Six Years.

[Darth Metus]

SDE Regional HQ, Bothawui

Agitation was not exactly a dish that Isley fancied.

Having been cultivated by the finest, warrior culture of the Galaxy, the Mandalorian seldom put up with any karkery. In fact, in the days of his youth, he was quick to draw upon those who so much as irked him in the slightest. However, now that Isley had lived four decades...and become a rather successful CEO...such antics would not fly; especially not in the workplace. As such, he was forced to rely upon the relatively small reserves of patience he could muster.

Today, in particular, members of the Board had seen fit to give him an ultimatum of sorts. Either he took some much-needed time away from the corporation in the form of a vacation, or he hired on a personal assistant to help wittle down the mountain of responsibilities he shouldered. Isley was not a fan of either choice, for he did not like having anything dictated to him. Sure, at this point it was a tough task to juggle being a CEO, Harbinger, and a parent...but he was managing just fine.

Okay, so he was getting a few grays from stress. Big deal.

No matter how much the Mandalorian argued, there was no budging the collective stubbornness that was the Board; and as such he decided to go with the latter choice. This one, at least, afforded him the opportunity to ditch his assistant whenever he so chose. So, with reluctance, he was presented with a number of tentative applicants (because the Board was oh so proactive). The first three were boring. The second group were just dumb.

Then came lucky number thirteen.

The dossier was nothing out of the ordinary. The applicant had the skills required for the job, to the letter. There were some vague answers here and there, denoting a checkered background perhaps? But what truly piqued the Mandalorian's intrigue was the name. Lilith. He had only met one individual with that name: a fire-haired woman who he had encountered on Dromund Kaas. What were the chances that this applicant could be her?

Whatever the odds, the name alone scored the applicant an interview. At the appointed hour, she would be escorted up to the uppermost floor of the SDE headquarters and shown to the glass office. There, Isley would be waiting, garbed in his beskar'gam as per the usual.

"Welcome to my office, Miss Lilith."

[member="Lilith Engelis"]

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

The time had come for her to shape her own life, for she had grown sick of being ruled by what she was and who she had ties to so when she had applied for the postion of as big shot CEO's personal assistant, she had not expected to find the male she had tagged along with on Dromund Kaas. Coming to the door, she was caught off gaurd. A very rare occurance for her indeed.


S u r p r i s e;


It caused her to halt briefly in the doorway, this was v e r y unexpected. A slight smile caused her lips to twitch slightly before she moved forward, the heels of her boots giving a slight click against the floor. Dressed in a simple yet elegant pants suit that was both conservative yet appropriate for whatever was thrown her way, she would halt a few feet from him, extending her hand out to his for a simple handshake.

"A pleasure to be here."

Having gotten over her intial surprise, she was all business currently, she was interested in this postion so she would sell herself as the right candidate, not to mention this would give her the perfect opertunity to study the one person that had piqued her curiousity.

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

As the click of her boots sounded upon the Resinwood floors, the Mandalorian found himself surprised.

Apparently the stars had aligned in order to bring the woman from Dromund Kaas into his office, for an interview no less. This was quite the intriguing turn of events to say the very least. Rising from his seat, Isley returned the woman's smile and met her hand with his own. A brief, firm shake was offered before he retracted his grasp. "Please, have a seat." he began, motioning to the leather chair immediately before his desk. Having said that, Isley returned himself to his own seat before briefly turning his attention to the file the Board had provided.

She had the credentials, of this there was no doubt. The gaggle of aging businessmen wouldn't suggest a moron to become his assistant, after all. Any sane CEO would exchange pleasantries and hire Lilith on the spot, yet Isley was often regarded as contrary to sane. Where a typical businessman simply saw a decent assistant, Isley saw an opportunity to sate his curiousity. After all, Lilith had made quite the impression on Dromund Kaas, only to vanish into thin air.

Now she was here, and Isley had an interview to wield as his means of asking questions. Thus, the inquiries began.

"I must say that I am surprised to see you again." he began, "Pleasantly surprised, in fact. I'm glad to see that the years have been kind to you, especially considering what happened to the Galaxy recently." Isley was, of course, referring to half the Galaxy being dropped into Hell...literally. "That said...what happened to you after we met on Dromund Kaas. You had turned away from the Sith Empire, so I only assume that the One Sith didn't become your next meal ticket. How did you go from Kaas to...well...my office?"

[member="Lilith Engelis"]

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

Moving to take a seat, she would get comfortable, crossing one booted leg over the other before leaning back to pierce him with a fierce intent stare.

