dislikes the meddling and manipulation of the Bene Gesserit, even as someone who has received some level of training in the Bene Gesserit way. I do not wish to become like one of them, not entirely. If I do, I feel as though I will lose myself- what makes me myself. ]
The Reverend Mother Superior wishes to speak with me? Why? For what purpose?
[ The answer seems to come moments after Bastila's question, but it hardly clears things up for her. ]
Why speak with me if she is here for Paul? Is it necessary for her to test him? [ She can tell from Jessica's reactions and movements that the test waiting for Paul is not going to be an easy one. Jessica's hand shakes, and Bastila's echoes the movement although she is quick to clench her fists to try and hide it. ] Why is this necessary?
[ She knows she is skirting the line of propriety and she should be reprimanded for questioning Jessica in this way, but she finds that she can hardly help herself. ]