A Shadowed Perch

[Celiana]

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Mood Music​

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Coruscant. Trip Zip, Triple Z. All names for a world I was very familiar with. Still amazed me how I could simply disappear here, as it was now I'd lost myself in a rather...smoky club. Sometimes one simply had to leave responsibilities behind for a good drink and a night of table top dancing. Not that I would but....the idea wasn't without appeal. Tonight I was dressed down from my typical armor or robes. Instead I wore some leather pants and my leather harness belt , my sabers dangled from hip belt clips and I had my modded DC-15M blaster pistol on my right hip too.

Hidden blades were hidden in my gauntlets as well. I may party and go clubbing every now and then but that didn't mean I went unarmed... I was in a red shirt, caramel leather jacket on over it. Corellian whiskey sat in a short glass on the table, I was tapping my foot against air with my feet on the table. Peppy beats and then nice hard bass... Who knew? One could always find new friends in a club. I mean after l this was Coruscant nightlife...

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

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[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Pants| "Top" | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 3 Nozhi Blades 1 Dissuader K-30 Pistol with Glitter Bullets
Tag: [member="Celiana"]

Coruscant. Once, it had been her home away from home away from home, considering that last one she had never seen or touched as a non-baby, and the middle one was one where she did not know if it even existed. And though it was a city that had a horrible smell, there had been something about it that she loved. That was, until she was almost murderer there by a Jedi Master, the moon-shaped scar that his lightsaber had left upon her left breast where he had stabbed her heart still sometimes seeming to glow in pale moonlight.

She had tried to persuade the Minister to give this mission to another. Perhaps it was a conscience that she was developing, but the idea of going after a Silver that may or may not had been working with her best friend sat somewhat uncomfortable in her stomach. It had taken a little bit to notice that the uncomfortableness had been a bad hamburger, and that she actually didn't care at all, since if the Silvers were doing anything that caught the attention of the Ministry of Secrets, it was their problem, not hers. And if she had to stab this woman… She would. That woman was not among her circle of trust, so her life was useful only as long as it served Scherezade's goals. If she insisted on being useless… She'd be cleaned, just as others had been.

This one though… Scherezade had scanned the files. Mandalorian-trained, which was bad enough all on its own, and then become a Jedi. She had searched the files for where the woman had been during the Battle of Eshan and the Sweeping of Taanab, but had found nothing. Perhaps, she had not been there. Or otherwise, she had been doing things that Scherezade did not have the clearance to read about.

The club where she'd been told she could find her was not of the sort that Scherezade enjoyed attending. Too much moving lights, too much smoke, too much noise, and she was sure that too many people on spice as well. Sighing, she looked at a quick spurt of a holoimage again. Pale skin, pale hair. Felt like everyone held Echani inheritance these days.

But at least there was meant to be enough human blood in her to make it a little less annoying. Thankfully, the club was full of non-humans as well. Gotta love Coruscant.

Scherezade moved herself over to an area where she could scent more human blood than other, and easily hoisted herself onto the table so she could begin dancing. Her hips swayed and moved to the rhythm of the music, and she used the opportunity to kick stupid people who came too close in the head, as well as cast her green glowing gaze on those who were there. She was going to find that woman. And then she could hopefully go home.

 

[Celiana]

Thing about clubs was they were a great place to observe, as it was my Force senses pricked up and I'd moved tables. I started walking the crowd. Gyrating as I did, one had to dance into the crowd and lose yourself in the music and rhythm. There was a sort of hunger I felt... then a young woman hopped up on a table. And began moving, and it was definitely nice to watch her move... Her dark brown hair whipped back over her shoulder and she gyrated in a perfect tempo to the music. Green eyes too.... Control Celiana. Yeah....feth that. With nimbleness I hopped up onto a tabletop and swigging some Corellina whiskey out of my glass I gyrated into the tempo of the music.

