Irrisores (Cassy, Rugzy, Sparrow)

[Poludnica]

((Rushed it a bit before work, so if you see missing articles and grammar fails, ehh...ignore please.))

The skyscraper stood proudly above the street of the shimmering streets of Jeamous capital. Below a cacophony of speeders mixed with evening white noise – people filling the streets, coming back from work to find a well-deserved rest. Many of them were simple laborers, some belonged to the upper business class, Sith aristocracy or their hirelings. Though one thing most of them had in common – they were all human. The large portion of the inhabitants belonged to one species, a small yet very important fact as the entire planet reminded Danica of Sah'c district on Coruscant. It felt like home there, a reason she had chosen this particular place to conduct most of the business.

Not everyone liked it though. She was a stranger from the Core, a foreign element – aloof and arrogant on top of that. One that showed up with the Sith Order's blessing to take a lion's share of the market from old families that ran the place for centuries. Recently the issues and rift between them and Danica grew even bigger when the Coruscanti aristocrat decided to slowly built her own trading fleet that would carry art goods throughout the Outer Rim and beyond. Especially one odd pair had been especially vocal about it – twins Marhia and Garragel Adetrusio belonged to one of the oldest bloodlines around. Danica's own noble breeding didn't really place her below them but she was a stranger in a strange land. Far away from protective embrace of the Republic.

Losing profit meant smaller paycheck for the Order and that simply couldn't be.

As if this thought had reminded her that she was not alone, glacial green irises flickered up from the large window that opened to the penumbral sky and moved toward the Sith. Through thick, fringed lashes Danica quietly regarded him as if noticing for the first time. He was the envoy of the Order that would help putting pressure on the aristocrats. Knowing Nieraan, he was thrilled about it – something about putting snotty nobles in place the Firrerreo especially liked. The Coruscanti woman didn't really approved of this quality in him - it almost felt as an overcompensation of his own poor upbringing. Despite this, admirable traits outweighed those annoying quirks her paramour had and Danica sent him a radiant smile.

The secret expression widened as the girl unshouldered her small purse, taking a moment to fish around inside its depths with fair, gloved fingers before producing a small, opaque envelope with a triumphant, yet subtle, flourish and handed it to the Sith. ”A payment in advance, Lord Aurelius.” Her delicate features held a cast of mischief before being wiped clean by the crafty grin that reached her devilishly sparkling verduous eyes. “Lucky you, I am a generous boss.” The woman winked as the envelope didn't contain money but a set of elegant diamond cuff links. Danica wasn't really good at showing gratitude, especially not to those she cared for – it felt awkward. This time,however, the girl needed to thanks Nieraan for his presence, albeit indirectly. As a Lord of the Sith, he could have sent any knight - this was the Order's business after all and not a personal favor. Danica was aware how reluctant the Firrerreo was when it came to revealing their relationship among his peers.

Beside, maybe finally he would start wearing more elegant apparel.

They were waiting for two more people to show up, another Sith Zarene and a bounty hunter Danica had hired to look over the meeting place. The twins offered an olive branch and generously offered to buy off Livco Deux owner. The ship's factory where they were suppose to meet belonged to the sibling and the Coruscanti woman had ill feelings about this deal. She was used to strike business agreements over nice dinners rather than in dirty hovels where the large machines were put together. Still, for the Livco owner one of the highest priorities was to look professional no matter the awful conditions. The haute coutoure white dress fitted the occasion nicely.

She had been on the blasted waiting list for six months, six months, before she had finally been called in for an appointment at the boutique of the very fashionable, very in-demand Muunlist designer. The woman’s ideas were ground-breaking, simply brilliant; her winter collection was to die for so when Danica had finally received that coveted invitation to come in for her fitting, she was elated. The resulting dress was, of course, breath-taking; hugging Danica's frame exquisitely, while retaining the comforting modesty. Any woman could wear a miniskirt and a low cut shirt - it didn't take skill to paint one's face like a clown and show off like a Twi'lek skank. It took years for the Coruscanti woman to learn the subtle art of how to tread the thin line between vulgar and tastefully alluring. Her dark hair was gathered in a high bun, giving her soft features a more noble, sharper look. She aimed for an intimidating, aloof demeanor of an aristocrat that didn't feel like being bullied by others. Like someone who would always take a high-road – which wasn't entirely true as the Sith warriors that accompanied her to this meeting would threaten the twins into obedience.

The woman began to pace the office slowly - creamy beige high heels clicked with every step, marking growing anxiety. The walls were adorned in the modern art pieces, rich in various shades of light blue, white and beige, to match the sophisticated coloration of the room. On the desk stood a small carafe filled with delicate pink wine. Danica's eyes stopped there briefly as she pondered taking at least few sips of the expensive liqueur.

Maybe in a moment – first: the briefing.

[Cassy]

The streets of Jaemus were brilliantly packed; but of course within Capital City this was to be expected as mid-afternoon pressed on towards the evening. People were bustling too and fro; not really paying attention to one another unless one was directly buying something from another.

Everything from executives trotting out of Skyscrapers into Hover Cabs too people selling Ice Cream on the streets; Cassy always wondered if she could learn to make Ice Cream for herself from Blue Milk. However; she had long since left the criss crossing main streets of Capital City; and found her way into it's more murky factory districts.

The camera would show her upside down; on a construction crane easily five hundred feet in the air over the building where her clients meeting was too take place later. The screen would flip; showing she was actually planted upside down with zero gravity; her long braid trailing down over the five hundred foot fall; as she had her arms crossed, standing spidey style. Next to her; a rather large droid, HK-51; had been silently running scans for the better part of an hour. The two stood upside down above the building on the crane; as Lucky continued to scan.

Cassandra had learned a lot about patience as a Jedi; and was silent for the most part; but eventually, her features would turn, annoyed as an eyebrow twitched as she looked at the HK upside down next to her.

"Dammit how long does it take?" Cassandra quipped breaking an hour's worth of silence.

"Probability of that question being relevant is low..." Lucky's voice would hum. "However; I am scanning quite a large area; and I want to be thorough, I wouldn't want our client to experience any...surprises." the click and hum of his voice stated once more.

"Yea yea, who or what's inside?" she said, looking to her left.

"....Indeed." Lucky responded; obviously his Master was beginning to lack patience. "I have detected at least fifteen life signatures inside. Though difficult; I was able too bounce my Typhoon Sensors off of some of the windows and get clear shots inside. They are armed."

With a nod; Cassandra had heard all she needed to hear from this specific location. She needed to meet up with her Client to inform her of the impending peril that awaited her. Lucky would release himself; with a 'twang' as his feet released; he flipped; kicking on his Repulsor Jetpack with an air vibrating roar; it held him in place as Cassy released her telekinetic grip on her feet; flipping and landing on Lucky's shoulders; chicken style. They rocketed through the air, closer to Capital City's main districts. Eventually; they would land, so as not to attract too much attention from the crowds below, or the authorities of Jaemus.

