Best taken...

[Froggy]

"You know, I've always envied the people who could accept a simplistic lifestyle..."

The smooth black marble floors were but a portion of the chemistry that amplified the man's voice. The visual and functional trade between the polished marble and the occasionally settled carpet baanced the strength that should have allowed an echo. What pronounced the man's voice further was instead the darker plated walls, broken with the occasional space needed for the large windows to one side or the various paintings of unnamed yet positively familiar people. It brought not only a newfound strength in his words that he found reassuring, it allowed him to be heard by even those who were not quite yet in his presence.

"...it's a wondrous thing, to see people happy with something as little as a flower or a glass of water. The very thought that anyone could embrace the joy of what they have then. It opens my eyes, to let me see just the misery that I lived through before, to enjoy the comforts that I do now..."

Palid Idcirco had managed a position not far from the windows themselves. His hands had been left to work with a bottle that he'd requested be left. Anybody else would have asked their servants to handle the lower-level work of opening a bottle of fine wine, but Idcirco? Never. He needed to make a point, to enjoy something so small as a brief measure of work to obtain the pleasures that he wanted to enjoy. If he surrendered that much, then there wasn't any real sense in enjoying it to begin with.

"I've always believed that the reward is often proportionate to the time spent working through some sense of misery. We all face it, we all trudge through it and we're eventually rewarded but-"

There came a pause in his voice as he released a hand from the bottle and brought a finger to point towards the ceiling. He turned his sights towards the current of his company, a tall narrow creature dressed in dark black robes and an almost perfectly matching set of polished black armor. The plates that encompassed most of the Kaminoan's body were purely ceremonial, to Palid's preference, though that didn't make it look any less impressive. Provided some duraplast inserts and it was possible that the suit could actually be functional as well. The point he'd wanted her to see though, was communicated first with the eye-contact he'd wanted to establish. His stare met hers and he looked into her soft green eyes with an attentive gaze, just for a second. "...but...there are some who seem to throw that away completely. The people who work for weeks and yet, accept something so small as a flower, something almost as common as the dirt we walk on and they find a wealth of happiness that I have yet to know even after accomplishing some of my most outrageous dreams."

The cork slipped from the bottle once Palid gave it a firm tug, bringing forth the soft scent of carefully aged juices. It navigated through the various white hairs of his mustache and soon brought his eyes to close while he took a very slight breath...to savor the first quiet notes of what would soon by a symphony of flavor. For that, he needed to elect one of the five glasses left atop the tray that the wine had been served on. Such was a decision made almost instinctively, with the very same instincts that had driven him this far in life. The very instincts he leaned upon even now while he silently turned to face the windows. Beyond them, the sky had already started to lose the orange flare of a setting sun and not far above, the softening blue of the night sky was beginning to crawl further downward.

"...why can't you be like those people, Sera?"

He turned to face the Kaminoan once more. His hands spread apart as he opened himself for an answer, one that he did not have to wait long for. The Kaminoan had maintained her own observing stare and once she was brought into the conversation by mention as well as inquiry, she answered.

"My profession rarely requires that I find joy." No sir followed after, nor did any formal reference to Palid, which was good. He'd been working for some time now to try and establish a more casual relationship with his personal guardian, a being that had saved him from not one, but several assassination attempts. To that, he smiled.

"Very good, Sera..." he commented towards her own reaction, before turning to face the windows once again. The night was still falling upon their small portion of the world, but it hadn't been that long. Nothing had really changed, though that wasn't enough reason for him to turn away. "...though you don't need to be miserable in order to be in my employ, or the employ of any others."

There was a brief silence between the two, a silence that eventually became so pronounced, the very ventilation soon took dominance over the two. Where either could have spoken, they were instead provided a simply note of ambiance that brought Palid's mouth to dry. More than that, it opened his perspective a little as he suddenly felt a little colder...though the awareness wore off once he glanced towards the Kaminoan. Had her stare not remained cemented upon him with a complete lack of change, he wouldn't have performed a double-take. She was indeed staring however, and her voice didn't take on a tone of pleasure. Instead it remained even, as it had always been.

"You intend to relocate me?"

It was a question that Palid knew he didn't need to answer. He'd been preaching it for months now, telling Sera about her bright future with the Order of the Sith...though his words never really held much weight until now. Probably because the Order never initially took the man seriously. His offers had been considered, but he'd never received a response that sounded like anything more than a disinterested dismissal of what he could provide.

The strangeness of it all was almost funny. Palid had grown to understand the Sith Empire as nothing short of an oiled machine built for war and the peace that would follow. Their legacy would live on with an efficiency that the Republic couldn't match even with what they had now. The Empire had ships, soldiers, entire planets under their control and the growing support of dozens more in the aristocratic powers throughout the galaxy...but the Sith Order? They seemed like nothing more than a small insignificant slice of what was rather than what could be. Nothing more than a group that grew on their rumors and did what they could when it suited them, rather than the Empire as a whole.