Glass above my head and sensing the crowd... The hungry feeling was... all around me yes, but someone was hunting me or at the very least trying to locate me. Breathing in and feeling the beat of music and the heartbeats of everyone here I looked deeper. Then danced, I waited until my sense felt the strongest and opened my eyes. The girl on the other table...but why did she want me? Moving through the crowd with the music I headed towards her table she was dancing on. Very least I could find an attractive young woman to dance with, right? Plus I'd be able to find out what she wanted...

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Pants| "Top" | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 3 Nozhi Blades 1 Dissuader K-30 Pistol with Glitter Bullets
Tag: [member="Celiana"]

Against all odds, her plan had worked. Scherezade had been dancing on that table for less than five minutes when she spotted not one, but three different females whose overall description fit the one that she was looking for. Pretending to take a drink from a beer bottle, she motioned forward with the Force, checking each of them out. The first two had zero Echani blood in them. One was a Kiffar while the other one smelled like a mish mash of human mutt. But the third…

Scherezade had almost lost her out of her sight as the woman walked away, her back disappearing. But now that the Blood Hound had her scent, she wasn't too worried. And indeed, not too long later, she saw her return, and come for her. Then came the tricky part. Scherezade knew she could dance. But when it came to flirting… It was the easiest way, or so many people said. But she was hopelessly hopeless at it.

Noting that he pale skinned woman was still approaching, Scherezade winked at her and tried to motion with her hip for her to join her on the table.

But catching her reflection in one of those disco ball things, she almost froze when she realized she looked more like a duck with a broken hip.

 

[Celiana]

Stepping onto a chair that'd been left out I then stepped up onto her table in a sort of one-two movement. I'd seen the wink and I felt a challenge, now up here with her I let my body sync into Echani dance movements. Smooth, fluid gyrations up against her. Facing her I looked back towards her green eyes and leaning in I said "You seem to be looking for something, or someone?" I let that last statement speak. Moving around towards her ear I said "See something you like?" Moving away I traced my finger against my arm which was up. Tracing my hands down my body I felt her gaze on me....not a bad feeling either. The music was building up towards a drop...

Doubtless she'd seen my saber hilts against my hips by now, question was how she'd react? Typically female Jedi weren't seen dancing on tables in clubs, then again typically I wasn't hunted or sought out either... I had yet to figure out which this young woman was. Hunter, or emissary...For all I knew she was both. Though that presented risks too.... Oh well I'd already had two Corellian whisky's so things usually got riskier after the first anyways. Though I'd also prefer not being shot by a pretty girl either.

As I danced I looked over her frame, plenty of ways to conceal knives in that top, also plenty of leather on her as well though I didn't see holsters I was possible any jewelry had hidden surprises too. Not everything fashion went without function. I'd flirt, and see what the night had for me...

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Pants| "Top" | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 3 Nozhi Blades 1 Dissuader K-30 Pistol with Glitter Bullets
Tag: [member="Celiana"]

For only the briefest of moments had Scherezade paused to watch the pale woman come onto the table with her. She had a hard time believing that it had actually worked, and thankfully, being an Echani, the other woman was skilled in doing that whole moving together thing. All Scherezade had to do was follow her motions, and they were set. It probably looked good for those who were not directly on that table with them. Herself, she felt like a duck among doves, but it was nothing she wasn't used to anyway.

When the woman came in for a whisper, Scherezade let her nature dictate the path. The blush rose to her cheeks as the realization dawned on her that this was flirting, and she gave her a shy nod.

Her hands, however, continued to move, sometimes touching the other woman lightly, checking the boundaries without appearing a thread (or so she hoped, anyway). She knew of the weapons there. Could guess that a fraction of her weapons would be touched as well. Neither of them had arrived unharmed.

When a few more tracks ended, Scherezade decided to make the big move. "Should we go somewhere private?" she purred into the woman's ear and prayed, prayed, that she did not sound like a dying kitten.

 

[Celiana]

Smiling at her response of a blush and nod to my question I felt her hands brush against me. Almost tentatively, as if she were afraid I'd bite her. Mmm, nice thought... As her fingertips brushed against my torso I wondered idly if she was discreetly patting me down to find out what other toys I may have. Several songs went by and the other young woman whispered into my ear "Should we go somewhere more private?" Turning towards her I inclined my head slightly and smiling said "Lead on love." As I'd spoken I was sure she'd seen my pointed teeth, just another difference to my physiology courtesy of The Force.