Followed by Lucky; Cassy would eventually make her way too the LivCo skycraper; impossible to miss with it's logo towering alongside the other Skyscrapers hundreds of stories high. She would step into the lobby of LivCo and look around; as a few of the droids in the calm and sparkling lobby seemed to alert at Lucky's prescence.

They watched Cassy and Lucky carefully; as Lucky's footsteps were heavy creating quite the echo as they walked across the Lobby towards the secretaries main desk.

"We're here to see Miss Danica." Cassy said plainly, slamming her hands on the secretaries desk. The young woman about her age leaped back; and adjusted her glasses, looking Cassandra up and down as if she must've been mistaken. One glance at Lucky though; and the way Cassandra was dressed, and the secretary seemed to realize that this was the Bounty Hunter her boss had likely told her to be expecting.

"Y-yes indeed." she motioned towards the elevators on the far side of the room. "Penthouse...just press P--" Cassy gave her a look that said "no shit" and "if I wanted to go anywhere else in the building you couldn't stop me".

The droids guarding the elevator moved aside as she and Lucky stepped onboard. She hit the button; as the elevator moved swiftly with a hum. The doors to the elevator would ding once; as Cassandra would step out of the elevator; putting a hand on her exposed hip and belly as she had on her usual tube top and looking around impressed.

*Whistle* "Man, this place is fancy." her Coruscanti accent resounded into Danica's penthouse chambers as her HK's footsteps thudded off of the elevator. Looking around the room; Cassandra quickly spotted two people near it's windows. Her lightsaber bounced off of her backside as she crossed the room, her auburn red braid swinging behind her. She approached her Client, with a smile. "Well...your beliefs weren't unfounded, they're ready for you and not in the most...mannered of ways." her accent trailed off as she tapped her face. Lucky on the flight over had told her all the details.

"There are Nautolan and Kel Dor mercenaries everywhere." Cassy went on to explain how they appeared to be armed to the teeth with jetpacks, power armor, and blaster rifles. Lucky had taken more than an hour to run diagnostics; and his information was very detailed. "However, none of them will be within view when you enter; you'll just see the Twins."

At this moment; what felt like an odd pressure or air in the room seemed to strike Cassy; she turned towards it's source naturally, the other person in the room. She eyed him for a moment; and then a wave of recognition began to pass over her. She was rooted to the spot; unable to move as she immediately recognized this as the Sith she'd met on Nar Shadaa. His signature in the force; was embedded in her mind, easily remembered and recalled.

Without saying much the Bounty Hunter would turn her attention back towards Danica so as not too cause or make any type of scene.

"There's also a Force User inside; Lucky was able to spot a lightsaber on the belt of someone clothed in black." as she finished Cassy couldn't help but too toward the Sith in the room, wanting to say something; but opting not too. However, it would be rather clear to Danica that Cassy was literally just staring at him.

[sparrow]

Zarene Yin was not some one who dealt with the Sith Aristocracy often. She was a soldier and an assassin, but a diplomat she was not. Her last major dealing with a Sith noble had resulted in the death of said noble, his family, and household guard. So the fact that she had been assigned by Lady Renata to this place could only mean one thing.

Maybe a settlement would be reached. But maybe it wouldn't. And if it didn't, Renata considered the deaths of the aristocrats to be a viable alternative, and she wanted them to know that.

But first there was the meeting with Ms. Liviana to get through. "Look presentable." That had been the instruction. Zarene examined her reflection in the mirror as she adjusted her half-mask so that it rested comfortably over the right side of her face, covering the burn marks on her cheek. Her clothing was plain but clean, with no adornment except for a few bits of violet embroidery on the edges of her dark blue jacket. She reached behind her head to pull her black hair into a ponytail. Nice and simple. Unlike some of her colleagues, like Nieraan Onin or Gabriella Fisher, she felt no need to be deliberately scruffy-looking.

She checked the holsters for her pistols one more time. They hung at her hips, next to her lightsaber, extra power packs, and packet of tranquilizing darts for her wrist launcher, which she had elected to use over the rocket attachment. Her long-barreled sniper rifle was disassembled and packed into a small case, next to slightly larger case holding her body armor. There'd be time to change after the briefing if need be.

Her shuttle touched down on the landing pad on the side of the building, and she stepped out and headed towards the penthouse where the meeting was to take place. Danica Liviana was already there of course, in a fancy white dress that had considerably less feathers than the one she had during the ball on Ziost which she had organized. It looked quite nice actually, form-fitting but not showing too much skin. Onin was there as well, looking his usual scruffy self. And there was a third, a redheaded woman standing next to an antiquated droid who, who from the look on her face, seemed to be transfixed by Onin.

Zarene frowned. She had been told that there was going to be an... outside contractor. What was the point? The Sith Order was perfectly capable of handling its own affairs. The only major reason to get an outside agent was for plausible deniability, and that didn't work if they were in the same room as you. Is she supposed to be coming with us? What strange game are you trying to play here, Liviana?

[Rugs]

Nieraan watched the city move below.

It was a living, breathing thing, with its own ways and quirks, like any other city. Metellos, the world and city of his birth and much of his upbringing, was a very different place than this. It was old. Grungy. Diseased.

This place, though; Nieraan could nearly feel it swell with promise, with anticipation of both things new and a promise of good times to come on the very near horizon. But war did that, and as long as the Sith continued to win, the aristocracy would continue to blossom.

Except for a few.

Like any living, breathing thing, this place was prone to parasites. And, much like parasites of the wild, parasites of a society sometimes had to be removed by an outside hand. Fortunately, Nieraan quiet enjoyed removing parasites.

Who are you, the proud lord said, that I might bow so low?

The Firrerreo hummed the tune of the old folk song quietly as he watched the city go by beneath. Before long they’d be down there, off to a meeting with the two parasites in question. They’d have a chance to decide their own fate. If they acquiesced, they’d see the Order could show mercy. And if not…

Only a cat of different coat, that’s all the truth I know.

Most didn’t, in Nieraan’s experience. There were the occasional smart ones, but something about aristocracy proud enough to challenge the Order’s hegemony made it hard for them to back down. Nieraan much preferred the stubborn nobles; they were more fun to deal with.

In fact, he anticipated these would follow the rule, rather than the exception. The Sith would go nicely, of course. Offer a way out, a chance to redeem themselves in the Order’s eyes. But Nieraan knew they wouldn’t.

