The Devil To Pay

[Poludnica]

The Liviana patriarch sensed the tension from Samuel when the hidden thought had seen the light of day. It was an understandable reaction and one Cassius could expect. Despite that the other man didn't react with an immediate panic, instead truthfully admitting to the apprehension, albeit between lines of carefully voiced, round sentences. This was another trait he liked the Corellian for – their feelings ran equally cool in most cases. Samuel was one of very few beings he could relate to in the manner of cold emotionality. Untainted with weakening influence empathy had. ”Don't be alarmed my friend.” Cassius spoke up lazily, rolling his neck to the side. The duel gave him a small cramp, reminding the man he was pushing forty. ”I never pry on my friend's thoughts, unless they glow like a fiery beacon.” The grey master explained , patting his sleek, black hair to its proper place. They were now a bit disheveled. Moist, with beads of sweat nestling in them.”In that case they are simply hard to ignore.” Cassius smiled at his paramour whose poker face truly kept most of the emotions hidden under the carefully built mask. Not many would so quickly adjust to the newly acquired knowledge. Some even went as far as to call Liviana a monster – seeing the true power the Force bestowed on him. But not Samuel.

He noticed a genuine smile on his companion's features when the Corellian's eyes stopped on the rare pieces of art. ”In limbo.” Cassius said, betraying the name the most interesting piece was known by. It showed few soldiers pushing a symbol of the goddess upward. The flag was torn but still proudly billowed on the painted wind. Above the group hovered beautiful human woman with ebony black hair and fair skin – the trademark traits of the Zhell people. Proto-humans. The metaphor was clear: humanity would prevail no matter what. This was the motto of Pius Dea, its sole purpose. For their species to flourish without obstacles other races made.

”I found it in Outer Rim.” The man pried his eyes away from the picture and closed his eyes – recalling the events that led to acquiting this piece. ”It belonged to a Firrerreo Exchange mobster. Least to say, he didn't deserve owning it.” A predatory smile spread on his thin lips that changed into a harsh grimace. ”I hate f**ing rainbow heads.” Cassius confessed before sitting down. This species had haunted him, causing problems ever since one of the Firrerreo dark jedi had nearly taken his life.

Cassius only nodded to the interesting compliment about his endeavors before taking a deep breath. A melodic chuckle left his lips at the little joke, it was painfully clear Samuel had no idea how the things worked in the underbelly. And would he? ”They belong to Darek.” The dark haired human sighed whilst taking a glass into his long digits.

”A force sensitive mercenary that made his name while fighting for Hutts and humans of Nar Shaddaa.”

[Susan]

Cassius stated with not even a sliver of ambiguity that he did not invade the mind’s of his friends. Samuel considered himself a friend of the Coruscanti’s, more than that even – and he knew when to trust the word of the younger man. This was one of those cases, and content with the situation, the royal advisor put his few unabated fears to rest. Samuel took the smallest of tastes from his glass, sitting in silence next to his companion as he savoured the taste of the undeniably expensive vintage. It certainly carried a pleasing palette.

The Corellian stayed quiet for a few moments even after he had swallowed those few drops of rich liquid that he had allowed to grace the inside of his mouth. He was a politician, a man who recognised the power of words and well practised in using speech to control a room, and the people in that room. It was something he did frequently, and something he did well – bending the ear of many influential persons, steering a conversation in the direction which best suited his purposes. Yet with Cassius, all of this took a back seat. He was certain that he could use the charismatic leader persona in Cassius’ presence, but he saw no need to and did not want to. The dynamic between them did not demand it, in fact quite the opposite. So it was often the case that the future senator say back with his increasingly more interesting friend taking point. Parts of Samuel’s ego believed that it was simply him allowing the younger male to dictate play – as recent events had shown, this was not the case.

”I know the piece, I have seen it before – but never the original.” The almost hairless domed head nodded in a brief gesture of agreement, the eyes never leaving the artwork. ”As I said, I thought it destroyed a long time ago – as I am sure most of the cultured society believes. Although I am glad that it exists, and that it has a home here. Better than it being in the hands of someone who does not appreciate it’s true value. Someone who would have it hung in a public gallery for all to see.” Samuel grimaced at the thought before turning to Cassius, his face showing far more positive emotions now, cracking out into a smile as he raised his glass in appreciation of his host, before sampling the delicate beverage once more.

