Conventus Mentibus [Baba Yaga]

[Meira]

Ta'a Chume'Dan appealed to the Dark Lady greatly. The emphasis these Hapans placed on small, controlled splendor was a wonder in itself. The landscape that surrounded the city, lush forests coming to an abrupt end on coastal cliffs, was breathtaking. Her room, a lavish suite, had a view that encompassed all of this beauty. Standing out on it, she could see forest, city, cliffs, and ocean; all by simply turning her head. But what dominated the landscape was the Hapan seat of power. The Castle of Per'Agthra, or Fountain Palace, dominated the skyline from where it was perched on the cliffs. There was where the Queen Mother resided. Renata smiled at that.

It was what she loved most about these Hapans. A history, smudged by repression under pirates and brigands, overcome when the women rose up and took control of what was theirs. They vowed to never let a man rule them again. Though Renata had renounced the Jedi and their ways, she would not deny the critical role they had played in the liberation of Hapes. Growing up as a youngling in the Jedi Temple, that had been one of her favorite history lessons.

She had come here with the hopes of enticing the Hapes Consortium into a quiet arrangement with the Order. It was a risk, coming so close to the core, but the Republic and the Jedi were still blind to who she was. She hoped to keep it that way for some time yet. Eurachis was content to play the face of Sith leadership as he ran the military machine against their enemies. And Renata was content to let him. But galactic politics was not the only reason for her visit here. There was a more personal matter she was eager to see to.

She had made herself important in the lives of individuals she believed would play key roles in upcoming Sith efforts. She had brought Nieraan under her wing, slowly reigning the unruly man in, giving him power while also bringing him under her control. To do this, Renata had been obliged to also befriend his apparent lover, Danica. The task was not unpleasant for the Dark Lady. Danica presented her with an opportunity for appreciating the finer things in life. And in the Sith Order, surrounded by mad men groping for power, Danica was a breath of fresh air. But it had come to her attention, through Danica's own requests for sanctuary, that a certain man could topple the delicate tower she was building with these two. Renata could not have that.

The man in question was none other than Danica's own father, Cassius Liviana. He was a well respected businessman of the Core Worlds, pristine and cultured. It was no question of where Danica gained her bearing. She knew him to be handsome, as there was no shortage of images and holos of the famous CEO, and she could appreciate the attention he paid to his appearance. What wasn't in the holos, however, was the man's connections to the anti-alien group known as Pius Dae. Renata knew of the group, though many believed it to have all but crumbled in recent history. His connections to his group, and also his seedier business practices had been brought to her attention through her vast network of informants. The man was clever, with all of his links to these less than publicly acceptable activities being all but entirely deniable. But Renata wasn't looking to prosecute the man. She simply wanted to know him, and to know why he posed such a threat to her dear Nieraan and Danica.

It was a simple matter to establish contact with the man. The Sith had resources in spades, and it was no effort at all to create an identity for herself as a mid rim business woman, looking to strike a deal with famous Livco. Her lack of history within the business world was easily explained; she was the daughter of rich casino owners from Ord Mantell, wanting to strike out on her own and make a name for herself. Where better to start than with an alliance with Livco?

Cassius had apparently taken the bait. Underlings had met with underlings, the validity of who she was had been confirmed and now, at last, she would be meeting him in person on this neutral ground. Renata, or Seraphina Agrippa as Cassius would know her, now awaited her guest on the balcony. She leaned her thin frame against the railing, a fluted glass of sparkling wine in one hand, as the gentle breeze caught the loose curls that were allowed to escape the bun her hair had been tied into. Her dress was tasteful, the plum colored fabric not hiding her frame, but also modest at the collar. She wore no jewelry this day, not wanting Cassius to believe her reliant on adornments. She would present him with as honest a statement of herself as she was willing to make. She was a woman comfortable in her own skin, taken naturally to power, and possessing of the poise necessary to keep it. This was a truth regardless of what alias she used.

[Poludnica]

Ambient

”It could be a trap.” Broca's voice was hoarse, like a crushed gravel. Dry, almost painful to listen but even this quality didn't cover worry his friend tried to hide. Cassius didn't need the Froce to read it, they knew each other for more than twenty years now – comrades brought together by a greater cause. There was nothing they both could hide from each other at this point – a sole reason the Livco owner brought the sniper with him to Hapes where an odd meeting awaited. ”Then I better go there and see for myself.” Cassius chuckle and forced the ebony black speeder to descend toward a landing pad near the exquisite hotel. Warm current created but the engine's relentless work carried the machine toward its goal in a reckless dive. There weren't many things Liviana liked more than the rush of adrenaline a dynamic flight created. He used strands of the Force to navigate between slowly drifting before cutting them off completely, hiding behind a tight, telepathic shield. The grey hued swirl that surrounded him faded completely and once more Cassius Liviana was just another businessman. Seemingly blind to the ethereal, elusive power.

Broca remained silent, knowing there wasn't anything that could dissuade Cassius from this meeting nor to let him observe them from behind the scope of his slugthrower sniper rifle. ”Wait for me in a hotel bar.” The Coruscanti aristocrat said, more a proposition than an actual order. The Corellian security chief nodded with a grim, worried expression before leaving the speeder. ”Goddess guide you.” Broca offered with something akin to a jest. An inside joke. Neither Cassius nor anyone else in Pius Dea believed the goddess truly existed. She was an idea though, a notion that encompassed human right to rule. The dark haired man waved his hand at that before leaving the driver's seat. In the dying daylight Cassius' pale skin looked even sickly but golden brown suit added certain glow to it. As usually dressed with casual elegance, the grey jedi avoided stuck up attires, choosing elegant but easy going set.

Clever green eyes vigilantly watched the lobby that opened to him after stepping through the fancy doors. Nothing was out of ordinary, at least to the naked eye. He kept the Force on a tight leash, as tempting as it was to just swoop the place with its tendrils. No, Cassius Liviana wasn't Darek – the man that spoke on behalf of Livco knew nothing of it and even if it would help in simple business deals the secret was worth too much. He walked to the elevator, his step light and graceful. Gestures delicate, cautious and maybe even with effeminate quality. As the lift moved upward in a lazy pace Cassius caught his reflection. Sharp features, long nose and pointed chin with high cheekbones and thin lips – they marked the Coruscanti heritage he was so proud of. His daughter inherited some of them, but not all. Danica looked softer, more oval yet the similarity in small expressions was undeniable.

Making sure everything was in order, his hair neatly combed and vest spotless the man stepped out into a smartly furnished hallway that led toward the proper suite. The first thing that was out of ordinary was the invitation – the woman expected a Livco owner to show up at her doors, not the other way around as a general savoire vivre dictated. Cassius would humor her, if only to get the solution to a puzzle she provided. Seemingly a daughter to someone he had never heard before, though an owner of few prosperous casinos. His intel and informants immediately sniffed out holes in the overall neat stories. He tried to get a hold of this....businessman but the man never made time to return the call. She had no prior history withing business nor the name carried any true meaning – normally, with all what was going on with Danica he would simply refuse but now, suspecting the woman wasn't who claimed to be, the Livco owner decided to get to the bottom of this. To confirm or deny his guess about this young lady. If it was another ploy the wayward daughter concocted or maybe she was indeed Seraphina Agrippa. Which he doubted....Someone didn't survive this long without good network of informants that confirmed only the most obvious parts of the woman's story. Curiosity killed a cat, they say – though this one really could as well have nine lives.

