Private On Commission

[Darth Strosius]

The Aur Diamonds currently comprised the majority of the Sith Order's northern border against the so called High Republic, a decidedly glittering wall that had been concealed by the infamous Blackwall of course. And a section of the Blackwall that was regularly patrolled in order to ensure that no incursions from their neighboring state occurred. Attempting to breach through it in this sector was highly inadvisable and almost impossible. Almost, of course, being the very key term. It certainly helped when one had some assistance from within the reaches of the Blackwall itself.

Slipping ships through the Blackwall was nothing new for Darth Strosius, although typically He avoided this section of it for the very reason of it being so observed and policed. It was hardly a frontier area where His ships could move unnoticed but still He always found a way. A few credits in the right hands had ensured that enough blind eyes were turned for this particular patrol cycle however, with the fleets routed away from one coordinate sector.

Right on time a freighter had emerged from hyperspace through one of the slim gaps in the Blackwall, an innocuous vessel which had just left Denon a short time before. The Harbinger of Absolution was there to meet it as had been arranged, wasting no time in docking with the freighter and making a quick trade of cargo. A quick yet very delicate trade given the nature of the cargo in question.

One that Darth Strosius would receive personally.

"She's quite brilliant and resourceful, I assure you my Lord." This was the seventh assurance that the broker had given Him in the span of five hours. "And if she isn't then I still have the shipment you brought with her." The masked man responded in a dry tone, earning a bowed head from the broker. "Quite right my Lord! How wise you are." Darth Strosius resisted the urge to groan at the hollow platitude, instead simply clicking His tongue as He allowed the broker to lead their walk into the ship's cargo bay. Right up to one of the newly loaded containers, still flanked by utility droids given that it had just been set down.

"Now as promised, alongside a whole shipment of shiny new splicing equipment and growth tanks, I present to you your newest partner in your dark sciences oh master of-" "Get on with it." The broker recoiled at the sudden venomous tone but didn't shrivel away entirely. "Of course, my Lord." Without any further delay the broker typed in a code onto the container's console and knocked on its side as its panel slid open. "Ms. Valest! You have arrived at your new employer as promised, come and say hello!"

Iskera Valest

 

[Iskera Valest]

Iskera Valest stepped lightly down from the opened container, each movement precise and measured as though the floor itself were a delicate instrument. She adjusted the black wrap at her throat with a gloved hand, tucking the single loose strand of hair back into place, and let her steel-grey eyes sweep across the chamber. They lingered first on the rows of droids, then on the broker, and finally on the towering presence of Darth Strosius. She inclined her head, the smallest concession, neither timid nor defiant.

The broker's nervous chatter still hung in the air, but Iskera seemed to ignore it. Her gaze settled on Strosius with quiet curiosity, the faintest violet shimmer catching in her eyes as she studied him. She let the silence stretch a moment longer than was comfortable, as if measuring the worth of words before she expended them.

"My lord," she said at last, voice low, calm, carrying an almost silken weight. "Your reputation precedes you. I have heard whispers of your work, I hope I may be of use in sharpening that work further."

She clasped her hands at her waist, posture austere but assured, as though she stood not before a captor but before the first crucible of her choosing. The faint scent of glass-distilled oils clung to her, a careful affectation.

"Shall we begin?" she asked, her tone both respectful and edged with suggestion, as if the answer had already been decided.

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius watched the woman's exit from the container with a careful gaze, one hidden behind His visor, as the broker gestured towards her excitedly. He didn't bother sparing another glance towards the broker however, instead seeming to examine Ms. Valest from head to toe as she appeared to do the same in kind. Good, she was competent enough to be wary and observant. He could work with that.

"From what I have heard," At that He cast a sidelong glance at the beaming broker. "I have no doubt that you will be indeed. I'm interested to hear what might have preceded me, but that can wait for another time." If the broker was roaming about blabbering on about any of His plans then He'd have no further use for the little nuisance. In the meantime He'd spare any more suspicion for the sake of bringing Ms. Valest onboard and up to speed. "We shall, follow me."

Darth Strosius turned on His heel, robes flowing in the motion, and gave the broker another glance. "The funds have been transferred, now get off my ship." With that He began marching out of the cargo bay, leaving the broker to scamper off and the utility droids to finish arranging the rest of the delivered containers to their various places. Some of the crew scattered about the bay watched the pair with barely hidden interest and curiosity, but none approached them directly.

Not while Darth Strosius seemed so intent on leading the way elsewhere. "I've been told that you have something of a penchant for precise poisons and toxins." He spoke with a glance at her over His shoulder. "Do tell me about your work. I'd prefer to hear from the source rather than hearsay and promises from a third party."

Iskera Valest