Palid brought the glass of wine to his lips and sipped the contents, before swirling the bitter taste about to enjoy it fully. The flavor was received well, though once swallowed, he was left with only the faint memory and an aftertaste that he'd never been fond of. The only funny aspect he could apply to it all, was precisely how well that seemed to relate to his views towards the Sith Order, even though such reflections were kept short.

The interruption that brought Palid to settle his glass on the table beside him, was not from his one associating Kaminoan guard, but rather from the double-doors that led into the room. The subtle click of the locking mechanism being undone was almost missed in the distance, but Palid picked up on it by routine. He'd missed it before when he had first started accepting visitors only shortly after claiming the manor, though now he had become rather sensitive to the various workings. Almost as sensitive as the Kaminoan that stood not far from him. Once the door was open, only one soldier came into view. He had extended his arm to better hold the door open for several people who were out of view, people who were nothing more than names to Palid himself. He hadn't seen any pictures or met them before, but that was soon to end. Once they entered, he brought his arms briefly to the air as though his intention was to hug them.

"Welcome!...welcome...please make yourselves comfortable. We do have a couple of matters to speak about."

[Rugs]

{after Matters of Fealty. Rank on his page will be updated in a while to reflect it}

Grass. Endless seas of grass.

The speeder swooped low over a hill's crest. Ahead, a manor squatted on the wide, open grasslands. At least it broke the monotony up.

Nieraan sighed and looked out of his window. The speeder was flanked by two armed and armored ones. He'd heard of the rebellion that plagued Dantooine — it was part of the reason the Sith had come to the plant — but it was apparently worse in other parts of the planet.

All the trouble for this. A boring, empty little world. He propped his elbow up against the side of the door and leaned his head on the side of his hand.

The Firrerreo was bored. And, if this visit went the way he expected, would probably remain so for some time. He, along with Jess and Tesa, was to visit the manor ahead, which belonged to one Palid Idcirco. They were supposed to ask what was being done about the insurgency locally, but there was more. He was given to understand the man kept a bodyguard that they were to recruit, and had some... mater of his own to present.

It was likely going to be a very dull visit, filled with talking.

Nieraan hated missions like that.

Still, he didn't exactly have much choice, so here he was. And here he would stay, until their business was concluded. If he was lucky, some violence might break out.

"Drinks on me when we get back to orbit..." he muttered to no one in particular as the speeder zoomed along.

---

Some short while later, Nieraan stepped out of the speeder. His muscles grew tight, then relaxed as he stretched away the trip's tightness. "About damn time." He straightened up his jacket, adjusting the durasteel guards fitted to the outside of his forearms. The trio of lightsabers hanging at his waist clinked softly as he shut the speeder door behind him.

The manor sprawled out before him and the others. A retinue of guards and personnel were already approaching to get them in and to Idcirco for their official welcome. Nieraan fought the urge to sigh again.

"So what're the odds he's up to somethin' he shouldn't be?" he quietly asked Jess as he walked by the Zeolisian. For a brief moment, a subtle little half-smile pulled at his lips, allowing the tip of a fang to show. "They usually are." Nieraan was often dispatched to deal with the ones that took their secret ambitions to far.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen as often as it could have.

He waited a few moments for the other two to make read, idly watching a lizard climb one of the vine-covered walls, and then they were off.

They approached a door, and before it opened, Nieraan let his senses spread out ahead of him. Life moved in abundance in the manor, but one stood out above the rest, glowing with a resonance that couldn't be ignored.

"Ah, there's our friend," he said quietly, for the Sith's ears alone.

The door opened and they were ushered inside. It was hard to notice Idcirco, who stood there with his arms flung wide in welcome, but Nieraan's eyes almost immediately sought out the source of the resonance in the Force he'd felt.

And there he was. Or... she?

It was a Kaminoan, a tall, awkward, gangly looking thing. Nieraan wasn't familiar with the species beyond knowing they existed and looked strange. Telling one sex from the other would come later. Besides, it was hardly relevant at the moment.

His yellow-eyed gaze lingered on the Force user — the bodyguard — for half a moment longer before he turned his attention to Idcirco himself.

"So we've been told," he responded to the greeting. "I am Aurelius." Lord Aurelius. Nieraan didn't feel the need to give his rank, but Force, was it a strange thing to consider...

That was all the Firrerreo said for now — let the others do the talking, while he observed and kept an eye on their surroundings.

[Dutch]

The entire trip from the spaceport to their destination, Jessoin had not paid much attention to his surroundings. Or Nieraan. With his trademark grin plastered across his face Jess had stood behind Tesa, one hand raised to grab a handhold to steady himself. The other dipped low to gently caress Tesa's behind. Little circles traced by his fingertips over her butt, relishing in the way she tried to not react to it. The one time Nier and himself had made eye contact, Jessoin had winked and gestured toward Tesa.