So certain was he of this that the rest of his personal slightly-modified scout armor was laid out on a small table in the corner. He was already half dressed in it—boots, lightly-plated pants. He wore a sleeveless, form-fitting shirt for underneath the light chest piece that hugged his lean frame. All that remained was the chest, the gloves, his mask. Putting that on wouldn’t take any time at all.

”A payment in advance, Lord Aurelius.”

A soft voice to his right drew his attention after it and he followed to find Danica approaching him. In spite of himself, he smiled. Whether she dressed more to his tastes or simply knew what would catch his eye, he couldn’t say, but he had eyes for Danica. The mischief on her face made him lift a brow, wondering what she was up to.

She furnished an envelope for him. Deciding it only appropriate that he open it, Nieraan peered inside to see two exquisite diamond cuff links. Truthfully he wasn’t sure what to do with them, but he smiled at her anyway as he flipped the envelop shut again. “You are,” he said, pulling her closer with a wry grin that showed the fangs she liked to poke so much. He wasn’t shy about the hands on her rump as he pulled her near — it would be a shame to let her wear that dress and not take advantage — nor the way their hips touched as she came to him. In a few minutes he’d have to hide it all away. At least he had these few fleeting moments with her.

“And I’d thought we’d already been through payment,” he said, mischief on his words as he leaned his forehead to hers. “Silly me.”

He gave her a kiss to the forehead and pulled away with a sigh, leaving her to pace about the room as she would.

Nieraan himself went to stand by the table that dominated the center of the room. The trio of lightsabers at his waist clinked and clanked softly. Now they just had to wait. For Yin and their mystery third guest.

Then, as if on cue, he felt a presence approaching. It was a presence he was immediately familiar with. “Danica…” he sighed, casting her a sidelong glance. Surely this is a joke…

But in she came — no other than the Jedi from Nar Shadaa and Thila. Nieraan ground his teeth, more from annoyance than any feeling of threat. This one, he could ground to dust if he wanted to. But why was she here?

She gave some information, and Nieraan mostly ignored her, aware of her relative intelligence.

It wasn’t long after that Zarene came in, and her reaction to the guest was about the same as Nieraan’s. Of course, perhaps less hostile than he wanted to be, with the way the girl was just staring at him, as if only discovering he existed.

“Can I help you?” He asked bluntly, then turned to Danica. “And can you explain what she’s doing here?”

[Poludnica]

((Sorry for the length >.> I like to ramble in my posts,k? D:))

For a brief moment Danica tried to recall the melody Nieraan hummed. It sounded familiar, the words danced at the edge of her consciousness. In a coat of gold or a coat of red. A soft lilting began to fill the space, joining Nieraan. She began to hum the melody that had been trapped in her mind since the Firrerreo had started it. It was oddly haunting, hypnotic even and few heartbeats had to pass before she regained her focus once more – to walk toward the Sith Lord with the envelope and an impish smile. ”That's just a start. Next one will be a fancy shirt to go with them.” Danica chuckled, which quickly morphed into a pleased yelp when Nieraan's hands pulled her closer. In less than modest manner.

”Lord Aurelius!Ain't no way to treat a lady.” She feigned a coy exclamation of a hurt uptown girl though Danica couldn't keep up this game for long and melted into the touch of her lover whose boyish, devilish grin coaxed a smile of her own. The dark haired woman playfully poked one of the fangs only to let her hands roamed on bare, muscular shoulders. The armor always highlighted amazingly athletic frame Nieraan possessed in a way Danica liked the most. Soon they would have to forsworn those spontaneous outbursts of affection, to put on a professional front for others. Mixing business with pleasure was a dangerous game, especially among the Sith. Danica tried to make the most from those short minutes they had left, catching the Firrerreo's lips in a short kiss - leaving faint smudges of crimson lipstick - before stepping away, forcing her features into a polite indifference. ”That was just a bonus.” The Coruscanti woman added, sighing inwardly. This was what she didn't like in working with Nieraan – more than often they had to pretend they were business partners and nothing else. Neglecting the strong emotional bond that was growing more difficult to ignore with every passing day.

After one last longing look Danica began to nervously pace the room, thought it didn't take long for the first guest to arrive. Even before her assistant could send a warning, the elevators doors opened and an oddly metallic clank could be heard; carrying unpleasant, sharp noise through the rooms. Followed by an unmistakably familiar accent. Danica gave Nieraan a hesitant glance. The bounty hunter appeared to be a very young woman in her early twenties, wearing a piece of tiny cloth for a top. Behind her walked a hideous looking droid.

The Coruscanti businesswoman blinked surprised, listening to the warning. ”Cassandra I presume.” .Danica spoke up, the words carried a taint of disdain at how the bounty hunter unceremoniously failed to make any kind of greeting. Carefully, she watched Cass, a sculpted brow arching in interest upon hearing about the mercenaries. Her expression evolved from interested, through bemused to completely shocked. ”Kel Dor and Nautolans? What?” The twins were deceitful, arrogant but not stupid. If they concocted an inconspicuous trap it wouldn't involve alien mercs on a planet where roughly ninety nine percent of inhabitants were human. It just didn't make any sense . ”Are you sure?” Danica asked, just in case there was something wrong with her hearing. ”Because that would be incredibly foolish of them.” The dark haired woman crossed arms on her chest in a haughty manner, worried that her predictions were true but also pondering the implausibility of the whole story.

Kel Dor and Nautolans hired by the Sith aristocracy?

”Was he the only...” She started though the sentence came to a rapid halt when Danica realized Cass was staring at Nieraan. "... force user you've spotted..?” The fact they employed someone like that was even more worrisome but the whole venture immediately became far less important than the plethora of attention her love received from the young bounty hunter. This wasn't how the scruffy Sith Lord, the opposite of a suave, dandy gigolo, affected women; as handsome as he could be when cleaned up just a bit. Suddenly Danica became oddly threatened and irritated. She glanced at Nieraan who sighed her name in a strangely helpless manner – the woman met the Firrerreo's sun-flared orbs but it didn't convey more than the single word he had spoken.

The hiss of the doors filled the awkward, tensed silence when the last guest had joined the gathering. Danica moved her gaze between Cassandra and Nieraan, confused upon realization those two could have met before. Only after a moment she turned to look at the tall, dark haired Epicanthix. ”Miss Yin.” She nodded at the newly arrived, neatly clothed Sith who quickly picked up on the heavy atmosphere that coated the room. Threatening to suffocate everyone. Danica felt oddly relieved the near-human woman appeared, breaking the moment of stiff inaction.

After Nieraan's rude question, Danica became convinced Cass and her paramour had some kind of past. Unhappy with the discovery, hoping it wasn't what she had feared the most Danica looked at the Firrerreo. Calm expression the Coruscanti woman forced on her features didn't reach the green eyes in which one could read something stretching between an accusation and worry. ”Maybe we can start from where you two know each other.” She snapped, the aloof lilt in her voice - highlighted by the Coruscanti accent of an upper class – now more than apparent.