He never ceased to surprise her even back on Dromund Kaas. His questions were more on the fishing for Intel on her than the interview side. Though, she could hardly blame him, he had made quite the impression on her. Any normal Mandalorian would of killed her on the spot, yet he had allowed her to live. That right there had sealed her fascination in him.

Leaning forward slightly, she began speaking softly, her voice carrying an amused tone.


"I traveled, learned a few new tricks here and there. Met someone wonderful people. Took amusement in the chaos that erupted all over. It never ceases to amuse me how something out of the normal range can affect people like that particular incident affected people. Then again, my views and reactions to things are kinda warped. "



Leaning back once more, she would regard him in silence for a few moments before speaking once more.

"Now that I've answered the questions to sate your curiousity, are you going to ask questions pertaining to the job at hand?Or am I wasting my time. Not that I don't mind looking at you, you have a lovely bone structure , but I too have places to be and things to do. If all you are interested in is fishing for tidbits of information then I still be on my way."

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

She was amused.

The Mandalorian's inquiry caused a hint of amusement to play upon the woman's face...not that he was putting undue attention to that excessively pretty expression or anything...before she formulated a rather vague response. Isley did not anticipate a detailed accounting of where Lilith had been or what she had done, but what he did expect was something that weighed enough to break the ice. That was exactly what he received; but there was also a brick wall of bluntness that was served only a breath following.

And Isley liked that, a lot.

"Well, I'm glad to see that you are alive and well." he began, preferring not to comment on the rather vague details of her response. After all, he didnt want her walking out of the door. "And fret not, I don't have any intention of prying unnecessarily. However, the reality of this position calls for the ability to...well...talk to me. If I wanted a basic paper pusher or a hyper-professional subordinate, I'd design a droid." he began.

"What I'm looking for is someone like you. Someone with the stones to walk into the heart of enemy territory without blinking. Someone who will be unafraid to tell me when I'm wrong, or better yet, to defy me when necessary. I need an assistant who isn't a basic kiss ass. I need someone who is blunt, smart, and has a good head on their shoulders."

"Personally, I think that person is you. You proved it on Kaas and you proved it just a moment ago. The average interviewee would have played along for hours if I wanted to. Not you. The average acolyte would have avoided Kaas like the plague. Not you. As such, most people who apply for this job will be turned away...Not. You. When can you start?"

[member="Lilith Engelis"]

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

His words didn't come as a surprise to her, she came into this office with the goal of obtaining this job and her goals were met when he asked when she could start. Glancing down at her watch, it wasn't long before she glanced up at him.

"You are in luck my availability to start became open the second I stepped foot into this office. A risky move maybe. But, my confidence is one of my appealing traits among many others."

Her statement being finished, she would offer him a genuine smile, something few would ever see from her unless they were close or she was attempting to end their lives. Rising from her seat, she would offer him her hand once more.

"Now then, down to business. If I'm going to be your assistant let's get down to work. I don't have time to waste sitting down and looking pretty. I need to do my job for you to effectively do yours. Show me what needs to be done and let's get started."

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

When the rather stunning woman checked her watch, the Mandalorian could only anticipate what her response would be. Sure enough, she was available to begin immediately; and that was exactly what Isley wanted to hear. Of course, if she was to be his assistant, then she would need a few essential tools of the trade. Rising, Isley met her hand with his own and rendered a brief shake before relinquishing his grip.

"Then we will begin right away. I have some business to attend to in the Outer Rim...some old contacts of mine are in need of some creative persuasion. They have something I want and they are being rather difficult lately. Bring a rain coat, we're going to Kamino."

With that said, the Mandalorian reached into his desk and produced a single, metal bangle. Whilst unremarkable to look at, this accessory boasted quite a large sum of potential. "This is a Holo Data Storage Device. It functions much like a datapad but is much more compact. You put it on and a solid state hologram appears on your arm. This one is connected to our company database and will provide you with all the access you need to get your job done. You are to wear it at all times while working, as I'll be sending files to you rather frequently."

With that said, Isley left the bangle upon the desk and stepped lively towards the door. It was only a short voyage to the hangar a few floors down, and as such there was no need to meander about. Time was money, after all.

[member="Lilith Engelis"]

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

Taking in everything that her new boss said, it wasn't long before she moved to slip the bangle into her wrist. Moving after him, she would sigh softly her lips twitching in amusment. Him picking this particular location gave her the perfect opportunity to check up on one of her assets.

Following after him, she would think about his words before speaking softly.

"Why do I get the feeling that by you saying 'creative persuasion' that you mean something far more... unconventional...?"

Voicing her thoughts, she managed to catch up to him in no time, her footsteps soon falling in sync with his own as she now walked beside him.