"Drinks on me when we get back to orbit..."

"And me on you when we get back to orbit..." Jessoin had leaned in to whisper into Tesa's ear.

---

Jessoin was the last one to step from the shuttle. He adjusted the neck on his pure black, sweeping robes. Part of his chest was visible below his collar bone, and the sleeves kept most of his hands hidden. Jess liked that about the gift given by Renata, so many hiding places for so many things. Like his pistol and lightsaber, nowhere to be seen but hidden at his belt and side. He flashed a smile at Tesa before he strode forward after Nieraan, also watching the guards that approached.

"So what're the odds he's up to somethin' he shouldn't be?"

"Wouldn't be a proper Sith if he wasn't, Onin."

His reply was near immediate, not saying anything about the Force he had begun to pool within himself. Cautious as always the Zelosian prepared himself to slaughter the group before them. If it came to it. Jess did not say anything else as they were escorted to the mansion. His eyes narrowed as he took in the architecture, wealthy to be sure, but seemed to lack the same vision most Sith buildings seemed to take. It seemed that something caught Nieraan's attention as they neared their destination, his keen eyes locked on something not in front of him.

"Ah, there's our friend,"

"Wouldn't it just be easier to kill Idcirco and just take our friend?"

Jess' voice dripped with poison, words hushed so only his partners could hear. It was likely Tesa could feel his blood thirst through their bond. The minute the doors opened to reveal an obviously pleased Idcirco, one of Jessoin's eyebrows arched high. He noticed Nieraan's attention go to the tall form of the Kaminoan. An odd sight indeed, Jess could only recall ever seeing one a few times. It was rare for him to meet someone he had to peer upwards at to look at them. The Force could be felt slowly revolving around her, attracted to her presence. Much like it did around the newly entered Sith. Jessoin turned his predatory grin to the Kaminoan for a moment before his eyes slid to Idcirco.

"Welcome!...welcome...please make yourselves comfortable. We do have a couple of matters to speak about."

"So we've been told, I am Aurelius."

"Like the fact that the Sith here can't even quell a band of rebels? And farmers on top of that?" Jessoin clicked his tongue a couple times in disapproval, though he still kept smiling. "You should be ashamed..."

[Squee]

Could you be a gentleman just once?

He was making it difficult for her to concentrate on her thoughts. Palid Idcirco. Id… cir…co… Sith aristocrat. A man who… Force dammit, Jess. The only evidence of her struggle was the clenched knot in her jaw as her teeth gritted. Tesa didn’t need to glance over her shoulder to know his grin was spread widely. Amber eyes flicked over at Nieraan, face stoic as eyes took in his slumped posture and noted his obvious boredom as he stared out the window.

Tesa was glad she forwent bracelets as she reached around. They would have clanged as her hand grasped Jessoin’s wrist. Squeezing firmly, Tesa turned her chin to peer behind her. A silent snarl curled her lip, and then she mouthed ‘stop’ before turning forward again.

The woman was smartly dressed to play her part, looking more aristocratic and nonthreatening than the two men. Her loose top shimmered, golden in color, with wide collarbone exposure and looped gaps in her sleeves bared the skin of her arms. Her pants were stark black and slim, hugging waist and thighs and likely encouraged Jessoin’s teasing. Her jewelry was modest, and in violet and gold. She wore no cloak, and by most standards, appeared unarmed. Tesa had entrusted her lightsaber to Jessoin’s safekeeping and was confident in her Force prowess.

“Drinks on me when we get back to orbit…”

“And me on you when we get back to orbit…”

Jess! She glared at him. That stupid grin merely lingered on his face, perhaps stretching a bit wider. “I will hit you,” she promised. “Behave.”

A few minutes more brought their speeder to a stop. Tesa followed Nieraan out after one last, warning glance at Jessoin. She was pleased to see the approaching guards, but displeased they weren’t already prepared to be at the speeders. They should not be so far away, not when they were servicing such special guests. A tinge of Jess’s anxiety fluttered into their bond. Nothing you could not handle.

Tesa satisfied herself to walk behind the two men, content on letting them face any probable trap. Palid Idcirco’s invitation had been warm enough, but Sith was Sith, aristocrat or Order. There was a reason the man has survived these past two years, even if the trio were here to see that reason and possibly take it from him.

“Yes,” Tesa said sarcastically, chiming into the men’s conversation. “Because murdering a major participant, true believer, and funder of the Sith Empire is a great idea. You should be proud of your glorious scheme of sure triumph and victory.

“We do not know the relationship between Idcirco and the Kaminoan. She could be loyal to him. She could be indentured. Or a slave. Idcirco may be willing to deal for her. We’ll just have to see.”

