Outside the Mansion (Latus)

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((the spring off from "Don't look back in Anger" ))

Rem felt Sylbia slide in behind him as she entered. With barely a thought to it, he pushed feelings of comfort and security toward her, but only enough to allow her to know that he would keep her safe. His mood was deteriorating rapidly with these zeltrons, and he reminded himself to not return to their planet while Xander was around. Stepping to the side just slightly, he put a comforting hand on Sylbia's shoulder as Lanara came up beside them too. Ugh, so she too knew the father...well, at least his attention would be on her instead of him. Letting out a small sigh, he nodded slightly to Xander's question.

As soon as the maids started to become clingy, he focused on the force and darkened his signature in it, twisting it from light into something darker, his eyes becoming a vivid orange. He didn't feel like being fondled and now they would know it. They wouldn't understand how they suddenly no longer wished to be around him, nor how he managed to look so calm yet feel so deadly that they wouldn't wish to be around him, but they would.

The only people he didn't extend this dark aura to were the hosts and his companions...though even Lanara would get a taste of it...but that was simply out of preference at the moment.

She wasn't so bad, but he despised her 'kill first, ask questions later' mentality. Perhaps if she could only get over that, they would get along. Sighing, Rem shot a glare at a butler who was trying to torment poor little Sylbia. The man immediately backed away, pulling his friends with him.

It wasn't until Zephyr rushed to Ocelot that he REALLY got annoyed. Turning this annoyance to his advantage, Rem darkened his aura more, pushing it out forcibly to the others around him to break over them like waves over rocks in a raging sea. Outwardly his face was neutral, his expression changing little, but his eyes had subtly gotten more and more orange until they were nearly as red as his coat.

Enough of this foolishness. It's trying all of our patience. If you wish to be good hosts give us some room, if not you will NOT be happy people for long.

He warned, immediately withdrawing his dark aura into himself and freeing those around him of it. The action had been one of warning, meant to get their full attention, and for the staff at least it had worked. Now, Rem simply appeared to be another ordinary man, the orange color in his eyes draining away to be replaced with the familiar deep blue. He regretted having to do something like that, but sometimes people were stubborn to a fault and needed to be reminded of how they were treating others....

They had imposed their uncomfortable ways upon him and the others....so he returned the favor, aiming to make them just as uncomfortable.

I honestly hope that we can get along, but I, for one, will not be treated as if all I wish for is to pet upon by simpering women who think of nothing but sex...if I wanted that I would find a brothel. I have more dignity than that Madam, Sir, and so I would greatly appreciate that you and your staff show some as well.

With that said, he glanced at the door and shook his head. Yet another for the party?

Ocelot, I believe another has been watching us. I need to get some fresh air to calm myself anyway...so I think I will go out and meet him. Keep Sylbia with you until then please.

He stated, taking his hand from Sylbia's shoulder and giving her a gentle nudge in the direction of Ocelot before turning and sweeping from the hall and out the door.

The red clad man stopped at the bottom of the steps, and looked toward the young man who was standing a bit down the street. The orange color was draining more swiftly from his eyes now that he was outside once again, but they were still tinged with threads of red, seeing as his irritation was only now starting to ebb away. Holding up a hand he motioned the boy over and headed toward the gates of the grounds himself. Upong reaching them, he leaned against one of the stone walls and took a deep breath of the cool air. At least it was night time. That, too, would help him relax.

[Latus]

Axle had leaned against the side of an outbuilding, desperately trying to think of a way that would get him inside the mansion. If I don't get this gig then I will have to move on. Maybe Tralus has a few cheap ports I can dock in for a few days. Looking back up towards the mansion he was surprised to see one of the people who had accompanied his target from the bar looking at him and waving. With a shallow gasp he slipped into an adjacent alleyway, straightening his appearance as best he could and making sure his wings weren't in any way visible. He had only one shot at this, had to make it work.

Emerging again he briskly walked out of the twilight along the streets and into the darkness that encircled the mansion. The man who motioned for him was tall, a bit taller than he was. His hair was a brilliant gold and he wore the oddest robes, the likes of which Axle had never seen. Either way this man might just be his ticket to ride given the right prodding.

I take it you are here on behalf of the captain Ocelot?I would like to join his crew.

His voice was a bit deeper for someone his age. The weight of a year on the run had hardened him substantially, plus it made him wary of everything. He could feel his wing muscles bunch and relax as he looked around the grounds. Best way to go is straight up, running might not be a good option; he thought as he continued to size up the robed man.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Remiel watched the young man's surprise pass over his face as he realized he'd been the one the older man was motioning to. The boy immediately proceeded to disappear. Sighing, Remiel simply stayed propped up against the side of the wall, his left shoulder pressed against it as the rest of his length reclined casually to the side, one boot crossed over the other to keep him propped up. This gave him a nonchalant look that would put nearly anyone at ease around him.

