Now you see me, now you don't

[Taeli Raaf]

Taeli stretched as she neared the familiar space station of Libertalia. The place seemed to be even more active than the last she had been here, more ships were around, both luxury yachts and defense ships, but she supposed that was to be expected. The war was beginning to heat up again, and [member="Ice"] would want to protect his investments.

Landing her shuttle, she smoothed out the green dress she was wearing and left her lightsaber on board this time. She was giving no one any chances to take it or scan it, even if she trusted Ice not to do so. They had a project to begin undertaking, and she was looking forward to it. Well that and finally seeing this mysterious planet that he was so set on keeping secret.

 

[Ice]

Ice had arrived at the dock just as Taeli had landed. Among other things Taeli had noticed, she probably also notice some rather large pieces of equipment being transported into the depths of Libertalia. It would seem as though construction on the station had begun anew. The familiar shape of Ice soon appeared across the deck. There was his traditional smile as he greeted Taeli. "Welcome back." Ice said genuinely. Casting a glance over her form he didn't notice her traditional weapon. This caused an eyebrow to raise as he questioned. "What's this? No weapons? Indeed I am surprised. What will you have on you when we get to our destination? It's not exactly a friendly environment."

A soft chuckle escaped his lips. He knew full well she could more than likely defend herself without it, but it did still seem odd seeing a Sith without a weapon. Probably still didn't trust me, Ice thought to himself. Naturally he didn't take offense to this. In his mind, it was only good sense to always be on the look out for treachory. This could make some aspects of life rather difficult. But overall for people in their positions, this stance usually extended ones life.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"As I promised on Coruscant, the only weapon I carry with me is the Force," she said, a soft smile gracing her lips. She had seen he had been appraising her form, while noticing the lack of weapon. The sleek green dress she wore left little to the imagination on how athletically built she was of the size of her chest, while also allowing her freedom of movement in a fight. Always a new game to be played. "Plus, I don't trust any of your guests or engineers from snooping or trying to secretly scan my lightsaber."

"I'm pretty sure I can handle anything that's on the surface while we work," she said, laughing a little at the idea. "When shall we be departing? I'm extremely curious about what lies ahead."

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

"So you did." He said with a nod of his head. "Though you being able to handle anything there still remains to be seen." He added with a smirk knowing full well now the dangers the planet held. Having survived it once before, Ice knew it obviously wasn't impossible. But he was curious to see what she would think of a few of the "charming" creatures that called Enigma Prime home.

"In regards trusting your weapon in my "peoples" hands...I dare say it sounds like you are starting to pick up on some of my suspicious tendencies." He said with a wide grin. It was curiois. As much back and forth as they do with security and each denying trust to the other. Though he'd admit that was more on his end. Despite it though, they seemed to be developing a comfortableness with each other that could possibly be construed as a friendship of sorts.

"As for when are we leaving. Why immediately of course. Time is precious. No sense wasting it here. Come! We already have the ship prepped and ready." With a jerk of his head in the direction of the vessel. He began walking off towards. "Nice dress by the way." He added with a sideward glance back to her and a smirk. It seemed a new level in their little games had been added.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"Why thank you," Taeli said, smiling and following Ice to the transport. "I just recently purchased it and I'm glad it fits rather well."

She knew he had acknowledged the next level of their game, and she was glad he did. It would make their interactions all the more interesting, although she couldn't keep herself from smiling further at his comment to her paranoia. She knew he understood the need to keep certain things secret, and this was a closely guarded secret for her. She hadn't even shared this with her new apprentice yet.

"So how long will the voyage take?" she asked, looping an arm around [member="Ice"]'s.

 

[Ice]

Another smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as she looped her arm around his. Giving her an obvious once over after her remark about the dress fitting, he nodded. "I'll say it does at that. Very well indeed." He added with a wink. Two can play at this game. Though he was very curious how many levels there now were to this game, and who would succumb to the other first. It was then the thought occurred to him. Was he actually trying to tempt her toward something more? Ice wasn't sure. He'd just keep playing for now and see where things went.

"In this ship...probably a little over a day I'd say." Ice wouldn't go on to elaborate. It was just a subtle way to keep even the tiniest of fragments of information on the location still secret. For depending on the hyperdrive rating, a little over a day could take you rather for, or not far at all.