A set of doors parted before them, revealing a welcoming Palid Idcirco, smiling and arms open in greeting. A warm smile bloomed on Tesa’s lips. Her step quickened to pass by her male counterparts, who had taken an immediate interest in the Kaminoan. Instead, Tesa directly addressed the aristocrat in his own manner. She extended her hands forward for the man to take them if he so chose, though it would be rude to ignore her gesture. Off to either side behind her, Nieraan introduced himself while Jessoin gave some smart remark.

“Ignore him, my lord. More often than not you get a Sith who does not know how to withhold their unhelpful and crude comments. After all, you do not fight the war, but the soldiers.” Tesa’s amber gaze sniped Jessoin as she attached herself to Palid’s side, her arm sliding through his. “Thank you for inviting us into your manor. It is quite beautiful, a bright comparison to the rather plain landscape just outside. I am Tesa, and you may address me as such.”

[Froggy]

The very view granted to Idcirco by the opening of the doors, was momentarily limited enough to bring his guests into view one at at time...the first of which struck Idcirco with a sensation of awkward familiarity. The man who'd made himself known amidst the Sith Aristocracy through his reactions to incompetence and failure, had certainly earned a reputation. For many, he was nothing more than an intagible entity that slipped between the cracks of most defenses whether they were thorough or not. For Idcirco, he was a sight that didn't diminish his smile, but silently brought his heart to sink a little.

"So we've been told, I am Aurelius." A title was expected somewhere, it was always included with the people who had power in some sort. For the officers with ships or mandpower, it was usually General, or Admiral. For the Sith Order, it usually came in the form of Lord or occasionally 'Your end'. The very absence of anything attached however, brought some consolation to Idcirco. The Sith Order representative first to be seen, didn't seem to place any unnecessary weight to his name, which likely meant that he was either simply an attachment to the group, or present for purposes other than killing a certain mortal figure of authority on the premises.

"Like the fact that the Sith here can't even quell a band of rebels? And farmers on top of that?" The second voice was soon accompanied by a second body, to which the tone and image both seemed entirely capable of associating. It didn't change Idcirco's demeanor though, simply through his own personal acceptance that he was old, and it was sort of his job to be dead eventually anyway. Life was to no doubt worth living, but by this time in his life, he was on time that had been stolen by medical science and a thorough practice of patience. "You should be ashamed..."

An answer was planned, one that Idcirco had mustered with the natural flow of an seasoned officer left occasionally stranded in the field of battle...but he didn't. Someone else did. From behind the two a very feminine voice stabbed through as the source slipped by them both. What emerged from in between the first two guests Idcirco had seen, struck him as being entirely different from the very flavor that he expected of the Sith Order. His imagination had been fulfilled with Aurelius and his companion, though the woman didn't fit at all. Her personality seemed exceptionally free of the rigid angry-feely angst that Idcirco has expected and her attire seemed entirely fitting for the environment. She looked like an aristocrat, which reflected poorly when compared to Idcirco's flat gray uniform. The contrast became further established once she extended her arms to him in a gesture that he more than gladly accepted.

“Ignore him, my lord. More often than not you get a Sith who does not know how to withhold their unhelpful and crude comments. After all, you do not fight the war, but the soldiers.” The woman's words certainly brought some relief to the elderly officer's mind, though only momentarily. He'd faced a similar relief when his actions brought bouts of peace in the escalating conflict between the Empire and the Republic. It meant that he'd pushed them away, forced them to treat their injuries while assessing their losses. Such times were always good for a following push to assure that their assessments were forced to increase. “Thank you for inviting us into your manor. It is quite beautiful, a bright comparison to the rather plain landscape just outside. I am Tesa, and you may address me as such.”

"Certainly, Miss Tesa, though I hardly consider myself in a position to deny his points." The officer's gaze broke from the group just momentarily, making no more than a quick glance to the tray that supported the wine and the associating glasses that he'd planned to provide to his guests. Now that his arm had been commandeered though, that wasn't entirely an option. So, with a single wave, he summoned his only other capable asset within the room, though he was certain that the gesture was short enough not to break the stride of conversation. "...those farmers you speak of are entirely entitled to what they want. Our failure is in that we haven't provided something more appealing. Time was given for their minds to become entrenched in the notion that they are fighting for peace, against the tyranny that only we can deliver."

The Kaminoan stepped forward from her position at the far end of the room, a motion that brought her right foot forward first. The small toe-like additions to her armor peeked from under the very bottom of the robes that she wore, before vanishing again as she started moving forward at a rather casual pace. There was no delay after. Instead there was the occasional 'clink' as the polished black plating that covered her palms, came into contact with the fragile glass of either the bottle or the glasses she filled one at a time. Only once they were all filled, did she present each to the guests. The gesture came with a quick 'thank you' from Idcirco himself, before he resumed his small speech.