The grey jedi finally found himself in front of the doors, knocking. Some in his position would immediately turn away or never accepted the invitation. Deciding it was beneath their position to make such visits but Cassius wasn't a petty man. He had built his name from the bottom of Nar Shaddaa, where more than once the pride had to come after simple survival. Now he wanted answers to what this whole charade was for...

[Meira]

"They've arrived, mistress."

Renata turned her head, eyes barely registering the man as she glanced over her shoulder. She nodded and the Zabrak moved away, retreating to a hidden security room where he and two other personal guards would wait, should she need them. But Renata highly doubted it would come to that. Any disturbance in this hotel would be very difficult to hide, and she expected that such publicity didn't appeal to her guest.

Turning away from the balcony, Renata paced back into the large, open space that was the sitting room of her suite. She breathed deeply, pulling the tendrils of the force inward until her presence -not entirely gone- appeared to be far less commanding. Renata knew that it would be useless to hide from this man entirely. In fact, it would be counter productive. This whole meeting was only designed so that she could see the man face to face. She had no delusions of fooling him entirely. No, the best lies always held as much of the truth as possible. Renata would allow this Cassius to know her connection to the force, and to his daughter, but she did not have to let him know the extent of those connections.

Smoothing her dress, Renata deposited herself into am overstuffed lounge chair, her body easily relaxing and giving the appearance that she was draped over the chair like a bolt of silk. She noted a distinct lack of force signature as a being approached. So, he was playing his part as well. That was fine, so long as he didn't attempt to keep the up the ruse even after they became acquainted. When he knocked, Renata waved her hand and the door slid open. She watched him from her seated position as he moved through the door. Her movements were fluid as she came to her feet, eyes never leaving the impeccable man.

"Cassius Liviana," she said in an almost musical voice, "it is an honor to finally meet you." Gliding across the floor, Renata closed the distance between them, holding a graceful hand out to him. "Thank you for coming all this way. I do hope your travels were pleasant." Renata positioned herself quite close to the man, smiling up at him. She knew he was tall, but to know and to witness in person were two different things. All the better, though. Renata had always found it true that men let their guard down when they felt strongest. She would be a fool to think Cassius would entirely drop his, but all men were subject to their own levels of pride. She doubted him to be a saint.

It was a natural thing, nearly pure instinct, for her play into the role of seeming small, frail, and easily dominated. It was her lure. Men especially played into this fantasy she created, seeing her as no threat at all. In this way, she drew them in until they were so tangled with her that they'd forgotten what it meant not to care for her safety, for her happiness. Renata did not wish to fully ensnare this man, but a little enchantment would not go amiss.

"Please, come sit down." she said, putting a light touch at the back of his arm to gently guide him into the lush sitting room. "Would you care for a drink? I've a bottle of this delightful sparkling wine on ice. Or, perhaps, you'd prefer a Corellian whiskey?"

[Poludnica]

There was a distinct trail of the Force that led him to the room. A quiet threat, very subtle. And obviously dark – pulsating with this hideous tint only the fallen one displayed. Cassius' eyes narrowed at this as senses immediately heightened with vigilance. He had spent many years hunting the fallen one, it had been his training and a crude way for Basko to ensure his pupil; so instinctively prone to selfish behavior, would treat the dark side as an enemy. Believing himself to be a man of a mission Cassius adhered to this, careful not to subdue those temptation, though sometimes stepping too close. Playing with fire. Still, the force that enveloped him bore a lighter hue at the edges. The moral backbone – do not harm your own. Do not kill humans, no matter how much they had misbehaved. Protect those you see in need, those that deserve it. So Cassius often played the part of a knight for his own species on Nar Shaddaa. A paragon that bullied their abusers, freed from those slavers he could find. All in the name of maintaining balance to clinically executed self-interest.

Dark side was chaos only weak willed submitted to. A drug. Whoever this woman was she already put herself in opposition to him, without even uttering a word. Of course he couldn't act, not here in the open when everyone knew his name and maybe this...businesswoman knew it. Choosing this particular hotel. Cassius already wrecked one of such rooms, another would bring unwanted attention. Cunning move or a simple coincident...The tall man briskly walked into the bright space, noting lavish furniture and a human woman draped across one like a spoiled feline. He greeted her with an indifferent, polite business smile that spoke absolutely nothing as clever mind tried to immediately figure out the set up. Certainly an attractive female if one found interest in one. As a man whose tastes laid elsewhere Cassius paid little attention to the girl's frame. Focused more on subtle, non verbal cues hidden between lines.

Engaging in the known, polite dance that proceeded any meeting. He knew the steps, doing it probably for longer than this woman was alive. Cassius took her small hand in a firm, steady grip. Studying mannerism, trying to see if it was just a ruse, a mask that hid something else. ”Miss Agrippa, pleasure is all mine.” Liviana lied swiftly, covering it with another smile. ”They always are.” He admitted noncommittally, still trying to make any valid decision about this woman. Young, his daughter's age at most with small physique. Certainly appealing but where most men found allure, Cassius discovered only bored indifference paired with mild annoyance. The Livco owner though knew what was often expected of him and played on fooling the interested parties into thinking he had been enchanted and captivated. Physical intimacy was just another mean to an end and Cassius didn't shy from it, no matter his personal tastes. A smart man always used all tools available.

From the way she behaved it seemed creating atmosphere of gentle allure was effortless to her. Maybe even primal, instinctual. It amazed him how non threatening this creature was despite darkness seeping from the small frame. Be on your guard. His master's voice, always there. Cassius had suffered through some difficult lessons when ill placed arrogance told him to underestimate a foe. Blindly charging at an obvious taunt and a trap. Not anymore and instincts told him there was something more at play here.

Following Agrippa's gesture – quenching the urge to slap away her hand, Cassius placed himself on a couch. Relaxed, with one leg placed on the other elegantly and the same expression on his features. Easy going, friendly. ”No, thank you.” He sighed when the woman proposed drinks, gently gesturing his palm in a soft denial. Long fingers reached to a pocket in his vest and produced a small, silver trinket that opened in a soft click. An emblem engraved in it – Pius Dea sigil. Despite rather sinister mark, there were hidden rather mundane paper sticks. Cigarettes. ”May I?” Cassius asked courteously, wondering what else this woman had in the bag of tricks to charm him. There were women – two, maybe three he felt genuinely attracted to but they weren't vulnerable, tender beauties. Cassius despised weakness: feigned or genuine. His late wife had been epitome of this vexing behavior. On physical level he liked only one gender with couple of strong willed, powerful women that forced him to look pass their femininity.

But he could wear masks...

[Meira]

After steering him toward the chairs, Renata had left Cassius to choose his seat while she made to prepare him a drink. At his polite denial of beverages, she executed a perfect turn, in time to spy the cigarette case being retrieved from his vest pocket. Ever ready, Renata scooped up a lighter from the low table at the side of the couch. She had made sure to have it on hand, knowing from the information that had been gathered on him that he was a smoker.

"Not at all." she replied, striking the lighter and holding the flame out for him to use.