Only then Danica realized they weren't really alone and Zarene probably deserved an explanation to the situation as well. It was enough the Epicanthix was being a victim to an unwarranted, rather embarrassing event. The Coruscanti aristocrat hated to look unprofessional – it only would prove what Cassius had claimed for years: that his daughter had no skills in running a food stall, let alone a large company.

This is what you get for mixing business with pleasure.

A nagging voice of her inner critic mocked as she tried to still the growing anger. ”I hired an independent contractor, a bounty hunter to snoop around the place before we go there.” Danica explained, feeling like a small child being questioned by a teacher. Expected to answer to a vague question that hid quiet allegation she had made some kind of a mistake. ”To know if the twins are planning something sinister.” Her dark chartreuse gaze returned to the bounty hunter in question. ”Apparently they are.” Danica added, measuring Cassandra with a steady, resentful gaze. Without even thinking about it, she stepped closer to Nieraan - marking her territory. Like a ferocious, possessive lioness.

Mine!

[Cassy]

Cassandra listened to Danica; nodding and pursing her lips a bit when she asked her if she was sure. With a shake of her head; once more she'd cross her arms and nod.

"Oh, I'm sure. Perhaps any humans that would be involved in such an ambush wouldn't want themselves to be connected nor seen." Cassy shrugged, leaning to the side a bit and putting her hands on her hips as she closed her eyes, smirking. "If I was going to take out one LivCo CEO then my hands, name, or species wouldn't be anywhere near it." she stated once plainly. For a moment, she thought it absurd that Danica would think that any human of any relative intelligence would NOT hire someone outside of their race; getting into and out of a world without being seen or through camoflogue and appearance changing technologies happened everyday. Then again, Danica wasn't a Bounty Hunter; perhaps--no definitely, she and Cassandra saw the Galaxy through different lenses. In this line of work, Cassandra quickly learned that everyone was hiding something.

As the Sith's familiar voice cut through; Cassandra looked towards him and sneered a bit in annoyance and also in a mild bit of fear. But although she and this Sith's confrontation had been somewhat unpleasant at first; she had learned a thing or two from the older Sith admittedly...and unfortunately.

"It's nothing; I was just shocked to see you here." her accent trailed off for a moment as she stopped looking at him, staring out the window and pursing her lips together once more. "We met on Nar Shadaa, shortly after I left the Jedi Order, is that enough information for you?" the Bounty Hunter spoke in an annoyed Coruscanti accent. But she couldn't help but smile a bit at Danica as she moved closer to the young Firrerreo. She could likely have any man in the Galaxy she wanted, and this Sith was just one of them. In the end, she had no idea why a woman such as Danica was so attatched to someone like him; but then again, Cassy had always saught to further her own goals through the use of the opposite sex, never really bothering to see a Man for more than just a tool to be used unless said man was a Jedi Master or superior...maybe Sirius when she was a Padawan. Now however, she had no master; and this Sith certainly didn't bother her, nor did he seem to have any Galactic influence; so she literally cared very little who he was involved with. She looked to him with sort of an disturbed brotherly disposition. She did however want to learn more from him; he seemed to have some sway within the Sith Order, showing his talent with the Force. Cassy had trained under Council Jedi Masters, and would readily accept training from even Sith Lords if it woulf further her own goals and talents. However, the thought that Danica would trade all the beautiful men in the universe in for one; was a completely absurd and foreign thought in her mind. She was losing out on many good men who would throw opportunities at her from every direction; some worth cashing in on. Then again, Cassy was likely more of a sleeper than Danica, not opposed to sleeping with men to get what she wanted--likely robbing them blind in the middle of the night.

As another joined them; Cassandra looked towards the girl who looked to be around her age silently. She felt the Force; but it seemed to be disturbed.

'She's....'; thinking she could be enhanced, or some type of cyborg; immediately, Cassandra didn't say anything merely nodded to her once. Likely, she was another member of the Sith Order. Likely, the Sith she was already aquainted with in the room was her superior. She was interested however, in how her cybernetics worked; if there were any as she suspected in the back of her mind.

"Well....if the pleasantries and drama is done? We should get a move on and handle this...negotiation." Cassy said, looking around the room and finding the most expensive looking bottle; and pouring herself a glass; chugging it quickly. "You know, Ships to steal, ships to sell, people to kill, kids to save." she glanced towards Nieraan. "Handosme men to woe---that sort of thing." she would set her glass down on Danica's desk after crossing the room back towards them. "I know the way; perhaps it's best if we take some form of official transport? So that the Twins don't suspect that you're onto anything?" knowing Danica could easily summon a Limo or something even more fabulous likely with a click of her fingers. After she stated this, she crossed her arms and looked towards the two Sith. "You two should let us go in alone through the front, if there is another Force User inside it won't be easy for him to pluck out two Dark Side signatures, even for me being this close to you two is impossible to not feel. He'll alert them that you're bringing some Dark Company with you miss Danica." in the end, it was up to her client on how to handle the situation; but this wasn't Cassy's first rodeo. If the Force User inside did alert the offworld Mercs likely working for the Twins; then any chance of ambush or diplomacy for them likely went out the window as they would likely shoot on sight.

[sparrow]

"They set up the meeting in a factory in their territory," Zarene replied in response to Danica's answer. "So how could they not be? Even gangs and thugs on Nar Shaddaa know to designate a neutral ground for these kinds of things."

She walked to the side of the room, taking the time to observe the bounty hunter as she did so. Human, early-mid twenties. Former jedi turned mercenary, from the looks of it. Career change likely recent. Too cocky. Truth, or just a front? Too early to tell...

Leaning against an rather ornate looking counter, her metal fingers idly tapped against the glass countertop, as she looked from the bounty hunter, to Nieraan, and back again. Well, this was certainly interesting. "What's her name, Onin? Is this the Jedi you were talking about?"

The bounty hunter had apparently decided that she was going to be in charge, and began laying out her plan. Zarene waited for her to finish. She disliked having to talk over people. Her voice didn't have nearly the volume for that.

"No. I don't think so," she said finally. "If there is indeed a Force user there, they'll sense your presence just as easily. You'll be better off staying back, and keeping watch."

"Ms. Liviana operates with the blessings of the Order," she said as she turned back towards Danica. "And the Twins know that. Although perhaps they need a reminder. A reminder that the Order is watching and will not suffer any harm to its interests. So I will go in with you to make sure they remember."

"Although I'd feel better about this if you could get the venue changed without pissing them off." Somehow she didn't think that would be very likely.