"Are they so wrong to believe in something? To know that they will find what they want by fighting against us? Where were we to defend ourselves as they were picking up their arms? What did we say when they began their attacks in the name of some rebellion?" Idcirco looked to the man who had mentioned the topic. "...my own failure was in not presenting that same truth of peace to them, that now makes them loyal to the desires of the Republic. Now, their desire to fight, is as present as the very farms that they once called home."

Idcirco tugged lightly to signal to Tessa that he needed his arm back. It wasn't for any other reason than social expression, but he really needed it back anyway.

"By this point they are too far beyond us to reach with words alone. To reach them, incentives are needed, be they cruel or kind. Why?" he asked quickly as his stare turned to Sera. A pause formed there, as he looked to her green eyes, a stare that was answered with her own...though free of the enthusiasm that Idcirco himself preferred. "...because they're dead set on rebelling, primarily on the very same world that they live. If we attack them, we give them doubt. If we kill any of them, we give them martyers. If we burn their homes and take their food, we simply back them into a state where they really have nothing to lose. Had I held this post years earlier, I could safely say that the events now may have proven different. The guns the rebels have would have been my own, their ideals would have been my own and their very cause would have favored the Sith. No, we have none of that."

His hand extended towards the sinister of the three, the same unnamed man who had criticized Idcirco for his poor participation in snuffing the rebellion.

"IF you want me to change that, I can certainly try, though don't be surprised that my late involvement in these affairs, has yet to truly make an impact. Personally, I feel a disease of some sort would turn the rebellion's alignment to something more neutral, but if that's not satisfying enough..."

He waved his hands dismissively while the slight stress washed clear of his face. He wasn't hear to debate the intricacy of a planetary rebellion, at least, he hadn't intended to talk about it. There was something else to talk about instead, something he found in a motion so quick as the gentle motion of his arm. He extended it outward and brought the Kaminoan into indication...before his voice resumed as it had in the small speech earlier.

"I'd inquired about providing a particularly useful asset to the Order before, but the responses were usually dismissive..." Usually didn't cover it. Idcirco had been entirely ignored on several occasions, though he didn't let that slow him down. Whether the Order took an interest in his guest or not, was a victory on his end regardless. She was more than capable as a spotter for his defenses and if the Order eventually decided that she was a welcome component, she would carry his name a little further into the greatness of the Sith entirely. "...though I felt that someone would eventually take interest. Tell me, what do you think of her?"

No name was applied to the Kaminoan, no title, nothing more than 'her'. Idcirco wanted to hear their judgements in as pure of a form as possible. If that meant their decision that she was either a weakling, or a great warrior, he would at least know it wasn't being said to appeal to his own choice of applied titles. He wouldn't give them something to work with beyond that, just the mere notion that the Kaminoan, was something he wanted them to know about.

[Rugs]

The other Sith came in behind him, completing their introductions. Jess followed Nieraan's entrance smoothly, bringing up right away the Sith's displeasure with the prolonged rebellion on Dantooine. Nieraan personally didn't particularly care about it, but matters of empire rarely concerned him.

Unless he had to go kill some uppity noble. Or cow them back into line. Yes, he liked those assignments.

But Nieraan decided it was best if the others spoke on the matter. He would listen, of course, as Tesa presented herself as the more charming, friendly alternative to Nieraan's gruff aloofness and Jess' aggression. He supposed they'd play well off of each other.

While Idcirco spoke about the rebellion, his Kaminoan bodyguard moved from her position. Nieraan watched, following the thing with his golden eyes. It was such a strange thing to see, those long, gangly limbs moving to the creature's measured gait. The Kaminaoan poured a glass of wine for each of them and presented them. Nieraan took his, but set it down. He wasn't particularly thirsty, nor did he have a habit of accepting drink in circumstances like this; old habits from his gang dies often died hard.

The talk of the rebellion continued, and Nieraan continued to listen, though the bulk of his attention shifted to keeping tabs on the manor around them. His acute senses felt the lives in the rooms and corridors beyond, and through the Force eh could see them, glowing like little humanoid pillars of light and color. How many of those were servants or workers? How many guards on duty in case something here went sour?

"I'd inquired about providing a particularly useful asset to the Order before, but the responses were usually dismissive..."

This drew Nieraan's attention back to the conversation in earnest. Idcirco had presented his pride of a servant to the Order it seemed, and his attempts at notice for her had gone ignored. Or turned away. Nieraan neither knew nor cared about the specifics. What mattered, in the Firrerreo's eyes were that he'd tried multiple times, that he'd desired enough to have the Sith's attention that now they were here, to look at his pet.

"...though I felt that someone would eventually take interest. Tell me, what do you think of her?"

His girl pet.

Wonder how you tell with these things, Nieraan pondered, studying the Kaminoan. He looked at her through the Force, he reached out to feel her presence with his senses, and wasn't particularly careful about trying to hide that he did so. Let her know that she was being inspected—it was what they were here for.