The Pius Dae symbol on his cigarette case did not go unnoticed, but it did escape comment. Renata held little interest in the group, seeing it as little more than a rich boy's club for human men of the core. Perhaps useful if needed, but it was not her goal to become involved with such a group. No, all she wanted was what was before her.

With no drink order to fulfill, Renata sat herself back down in the chair she had selected before Cassius had entered, again relaxing into the fabric as if it were a part of herself. She placed the glass of wine she's been holding on a nearby table and then turned her eyes back to the man. He held himself so rigidly. Even his relax pose belied the vigilance that stretched taut beneath the surface.

Renata continued to exude her nonthreatening aura. He had not immediately responded to her charm, but that was not to say he wouldn't. Weak men began to crack immediately. Stronger men resisted her for some time. It was no surprise that he was of the latter. The game, now, was to see how willing he was to continue this charade, knowing what she was.

"I know that this is all very unorthodox." she said with a smile, leaning forward slightly in the chair. "And I appreciate your willingness to break from the usual routine of business meetings. But I believe you will find there is nothing usual about me." Her smile turned sly with the last words.

"How much have you been briefed on my business ventures?" It was time to let him show his hand. "I would hate to rattle on about things you already know."

[Poludnica]

The woman eagerly fulfilled his desires and Cassius thought how easily most men would fall for that. Their ego pleasantly stroked by a beautiful woman who sought to take care of every little need. Mildly amused, the tall CEO didn't protest and put away his own lighter – the same symbol engraved in it. Though not before offering one of the pale stalks to Agrippa . Suspecting maybe she was a smoker, otherwise it meant the woman really did her research thoroughly. Suspiciously so. Cassius held the cig to the flame, delicately drawing at it, coaxing the soothing smoke into his lungs. Closing his eyes, the man exhaled slowly, taking the cig daintily between thumb and a forefinger. Tendrils of smoke slipped past slightly parted thin lips to curl lazily upwards, towards the richly decorated ceiling. Without a word watching the woman's elegant movements, wondering how much there was Force training in her and if he would sense more when all the pretenses fell.

The signature in the threads of power that surrounded her was tainted, to him looking like a smoke from a burning, rotten corpse. It wasn't strong though and Cassius pondered if she was skillfully hiding or simply had barely any training. Her age could suggest the latter but not the confident grace in Agrippa's gestures and smiles. She sat there, with a glass of expensive wine as if it was a friendly chit chat. The natural reaction of people around the CEO was to be wary or tense when conducting business, considering his strict nature and harsh negotiation tactic. This one wasn't which could mean many things so instead of creating wild theories, Cassius decided to sit and wait. Playing with the cigarette, turning it in his fingers.

A smile ghosted across his lips when the woman began to speak. Her voice melodic, enchanting even and sentences neat, round. Certainly someone who easily charmed others with it – molded it into another tool. The crafty, roguish smile that followed her words certainly was aimed to create this illusion of mysterious allure. Cassius looked at the tip of the cigarette, leaning a bit forward to reach the nearest ashtray, listening to Agrippa's promise to find more about her. ”Hopefully there is more.” The Liviana patriarch stated truthfully, a bit bored, but without any goading malice. A mere fact, if only to peg the woman's reaction to someone who didn't catch the seductive bait. To poke around this doll like demeanor though Cassius never clarified what he meant. That it was a stench of the dark side about her or the manipulating attempts – conscious or not. Some women, like his wayward daughter, behaved like this by default. Toward anyone important which often got them far in the business ventures. Agrippa certainly knew how to do it and used with a grace of a dancer. Unfortunately for her, Cassius couldn't be called a typical man.

Now, there was a chance to expose this charade for what it was but Cassius decided against it. Preferring to see for how long the woman would keep up this facade. Weaving the net of lies until entangled so much there would be no other move to make but admit this had been a mere game all along. He wasn't always patient but often knew this to be the best course of action. ”I know absolutely nothing about your business ventures.” Cassius admitted with a genuine smile, letting her take it as she pleased. He raised his hand in an enticing gesture for her to go on. Seemingly eager to hear about this so called venture. Playing a part of a mere businessman, blind to darkness that tainted the woman's aura.

[Meira]

Renata had declined the offered cigarettes with a polite wave of her hand. She'd never cared much for the habit, preferring the burn of alcohol over that of smoke. Her study of the man as they became acquainted was drawing to a conclusion that the more basic wiles would not suffice to break his outer shell. This was not unexpected. In fact, Renata might have been disappointed if it were that easy, both in Cassius and in his daughter who saw him as a clear and present threat in her life.

That was not to say, however, that Renata would abandon her charming demeanor altogether. While the extent to which she exuded this trait could be adjusted to meet specific circumstances, it never truly went away. Renata worked with what she had, and what she had was confidence and poise. These were things any being could appreciate, regardless of preference.

His reply to her question widened the smile on the Dark Lady's face. He lied so beautifully. She sipped her wine, watching him for a moment, truly admiring the statuesque facade he created in himself. She did not try to pry into his mind. She was not after those intimate thoughts or his breaking point. What she wanted from him was the opportunity to understand. If she was going to get that, she would have to hear it from him, given freely. That would take some time, however, and so Renata settled in.

"Oh, I doubt that very much, Mr. Liviana." she said, in a teasingly chastising tone. "You don't strike me as a man who enters any situation unprepared." One long, thin leg crossed over the other as she relaxed into her seat, sipping again at her glass of wine. "You will know that I seem to have sprung from nowhere, with a pedigree that withstands superficial scrutiny, but little more. You will know that I have resources at my disposal, enough to create a very comfortable life for myself, but not enough to draw unwanted attention. Having met me in person, you will now know that I am decently educated, ambitious, and unafraid of those above my station.

"I have studied you as well, Cassius. May I call you Cassius?" she didn't wait for a response. "You too are ambitious. You are a beacon of discipline, philanthropy, and respect. But I recognize something more in you. It is why I so desperately wanted to meet you."

Renata stood, placing her glass down on the side table and circling around the chairs. The force exuded from her; not a demanding surge, but as a simple fact. It remained within the realm of one who might be considered weaker in ability, but she could not stop how it burned brightly. Potential could often be as impressive as actual skill. She wanted him to see her potential.

"I find myself in a position to take what I want from this galaxy. But there is something daunting about the task that lies ahead." Her eyes connected with his as she paused in her pacing. "I don't want to hide." Pausing a moment, Renata let the words sink in before continuing her pacing, her feet taking her behind the couch. Within a moment of being out of sight, Renata's hand was on the man's shoulder. In all truth, Cassius would likely not take kindly to this gesture, but she cared very little for that. Her long fingers and flat palm conformed to the angles of his shoulder, right at the base of his neck where his collar gave way to the warm flesh beneath. "Aren't you tired, Cassius?"

[Poludnica]

The woman refused a cigarra and the pack quickly vanished when it previously appeared. Skilled fingers, used to precise movements took care of it. Even with all the care Cassius put into appearances some things weren't simply manageable. The man's fingertips were hardened and palms covered in faint callouses from the saber training. Only a very perceptive person would notice those small tell tales of the true story behind the businessman. He had spent the same amount of time as Darek and Cassius – one a respected, well connected CEO. Patron of the art, philanthropy who helped Rapublic veterans. A hobbyist politician who supported pro human movement but wasn't vocal about it. That was one persona, almost dissociative from Darek: merciless vigilante and ruthless crime lord. To train, he hunted dark side, alien menace and those that enslaved his kind. Cassius didn't know yet which one this woman truly wanted to see.