The painting was soon filed away to the back of his mind, right now his attention was more focused on the tales told by his unendingly fascinating inamorato. Samuel made a sneer at the mention of the previous owner of the painting, a species of ‘near’ humans that had no place existing – and he was both glad and unsurprised that Cassius shared his displeasure. Although the curious nickname was unfamiliar, and elicited a seldom seen response from the Corellian. He guffawed, rather loudly, and quite nearly spilt his wine all over his host’s lovely furniture. ”My apologies.” As with the unfortunate incident after the ride over, Samuel apologised, took a moment to compose himself, and then all was forgotten. He was having to use that little tactic far more often today than he was used too, most peculiar. ”It is a phrase I am unfamiliar with – but I find it really rather quite fitting. Especially the adjective.” He smirked at his incredibly subtle way of cursing, before taking another sip of the most enjoyable wine laid on by his companion.

The politician’s attention was fully focused on Cassius Liviana as the latter explained the true owner of this factory and other establishments like it. Samuel felt that he detected a subtle undertone in the way that Cassius described this ‘Darek’ person, but he was not entirely certain. ”This Darek fellow sounds really rather interesting. And dangerous. I am not sure if I like that he fought with the overgrown swamp slugs, but I am sure he had his reasons. I would very much like to know more about him. Unless he is shy, of course.” A knowing grin manifested itself upon Samuel’s face, he was working under the assumption that Cassius and Darek were one and the same. It seemed to be what his friend was insinuating, but he played the little game nonetheless, just in case. This day had already proven that he should not take everything at face value.

[Poludnica]

The situation was relaxed once more when Samuel finally accepted what Cassius truly was. The Coruscanti noble was happy that his assessment of the Corellian held truth. Samuel knew the meaning of power and it came in various forms. Having force sensitive ally brought dangers but also opportunities others couldn't appreciate. It went without telling that was their secret now – the Corellian was bright enough to know how much it took for Cassius to expose himself and hopefully Samuel cold acknowledge it. There were reasons why not many knew or even suspected what truly stood behind the man's success. Sharp, keen mind was one thing of course but entirely another matter had been building this underground empire. ”I didn't believe it existed myself until a rather shady art dealer didn't point me to it.” Cassius once more looked at the painting that recalled the humanity glory days.

”Public gallery.” The Corsucanti man snorted derisively, appreciating the sarcastic joke. [color=royalblue”I doubt the alien pleb could appreciate it.”[/color] The man downed his drink quickly, savoring the sudden kick the alcohol delivered while so hastily consumed. The pleasant lightheadedness eased the tension the recent fight had left in Cassius body. The event had left him more shaken than it should have had. The man didn't like when his carefully laid plans fell apart – it wasn't how he wanted Samuel to learn about the Force that coursed through his paramour's body.

”But maybe I can lend you the piece from time to time. I am sure it will look great in the royal palace.” The tall human offered with a pleasant smile before it turned into a mischievous, almost boyish grin when Samuel commented albeit without words about the choice of words. Nearly spitting his wine from the sudden snort of laughter. Cassius chuckled darkly at this, happy Samuel loosened up a bit. ”Ah yes, Darek.” He smiled at the nickname that traveled around him outside the Core. ”I can tell you he is very charming and handsome. Well educated, with refined tastes. “ Cassius began teasingly as they both knew who they were talking about. ”He also prides himself in great taste when it comes to his alcohols and company.” The Livco owner raised the glass in a silent salute before finally moving up from the couch and opening the holo terminal that hovered above the orderly cleaned desk. In a soft powder pink glow the screen came to life, showing the main page for Livco. The 'face; of the business. ”Tell me what you want to know about Darek and I will provide.” Cassius explained while the database for the listed associated dummy companies showed. Few dozens of them.