[Rugs]

“She is a Jedi,” Nieraan snarled back at Danica. He didn’t particularly care for the way she’d asked how he and the Jedi girl knew each other, nor its implications.

It was nearly offensive.

He hmphed and turned his attention back to the girl, his yellow eyes dangerously hard as he watched her. “Or she was,” he muttered. “Surely no self-respecting Jedi would dress like,” he motioned dismissively at Cassandra, “that. But she’s surprised before.”

Annoyed at the turn of events, he turned away from the meeting table and paced to where his armor sat on the smaller table in the corner of the room. His thoughts turned, even has he listened to the girl lay out what she thought would be the plan. That plan would need some fixing.

Fortunately, Zarene spoke up and made an alteration of her own, one that saved Nieraan a great deal of annoyance. The thought of the Jedi girl going along with Danica to start the negotiations was mortifying, and not only for his own reasons. What would it say of the Sith if they came in hiding behind some rogue Jedi? Worse, what if she still was a Jedi?

Nieraan watched the group, arms crossed, eyes slightly narrowed as he thought. Too many things to address.

“The Twins should at least be prepared to enough to expect a representative, or representatives of the Order might be coming,” he said. “It’s hardly unusual for situations such as this. There’s no reason for us to try to hide that we’re here. And as Yin said, any Force user will feel you as easily as any of us. Not to mention your aura is far too light to be a Sith.

“So you go first, spook the Twins, and everything goes to hell before it even gets started,” he said dryly. “Great plan.”

He left Zarene’s venue change request to Danica—she’d have a better idea of possible places than he. And something much more pressing still weighed on his mind.

“Give me a good reason why I should trust you,” he said to the Jedi. “Last time I saw you, you were on the other side of the war.”

[Poludnica]

The situation in the room grew thick with unpleasant tension. Danica didn't really feel like arguing about plausibility of deus ex machina Kel-Dors or Nautolans as she was in no mood for foolishness. Maybe the twins had gotten some mental malaise that resulted in dumb choices. What truly got to her was the plain statement that her enemies decided to 'take her out' like some kind of undesirable. ”It's better to be sure.” The Livco owner answered Zarene; completely ignoring Cassandras' remarks until Nieraan unhappiness became painfully clear. A part of her – the unprofessional part that so fondly treated the Sith Lord felt relieved as whatever had happened between those two left terrible aftertaste. Despite his brash demeanor Nieraan could be surprisingly subtle when it came to demeaning others but now she could notice nothing but an open distaste toward the girl.

”A Jedi?” Danica could swear her paramour behaved almost offended by the quiet insinuation. The Jedi were no friends to the Sith and all suddenly she began to wonder if that was another of her father's tricks. To send a former Jedi her way – maybe Nieraan had met her on the battlefield. With bemused expression Danica watched how the Firrerreo pointed out the scanty clothes the young woman sported - apparently some of the high-class snobbery finally started to rub off on him. About time.

Clearly hurt, the Sith Lord strolled toward his armor as if the inanimated object could bring him some form of consolation. Whatever this woman had done must have pushed all the right buttons for Nieraan to grow so resentful. Zarene apparently knew more to this story than Danica which immediately caused a stirring of anger to brew beneath the cold, detached surface. ”I have never heard this story” The atmosphere around them turned into sticky awkwardness of unvoiced pretenses and quiet enmity. ”Should I be worried?” The Coruscanti aristocrat huffed at the pair, now much more concerned about them playing on the same team than anything else. Nieraan made his open disgust toward the former Jedi obvious enough for even as possessive creature as Danica to take a hint.

The dark haired woman very quickly understood, though, what could have awoken so much irritation in the Sith who despite overall, uninviting attitude had pretty long fuse when it came to anger. After a condescending proclamation the bounty hunter walked to grab a bottle filled with aged Ruan whiskey. Like a queen on her demesne. Danica's eyes narrowed at this – the woman absolutely abhorred entitled skanks that thought skimpy outfit gave them right to push against every shred of the social norms. ”This will be taken out of your paycheck.” The Courscanti noble stated aloofly which was followed by the grumpy warning: ”Find your own.” When Cassandra began to list all the doubtful glorious missions that awaited her. Including handsome men.

The plan didn't really sound good either and Danica felt a sudden urge to have a drink herself. ”I'm not going anywhere with you.” She opposed, thankful Zarene for agreeing that Cassandra's plan didn't really make much sense. ”They expect the Order envoy, not a bounty hunter.” The Livco owner added just to highlight the importance of at least one Sith being there.

”I don't want to change the venue, it would tip the twins off.” Danica shook her head at the idea. ”Maybe even scare them off world and I want all this to be over with.” She shrugged, unwilling to discuss business details in front of the former Jedi. Forcing the twins into selling or getting rid off them permanently would mean new turf for Livco and money for the Order. Letting that go equaled failure and Danica's harsh personal standards wouldn't let that happen. Cassandra didn't have to know that. ”I will go in with Zarene, you two can stay farther away to watch those mercs. “ The Coruscanti human inhaled slowly, feeling anxiety building up in the pit of her stomach. Her gaze found still disgruntled Nieraan and Cassandra. ”Maybe bring the fight to them.” It became painfully obvious how little experience she had when it came to conflicts like this. Danica was well versed in the art of negotiations that didn't include chopping the head of your foe. ”How to even approach a trap like this?” The woman exasperated in frustration, that grew even more when Nieraan wouldn't let go of the old conflict. ”Can you even work together?” She snorted, wondering if maybe Zarene should stay behind with Cassandra. By now Danica couldn't even blame the Sith Lord for his ill disposition toward the former Jedi – the red haired woman was simply vexing.

[Cassy]

Cassandra rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, as he plan was shot down by the youngest person in the room. She pursed her lips and furrowed a brow at the younger member of the Sith Order; then gave 'Onin' much the same look as he plainly stated that it was a bad idea in his own sarcastic manner.

"Well, forgive me, I was unaware of the amount of hand holding you did with the Sith Order, miss Danica." she pulled the glass up to her lips; and drank, leaning her backside on Danica's desk and crossing one leg. "Perhaps then it would be a bad idea for me to accompany you directly." she shook her head, wondering if Danica knew it was in fact the Sith Order who had her under their thumb. She likely provided everything from a nice amount of pocket change, ships, and even economic connections for them. While it seemed to Cassandra that she recieved very little in return; aside from---looking around just a few superiority complex having Sith with attitude problems; who didn't know how to loosen up, or have a good time. Sounded like a poodooty deal.