Red and blue eyes watched the young man, only seeming to be just at the end of his teen years, as he approached. There was something different about the young man, but Rem couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. Chuckling slightly as the young man walked up and gave him the once over, Rem shook his head slightly at the boy's words.

I wouldn't say I'm here on anyone's behalf but my own at the moment...but yes, I did inform Ocelot that I thought you were here.

Rem stated simply. The boy seemed tense, and that was no good. Offering a smile, he chuckled again as he watched the boy looking around.

Calm down boy...I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm Remiel...Rem for short. What's yours?

He asked, trying to get the kid to calm down a bit. By this time Rem's eyes had drained themselves of their previous red streaks, to be replaced by streaks of green intermixed with the deep blue, showing his mild amusement at the situation.

[Latus]

The robed man must have noticed his unease but Axle couldn't help himself. Life on the run meant being ready for anything. The hair on his neck stood ramrod stiff as he watched the man's eye color change. What was he? Still terribly uneasy about the situation he returned the gesture.

I suppose I owe you that much. My name is Axle. Until later I think that's good enough.

Axle froze on the spot. There was something wrong. No one had noticed him when he first approached the mansion. If they had they would have said something. In that case how did this "Rem" in particular know he was there? Axle took a step back, his mind ready to do what he had to if he had to escape or fight. If this Rem person had seen him while concealed AND came out to intercept him there was a possibility that he was after the bounty.

How did you know I was out here? Who do you work for?

Axle's curiosity got the better of him. If he was to remove this man from the world of the living he at least wanted to know that.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Remiel chuckled again and shook his head. Wow, this kid was more jumpy than a flee on a wookiee! Well, at least he had a name for the kid now. Axle, apparently. He nodded to the boy's not wanting to say any more. That was fine with him, Rem didn't want to pry. He didn't like it when people pried into his life, so why should he pry into others lives? As the kid took another step back Rem sighed, getting the drift of where the young man was coming from. The fear and uncertainty flowed out from him like ripples around a rock, disturbing the relative peace of the force in the area.

I don't work for anyone yet. I'm a force sensitive...almost all my people are, so don't freak out. I'm trained a bit in it, so it makes it easier for me to do my job when I have one. You just happened to be so focused on the mansion here that I couldn't help but notice you.

Okay, so it wasn't all truth...but most of it was! He wasn't working for anyone yet, he was a force sensitive, most of his people were to some degree, it did make his job easier, that was how he'd noticed the kid...only part he'd really fudged was how much he'd been trained. Close enough to the truth to not have Remiel feel that bad about not telling the whole truth. Honestly, the blond hated lying...not being able to tell the whole truth about himself, but....if one wasn't labeled 'Jedi' one was automatically labeled 'Dark Jedi' or 'Rogue Jedi' which he was neither. He couldn't return to the order because of his past, but he didn't like the needless killing of others that dark jedi and rogue jedi were prone to.

Look Axle...I don't know what you're running from kid, but it isn't me. I'm about the last person you'd need to run from seeing as I really hate killing people. 'S why I'm not a bounty hunter.

Think of me more....as a guardian. I like helping people out. I'm more a body guard type than anything.

He said, while pushing feelings of calm toward the jittery young man. Remiel twisted the cords of the force, following the threads that lead to the brunette's emotions and sending his own calming will down them like droplets of water along silver threads.

[Latus]

It didn't need to be much clearer than that. Had Rem been after Axle for the bounty he would have skipped to the violence before the young man had a chance to escape. Axle's eyes rose a fraction of a centimeter as he realized his heart was racing and his palms were starting to sweat. Giving an audible sigh that gave a whole new meaning to the term relief Axle loosening up some, finally understanding Rem truly meant him no harm. He was unable to calm himself down fully because he honestly didn't know how. Again, an outlaw lifestyle did that to one. He stepped forward and extended his hand. Axle looked Rem in his multicolored eyes and looked at him with an arrogant grin.

If you were a bounty hunter you would already be out cold. I apologize for my reaction... Rem. I can't tell you more than someone like me cannot afford to give trust to anyone. Maybe at a later time I will tell you more. Not to mention if we both become part of Ocelot's crew we will be seeing a lot more of each other.