"Perhaps the Sith were waiting to see if she'd come on her own," he remarked, voice still distant and aloof, as if bored by the ordeal of being here. "What good is a Sith without some... ah..." he paused, withdrawing his senses from the prospect and turned to look at Idcirco. He smiled a smile that bared his fang-like canines. "Gumption.

"But, if you must know she," he stressed the word, the concept of gender for the gangly being still strange in his mind, "is... Well." He shrugged. "She has potential, I suppose."

[Dutch]

Tesa's glare sent his way did not go unseen. As her arms folded into Idcirco's, his grin never left. Though Jessoin's eyes promised a knife to the other man's belly. He did not really hear what Tesa said to the man, but the Zelosian was sure her words were honeyed. Your honey will pay for it later, precious... thought the Sith as his eyes found Tesa's for a moment. A slow wink was given to her as Idcirco began to talk. Though it was followed by a rolling of his eyes as the man referred to her as miss. Such a pedestrian way to give Tesa an honorific. The goddess of a Sith deserved a much grander title than miss. But Jess said nothing still, knowing in this case Tesa would know best.

"...those farmers you speak of are entirely entitled to what they want. Our failure is in that we haven't provided something more appealing. Time was given for their minds to become entrenched in the notion that they are fighting for peace, against the tyranny that only we can deliver."

Jessoin snorted and looked away from Idcirco and Tesa. The Kaminoan had drawn his eye again, moving forward with surprising grace. He raised an eyebrow at the offered glass, taking it but not drinking of the wine. As Idcirco continued to speak, Jess began to circle the tall alien slowly. One hand still clutched the glass as the other made a slight twirling motion in the air. Nieraan's glass would lift from where the other man had set it down to float in front of its owner.

"Now now brother, don't be rude..."

Murmured Jess as he passed Nieraan again. He barked a laugh as Idcirco suggested biological warfare. Such a cowardly approach! Oh how the Republic would squirm and cry for blood had that news gotten out! However his musing would be cut short as the man brought attention to the Kaminoan. Female apparently, something the Zelosian was normally right at home guessing. Not so much the case with the tall, rail thin creature he circled. Nieraan was first to respond, Jessoin biting back a couple comments as he listened.

"But, if you must know she, is... Well. She has potential, I suppose."

Jessoin's laugh was soft. He tilted his head up to peer at the Kaminoan's face. His smile was far from pleasant. Jess would glance to Nieraan with raised eyebrows.

"You think so, Onin?" The Zelosian would start as he stepped closer, well within most people's personal space. "Do you think the Republic would fear such a creature? What are her capabilities? Her previous training? I was extended an offer. Chosen to help build our Order... do we take any awkward hand-me-downs now? I've seen Tesa in action.... I've seen you tear apart our enemies at the wall at Thila..."

Jessoin stepped away from the Kaminoan to stalk forward, his eyes glancing to Tesa before turning to Idcirco.

"So tell me, why do we want this creature? Why should I return to my Mistress with tidings of your most generous gift?"

[Squee]

It pleased Tesa to hear the man attach a formality to her name. He was not foolish, not entirely comforted by her dismissal of her companion, but enough. He had been calmed from Jessoin’s jab – she’d seen it in the flex of his jaw. Though, to confirm, Tesa had extended her limited senses upon the man when she’d taken his arm, and assessed the level of activity in his emotion. His lack of skill in the Force struck Tesa as she read him through their touch, which made seeing his mind much easier for the woman. Nothing to battle. Nothing too distracting from the true source.

There was confusion toward her behavior, which amused Tesa. Hopefully and without fail, familiarity would take its toll on the man. An aristocrat could play any game of Palid’s, and that was all he needed to understand to make sense of her presence.

Nieraan and Jessoin had hawk’s eyes glued to the Kaminoan. While Tesa’s own amber gaze followed the alien, it was obvious that she held the greatest interest in the Dantooine rebellion Palid currently spoke of. As the Kaminoan poured wine, Tesa’s thoughts divided, listening to Palid speak while she tried to understand the relationship between him and the alien.

She came when beckoned, did so silently and performed the bidding. Tesa smiled graciously as the Kaminoan presented her wine glass to her, her chin lifted to look the alien in her green gaze. The alien was far from dumb; her eyes were not vacant and detached. No, the Kaminoan was submersed beyond the conversation occurring around her. Just as Nieraan and Jessoin studied the alien, she was subtly observing them. Each of them.

“An anointed, aloft spirit can be difficult to crush. Therefore, it must be gutted.” Tesa took the first sip of her wine. “The people ring with praises of the rebellion’s bravery and idolize the fighters. They do want to fight. What they see is hope, and what the rebellion sees is something to fight for. You do not kill the gods of the worshippers.” She gave another enamoring smile, though the warmth of it failed to ignite her eyes. “You strike at the worshippers, after you’ve given them the proper chance to doubt their gods.