A few seconds later found them stepping first through a scanner which would search them both for any electronics of any kind or form. Once security was satisfied nothing was present, they went on board the ship that would be taking them to Enigma Prime. Another small detail he had left out now that he thought about it. Ice had always referred to it simple as "the planet" or "my operation" or something similar. Pulling up his com link, Ice messaged the pilot. "We are good to go. Take us out."

Turning back toward Taeli, he said, "We'll actually be arriving just in time. We're setting up a new dig site on a fresh stygium vein now. The equipment should be there and ready to assemble by the time we arrive. Anyway, I'll show you to your quarters now." He offered politely with a hand out gesturing toward the way they needed to go. The esfandia class carrier corvette they were on was an older vessel now. It had been through many adventures with Ice. And although he had a new much more advanced ship in the design phase, he still loved this old bird.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Oh, she was so glad he was up to playing the next level of their game. If she was being completely honest with herself, she hoped the game would continue and grow. He seemed slightly interested though, judging from the once she had received from her dress comment. But she refused to be the first to make such an overt move as such a thing would defeat the purpose of the games they played, and she did so enjoy his vague answer about how long it would take. She ran a shipbuilding company, she knew the definition of how long a hyperdrive could take would change depending on the hyperdrive in question and the ship one was on.

"A lovely ship you have here," she said, smiling at the polite hand gesture. She suspected her quarters had been specially prepared to give her no idea where the ship was actually heading, no viewport to see stars and such. "I can sense an emotional attachment to her, no?"

As they made their way to her quarters, Taeli decided she would push and test the waters the entire time, to see if she could get him to slip up on some information on either the planet, his feelings, or his interest in learning more about the Force. This trip would be illuminating for all three she felt like.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

"Thanks. And aye, there is. She may only be a Corvette. But she's gotten me through a lot of mischief." Ice then gave her a curious look. "You sensed this did you? You trying to get into my thoughts?" There was a smirk on his face as the next words she would hear did not come from his lips, but rather emanated from inside her mind. "You know, some might consider it extremely rude of you to get inside their mind and read their thoughts." Ice gave her a wink before returning his gaze to the hallway.

He wondered if his sudden presence within her mind would throw her off at all. She'd probably suspect he'd been training in the force. Which he didn't mind. Intrigue and mystery tended to keep people guessing and never sure of things. It was in fact though, just his natural telepathic abilities. As he has not yet had the chance to delve into his apparent force abilities.

The duo soon arrived at her quarters. They were nothing fancy as this was an old ship and had been with him before he acquired his wealth and position. Like she suspected, she had an interior room with no windows. What she didn't realize though was that their was a view screen they emitted a perfect image of the stars onto its surface to give the illusion that there was a view port. A technology courtesy of another business associate. The device was not meant to deceive though. It was simply meant to help people with claustrophobia. Still either way she wouldn't be getting accurate star chart readings that way.

"My room is just a few doors down if you need me for anything. Other than that, is there anything else I can do for you while make our way to the planet?" Ice naturally looked after his own or those that were with him despite his rank or fact he could get an underling to do it. If there was nothing pressing, he was not above handling stuff himself. Especially when it came to his guests.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Taeli smiled as the words sounded in her mind, my oh my, Ice had been doing a little practice with the Force perhaps. Would wonders never cease. Looking around her quarters, she didn't mind the sparseness of the room, even if she was more used to the luxury being a Voice's apprentice and a CEO afforded her.

"Nothing I can think of at the moment, but perhaps dinner later?" she asked, a coy smile on her lips as she walked around the room. The monitor showing the stars outside was nice, but almost useless when it came to actual information. A pity, but then he was cautious man and wouldn't make it that easy to discern any information on this mysterious planet of his. She didn't even know if the world had a name yet, quite possibly though.

Sitting down on the bed, she smiled at her host and companion.

'Oh, there is one thing," she thought, sending her words into his mind in a playful way, nothing too forceful. "If you wouldn't mind bringing me a datapad that connects to the Holonet, I was in the middle of some research before I left and forgot to grab mine."