With his mind mostly free of concern he gave Rem a friendly smile. His mind also wandered away from his own problems to Rem's comments. Rem had said that he was able to notice him through walls and across distance without even seeing him. What was that all about. An idea crossed his thoughts; it sounded like a learned ability. If he could convince Rem to teach him this "force" it would be a great boon. A wave of calming emotions overtook him as he looked once more into the face of the strange man.

Ok, a question. If I accept the fact that you were able to use some sort of ability to detect me, would it be possible for you to teach me that ability? It would be very advantageous to my own lot if you could.

Axle could feel the raw calming energy flow out of him, giving every aspect of the evening a relaxing sensation. Even his own concerns seemed to threaten to vanish.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

I understand Axle. I've done more than my fair share of damage in the galaxy. I doubt what you did could be any worse than what I've done.

He replied, shaking the youth's hand firmly, glad to see the boy was calming a little bit on his own. The silent persuasion seemed to be working for him as well, as he already seemed more calm than before. His question, however, caught the older man off guard.

Well, I can't say for sure if I can or not Axle...you see, a person has to born with the natural aptitude for feeling it. I would have to test you, and get a small sample from your blood to find out for certain if you have the ability to learn.

He replied simply, his eyes returning to their deep blue, all green vanishing from them.

But we can talk about that later. We should get back into that brothel of a mansion. No doubt Ocelot will want to get out of there as swiftly as possible, and so the sooner we get in there, the sooner we can all leave.

He stated, standing up from where he leaned against the wall. Straightening his long red coat, Rem turned and started walking toward the mansion once more. Oddly enough, for once, he wished he could wear his jedi robes once more.

[Latus]

Axle nodded at Rem's suggestion. He feared going into that place on a level that was almost primal. He had spent some time around and among the Zeltrons and it was not pleasant. The pheromones did something to his head and when he fought them off the damned locals somehow knew he didn't belong. Junkies.

I'm not thrilled about going in there but if we must. Is the flamboyant one who was with you planning on accompanying us?

Axle hesitated and gestured toward the door. If Rem was about to detect him through walls he might also be able to detect the limbs attached to Axle's lower back. The last thing he wanted to do was draw attention to, if anyone saw his wings they would know who he was.

As the two of them approached the massive doors and the ever bored looking doorman his curiosity once again got the better of him. The first person he ever killed, Machin, talked to him without speaking. If this was the same underlying ability he had to know.

So you call your power "the force?" With it are you able to talk to others without even speaking?

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Rem chuckled again...this kid wasn't so bad, a bit on the jittery side, but not so bad at all. Putting his hands into his pockets, the former jedi shrugged his shoulders slightly to the question.

I don't blame you. I'm not thrilled about going back in their either. Flamboyant one eh? Xander....hmm, I would imagine so...but considering we're guys and he's not his parents...thank the Winds...he's not likely to be much of a problem for us. Just an annoyance perhaps.

As they reached the doors, Axle's second question reached him. Well, there was a hiccup...he didn't quite know how to answer that question. It felt like a set up, though he couldn't quite tell why.

Yeah...that's one name for it. My people typically call it "the Winds"...the 'force' is more of a jedi thing I suppose. I tend to use it more, however, since that's what a majority of people recognize it as. As for talking to others without speaking....hmmm.

Rem passed the doorman with a slight nod and walked down the now, thankfully, empty entrance hall and turned toward the sound of voices.

Yeah. I can. All my people can though, so it's not such a big deal. Why'd you ask?

It wouldn't take much longer to find the others now, his consciousness openly seeking them out. The maids and man servants were hiding in all manner of places around the mansion, but after their last encounter with him, they tended to shy away and hide themselves. A small blessing, he was sure.

[Latus]

Axle mounted the porch of the massive mansion as he listened to Rem talk. So it was what Machin used, poor gaet. He noticed that the sorrow had built up around his eyes, very close to tears. If he had been able to save the kid he would have...there was nothing he could have done about it. Don't cry! It won't help you, it won't help Machin.

His mind wrapped around what Rem said as they entered the mansion, the rooms devoid of any more of the emotionally addicted Zeltron. If Xander was the flamboyant man's name from before, he would have to make it a point to avoid him from now on. He couldn't stand the pheromones.

Again, its something I would rather not share. You seem nice enough but... no, i'm sorry. Maybe later on.

Axle looked around the rooms again... yes there wasn't anyone there but it was almost too quiet. There were none of the infamous Zeltrons hanging on them. This was all the better.

Jedi, the force, the winds, whatever you want to call it. It seems like a gift to me. Either way we need to speak to Ocelot.