[Susan]

Samuel managed to keep his facial expression devoid of any judgement as his companion neglected to savour the fine beverage as he was, and instead launched it directly down his gullet. Not unlike a lost farmer on Tatooine finding a discarded canteen of water, and doing everything he could to quench his thirst. Samuel felt that there was a specific way of drinking a vintage as expensive and refined as this, and Cassius was doing it wrong. Too late the Corellian realised that whilst he had kept his face clean, his thoughts were an entirely different kettle of Rishi. He doubted very much that his friend would take that little lazy thought as anything offensive, if indeed he did read it. It was another warning though for Samuel to pay better attention to idle thoughts around his gifted companion, although most of his thoughts regarding that particular person were not exactly insulting.

”I would wager that you are correct, Cassius. Objects as valuable as this should only be kept by those who can truly appreciate it. Sadly, many of the artefacts that belong in the upper echelons of Core world society are lost. Often stolen away by the gruppy paws of the filth out here in the galactic muck.” His voice was edged with a tinge of bitterness, something that he felt was completely justified in the circumstances. Why so many of these alien warlords and slavers were able to procure such valuable pieces of history he did not know. They should all burn for their sins. ”I am sure that it would, and the offer is appreciated. The King however does not tend to appreciate things of this kind of, ahh, sentimental value.” Again the acidic tone, albeit a little lessened in this respect. Samuel and his brother in law were great friends, they were family, but that did not mean they saw eye to eye on everything. The royal advisor knew when to be subtle and when not to be, but when it came to his Pius Dea beliefs about the cleanliness of the galaxy, he was often an open book. It was often a source of great tension between him and the far more open minded King. Hanging such a piece in the palace, despite the beauty of it and what it represents, would be an affront to his sister’s husband – and Samuel respected them both too much for that. ”For the time being I will have to respectfully decline. For now it has a rightful home here, with a true follower.” A soft smile once more to his paramour shortly before the wine glass graced his lips, again allowing jsut the slightest amount of scarlet liquid.

Perhaps it was the wine, the surroundings, or the company, but Samuel found himself becoming quite relaxed now, the gut wrenching encounter from earlier all but forgotten. He laughed along with his friend’s witty little repartee, silently pleased with himself that his assumption of Darek’s identity had proven correct. He watched Cassius with interest as the younger male moved away from the couch and began to fiddle with the terminal, idly wondering what he was up to. He was a little disappointed that a database of spreadsheets and numbers and what not filled the room, but that did not mean he didn’t appreciate the gesture. Cassius was ready to tell him anything that he wanted to know. And that was good.

The older male unfolded himself from the comfortable furniture, somewhat reluctantly, and moved to stand besides his lover – near empty wine glass in hand. ”Turn this off, Cassius.” A mischievous smile graced the Corellian’s face as he edged closer to the Coruscanti businessman. ”Anything I need to know about this charming, handsome, well educated man I wish to learn from the source.” The two men were stood close together now, far enough for it to be a comfortable distance for mere conversation, but close enough to indicate the kind of relationship the pair of elder gentlemen had. The glass came up to hi slips once more, and Samuel followed the example set by his companion. The rest of the liquid was drained in one movement, the expensive implement soon discarded and ignored.
?
”So, Darek – enlighten me.”

[Poludnica]

”Now, that's a shame.” Cassius tilted his head when Samuel mentioned the king. It wasn't a secret between them some of the current's leader choices regarding Corellia were...Uncomfortable. The planet for generations had been a home to many humans, staying primary homo sapiens world. It was sad to see it succumb to the same disease that infected the entire Core. His kins were slowly forgetting about the glorious past, burying it beneath the notion that all races could co exist peacefully. The harsh, evolutionary law claimed survival of the fittest and Cassius would do plenty to assure such dominance. Samuel held similar notions which influenced how close the two men grew. The like minded individuals, oddly idealistic in their views. ”Maybe one day.” Cassius added with a sigh, noting how venomous the adviser's voice became. Even without any Force to control, Samuel wasn't someone he would like to see as an enemy.