The tall human didn't let himself to drop his guard and release any power to prod for Agrippa's intentions. Preferring the other side to show all the cards before that happened. There was darkness about her, disgusting and gut wrenching. One Cassius had been conditioned to hate or otherwise it allure would lead him asunder. Regardless of the taint this woman seemed young but in control, didn't phase by an obvious rejection. He watched her, sipping this wine like a spoiled feline – completely at ease around someone whose station was so much more than hers. It took bravery or stupidity and Cassius didn't know which one of those it was. Only when Agrippa proceeded to compliment herself did the man react with the faintest smirk. A shadow that ghosted through his features.

”Am I supposed to be impressed?” He asked with a tone that danced between bemusement and derisive judgment. The woman was right though, he never went into the new situation completely unprepared. She did her research and probably found much more about Cassius Liviana than Darek. For a moment he thought the woman looked for a master, giving the force around her – weak, like a thing veil. Intuition told the man though that wouldn't be the whole story. She hid something from him – no one who had only this little power would be so at ease. ”I am flattered by your interest.” Cassius stated, boredom in his voice – eyes on purpose trailing to the chronometer at his wrist. Non verbal cue for Agrippa to hurry up and spill the beans.

Finally, at least one thread of truth had been revealed and the darkness enveloped the creature before him. Much stronger than he expected but nowhere near his mastery. Still, Cassius couldn't neglected the potential that lurked in it – those still colorless tendrils that only waited to be harnessed. There was something oddly refreshing in a human woman who had enough discipline to grasp them. Yet not enough to remain gray. Unwilling to enter some kind of rivalry, maybe what Agrippa expected, his Force remained closely guarded. Hidden behind a glass wall. Cassius decided to remain blind to the skill she presented, prodding what she would do with it.

Nothing didn't warn him about malicious intentions the woman could have so Cassius let her hand to rest on his shoulder. Sinewy muscles hardened under the silken shirt. Betraying harrowing training. It was rather clear Agrippa tried to use her wiles, hardly aware this man wouldn't respond at all. As someone who had a daughter and a late wife he was often treated as obviously heterosexual – small fact that amused him greatly, considering how rumors what he truly fancied spread.

The man didn't escape from the touch, deciding it would be showing weakness – though something in him cringed at this familiarity. In the first name basis and physical closeness. Cassius was a cautious flirt, sometimes even favorably looked at women who didn't agree with their damsel role but not floozies who flung their boring elegance. With one raised eyebrow he looked down at the small, pale hand then back up to the woman. Now knowing she guessed his powers, researched them or maybe took enough care into checking all the details connected to Darek. He would applaud her for such thoroughness if the man didn't find her abhorring with all the darkness swirling around and seductive attitude.

There was another option – much more disconcerting. The same darkness enveloped Nieraan, his daughter's rude boyfriend. Then again, plenty of creatures used such taint or the taint used them. Still, the resonance...was oddly similar. His verdant gaze narrowed, sharpened. ”Is there a point to all that?” Cassius asked coldly. ”I have places to be.” He finished. Trying to check how truly motivated this woman was to make some kind of deal or acquire information. This was his condition, hidden between words: Tell me openly what you are up to or I am done with this game.

[Meira]

"Not tired, then." Renata said with a slightly frustrated sigh. "I envy your stamina, Cassius."

Renata patted the man's shoulder a couple of times before moving away from him. Back around the furniture to where she retrieved her glass of wine from the side table she'd left it on. "Fine." The air around her would seem to change in an instant. Though Renata continued to hold her true power reigned in, she dropped the warm facade. Let him to think her composure was due to youthful pride, but she would not hide her annoyance now.

A typical man of power, Cassius was making it clear that he would not meet her on equal terms. She would have to reveal her intent while he remained comfortably concealed. Well, Cassius. she thought, while smiling at the man. You go on believing you've got me fooled. I know the truth.

"To the point, then." Renata said as she sat back down in her chair. On a small table between them sat a datapad. Renata leaned forward, her fingers dancing over the screen to pull up an image. Renata turned the datapad so that Cassius to could see his daughter's face clearly. "I have had the pleasure of befriending your daughter, Cassius." Renata said, the musical notes taking on a sickly sweet tune. "I understand that you are less than content with your current relationship.

"I don't blame you, she's a beautiful woman, and smart. It's a shame the kind of company she's fallen into." Another swipe of her finger brought Nieraan's face into view. "I do so hate to see a family divided, Cassius. I came here today to offer my services to you, in your efforts to reconnect with your daughter."

Now, Renata was not going to say that she had a stake in Danica's relationship to Nieraan. Nor was Renata going to reveal the true nature of her influence over the couple. But, their struggle against Cassius interested her very much. And for the time, Renata found the whole thing very useful indeed. It would be a pity if it all ended too soon, regardless of the outcome. No, it would be much better should things remain as they were now, and in order to do that, Renata would have to have her eyes and hands in both sides. Balance, after all, was what every force user strove for.

[Poludnica]

No comment left his lips when the woman patted him, once more breaching his personal space. Cassius had to fight temptation to slap it away. The patience paid off as the woman finally dropped this annoying, seductive mask that did nothing but vex him. The aura around her seemed to thicken, darken as cold, calculating expression graced her pointy, evenly sculpt features. She seemed annoyed to which Cassius simply smiled with a bit of content and triumph. He forced her to show the cards which meant this woman really wanted to deal with him. Strike some kind of bargain. Careful not to show his own power, Liviana seemingly relaxed, now pleased with how the things went. Intuition though whispered to him that there was more to this woman than just a pretty facade.

”I am all ears.” The man said with a cold smile, not really bothering to put on a pleasant front for a dark sider. They rarely appreciated anyway. Fortunate for her, the woman picked a public place, where violance would bring harm to his image. Otherwise, Darek would deal with a fallen one, not a businessman. Of course one couldn't make deals in Hutt space without sometimes making peace with the dark siders, the fact she was human worked on her favor but certainly tone of this conversation would be different.

When Agrippa began to talk Cassius eyebrows went slightly up, then a dark frown crept between them. ”I am not conten with my daughter's behavior, not a relationship with her.” The grey master spoke up – his voice even but slightly raised. Betraying anger but controlled, so far. ”And from what I see her choice of friends didn't get any better.” If this woman knew Danica, then she probably knew about his power. The only problem was if she was telling the truth but this he couldn't check without revealing himself.

That was a gamble.

”Don't think I can't sense the taint swirling around you.” He finally said, letting go of tight leash that hold his power close to his being. Greyish, with light tint, force filled the room. Radiating from him. Cassius had put years into developing it, honing it and never let himself fall to dark urges. A short, melodic chuckle left his lips when Renata finished talking. So, maybe Danica was stupid enough to trust another Sith – who else could get close and reek of the dark side. Knowledge he gained when ripped open Nieraan's mind: he was a Sith. Dangerous game his stupid child was playing, way over her head. ”And why would you do that? Out of kindness?” He asked sarcastically, obvious anger on his sharp features when the picture of Nieraan showed. ”My daughter chose her fate the moment she consorted with an alien Sith, I don't want her back.” Cassius said with cold indifference. ”I don't want her back, I want her to pay for this stupidity.” The man claimed, with a lazy flick of his wrist pulling the ashtray closer. ”But you have me intrigued. What do you propose?” Cassius asked, putting the cigarette out. Maybe the woman was a Sith, maybe she wasn't. If she was, the irony would be even sweeter.