“You do not want this rebellion to quiet down like good little children. It needs to be nullified, and its banner burned.” It was invigorating to speak this way. Privately, Tesa took sadistic pleasure in her words, entertaining her own thoughts. She met Jessoin’s acid green eyes. If perceptive enough, he may feel her dark excitement writhing. “This rebellion needs to fail on its own, and it requires patience… and deception. Help them, at first. Build the spirit. Then provide a task too large, but something too enticing, and they’ll ride in, high on their previous glories. And fail.

“The people will talk. They will doubt. Sow it. Let them know their gods cannot protect them nor can they provide all they may have promised. Hopes will sink, and they will question if the rebellion is worthy of their faith. When their faith is dry, burning the rebellion should be… almost an expectation.”

Idcirco was waving his hand by then, seeming to want to discontinue discussion of the issue. Instead, he turned the conversation onto the Kaminoan, apparently the topic he truly wanted to talk about. Tesa once again let her eyes slide over to the tall alien, silent as Nieraan and Jessoin spoke before her once again. As Jessoin came closer, Tesa moved away from Idcirco’s side to approach the prospect.

“Does she speak for herself? Or must she have permission? Or have you muted her?” Sip of wine and Tesa continued speaking before Idcirco could answer, studying the Kaminoan as she asked, “What is your name?”

[Froggy]

The speech was somewhat well received. The three sith in idcirco's presence had taken to listening as he brought his limited wisdom to the proposed matter, up until the very point that they provided their own responses. For that, Idcirco was prepared. He didn't expect any astounding insight beyond the supposed angst or emotionally-invested dialogue that the Sith were known for. For that much, he stood still, posed as his uniform self, to listen to the flow of words that all three guests were no doubt planning to share, regardless of whether or not Idcirco truly planned to continue. He was a mere mortal in a hall now filled with the very deities that the Sith Empire had named themselves after, deities that Idcirco had no plan to upset.

He didn't need a blood-bath to dull the edge of the Empire, during the very critical time of conflict between themselves and the Republic.

The first to approach visibly attracted Sera's attention. He drew her gaze as he may have the attention of a guard perched i his tower...a comparison that was strangely no different from Sera's position. She stood taller than the one who approached her, enough that by the time he had stopped not too far away, she needed only to crane her neck forward a little in order to loom directly above him. The protective armor aroudn her neck, took on a shine as the polished surface became exposed to the natural light that cascaded in from the windows...marking just one of a few details that were previously unseen when Sera had inhabited the shadows of her robes and the nearby corner earlier.

"Perhaps the Sith were waiting to see if she'd come on her own," he remarked, voice still distant and aloof, as if bored by the ordeal of being here. "What good is a Sith without some... ah..." The pause that followed as the first warrior turned towards Idcirco, prompted Sera's own curious stare to follow. Her eyes looked to Idcirco and her expression remained flat, though by this point...he could see beyond that mask. The subtle twitches, as small as they were, communicated Sera's uncertainty to him. "Gumption."

"But, if you must know she," The pauses were becoming somewhat tiring. Idcirco understood that the Sith had drawn an opinion, and while Idcirco had remained unprepared to speak it so audibly, he began to suspect that the Sith's judgement was not going to be so vocally honest. "is...Well...she has potential, I suppose."

There were no words. Idcirco simply took another sip from the glass of wine that he'd prepared for himself. The gradual work had brought the glass to a half-full state, something that Idcirco was keeping in check. He didn't need to be drinking too quickly, while the others in his company provided their assessments...one of which was soon to be provided by the second. There was to no doubt that he too would provide some sort of degrading measure for Idcirco's own personal prize, though that much he didn't need to worry about.

"You think so, Onin?" He'd seen it before, and he was seeing it again. The Kaminoan that now stood with her head above two entities no better than the most foul creatures of a distant world, amidst it all she seemed no different than when he'd first met her. Her gaze moved between the two, with the occasional glance to various entities within the room. Objects of minimal value, resources that were ideal for strategic exploitation...amidst other things. She was certainly nervous, to such a point that Idcirco could almost feel it radiating from her, though within it came the slightly more bitter sensation of nothing more than cold. That was it, nothing else too fantastic. No matter how he tried to assess it, it was all that he could fathom...a bitter, cold sensation that slid under like the chill of a freezer being opened. If it meant anything, it meant she was probably planning."Do you think the Republic would fear such a creature? What are her capabilities? Her previous training? I was extended an offer. Chosen to help build our Order... do we take any awkward hand-me-downs now? I've seen Tesa in action.... I've seen you tear apart our enemies at the wall at Thila..."