I stepped smoothly off the table and extended a hand for her to grab. The bass was thick and I was curious to see what this young woman had planned for somewhere more private. If she was indeed hunting me then she'd find I was NOT easy prey. If however she wanted something else I'd happily hear any offers, me and the Silver Order weren't exactly on the same page recently. I wasn't about to turn down potential allies or connections, plus if a very attractive young woman was the one asking I was more likely to listen anyways... There were several corner booths but I was looking towards a corner office. That'd be an ideal meeting room and maybe tonight would be an intriguing night after all...

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Pants| "Top" | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 3 Nozhi Blades 1 Dissuader K-30 Pistol with Glitter Bullets
Tag: [member="Celiana"]

Scherezade had indeed noticed the pointy teeth, but saw no reason to react to it. Teeth were teeth. If the pale skinned woman were to attack her with them, Scherezade had an easy time imagining herself punching them in to break then, or even pulling them out. But unless she made some horrible mistakes that night, a physically violent confrontation was not really meant to occur. Not that she'd mind a fight; but at worst, it'd be the Coruscanti underground that she'd pay a visit later, just to let stuff out of her system.

When the woman accepted the offer and then helped Scherezade off the table, the Sithling gave her a warm smile. It was strange to her, to be treated so kindly. Normally people just treated her like she was nothing or less than nothing, her presence merely tolerated because of too many reasons to think of, the fact that she had one of the best track records both within the Confederacy and the Knights Obsidian and the Ministry of Secrets somehow never giving her those extra kindness points she so longed to have.

Normally, Scherezade didn't like being touched. Being able to now be all flirtatious and touchy with the alabaster woman was out of character for her, and while she didn't quite want to resume it, she was pleasantly pleased with the fact she could do it at all. Taking her hand, the curvaceous brunette led them to the back of the club, and then out through a door, to an area that smelled dankly of human waste, trash, and a homeless person a few feet away.

Taking her hand back, she turned around and smiled. "Celiana Drayven," she said, the glow of her green eyes illuminating the otherwise mostly dark ally, "I mean you no harm. The Ministry of Secrets is interested in you."

And to show that she indeed meant no harm, Scherezade quickly bent down and removed a few knives, tossing them onto the ground. If it came down to it, she could be deadly enough without them. But she hoped she wouldn’t need it.

 

[Celiana]

As we walked outside I thought to myself, feth me....Force this was why I enjoyed clubs on Triple Z and other places....It kept the smell away for awhile. She said my name....First and last. That was....unexpected. I went to great lengths not to have my name spread about. Her eyes...they glittered green. Now I felt the hunger again...the thrill. She pulled knives free and in response I ejected my left wrist gauntlet. An owl head and beak the hook on the blade, then she mentioned a ministry of secrets. She dropped the knives and I slid back into a loose ready stance.

"Always some secret order isn't there, Ms....?" I wanted her name, fact was that she somehow knew mine. "For that matter how did you happen to acquire my name? It's not exactly common knowledge, and I go to great lengths to keep myself an unknown factor."

There were....secret orders spread throughout the stars, one was still here on Triple Z. Though not many knew of them, ruling from Coruscant beneath the glittering towers, temples and oily factories...I wondered if she'd caught the detailwork on my left gauntlet...
"I must say...being approached by a shadow organization through an attractive young woman is a good plan. You're quite a looker, very....disarming." My eyes switched from their hazel with gold flecks to a glittering purple and I moved. Faster than even some Force sensitives could track. Now I was behind her... whispering in her ear. "Who is this ministry of secrets, and why are they interested in me?"

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Pants| "Top" | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 3 Nozhi Blades 1 Dissuader K-30 Pistol with Glitter Bullets
Tag: [member="Celiana"]

Her target hadn't known who she was. Of course she hadn't, Scherezade logic'dit out in her mind. If she'd known, she wouldn't have danced with her or agree to go somewhere private. That was why there weren't any of the mocking stares she was so used to, none of that whole we just tolerate you, now go away feel that so many gave her.