[Meira]

He tried very hard to conceal it, but Cassius was unable to keep the anger inside of him completely subdued. It was a much easier thing for Renata to stop a satisfied smile from claiming her features. It was absolutely delightful to finally make some progress with this man. She knew he'd be aloof, but Renata was starting to suspect he was more stone statue than man. But Danica was the key, and now that she held that key openly, the stone exterior began to show signs of cracking.

She laughed at his insulting comment on Danica's choice of friends. Stooping to digs like this was further evidence of Cassius opening up. Practically insignificant, perhaps, but it was something.

"All children rebel against those that raise them." she said, smiling at her own experience in the matter.

And then he seemed to make the decision. All at once, Cassius allowed his true self to be shown. Had Renata not been acting a part, her surprise would be carefully reigned in. But Seraphina was not accustomed to being in the presence of truly great power as Darth Renata, and so the Dark Lady allowed a gasp to escape her lips as the slim fingers of one hand jumped to cover he heart as if in surprised. Ice blue eyes sparkled with awe at the man, but then quickly recovered, scrambling for the cool composure they'd possessed moments before.

"I do dabble." Renata replied, allowing a sense of naive self-satisfaction to seep from her like a perfume. At the question of if she was offering her services out of kindness, Renata allowed another small burst of laughter.

"Certainly not." she said. "I will not feign selflessness, Cassius. Suffice it to say that I take interest in Danica's well being."

”My daughter chose her fate the moment she consorted with an alien Sith, I don't want her back.”

Renata narrowed her eyes at this.

”I don't want her back, I want her to pay for this stupidity.”

"Is that so?" she replied, her eyes moving up and down the man as if judging him once again. If all he wanted was for Danica to pay, he would not be of as much use to her as she thought. No, Renata needed for Cassius to care. If he didn't, then he would not try. If this whole circus were to be extended, he had to try.

"I was under the impression that members of Pius Dae valued the continuation of human lineage to be of paramount importance. And I understand that you, and therefore Danica, are of exceptionally pure lineage. What a shame it would be so see such genetics lost forever... or worse." she allowed Cassius a moment to consider what might be worse than ending his bloodline without an heir.

"I propose," she said, "a partnership." Danica has been extremely helpful to me as a business partner. But I fear the loss I might suffer should her brute of a lover destroy everything she's tried to create for herself."

Now Renata pulled her confidence in, allowing her face to show a flicker of doubt. Cassius was a proud man, confident in his strength and ability. Where appealing to his baser needs might not have worked, perhaps stroking his ego might.

"I... I'm afraid of him." she stammered, even allowing her lip to quiver slightly. "I had never met someone so strong in the force... until now." She glanced her eyes up to meet his, then allowed them to fall away.

"I need her, and she trusts me. I could help you get her back, if you would help me."

So there it was. Either Cassius would take the bait, or he wouldn't. If he did, Renata would have all the strings in place to play out her puppet show. It would be a dangerous balance, but necessary. If Cassius did not play along, she would have no choice but to help Danica and Nieraan to end him in earnest.

[Poludnica]

There was no point in getting into a debate over how teenage rebellion had any place in his daughter's life. The damn woman was nearing her thirties and still existed in a state of childish defiance. Cassius left Agrippa's words without any comment, instead pondered if it was time to use his powers and simply take what information he needed...No, that could be a provocation. So for now the Force remained still around him, idly floating, filling the room.

The woman seemed genuine in her surprise or simply remained a good actress. Awe in the pretty gaze certainly could stroke more than one man's ego but Cassius remained careful. He didn't need swoons to know own strength. This girl on the other hand...Ever so gently the Livco owner pushed faint, telepathic strand toward the woman. It bounced right back, betraying she let on much less power than truly held onto. Agrippa could have more than decent training in the Force along with generous potential.

By now Cassius was pretty sure this woman deflected the truth about her nature. The man made a guess she knew his daughter and the Firrerreo personally because belonged in the same Order. He didn't share this thesis, not now. Waiting for the woman to show more cards. ”I didn't know Sith knew the meaning of friendship.” Cassius noted with the same, emotionally flat voice, waiting to see if the woman would vehemently deny such association.

The bigger picture began to make sense as puzzles fell into place. Sith were no more than a bunch of backstabbers and rag tags. Their recent victory was a fluke and nothing more. Agrippa's being in this hotel though could make sense: maybe there was strife in the Order and this one sought someone to remove Nieraan, maybe the Firrerreo stood between Agrippa and Danica. Or maybe it was some twisted love triangle for all he knew. ”And what her well being means to you, hm?” Cassius asked, letting a faint smirk blossoming on his lips.

When she mentioned Pius Dea Cassius gained assurance this woman was no simple daughter to a business tycoon. Only those resourceful enough and powerful could know it. Or those associated with their group. And what she said did strike a nerve. Apparently Danica's life held some value to Agrippa who was openly displeased with his answer. As much as Cassius wanted to be at peace when his daughter's choices were considered, he cared about the bloodline. Something told him though the purity of it had already been doomed. Despite that the man didn't want to witness what he built turning to ashes, stolen apart by those so called friends and not a rightful heir.

”Half of pure lineage is still better than none.” Cassius said but this time bitterness and anger weren't even subtle. He had to give it to Agrippa, as much as she played an airheaded ditsy the woman seemed rather crafty. Once more he underestimated a foe – but could she be of use? The Sith was using him, that was clear but Cassius wouldn't mind if it got it what he wanted: emotionally broken Danica and an heir. She played coy, threatened by Nieraan and shielded herself enough for him not to sense any foul play.

It didn't matter really but Cassius did like to know who he was dealing with. ”My daughter is a grown woman who can make own mistakes.” He offered. ”She is also obnoxious, attention starve and destroys every relationship. Sooner or later she will crawl back to me, once betrayed and cheated on.” The tone Cassius spoke left no room for doubt that it would happen. Simple as that. ”If you can make it so sooner, maybe we have something to talk about....But first things first.” The Coruscanti aristocrat waved his hand dismissively.

”Who you really are and what are you hiding behind this mask of a foolish, easily impressed fluffhead?”

[Meira]

”I didn't know Sith knew the meaning of friendship.”

"You assume I am a member of their Order. Many are associated with the Sith Order, Cassius, yet are not members; your daughter included."

She remained silent after that, allowing Cassius the time to mull over her offer. It was certainly a difficult decision for the man. His now obvious presence in the force, and his own comments on those who embraced the dark side, showed him to be a man that condemned the arts. What a pity. He was strong, disciplined; what a Lord he might make! His prejudice blinded him to all the possibilities she'd been shown since she took on her new name. Perhaps one day, slowly, Renata might turn this man. The possibility had to be there. The light in this man's force presence had to come from self delusion. She could sense a cruel streak in the man. It might be held under strict control; he might tell himself that whatever he did, he did for the greater good; but cruelty was a symptom of something deeper. Perhaps Cassius did not know yet, or simply refused to acknowledge it, but he surely had some darkness in him.