"Have you ever thought for a moment that it was your involvement with the Sith Order that caused this in the first place?" she looked to both Onin and Yin. "Not too say it's not a lucrative arrangement for you both; but personal feelings aside just think for a moment." she shook her head frustrated with the lack of clarity which these individuals seemed to think. Everything seemed like a game of political intrigue and power mongering with the Sith; the answers often were more clear than any Sith could see. "I've learned many things as a Jedi, and one of them is that no one likes to be one upped. You yourself are from the Core right, Danica?" she pursed her lips and shook her head. "You show up on their planet with the Sith Order at your beck and call? Then expect them to take it lying down? Not too mention the fact that you showing up with some 'Sith Bookies' will only further their current mindstate, now is not the time for flexing your might, now is the time to show them that you mean them no harm." responding to force with force was usually the least responsible and least wise of the things you could do.

"I have no problem working with Onin, or Yin." she nodded to them both. "But consider what I've said miss." Cassy knew that just walking into a trap with one of her Sith Order pawns would make her look weak. Regardless of what she or the Sith thought. Cassy wasn't a Jedi anymore, nor a Sith, she was a Bounty Hunter and saw things for what they were. "You should go in alone, and if they make any sudden movements towards you; we crash the place." she shrugged and crossed her arms. "Forgive me but don't they already think you're just some baby? Some pest with Sith Order baby sitters encroaching on their territory?" she rolled her eyes, as Danica reminded her the bottle would be coming out of her pay. She took one final sip, and set it back down on her desk. "I suggest you enter alone, and allow us to observe from a vantage point. Allow them too gloat about how foolish you are for coming alone and all that---" she placed a finger onto her own cheek. "I believe there may be some hologrid, image changing technologies at work, I wouldn't be surprised if the Kel Dor and Nautoloans I saw were actually merely humans in disguise..residents of Jeamus who aren't too pleased too have you or your Sith Order cohorts in town miss Danica." she raised an eyebrow "Honestly I can't say I blame them....for wanting to keep their identities hidden...and for not appreciating your influence here."

[sparrow]

As the bounty hunter began rattling off a new plan, , Zarene walked over to their host. "Do you really want to take her along?" she said. "I don't trust her. I almost think she's trying to get you killed by sending you in alone." Judging by the pictures she had seen, the factory was a large building, with many different windowless rooms inside. Who knew which one they would be meeting in, and if someone outside would be able to effectively monitor it? Far too big a risk.

"So let's finalize this and move out," she said to Danica as the bounty hunter Novos prattled on about holo images and face-changing conspiracies. "I go in with you. Onin and Novos support and keep watch outside. My job is to protect your life should it be threatened, and if they try to strongarm or coerce you into an unfair deal I will stop them. But other than that, the actual negotiations are all yours. I will take no part."

"Now, if we're agreed, I like to find a room to change in." Full armor probably wouldn't be appropriate for this particular mission. She didn't want to go in looking like she was dressed for war. But a breastplate or even just some protective underweave under her jacket wouldn't be out of line. "Do you have anything protective you can wear under that dress? Should probably also tell your friend to change out of her clubbing clothes."

[Rugs]

Nieraan was tempted to correct the Jedi’s errors in reasoning and misunderstandings of the Sith and their dealings and structure, but the group had a meeting to be to, and he had no particular desire to waste the hours it would’ve taken to grind it into her skull. So he rolled his eyes and shook his head instead, picking up his chest armor.

“Maybe you should spend some more time doing some research before taking a job, Jedi,” he muttered, deciding to leave things at that.

Zarene spoke and he nodded, agreeing in part. “If we’re going to go this route, best that you go in with her, Yin,” he said, confirming again his agreement that Zarene was a better partner for the job than the Jedi. Beyond his personal disdain for the Jedi, Zarene actually understood the dynamics at play, and was less likely to make a poor first impression, if they were trying to start from a position of negotiation.

Nieraan still didn’t buy that the diplomatic angle would work, not with aristocrats like these.

He lifted the suits protective torso covering and pulled in on over his head, snorting as Zarene suggested he keep watch with the Jedi. “That’s quite alright,” he protested flatly, pulling the sleeves his arms before he picked up the light armored plating and fastened it securely on, leaving only a pauldron, his gloves, and mask. “I’ll keep watch on my own. Work better alone for that sort of thing anyone, if that’s what we’re doing.”

He picked a small, flat black disk from the table and turned it over in his fingers for a moment. It was about an inch wide and half an inch thick. All but one of its sides were metal. The other was a microphone. He flicked it to Zarene. “One of you keep that somewhere. Mic’s strong enough to pick up most person-to-person conversation long as you don’t bury it under sand or something.” He tapped the side of his mask gently. “Don’t like bein’ deaf. Signal’s encrypted.

“Anyway, we all sorted out?” He asked. “Not much time left to get prepared and head out to our date.”

[Poludnica]

The Courscanti aristocrat began truly regret hiring the failure of a bounty hunter. An entitled, snotty brat that was probably kicked out from the Jedi for severe incompetence. She felt a growing urge to enlighten the foolish girl that the Sith Order ran things around. The nobility knew it, the merchants knew it, the business tycoons knew it. Apparently Jedi wash outs didn't which maybe wasn't so odd considering Cassandra looked young and behaved like a spoiled teenager. Shaking her head in a defeat, Danica couldn’t help but agree with what Nieraan muttered. The young woman was sure she wouldn't hear an end to it after this is all over.

There was no justifiable excuse to this mistake. ”No, not really.” Danica admitted helplessly when Zin asked if the former Jedi shouldn't really tag along. The dark haired human agreed on one thing – she didn't want Cassandra anywhere near the negotiations. Her gaze drifted briefly to Nieraan who put his armor on. Only then in downed on her how serious the situation was – that they all risked their lives but unlike the Sith warriors, Danica had no training for it. Nor inner preparation.

”No...” The woman answered slowly, not really sure if there was any piece of armor she could fit under the fancy dress. ”But...” Danica made a small gesture to show a small blaster tucked away under one of the laces. With a bit of embarrassment still alive after hiring the apparently suicidal, air headed bounty hunter, the woman went to collect a small purse to which she slid the small microphone Nieraan offered. ”Feel free to change once we leave, Zarene.” Danica took a long, shaky breath trying to stuff down the growing anxiety. It calmed her down though that Nieraan was watching – their first meeting had showed he was nothing but a skilled infiltrator.

It felt like a lifetime ago.

”I will wait for you downstairs.” The CEO added absentmindedly, her eyes focusing on Nieraan. Stay safe. Danica didn't voice the silent wish, knowing there was no room now for a personal drama. They had a job to do. She left it up to him whether he wanted Cassandra to tag along.

They took two skycabs, one luxurious that betrayed someone rich and of importance sat there. Probably enjoying cold drinks and appetizers. The second one was a simple, common folk's transport. The speeders separated right after the ascent with one circling around the district before following its extravagant cousin. The onboard computer calculated the most efficient route, leaving driverless cab silent with only soft hum of the engines breaking it.