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

Ice raised his datapad up and sent out a quick order to have another brought to Taeli's quarters. Being able to communicate without actually speaking was going to take some getting used to. He had always had the ability of course. But he hardly used it as most people found it disturbing. He was even less used to people being able to respond back in much the same way. For the briefest of moments, he pondered the possibility of her being one of his race as well. But then quickly discarded the notion. She was using the force, and the odds of him meeting up with another Shi'ido without going back to his races home planet was remote to say the least.

It was a fact that he chose to not think about very often. The simple reality was, that no matter what friends he made...or even lovers for that matter, they would fade from existance over and over again while he remained behind living on for hundreds of years before death would finally overtake him and allow to finally join all the rest. He imagined it was this reason why Shi'ido usually stayed on their home planet. Most simply didn't like the idea of making friends with people who would die well before themselves. Well that and the galaxies propensity toward violence with his race.

Pushing the thoughts aside, he gave her a nod. "Dinner would be wonderful." He said genuinely. "Any idea on what you'd like? The ship may not be the fanciest thing in the galaxy, but we don't skimp on the food." He said with a small chuckle. While he waited, someone approached and handed him a new datapad. Dismissing the crewman, Ice turned and handed Taeli the datapad for her use. "Keep in mind, there is no encryption programs on it. So if you are wanting to do something you don't wish for me to see, I'd hold off and do whatever is you are wanting to do till later."

He probably could have kept that detail to himself and possibly gleaned something about her and her projects. But as tempting as that was, he was still an honest man. As honest as he could be anyway. And he wanted to make sure that if she ever betrayed him, she'd have no reason in the galaxy to back up why she did it.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"Oh, nothing too fancy," she replied airily, accepting the datapad. "As for no encryptions on the datapad, that's totally fine. I was simply doing some reading on a predecessor of mine from long ago, a Sith named Darth Zannah. Nothing there I wouldn't care if you saw or not."

He was being careful, and that was good. He didn't want to shatter her trust by spying on whatever she was reading, but she highly doubted he would glean what she was looking for from the files she had been reading. It was a long quest she was working to begin, and she was simply looking for the start point. Plus, reading never hurt when one wanted to learn more about someone. Ice would only see her reading old records about the Sith Lady's life.

"Mind leaving for a bit, I want to change into something more suitable for dinner," she said, winking slightly at the man.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

"Very well." He said simply. Pulling up his datapad once again, he began putting in the order for the cooks to start preparing while he listened to what she had to say.about what she was looking up. With a simple shrug, he turned back toward her and smiled. "Ok. I just wanted to keep you aprised. His smile turned into more of a smirk when she requested some privacy to ready herself for dinner. Giving a nod, he said, " Of course. I'll let you know when dinner is ready." Ice then disappeared, closing the door behind him.

Ice went to his room and likewise prepared for the dinner with Taeli. After taking care of the basic clean up stuff like a shower and such, he pulled out a custom tailored, formal, three piece suit from his closet. Once that was on he made sure his hair was presentable, then lightly splashed on some cologne. This new portion of "the game" seemed to be starting to blur the line between business and pleasure. Still, why not have a little fun with business. He reasoned to himself. After all, it wasn't like either party was interested in anything beyond that, right?

The conclusion of his preparations were eventually followed by a notification from the cooks that their meal was ready when they were. And with that, he returned to Taeli's room and knocked.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"Come in," Taeli said, smiling as she turned to see her host walking inside. She had gone with an elegant dress of blue that shimmered whenever it caught the light and she had chosen to also wear an over robe of lilac. She had also put a light shading or purple eye shadow around her eyes, along with a matching color of lipstick applied ever so lightly to her lips. Her hair was also done up in elegant curls that gently cascaded around her face and rested gently on her shoulders. She had also gone with an extremely expensive perfume that she had purchased on Coruscant. All in all, she thought she looked extremely good.