Idcirco had seen more, though not nearly as much as the Kaminoan. Considerably older, far more prepared for the atrocious events of the galaxy as a whole and Idcirco still knew in his heart that he wasn't going to even see the line that meant competition with her. She...certainly didn't need to be judged by experience, so much as she needed to be judged through raw strength.

"So tell me, why do we want this creature? Why should I return to my Mistress with tidings of your most generous gift?"

"That is for you to justify." Idcirco finally answered, before awaiting the final judgement to be provided. The third amidst the company of Sith, the one that Idcirco had trusted a little more than the other two, approached to provide her own judgement. This one, he'd prepared to meet with a more elaborate response, whether it was negative or not. He even stepped forth so that his presence could be seen, even if it was just to the very edges of her sight.

“Does she speak for herself? Or must she have permission? Or have you muted her?” The moment she took to drink, was a moment that Idcirco had to smile as he understood what she was asking. Surprisingly, he was entirely comfortable with answering, though he didn't receive the chance. The Kaminoan was addressed directly, stripping Idcirco's chance to answer. “What is your name?”

"If you ask, I shall speak...Miss Tesa..." The Kaminoan spoke in return. Her voice smoothly slipped into the air with no tension or weakness. It had been ironed by the passionate fear within, something that drifted outwards with a very distinguishable taste. It was not any ordinary fear, it was hers...and in ways that were most unusual, it served to forge the calm exterior of the Kaminoan. "...I am Sera."

She had not moved so readily before. There was no need to, not with the lack of understanding established. She had been withdrawn, observant and more precisely...patient. To watch, meant to learn, and in the short time available, she had learned a great deal. just as Idcirco had seen many times before, she stepped forth with her right leg and moved to the left of Tesa, stepping beside and past her entirely. The rest became an inclusion to her motion as she patiently began to circle the, each marking the point where she curved her route to head to the next. To each, she offered a patient, blank stare of assessment.

"I offer to you nothing more than what you ask. Ask it, and I shall attempt to fulfill it as I can."

"And more," Idcirco began to speak in continuation of Sera's words. He'd known her for some time, he had all the reason to speak on her behalf. "...Sera is the reason I'm still alive. She's thwarted several assassination attempts, likely mounted by the very rebellion you mentioned earlier. Several more were aimed at killing her as well, though even now she stands before you."

There came an audible pause before Idcirco gestured towards Tesa, as though the indication possessed meaning that could be understood without words. With the motion, Sera's own stare followed and settled upon the woman, moving not in the slightest after. "Perhaps then..." Idcirco began with a rather calm tone suspicious for one who would soon speak words of possible hostility. "...it would impress you two most, if Sera managed to deal a killing blow to the finest of your company? I would dare to say, Sera certainly is quite lethal, almost moreso than she is intelligent."

[Rugs]

"You think so, Onin?" Jessoin asked almost immediately after Nieraan provided his assessment of the Kaminoan. He spoke further, questioning the prospects abilities and accomplishments. They were fair questions; honest considerations of merit before blindly welcoming a new member into the esteemed Order of theirs.

“I said only potential,” Nieraan answered softly. His voice was still distant, as though his attention were a thousand other places but there, where they stood. It was a facade, but they'd settled into roles, it seemed — he seemed disinterested in everything about the visit, Jess pressed aggressively, and Tessa was the voice of mediation. Whether by design or by luck, it worked for Nieraan.

“Whether or not she seizes that potential is something else entirely, and quite frankly, little of my concern.” He turned to his Zelosian brother, showing the faintest hinting of a smile. “But if not, the Republic's canons have to shoot at something.” He looked sidelong at the Kaminoan for a moment, a disinterested gaze from the corner of a sun-golden eye. “Don't they?”

For Nieraan, the answer was simple. If she was to join the Order, then let her. There were likely worse — like the fat idiot he had to suffer through instructing. She would find a way to succeed, or she would not. The cream will rise to the top, he thought, breathing in deeply as he rolled his shoulders to relieve tension from his back.

Tessa spoke again, clearing the air again as she had done already, and even brought the gangly creature to talk. She introduced herself as Sera. Nieraan busied himself with watching his still-full wine glass, listening to the creature's response and her master's praises that followed.

“Mmm, thwarted the attempts of farmer assassins,” Nieraan said, slowly lifting his eyes from his drink. “Truly, impressive. Though I suppose we all have to start somewhere.”

The creature asked for a test, a measure to prove herself by, and Nieraan supposed it would be terribly rude not to oblige.

Not that being terribly rude ever stopped him from doing anything.

“What say you two?” he asked, looking at his companions. “What shall we ask of the recruit so she may attempt to please us as she may?”

A thoughtful, quiet pause followed. Then Idcirco spoke. He spoke to Tesa, but his challenge was surely meant to pull in the attention of each of the Sith who stood before him.

"What makes you so certain," Nieraan started, "that she could manage the task?" To this, Nieraan turned from his untouched wine to the man. "We are different creatures than your farmers here."