Slowly, then. She told herself. He could be her greatest trophy.

Finally, Cassius admitted to his interest in her help. Renata merely shrugged at his statement that Danica would come back to him eventually. She highly doubted it. Not now that she'd managed to carve out a place for herself within the Sith Empire. Renata imagined that before, Danica's independence was fleeting. That it was an illusion. Danica had told Renata that Cassius' reach had prevented her from making any true successes without him. But Cassius' reach did not extend into the Sith Empire. He had no influence over the aristocrats and businessmen there. He could not block any deals or partnerships she made. And now that she had, Danica had a foundation on which to build her life. It would be much harder to break her down into the helpless child he was used to seeing. She also had Nieraan, and Darth Renata ready to help her. No, Cassius. Renata thought. Your daughter might not ever come crawling back to you again.

Then again, if it should prove in Renata's interest to have Danica out of the picture, then Renata would ensure that she was well positioned to make that happen. So now, it was time to give Cassius what he wanted. Not the truth, or at least not all of it, but something he might believe.

"I suppose it is only fair." she said, straightening up in her chair. "My name is Phoenix D'graal. I was raised by the Jedi, but captured by a group of slavers before I reached knighthood." This much was true, and more than many within the Sith Order knew about Renata.

"Before they could sell me, a man found me. He saved me and took me far out into the outer rim. He was strong in the force and I became his apprentice. He taught me how to shield my mind and manipulate others'." She allowed some of her presence to seep out. She still held most of it tight and unnoticeable, but the amount she did show was done in order to satisfy Cassius' suspicions that she was holding something back. "We didn't care about Jedi or Sith or any of that. Their bids for power were always fleeting. No, my master taught me the only true power in the galaxy."

Renata slipped her hand into a pocket of her flowing dress. When she pulled it back out, she had a credit chit held lightly between two fingers. She tossed it onto the table. "Like you, I have used what strengths I have available to me to create my own empire of sorts. While the Republic, the Sith, and the Jedi kill each other for their so called 'power', I've been positioning myself to profit from it all however I can. Yes, I have sampled the techniques of the dark side. And yes, I have associated myself with some within the Sith Order. But that does not make me one of them, Cassius."

Renata paused after that, reaching again for her wine glass and taking a sip while allowing her words to sink in with the man. "Danica is a source of profit for me. A friendship with her means contracts and stability. And if that connection should then include you, all the better for it. I know that you do not care for the largely alien population of outer rim business, but such things do not bother me. Maybe one day, I could be your connection to the profits to be had there. You could expand your empire without having to get your hands dirty." She smiled, setting her glass back down and laying her hands in her lap. "And you'd have your daughter back. A mutual benefit to all involved."

[Poludnica]

”Even if you aren't a Gamorrean, sleeping in their pigpen will leave a stench on those nice clothes.” Cassius quipped back, stating he saw no difference between those that called themselves Sith and other fallen which helped them. To be fair the associates sounded even worse – they were the Order's little toys. Paid wenches who saw nothing but own gain. Oh how his daughter had fallen. In Cassius mind there was little room for shades of gray even if the man himself tried to walk this thin line that separated both. His own illusory self-righteousness gave him the impression faint light created around thick tendrils of the Force that danced around. Cassius rarely did things without a purpose though, this rudeness was calculated. Aimed to see how far he could push to provoke this little actress to genuine anger. Those who consorted with the Sith wouldn't receive kindness from him, not without earning it. He was far from admitting it but Cassius found the woman interesting enough to continue this charade and maybe even give her a chance despite darkness that swirled around the thin frame. To say Cassius never dealt with them when building his criminal empire would be a lie – there was no way around that. No matter how aloof he wanted to be about it, pragmatism always won over strict moral code. Forced on him by an old master, taming beast that slumbered withing his pupil. Keeping it on leash.

The tragic story of a taken Jedi did little to spark any emotions from Cassius who didn't even bother to feign sadness. The woman didn't really have any hopes for that, simply telling him facts. Washed from any feelings. It didn't make a story more believable, nor any less. The grey master couldn't read this girl so simply assumed nothing was true until proven otherwise. It was a safe approach that helped immensely when dealing with lying scummery of Mid Rim. I know what I don't know philosophy worked all the time. Constant doubt had been tiring in the past, especially for someone used to clear bounds but he had decades to learn certain degree of elasticity in thinking. ”Ah, a Force user without a cause with allegiance only to herself. “ Cassius commented indifferently. He had seen plenty of those: mercenaries, bounty hunters, common criminal filth. Working for own, selfish gain.

The credit chit Phoenix threw on the table danced for a while on the glass surface. Cassius looked at it, his eyes narrowing briefly but didn't comment on this gesture. Rather symbolic in its nature. After years spent around exalted, emotionally unstable women: first his wife and then daughter, he came to loath theatrics. ”If it's an empire, I am surprised we never crossed paths before.” Cassius commented dryly but knew what it meant: either the woman was lying or worked deep in Sith space. There he had no power, no alliances and only enemies. An odd occurrence as their aristocracy showed much more...elitist nature when it came to aliens. Aside from that they were still Rimmers, many of them only boast pure bloodline but had nothing supporting it. The farther from the core, the more mongrels you could run into. The original tribe was dying, Zhell were an endangered kind and his daughter moved this far away to ruin his own. Humans in 656th generation, dating back to early records. Danica never accepted this heritage, spitting on it and destroying work of those that came before them. A large chunk of history.and this woman, this Phoenix promised payback. At least to an extend, believing separating Nieraan from them served her purpose.

”Any empire is most easily diminished at its edges, I know when not too overstretch.” He confessed truthfully, maybe the girl could learn something too. It was all tempting – the power, the influence. Reaching far ends of the Galaxy. Cassius was no fool, he could barely maintain the one that encompassed mid rim. He had not enough loyal managers, he would have no time to tend it. The man simply learned on Republic error – the current war only showed how many resources cost to keep this Moloch whole. Casssius held no delusions, he was a talented man but not a god. Not even a skilled tactician.

Yet there was temptation in the woman's promise – something that spoke to his ego, deeply slumbering beast. Control over his daughter's life. Showing the spoiled brat proper place and how mistaken was to trust an alien riff raff. ”If you can separate my daughter from this Firrerreo with delusions of adequacy. Before anything..comes out of this relationship I will owe you.” Cassius offered, putting his fingers together, connected at the fingertips. His gaze vigilantly watching any subtle changes in Phoenix. Anything she wanted to hide. ”If you've did a proper research miss D'graal, you would know that Cassius Liviana always pays his debts.” For the first time during this meeting a gallant smile graced the man's lips. Softening sharp features, making them much more charming. Much more approachable.

[Meira]

She smiled at Cassius' replies. He had a response for everything she said, and while he still openly condemned her interests in the dark side, she did not see him reaching for a lightsaber or otherwise trying to strike her down and end her darkness for good. But Renata was not one to judge hypocrisy. She cared very little how Cassius justified all of this to himself. She only cared that he did. If he could weasel his way around his scruples against working with a dark sider, eventually he might be able to weasel some excuses for joining them.

"I see no reason in wasting our time debating moral codes, Cassius." was all she offered by way of his commentary on her choice of associates.