Not feeling very chatty, Danica remained carefully restrained with words during the trip. Apprehension and anxiety crept up her spine, leaving cold trail. ”What are our chances to avoid an open fight?” The human asked finally, just before the speeder touched down on the landing pad. The factory roof was wide and long. Few lone figures already waited for their arrival. Danica couldn't really take a good look from the distance.

”Let's go.” Danica sighed once the doors opened. Gracefully the woman rose from the seat, forcing a mask of polite calmness on her features though the inner turmoil wasn't so easily forgotten.

[sparrow]

"I'll change in my ship," Zarene said as she started walking out the door. "Meet you all downstairs."

A few minutes later, after making her final preparations in her ship, Zarene met the other three at the landing pad, where a pair of skycabs were waiting for them. She stepped into the nicer looking cab with Danica, buckled up, and sat in silence as the cab took off and their journey to the meeting place began.

Their flight remained silent until Danica finally asked a question. "Difficult to tell," Zarene muttered in response. "Something doesn't feel right here. If this was legit and they didn't want to start a fight, they wouldn't have made everything seem so suspicious... And if they were trying to ambush you, they wouldn't have made it seem so obvious." She trailed off for a moment. "No... there's definitely something else going on here." Perhaps it had something to do with that Force user that the bounty claimed to have seen. Or what she claimed her droid had seen. Zarene wasn't sure if the bounty hunter can actually seen anything herself. If only she had brought some actual information on the force user, instead of spending all her focus on the race of the mercenaries...

The doors opened as the ship touched down. Danica stepped out, and Zarene followed. A pair of mercenaries stood at the end of the landing pad waiting for them. One had wiry hair arranged in thick dreadlocks that hung down his back. Both wore face-covering masks with built-in respirators and dark armor. The emblems their shoulder pads identified them as members of the Talon mercenary company, an all-human outer rim group with a rather unsavory reputation. Zarene remembered having run-ins with some members of the group during her Exchange days, and wondered if any of them would still recognize her.

[Rugs]

Nieraan followed as the two women departed. From the beginning, his trail was subtle, a lone, unassuming two-passenger speeder that peeled away from the skycab’s immediate trail and arced high to fall into another traffic stream higher up in the sky. He his trail, but made it a quiet thing, not bothering to keep pace with the cab.

As he drove through the air, his mind wandered. Danica would be alone, it a situation he doubted would end well. No, not alone. Yin was there, and she was capable. Nieraan trusted her a great deal more than that Jedi and her droid.

Speaking of, what’s her game? He glanced back over his shoulder toward their hotel. Why would a Jedi suddenly align with the Sith? Bounty hunter or no, it didn’t make any sense.

The Firrerreo ultimately pushed the thoughts away from his mind. They were distractions, and his mind had to be clear. For now.

As he approached the meeting place, he veered away from the traffic stream, a lone fish breaking from a school to wander off on its own. The speeder dipped down, down toward a quiet public landing pad on the opposite side of the building adjacent to the meeting one.

Nieraan closed his eyes before he stepped out, listening to Zarene and Danica’s quiet conversation before the stepped out of the speeder. A knot twisted in his stomach. Briefly, fleetingly before he forced it down.

It wouldn’t do if he was found out and blew the meeting, so he forced his presence down. As long as he was quiet and steady, as a long as he concentrated on only that, he could maintain it. But he still needed to get to the other building first…

[Poludnica]

(( I am sorry it's a bit craptastic but it moves things along >.> Feel free to make up stuff as you go about the interior or the Force user that can be in the same room.))

Zarene words did little to calm her wrecked nerves. Danica clenched her fists, carefully polished nails digging into delicate skin. Pain sobered her up a bit and she nodded, acknowledging the other woman's words. She could feel something terrible hanging in the air, like a bad aftertaste after even worse cheap drink. Certainly Zarene heard more in the Force as a trained Sith and the news wasn't good at all. ”Let's hope they will get scared.” Danica breathed before stepping out of the speeder. Around them mercenaries gathered which caused a tight knot of fear to form in her throat. They looked menacing with breathing masks and dreadlocks – large men, humans or very close to them. Trying not to show fear Danica straightened herself to full, not so modest height for a woman, especially giving high heels that added few inches extra.

”Miss Liviana.” One of them started, his voice obscured by the armor. Giving it hollow, shallow depth. Danica looked at him but her features betrayed tension and wariness. ”This way.” He added with a surprisingly elegant gesture. ”I can find the way on my own, thank you.” The Coruscanti woman stated coldly to which the merc remained silent. Without the word they shadowed the two arrivals until the doors that led to the tacky foyer. The walls were gilded in the obnoxious manner with cheap, outer rim folk art adorning it like a prairie diamond in the copper crown. For once though Danica didn't think to judge the hosts tastes but focused on own fear and once more in her head walked through the possible scenarios. None of them felt optimistic.

Inside there were more hired guns, casually strolling about – those two Force users would stand a chance against, certainly someone like Nieraan would but the Force user waiting on them at the meeting...Danica's loose strands of thoughts briefly focused on her paramours. Was he worried? What if he wouldn't make it on time? Inhaling sharply, but the heart wouldn't stop racing like a scared rabbit. She counted steps until they reached an elevator that brought them up toward the penthouse offices. Deeper into the lion's den.

They finally arrived at the proper destination. At large desk sat one of the twins, a tall, fair haired human woman . Her brother stood near by, also fair and well-built. There was something unsettling in their cold, watery blue gazes and sharp features. Danica never liked them, they wore the same attitude her father did. This air of unfounded superiority toward those they considered lesser. ”Miss Liviana, so good you could join us.” The woman smiled dryly, assured of herself and the advantage this place held for her. Danica responded with own, vapid grin that spoke nothing about true intentions.

”How could I refuse?” The Coruscanti businesswoman spoke in a stiff tone, making sure to stay close to Zarene.

[Cassy]

Cassandra would draw completely silent as she was berated yet again by the group; one by one. Eventually after Nieraan's comments she would draw silent and sigh. With a nod that said 'you won't be bothered by me anymore'; she followed the group. They made their way outside; where she noted two Skycabs. One looked like it was practically sparkling.

A muffled laugh would be heard briefly; as Cassy put a hand to her mouth and shook her head. Ah the fluff of privaledge; growing up as a Jedi she'd never experienced it herself, but always found it amusing. She'd had to dress up a few times on occassion, and loved every minute of it. But; now that she was no longer a Jedi, she could have all the fun with outfits she wanted. Maybe she'd ask Danica for some tips eventually.