"Darling," Scherezade replied, "My name is Feyra Darling."

Anyone with two brain cells should've been able to figure out that name was as fake as they came. But if Celiana didn't know who she was, Scherezade wanted to keep it that way for just a little bit longer. Anyone coming into Confederate space would know anyway soon enough. Several of the other spies in the Ministry had already expressed their dislike of her being a noticeable person in their line of work, but as far as she was concerned, she was simply hiding in plain sight.

"And you're right, your full name isn't common knowledge," she smiled, "but the Ministry has its way of discovering what it wants. Especially when what it wants is someone trained to be a Mando assassin turned Silver."

Raising both eyebrows, she smiled at her.

 

[Celiana]

She gave me a name, which I didn't happen to believe in the slightest. I'd also enslaved the cams inside to my gauntlet before she'd come in. That and the audio analysis I'd been running would give me answers briefly. Knowing that my name wasn't public knowledge comforted me briefly. However it brought another concern to the forefront of my mind....either there were already agents feeding information to this order within the silver Jedi, or They'd already sliced into personal files.

My hookblade remained out and as she mentioned being a Mando assassin turned silver. "For some, giving a fake name to a potential associate is a sign of mistrust from the start. Tell me, how is it you found out about my past? I know the person who trained me didn't say anything. I also know that when I was doing those...special jobs I didn't leave evidence." There was a soft buzz from my gauntlet...glancing with one eye I smiled... gait recognition, analysis of voice and a match to her ear. Feyra Darling.....Riiiiiiight. "Feyra....the name means beautiful. Though I think you already know how good you look, isn't that right Ms. deWinter?" I'd be surprised if she wasn't startled by how quickly I'd come to my conclusion.

Retracting my blade I allowed part of the Force illusion I kept going to drop. My eyes a bright lilac, before dropping into a sparkling deep purple shade. "My question is this, why exactly do you want a former Mando'ade assassin? Nothing agaisnt you, I'm very gifted in certain areas but typically I'm not particularly let off my leash with The Silver Order. To be frank I'm not sure you realize HOW efficient I am..."

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Pants| "Top" | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 3 Nozhi Blades 1 Dissuader K-30 Pistol with Glitter Bullets
Tag: [member="Celiana"]

"But is it wise to tell the person who has intel on you and got you into a dark corner that you know they're lying?" Scherezade grinned. Her weapons were still on the floor, but she didn't need them at all to be deadly. Until Celiana referred to her by name, she didn't know though whether the woman simply knew she was lying, or had equipment to tell her what the lie was. It was not startlation in her face – it was satisfaction.

"Don't let my exterior confuse you," Scherezade smiled, "The out doesn't match the in. But you'll learn that soon enough if you join us."

Jumping up to one of the crates, the Sithling sat on it, almost like a child sitting on a fence. Of the myriad of cares and worries that constantly flew her, there was not a hint. Later, when things weren't so potentially sensitive, she would try to analyze the effect of being that person who did that sort of flirting on her overall behavior and its lingering effect. Now though, she had to focus.

"Leashes are annoying. Constraining," she explained, "They tell you they want you for what you can do and then let you only perform maybe 5% of it. The more Jedi-like the organization is, the shorter that leash becomes. But you know what I'm talking about, don't you?"

Looking at the woman briefly, the Sithling continued, "I can't promise you a complete removal of the leash. But I can give you a much longer one. More freedom. More space to operate in. More place in which you can just be yourself."

Would it be enough? Would she have to explain about how the Confederates and the Mandalorian Empire were sworn enemies? Horrible hostilities? Shoot on sight?

"And please don't call me Ms. deWinter," she added, "Scherezade works just fine."