As to the comments about empires, she smiled. "Well, my little slice has not been as long in the making as yours. Nor has it been prominent in what you would call 'civilized space'. I'm not surprised at all that we haven't met before. but I am very glad we have."

Finally, Cassius addressed her offer. At his words, her smile widened. Good, she had him -however cautiously. Her pieces were now falling into place and Renata was sure that, regardless of the outcome between this odd family, she would be positioned to benefit. She sat up a little straighter, raising her glass in a salute to the man before taking a sip.

"I am glad we could come to an agreement." she said, leaning back and relaxing into her chair once again. "We must be cautious as we move forward, however. This will have to be a delicate procedure, requiring a steady hand."

She moved, fluidly lifting herself from her chair and moving to sit next to Cassius. Her proximity was no attempt a his base needs -as she had learned she did not have the proper equipment to suit those needs- but rather a gesture of familiarity. They were friends now, were they not? She sat beside him, her legs nearly touching his as she looked into his eyes. Cassius was softening up. It didn't matter to Renata why he was allowing her to see this side of him. That aspect of the game didn't really matter to her anymore.

"We cannot simply force Danica back to you. You have tried this in the past and it only drives her further away. Your daughter needs gentle, subtle guidance. She needs to learn that you are the only man she could ever really trust."

[Poludnica]

It was hard to argue moral code with someone who didn't have any but Cassius hold back this opinion – agreeing with his unlikely companion. The woman had a point, it was already clear they had different views on the Force. It didn't matter now, it mattered Phoenix could be another thread in the web he surrounded Danica with. She could spent entire life on this desert dustball but anywhere else there would be his net to catch her. ”I don't like dark side users but more than those I dislike pesky alien slum rats stealing from me.” Cassius confessed truthfully – deep down he would always be opportunist with very far going rationalisations. This girl though didn't seem like a typical, beast like fallen he had killed on Nar Shaddaa. No, she carried herself like a Jedi more than this indiscipline, rowdy lot. This he could appreciate – many dabbling the dark arts would have lost temper to such disrespectful, veiled insults. She passed first trial it seemed.

”This remains to be seen.” Cassius said with the fainest of smiles, not really indicating what he truly meant. He wouldn't buy her story until a hard proof was delivered to him. Many used fake identities when it came to darker business deals – after all Cassius for many years had been known as Darek in the Hutt space underbelly. The aged master hid his identity and official business for years so even if the woman had secrets – she had them for a reason. And Cassius would discover them, sooner or later. He did like good puzzles so when this time around the woman moved in a gesture of familiarity the man reciprocated. Leaning toward the girl. When not trying to treat him like a stupid male that would swoon at the sight of a set of nice legs, she was even passable. For a woman – her skinny frame did favors in Cassius's eyes.

Delicate scent of the woman's perfumes wasn't offensive and nicely complimented his own, expensive floral cologne. Cassius, despite his age, remained an attractive man and as any opportunistic crime lord wasn't above using any means necessary. His body was his weapon just as cunning mind. He let their legs to touch lightly, showing no discomfort this time around – the grey master's hand moved to reach for a datapad, lightly brushing the girl's knee. Two could play this game. The sudden shift in attitude could be confusing, almost impossible but it was exactly what Cassius was aiming for. He wore social masks like his daughter did fancy dresses. ”How my thieving daughter could possible trust me? She stole from me.” Cassius asked, revealing maybe bit of information Phoenix didn't know. Certainly to her friends Danica pained her father as cruel, abusive bastard. Skipping parts where she was an annoying, drug abusing, binge drinking brat he had to buy out from arrest countless times. Drinking and driving, misconduct, even theft...His daughter was always checking how far she could push before the father pushed back hard enough for Danica's world to go black for a few seconds.

"Especially with this...Firrerreo around." There was no insistence in his voice, nor mockery. Just an honest curiosity - feigned or not. With Cassius, no one could really be sure which emotions were more true. A gallantly manicured fingertip moved across datapad, the screen came to life. It took only a moment to find proper holo picture. Bloodied Firrerreo, mangled both physically and mentally, crawling toward the trash chute. Showing this not to only to show what meets people who defy him but also to check...how much Phoenix truly knew Nieraan. And cared. The alien boy was a mess: crimson liquid gushed from his nose and ears, body covered in cuts, deep bruises discolouring silver skin. "Even this didn't set them apart." Cassius offered Phoenix the datapad, cold smile gracing his lips. Showing glimpses of true nature that hid behind the light grey mask.

[Meira]

As if at the flip of a switch, Cassius' demeanor seemed to change almost entirely. Renata continued to smile at the man, the sentiment not at all disingenuous. Whatever his reasons for this new display of comfort, Cassius was playing along. In the end, that was all Renata wanted. Beneath the superficial display, she could sense his guard, strong as ever. She didn't mind. In fact, she would be disappointed had it faded away. Darth Renata had no use for fools, and little patience.

She nodded her head as Cassius began to speak of Danica, her lips drooping into a sympathetic frown. The poor fool. His intentions with Danica had always been good. Perhaps not for her in particular, but for who she was meant to become. She'd heard the stories of the relationship between this father and daughter. Danica had painted Cassius as a monster; controlling, condescending, and cruel. Now inhabiting the same space as the man, Renata knew that Danica's descriptions had been accurate. Accurate, but not entirely fair.

Behind the arrogance and disdain for most around him, Renata could sense a power that justified every bit of it. That power was more intoxicating than any physical feature the man could ever hope to display. She would have him, if she could. It would be the most delicate dance she'd likely ever encounter. But Renata had forged her own power in the fires of patient cunning. She would have him; not as a lover, but something far greater. Cassius would be her ally, fierce and unwavering in his loyalty. But if not, should he prove too proud or too stubborn to submit, she would let Danica and Nieraan end him.

His hand grazed her knee as he reached for a data pad. Renata held her breath against the ripple of electricity the contact erupted. She would let her companion believe this was some emotional reaction if he wished. The truth was that contact -the strongest connection that existed- was her greatest ally. A touch here, a caress there; this was how Renata entangled herself with others. The Jedi taught that the Force binds the universe together and that through it, all things were connected. Physical contact made such connections stronger. Each touch allowed her to leave traces of herself, and to gain bits of another. Through this, she forged a bond more subtle than any telepathic link. It took time, of course, and proper nurturing. But if tended properly, it could grow into strong roots.

The sight of Nieraan on the datapad screen was a slight shock. Again, Renata allowed her sudden gasp to mean whatever Cassius wished to interpret it as. But she did not avert her eyes, understanding the message Cassius was not too subtly sending. As the feed finished and blinked off, Renata raised her eyes to connect with his. The faint smile was not lost on her, and after a moment, she reflected it back to him. Then the smile grew, her eyebrows sinking slightly and her eyes softening in a display of pity.

"You poor man." she said, slender fingers rising to trail along his cheek. "Of course it didn't." Her hand fell away from his cheek, taking the datapad away from him and setting it aside. "You don't understand us at all, do you?