"What do you think? Not too bad for a Sith?" she asked innocently, taking in Ice's three piece suit and she could smell his cologne. Oh yes, she had been right in moving things to this next level of the game. Mixing business with pleasure made things so much more interesting . . . and connected. She was well aware he still didn't fully trust her, but she was prepared to pull out all the tricks and wiles a woman had. He was so much more interesting than any of her fellow Sith in those regards at least.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

Ice entered Taeli's quarters and was met with quite the pleasant sight. Not that he didn't find her attractive before, but now she was simply stunning. For the briefest of moments he wondered why most Sith seemed to look old and haggard from their use of the dark side, while others were able to maintain their youthful beauty, such as the particularly fine looking woman that stand before him now. He quickly pushed the thought aside as he soon realized he didn't really care at this particular moment.

Her comment brought about a quick laugh. "Very nice indeed. Why one could possibly find themselves forgetting a Sith still lies beneath the surface." He gave her a wink, a simple gesture to show he was still in the game and hadn't lost yet. Though secretly he found himself admitting a very select few people seemed to be ....better equipped to play it than others. This thought had moves on to wondering if the game ever amounted to anything more than that.

Clearing his mind before she'd attempt to read it, he smiled once again. "Truly you look lovely." Ice said sincerely and let out his arm so as to escort her to dinner. They didn't have far to go, and Taeli would note this dining hall was noticeably more upscale than the sleeping quarters. It could be deduced that Ice rarely if ever had guests stay on board as apposed to simply trying for a meal and meeting before departing.

Her nose would more than likely pick up the scent of Nerf steaks with a wide assortment of sides that would traditionally go with that main dish. Ice pulled out her chair for her, displaying all the manners of a proper gentlemen. They may know each other are fully capable of some ghastly deeds. However, in Ice's mind, that didn't mean you couldn't treat a women more delicately at times as well.

Sitting down himself, he soon asked Taeli what it was she desired to drink. Once she answered, he would add that an old fashioned Rum and Coke would do for him. The server would then be off. "So how goes things with Krayt Industries these days? Have you two conquered the other corporations in your sector of the galaxy yet?" He asked curiously.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"Mmm, you certainly are trying to show a girl a good time," she said slyly as she took in the dining room. She could definitely smell the nerf steaks, and she smiled softly at Ice as he pulled her chair out for her. She was almost certain he was trying to figure out if she had an angle to all of this beyond the game, and she could admit to herself she did. He was a powerful man, and not so hard on the eyes. This dinner would definitely be a chance to gauge such things, and she knew the more she brought them together, the better chance he might let her teach him some Force techniques and pique his curiosity.

"Tea please, preferably Dantooine spice or Bastion black tea," she said as the waiter asked for her drink. He quickly brought out a glass of the black tea while he brought Ice his rum and coke. She wanted a clear head for this dinner, and for anything that might occur after.

"We are doing fine," she said, taking a sip of her tea as dinner was served by the waiters. "Growing our operations throughout Sith space and elsewhere. We might be a Sith company, but have to branch out or be stifled. We haven't tried to take over any companies though."

She added a small laugh at the end of her sentence.

"How goes STI's growth? I'm curious as you seem to be fairly . . . careful about your dealings with any of the major powers in the galaxy."

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

"Heh." He said with a quick laugh. "Trying." He repeated, hoping she was genuinely having at least a decent time, though truthfully he also knew there wasn't exactly a whole lot of excitement to be had on a simple transport trip. Still, he found her company to be surprisingly pleasant even outside of work. At least surprising considering her belief system. Sitting down, he took a sip of his drink, savoring the taste as the warm burning sensation soon came on.

As he listened to what she had to say, he'd simply nod his head. "Yes. Siding with a single faction can be very limiting. Just need to be careful. Some people can get rather pissy if you are also selling to their enemies. I never quite understood what was so hard to understand about a company being neutral and thus willing to sell to all."

At the point, the food was brought in and set before them before the servers once again disappeared. Ice took in a deep breath of the fantastic aroma that came from the dish before cutting away a bit. After enjoying the morsel, he thought on her own question. "I am careful. But that doesn't mean we can't also be successful. I actually have contracts in place that have guaranteed purchases of 100% of nearly everything product STI makes. A couple things haven't had the same success just yet. But I still get good sales out them."

"For the most part, lately I have just been working on pet projects for myself while STI is racking in the credits from the guaranteed sales."

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"I understand of course," Taeli said with a smile, raising her tea cup in honor. "I've been working on ideas for several pet projects, but I'd rather not say anything right now. I might trust you, but as I'm sure you know, need to keep such secrets close."