 

[Celiana]

"Scherezade then...and your statement implies I'm not confident with you knowing. As for taking me in a dark corner alley... I'm confident if you'd been sent to kill you'd have had a much more deadly fight than most can handle." Looking her over I said "The outside typically doesn't match the inside does it? After all most Jedi didn't smoke illicit substances, or kill as...extravagantly as I did on Eshan." Typically Jedi were the guardians of peace...blah, blah...blah. Kinda why I'd slipped the leash....Scherezades option of being leashed was...intriguing. After all...there were CERTAIN circumstances in which being leashed was a very nice thing. Looking her in those glowing green eyes I said "Aye I know of leashes, hence why I slipped mine with the Jetiise. As for my effectiveness.....well shall we say The Silver Jedi isn't aware of the threats I've removed and how easy it is to destabilize whole sectors of attempted control from dar'jetiise."

I wondered if she'd read the after action report from the invasion of Eshan. The commander I'd literally shredded with my Force abilities and my use of sand. Still hadn't lost my sabers for my conduct on the field of battle...though probably due to fear of what I'd do. I wondered idly if Scherezade had something against Mandos. There was a slight twitch in her emotions any time I said anything in Mando'ade... Looking at her I said "Try putting me on a leash and I'll slip it, though I have rules too. No killing innocents who've surrendered, I don't do children. Women depends on why I'm hunting them. I have a code Scherezade, that is what my leash consists of. I advise not force me to cross those boundaries."

She spoke of room to operate in, a place where I could just be myself. As it stood with me, I didn't mind hunting anyone provided there was justification to do so. "Let's cut the whole philosophical thing short. You know of me, you know at least some of my past and what EXACTLY my skills entail. If you weren't aware then The Ministry wouldn't have sent you. So tell me, what EXACTLY is this Ministry of Secrets interested in from or with me?" Running my tongue around one of my pronounced canine teeth I waited for her answer...

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Pants| "Top" | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 3 Nozhi Blades 1 Dissuader K-30 Pistol with Glitter Bullets
Tag: [member="Celiana"]

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"Don't underestimate me," Scherezade smiled, grinning widely. She had no intention of attacking Celiana unless the other woman gave her a pointed reason to, but that didn't mean she had a reason to hide what she was. Sith. Blood Hound. Predator. She left a trail of dead nearly anywhere she went and she had neither shame nor qualms about it.

"Your spice problems are your own problems," she pointed out, "as long as it doesn't interfere with the job, you do what you want. And while the Jedi might not be aware of what you've done… The Ministry will be aware. And will award you – handsomely."

Hearing the code, all the Blood Hound could do was give a careless shrug. Different people had different lines and she was willing to bet her butt that many a people, including children and innocents, had been hurt by the actions of the Mando-trained. But she didn't care. People died. It was why they were born. If they were dumb enough to get in the line of fire or do things that would invite her with a scythe to their door step, it wasn't her problem. Especially when it meant she had a job, an income, and a way to protect those few she did care about.

"Be one of the Ministry's birds," she said as though it was the most normal, not-so-secretive thing in the world, as though she announced the color of the sky or that the soup was slightly too hot fresh off the stove, "D'uh," she added with a grin.

 

[Celiana]

Looking over Scherezade I used my power of Force Sight. Red, but more a maroon color. Used to death, had caused a good deal of it herself, her aura in The Force looked like a sultry maroon dress. Flicking my eyes over her I had to say she'd look good in maroon. Closing off my connection of Force Sight I heard her mention my spice problems being my problems. Smirking lightly I just knew I didn't use spice but my specific vices wouldn't keep me from doing my job. "Being awarded for being effective DOES sound nice..." When she said to be one of The Ministry's Birbs I flinched. There was still a group here on Triple Z that VERY few people knew of. Even I didn't know much. The Court, all I knew was the name of the group.

Looking back at her as she sarcastically said "duh" I said "Something like an unkindness of Ravens, or perhaps a murder of crows then?" Smiling I said "I've been waiting to use my skills for quite awhile....where do I start with your birds?" Pulling a flask from my hip I cracked it open and took a swig of Corellian whisky, then I offered the flask to her. I wanted to know more about these birds....

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]