"I never knew my biological father, Cassius, but I imagine that the love I felt for my master must have been very near to the love a daughter might feel toward her father. My devotion to him ran deep within my heart. Even still, if ever I felt that he was pulling me in or holding me back, all I wanted to do was push away." Renata took Cassius' hand in her own. "You cannot win her by force. She must come to believe that everything else she thinks she can rely on has failed her. You can't force him away from her; she'll only cling to him harder. He has to push her away. Let him break her." she paused for a moment, allowing him to consider the thought. "And let me help."

[Poludnica]

The woman didn't seem shocked nor phased by the sudden change which added complexity to her character. She had put on a mask of foolish, excitable and easily impressed airhead but the truth was so much more interesting. For such young creature, this girl had cunning and controlled nature. A human as well, at least at first glance which did do her a favor. Cassius didn't waste time on alien low lives unless they were somehow useful. Phoenix was an interest opportunity and someone that linked him to the fugitive daughter. Whatever her goals were, Cassius was sure he could outsmart her, unwoven every lie and see where the girl's allegiance truly laid. Maybe pull the young woman out of the dark side cesspit, just to test how far his influence could go.

The studious expression Phoenix made only confirmed his belief she was born to manipulate. Refreshing and dangerous – what was her game? Maybe Danica's rival, maybe someone who wanted Nieraan though that would be abysmal. This riffraff wasn't worth air he breathed. Business rival then? Phoenix was too well trained to be a bored Sith noble that engaged in vapid social games. Stakes were too high for that.

The physical contact felt almost intimate, not that Cassius minded. Long time ago he had learned it put way personal preferences in favor of simple gains that came from the carnal, primal instincts. He never attached emotionally, maybe it happened two times in his life if one was generous in a term lover and friend. Unfortunately for most Galaxy inhabitants, often even the most depraved hated loneliness and Cassius played on those desires.

The surprise in her features wasn't feigned but could mean plethora of things. She didn't seem too shaken, so no strong emotional connection between Nieraan and her existed. Pity. Somewhat. If Danica was his only, true love or some other ridiculousness young males ruminated when meeting manipulative little foxes like his daughter. The idiot had to see at one point she was using him. Cassius didn't like the pitiful look the woman gave him – it did hurt his pride to be patronized by a fallen child. The force around the tall man thickened in display of this anger and he gently slapped away Phoenix soft fingers. There was no aggressive insistence in this gesture, even more playful annoyance. Force sparked between them, two opposite charges annihilate itself upon touch. It sent dangerously pleasant shudder up his spine. The dark side's call was always sweet one, promising much more power than strict light discipline.

”So far it worked.” He said with a tired sigh – recalling all the unsavory partners he threatened or bought off. ”Nieraan is just a stubborn fool.” Cassius noted coldly, indifferently listening to the girl's plan. To his endless irritation, she was right. He had tried to turn the Firrerro scum away from his daughter and saw something that deep down terrified him. The Sith was emotionally bonded with Danica. ”You may be right, what then, how do you force a love sick pup to do that?” Cassius finally admitted. He didn't like admitting mistakes but wasn't unreasonable in it. From start the Coruscanti noble underestimated Danica's new pet. There was slight disbelief in his words, one that stemmed from one doubt: what sick, disturbed male could possible love a moody, bratty addict?

[Meira]

When Cassius gently batted her hand away, Renata did hide her reaction. He didn't need to see the pleasure she took in knowing that she had gotten under his skin, even just a little. So she said nothing, and kept the features on her face the same, though she did soften the look of pity just slightly. She believed that if she played that angle too much, Cassius' bruised pride would pull him back away from her. She didn't want to lose the ground she'd gained with the man.

She had to again hide her reaction when Cassius made comment on Nieraan's stubbornness. She remembered a day when she too had been riled by the man, frustrated to the point of wanting to cut that smug grin from his face. but Renata had learned to use Nieraan's own ways to her advantage, giving him larger and larger doses of power while in turn securing his loyalty. If Cassius weren't so blinded by his xenophobic beliefs, he might too see that even if Nieraan was dirty and unrefined, he was also so very useful.

But, Cassius was just as stubborn as the Firrereo, if not more so, and Renata knew that to try and change him would be a futile task. Like the man he so much hated, Much of what made Cassius formidable was tied into his strong will. Break that, and all you are left with is a useless, broken man. Renata had no interest in broken men. So, if Cassius and Nieraan were so hell bent on destroying each other, Renata had to be sure that, no matter the outcome, she would have a strong champion at her side. Danica, in all of this, was merely a pawn. Sure, she possessed some potential and Renata had grown fond of her, but Cassius and Nieraan were the prizes. If she couldn't have both, Renata would have the one that proved stronger.

Before she could answer his question, a comm sounded from across the room. With a smile, Renata patted Cassius' hand and stood, moving across the room to where the comm was mounted on the wall. At the push of a button, a handsome face appeared on a screen. The man, one of the hotel attendants, informed Renata that her table was prepared and waiting for her. Giving her thanks, Renata turned back to her guest.

"Your question does not have a simple, or brief answer." she said, moving back toward him. She leaned against the back of the couch, her hand once again resting on his shoulder, as it had before. The energy between them was different now, however. So much had changed in such little time. She was pleased.

"Would you care to accompany me to dinner so that we can further discuss the details? I have a table reserved on the roof. I'm told the view of the city is second to none."

[Poludnica]

The woman was intriguing, he had to admit. Not many upon learning his true power would still retain enough boldness to treat him like a partner. Cassius liked her spunk, it was refreshing even if in a dark sider. Despite affiliation Phoenix didn't give an impression of foolishly chaotic maliciousness beings like Nieraan boasted with. She was disciplined, probably clever, maybe too proud and bit more than could chew. The complexity of his own reactions did bode well, at least the girl wouldn't fail to remain entertaining. If she could bring Danica to him, the better. If not, he didn't lose anything as Phoenix was no threat. A cold calculation governed over most of his decisions: not duty, kindness, chaotic desires but efficiency in getting what he wanted and so far desperately wanted for Nieraan to pay. The couple retreated to Korriban, far beyond his reach. It was always frustrating to be faced with own limitations.

The comm broke the silence that rose between them and this time Cassius didn't move his hand when Phoenix touched it. The woman's fingers by now stirred only indifference rather than annoyance, a step ahead for sure though still a far cry from any pleasure. The grey master was no fool and knew physical intimacy was useful in the complex social games. No matter how much Jedi insisted, everything was about sex in the end. Except sex, this one was about power: a tool. A dinner,huh? A smirk briefly showed on his sharp features. The woman had gone a long way to ensure her dominance even if lacked raw power to attain it. Cassius had no doubts it was all carefully directed...To what? Bond with him? Emotional attachments were something the grey jedi never understood well and had to learn pretending them. Just because others put so great value to them.

”Remember.” Cassius began, tilting his head slightly. ”I have no patience for useless things.” He finally offered, making clear her deflection wasn't lost on him. If Phoenix had nothing to give him, it meant wasted time – something the man abhorred. The grey jedi would humor the girl a bit longer though, intrigued even beyond the matter at hand. Despite darkness around her, Cassius saw a young, capable woman his daughter would never be. It was a pang of intuition that brought both: worry and thrill and at the sheer core, Liviana patriarch did like to play with fire. If only to see if it would bow to his will. ”Lead the way.” The man said and rose to his fit with a grace of a trained Force user. His body aged, undeniable fact but Cassius did everything he could to still the process. Buy himself a bit more time.