She was enjoying his company, and the meal was perfectly cooked and delicious so far. She wondered what he would do if she did something a bit more . . . interesting once their meal was finished. Layers and layers of the game.

"I'm sure you'll be very happy to know Krayt is expanding beyond just providing the Sith with our work," she continued saying, daintily cutting her steak and taking a bite. Manners were important after all. "I might be a loyal Sith Knight, but I'm a practical person and expansion cannot be focused just within Sith space or just our operations limited to the worlds of the Sith. But again, I won't say anymore as I want to just enjoy the meal and perhaps bring up the topic of your Force Sensitivity again. Have you given that any thought?"

She was genuinely curious if he was interested in learning a few things, even if she already had an apprentice now. The girl was still getting accustomed to Coruscant though and they had yet to begin her full training, but bringing a Jedi to their ranks had certainly helped her standing.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

Ice took another bit of the delicious meal that had been prepared for them while he listened. So she had some pet projects as well? To be expected of course, but his inquisitive nature soon have him wondering what kind of projects would catch her fancy. He nodded in understanding as she went on to explain about her companies expansion beyond the Sith. "Indeed I am. It's a good call. It make sense to limit oneself to one customer when there are so many more willing to give you their credits."

The conversation took an interesting turn when she mentioned his force sensitivity. "I have." He answered honestly. "Although I'm naturally curious as to what I can accomplish in that field, there aren't to many people walking about the galaxy that would offer to train someone out of the goodness of their hearts." At this, he actually laughed lightly, trying to imagine someone offering force power lessons as if he was teaching music or something similar. "And as I won't be signing on at the nearest Sith academy, or even worse the Jedi so I can be stifled and limited in my own desires. The point is unfortunately moot."

He could sense she had her own desires in regards his force sensitivity. What they were, he was still trying figure out. But as she brought up the topic, he suspected he'd find out more very soon. Raising an eyebrow and casting a smile her way he decided to just ask simply, "Why so curious?"

[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"Oh no reason," Taeli said with smile. "I was wondering if you might be interested in learning anything I might know, out of a purely academic curiosity of course. I wouldn't try and recruit you or anything. Although it wouldn't be out of the goodness of my heart completely, I would expect something back in return for the time, but that is not something I've really decided on."

She added a small laugh at the end to show nothing but good faith, but inside her mind was pondering what her next move should be. She was definitely interested in starting Ice along a path where he would be more in tune with the dark side than the light, but she didn't want to break his trust by manipulating him into the decision. One of many ideas floating through her head, including several company ideas and such.

She took another bite of her steak, and waited to hear what he might say or if he had any other comments.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

His eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to her offer to teach him. Though a smile remained on his face, he tried to see what her game might be behind this particular move. Ice would be lieing to himself if he said he wasn't interested. Indeed there were several things right off the top of his head that he could think of that he would find most useful. But was it possible to trust a Sith? Yes she was different than most, he reasoned as he stared into her exotic purple eyes. But was it worth the risk? At least she was being honest about not doing it out the kindness of her heart. That was one thing he strangely could not fault her on. She had been straight up with him on all their dealings thus far. Perhaps he should be a little more lenient and trusting with her.

Ice wished it wasn't such a difficult decision. Especially since overall she was exactly what he'd look for in a woman. Extremely intelligent, obviously attractive, and had the ability to handle herself in a fight. All good qualities in his book. Though her leanings and intelligence to accomplish whatever ends she wanted made him nervous still. Could they be partners in something bigger and him not have to worry about being led to a fall? Could she view him as anything more than that means to an end? So many variables, too little time.

"I would indeed. Though it seems we'd need to negotiate the terms since you don't seem to currently know what you desire in return just yet." Ice gave a wink and smirked. "I think the alchemy skills would be most interesting to learn though. It seems those particular talents can have many applications." He paused a moment to see her reaction to his quick acceptance of her offer, and was curios as to what she might want in return. Ice could also see the wheels were turning in her head. If only he had the ability to read her mind. Though that might be a scary thing to delve into, he mused. Still, if he had the ability to learn new skills, his curios nature would make it nearly impossible for him to ignore it for long.

[member="Darth Arcanix"]