There were so many ways to destroy another being, brute force was only one of many. Surely his companion had tricks up the sleeve. Another thought hanging in the air between them shifted Cassius attention away from the matter. A half-amused smile crossed his lips when Samuel silently chided him for the rude manners. Always provocative, fancying paradoxical reactions – on his way to the desk Livco CEO grabbed a bottle and took a swig directly from it. Like an unsavory smuggler that had just opened the first bottle during the long night. Eying Samuel with a mischief, Cassius placed the liquor back on its place. He didn't make any verbal comment regarding the overheard, idle musing.

The grey master felt the presence coming closer rather than saw it. Samuel was only one of very few people Cassius let this intimately near. A man of cold emotions, the tall man never really grew to hug, snuggle, touch. Whatever others did to sustain some odd need they had. This strange craving to have someone close physically as an emotional prosthetic. ”As you wish.” With one gesture the screen faded away and its owner sank into a large, leather chair. Placing his legs on the desk in a lackadaisical manner.

It felt oddly nice hearing Samuel calling him 'Darek'. He was used to such word coming from the slurred, rimmer's speech. ”Not much to tell beside that.” An amused chuckle left his lips when Samuel mirrored his own, rude way of downing a drink. He was tempted now to push the bottle toward the Corellian. ”My master decided I should step beyond the rich safety of my home planet.” Cassius shrugged. ”To test my powers. I took a name Darek and began as a lowly mercenary. Taking odd jobs.” Hardly a glorious endeavor, probably something Samuel frowned upon but there was no shame in the CEO's voice. A pride even, lingering between rounded words. He survived where majority of pampered, spoiled kids would die.

[Susan]

During a brief lull in the conversation Samuel’s attention was once more drawn by the Pius Dea artefacts. Since meeting all those years ago, the two men had bonded over many things, most specifically their belief that the galaxy suffered from a crippling cancer that needed to be eliminated. Pius Dea was thought to be long dead, long forgotten, whilst this was not true it was not far off. There were very few people aware of it having any kind of status other than ancient history. Cassius had proven to be a valuable ally when it came to advancing the beliefs of the organisation. Or rather, the will of the goddess, although very few of the members actually felt any real affinity to the Pius Dea deity – if she was real or not she was just an icon, a figurehead of the underlying truths that brought them all together. Samuel had met very few others that shared his opinion on the alien scourge, and something he noticed that most of them were older men, staples of the upper echelon of galactic society, and often holding mountains of wealth. This was of course a good thing, it was these kind of people that should be ruling the galaxy, after all. Samuel’s own personal plans were already in motion to that end, and with his inamorato’s aid the first step would undoubtedly be completed soon.

The older Corellian followed Cassius as he lazily draped himself over the overly extravagant chair, making sure that he remained by his companion’s side. This did not make him feel like a fawning herd animal, or like any less of a man in comparison to Cassius. The Coruscanti certainly had his strengths compared to Samuel, the mastery of the force was quite a large advantage for a start. Yet that did not make the older man weaker or any less, they both brought high class and sophistication to the table. The fact that their dynamic often saw Samuel as the second seat did not bother him, and he felt that it worked quite well. This was the only situation in which this was the case, and it would continue to be that way even after he ascends to the senate. ”Your master has some interesting ideas, that is a certainty.” The politician decided to shift focus back to the situation at hand, taking a brief respite from Cassius’ side to retrieve the bottle from earlier, replenishing both of their empty glasses. ”Although I do not think leaving the safety and beauty of the core is something I could have accomplished, even with your abilities. Even being on this rimmer wasteland makes me shudder. Despite the higher level of accommodation you have managed to conjure up here.”

Samuel offered the now full glass to Cassius, taking his own and this time being a little braver with his sips, the contents being drank far quicker this time around. He really was quite enjoying the vintage. ”So Darek started at the bottom yet now he has so much to show for it. Really a heart warming story. Although I already know you are capable of all this and more. Tell me something I don’t know Cassius. Show me more.” There was a slight glint in his eye and an edge of hunger to his voice. Both these occurrences often occurred during a political situation, and often when speaking of his Senatorial aspirations. He had been given a taste of what Cassius could do – but for Samuel Cromwell, a taste was never enough.