As Zarene and Danica crawled into the more luxurious looking Skycab, Cassy would take the more normal looking one. Being packed in with those two ladies after the way introductions had went was...not something Cassandra was sure she could handle. As the doors to the Skycab slid shut; she buried herself deep in her thoughts, Lucky sat across from her; almost too big for the transport itself. His posture, perfect as a droid's would be.

"I hope Danica can learn to trust me....." it slipped out through the silence as she furrowed her brow. She'd been so rude and forward, but she was only trying to help. "I shouldn't have grabbed that bottle..."

"Probability of you having offended Miss Danica...are very high indeed." the droid quipped; deciding to skip over the actual probability percentage for once; as from his optic scans of his master's face, he could tell she was somewhat disturbed. The noise of mild traffic eventually gave way as they reached their destination.

As she and Lucky finished leaving their Skycab; she looked up to see the tail end of Danica and Zarene headed off with what looked to be some armed escorts. For all her 'bad information' it would seem things would likely play out exactly as Cassandra had somewhat aluded too. She could sense Onin's force signature nearby, although he was out of sight for the moment. Deciding to not get too close to the building as she knew there could be other Force Users about, she followed the wall of the building on it's flank.

She tried her best to keep her signature buried; but also churned her hearing up too inhuman levels while doing so. Her skill in Body allowed her augmented hearing to ring clear as she could hear the conversations going on inside without too much of a muffle. It seemed the meeting was about to begin. From outside the gigantic warehouse, Cassandra could still feel the presence of the Force User inside, although she was muffling her own signature, whoever was inside didn't seem to be bothering too, at least not yet.

Lucky and Cassandra hung about on the outside of the Warehouse. Hopefully one of Danica's 'business friends' hired guns didn't stumble around this side of the building on a patrol. Cassandra wore a black tube top; with black sleeves on either side of it. Along with black jean like pants; and heavy boots. Her lightsaber was clipped onto her all purpose belt that hung loosely around the black of her clothes. For now; she'd wait, and listen. Her eyes closing as she honed in on any sound made inside.

[sparrow]

As she entered the building, Zarene could feel the presence of the mysterious Force user that Novos had alluded to in her report. She concentrated, trying to discern any details about the person, when the presence suddenly winked out. Gone. Just like that.

They're taunting me, Zarene thought. It was as if they were saying, "Now you see me, now you don't. You can sense me, but only when allow it." She gritted her teeth as she imagined them smiling smugly. I'll find you, and I'll smash your smug face, whoever you are...

The hallways led them deeper into the building, where they eventually arrived at a large office considerably more ornate than the rest of the building. At the center of the office was a large desk where the twins were seated, with a Talon captain standing behind them.

Two of the Talons followed them into the room, and the heavy metal door slid shut after them. The Talon captain looked Zarene up and down, smirking slightly. Zarene took her place behind Danica's seat, arms folded in front of her chest, a pose that indicated to the captain "If you don't start anything, I won't," along with a glare that said "But if you do, I'll kill you."

A brief round of greetings were exchanged. "Awful fancy office to have in a factory," Zarene muttered.

"Sensitive business deals need a secure, soundproofed room to be conducted in," the brother replied. "You never know what kind of shady characters could be trying to listen in." His demeanor was relaxed and confident, which was betrayed only slightly when he lifted a handkerchief to wipe away a few beads of sweat from his forehead. Too much heat from the factory floor, perhaps?

The sister placed a sheet of paper on the desk, sliding it over to Liviana. "Let's get straight to the point," she said. "Our offer."

[Rugs]

Nieraan soared. His stomach tried to rise up into his throat from his belly as he reached the zenith of his Force-assisted leap and began to come down. He caught a spire short spire that rose from the roof as he came down, allowing his momentum to swing him around once before he gripped the pole with his legs and slid down to a quiet landing.

Much better than the loud thud that would’ve reverberated through the metal roof if he’d just jumped over without a second thought.

He crouched low, thankful for the soft shadows provided by a low, curving overhang a few yards down the roof. The roof seemed to be abandoned for now, but he could feel life sprinkled through the complex beneath his feet.

It was terribly, terribly tempting to watch from above—to look through the walls and ceiling with the Force as the meeting proceeded, but that couldn’t do.

Not without blowing his cover.

So he sighed quietly and padded along the rooftop, moving toward a set of evacuatory stairs that zig-zagged down the factory’s side. If he couldn’t watch the meeting, he could at least find a secluded place close enough to intervene if things went south while he listened in through his bug.

[Poludnica]

Oblivious to the force changes around her, Danica had only her five senses to pick up on the tension in the air. The mercenaries followed them, adding to the silent threat that hovered in the air. The twins did everything to make sure she knew who held all the cards here. Who made this business spin. She glanced at Zarene who didn't seem threaten; her assertive stance unaffected by the mercenaries around. What about this Force user? Trying to hide fear and soft tremble that moved through her being, the woman stepped closer to the desk. Her gaze narrowed and vigilant.

Those two...Danica felt a familiar shudder of sickness building in her stomach. Deranged nobility, Cassius adored to mingle with such lot. To play on their elitist views that matched his own so much. It almost made her to slap the brother who gave them this look that spoke of inborn superiority. As if they were better. Danica was no royalty in the Sith territory, a mere businesswoman from the Core. A stranger that usurped their territory, that associated herself with lower class Galactic citizens. Sith among them. ”Indeed.” She smiled coldly at the words, thinking of own little bug hidden in the classy purse. It was pretty clear neither of them wanted to stay long in the company of the other so when the man slid her a piece of paper, she took it gladly. Expecting what was scribbled there.

And she wasn't disappointed. A dark frown marred her features as she discarded the miserable piece of paper back on the desk. As if it was some vile trash. ”That is outrageous.” Danica commented aloofly, trying to put an leash on a sudden anger. Those conditions seemed like a slap and her fiery temper wouldn't tolerate this slight. ”You must me out of your mind Garragel . I am not going to give you shares in my company.” The woman scoffed. ”That's racketeering, not a business deal.” The hurt pride rang loud in those words. Unlike her father, Danica couldn't hide herself behind indifferent mask. Not when she was being offended. Impatient and arrogant, the woman often said what should have been left unvoiced. The twins noticed this and exchanged bemused glances before the sister spoke up. Moving behind her brother as if seeking protection.

”I am afraid you have no choice, Miss Liviana.”The pastry pale, fair haired woman's voice remained calm, collected. It stood in sharp contrast with obvious angered distress on Danica's flushed features. This meeting certainly wasn't about negotiations, never was meant to be. Covering fear with new layer of irritation, Dthe Coruscanti businesswoman decided to act on it. "Don't make threats you can live up to." She sneered at the pair of snotty nobles.