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

Ever the gentleman, the Mandalorian paused his brisk pace in order to open the first door that obstructed their path. He did not step through first, but instead allowed his assistant to pass first. Did this mean that he thought she was incapable of opening a door? No. This was simply a polite gesture offered to someone he would be working quite closely with for a long time to come. As the radiant woman strolled past, Isley caught wind of her words...

Which prompted a small smile to form upon his lips.

"That depends entirely upon them. If cooperation is offered, then I have no reason to 'aggressively negotiate."

With that said, Isley resumed his lively pace until they reached the lift bound for the uppermost landing pad. He, once more, allowed Lilith to go first before prompting the lift to ferry them both up. What awaited them at the top was a single vessel: the Mie'yebo. This was Isley's personal vessel, designed by his own hands. As such, he had a rather pronounced expression of pride as he stepped forward.

"And this is my ship. When we return, I'll see about setting you up with one of your own; and we will,need to talk about your other benefits as well. Oh, and before we go, any questions?"

[member="Lilith Engelis"]

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

If none knew she was an avid lover of ships Isley sure did now. Stepping forward, she allowed herself to let out a dreamy sigh before remembering where she was and clearing her throat. Returning once more to her businesslike demeanor, she would shoot him a side-long glance hoping that he chose not to comment on her slight fangirl moment over his ship.

"Negotiations are Negotiations anyway you look at them. I'm hoping all goes well. I'd be a shame if my pretty interview outfit was ruined. I've become quite well.... Well, quite fond of it.."


Mumbling the last bit more to herself then anything, she'd return her full attention into him, a slight apologetic smile gracing her normally blank features. Stepping to the side, she'd incline her head towards the direction of his ship.

"Shall we get going instead of standing around while I drool over your ship?"

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

The Mandalorian was beginning to wonder if he would ever see a part of the woman that was...less than professional; and it seemed that fate had every intention to oblige him. After stepping out onto the landing pad, Lilith responded to the presence of the Mie'yebo with a rather dreamy expression. A light sigh escaped her lips, and the small smile that claimed her face could only be described as adorable. It took a bit of restraint for Isley not to chuckle, but he could not stifle his own smile.

"So you have a fondness for ships?" he began, motioning for her to step closer to the vessel. "That is good! It is only fitting that you have an affinity to that which Arakyd revolves around."

As the words escaped him, Isley tapped upon his own HDSD in order to awaken the vessel's basic systems. At once, a low hum reverberated across the landing pad, heralding the extension of the Mie'yebo's loading ramp. "This is the Mie'yebo, by the way. It's not armed to the teeth, but it is ridiculously fast and stealthy. It even has a cloaking device." he said, beaming with pride.

"Now, as much as I'd like to stand about and watch you undress my ship with your eyes, you are right. Standing around will simply not do...so, as my assistant, I now assign you the lucrative task of piloting this beautiful ship to Kamino. I'm sure you are just dying to get behind the wheel...So, after you."

[member="Lilith Engelis"]

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

The first words that left her lips after he finished speaking were short and slightly clipped. Turning towards him, she offered up a slight shrug of her shoulders before beginning to speak softly.

"No, I make it a strict policy not to pilot others personal ships. Nothing against this beauty but I kindly decline. "


Finishing speaking, she would incline her head towards his ship, motioning for him to carry on and get things moving so that they could carry out the task he wished to do. While waiting, she quickly used the opportunity to slip the hair band she wore around her wrist around her hair, effectively pinning it up into a professional looking bun, one that would keep her hair fairly dry once they arrived at the destined location.



[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

A strict policy, eh?

This particular, personal rule caused a light chuckle to escape the Mandalorian's lips. Such things usually came with one hell of a story, and Isley hoped to one day coax it out of his newfound assistant. However, at this very moment, [member="Lilith Engelis"] did not seem open to the idea of divulging why she had this particular mandate in place. In fact, she seemed eager to get on with the trip, as evidenced by her motioning for him to move up the ramp.

"Very well." he said simply. "Then I'll have to see about getting you a suitable vessel of your own. Maybe then I can ride in the passenger seat for a change."

With that said, Isley ascended the ramp and made his way through the vessel. He stopped only to point out which room she could utilize to sleep in during the trip. Outside of this, his brisk pace to the cockpit did not cease until he sat down in the pilot's chair. His hands moved swiftly, readying the various systems and gently nudging the engines all the more. Take off was imminent, and before the final launch Isley had but a simple question to ask.

"So tell me, have you learned Magick during your travels?"

This was, of course, small talk...for what else were they going to do during a hyperspace voyage? Stare longingly into each other's eyes? Yeah, no.

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

A few hours later;

After she had gotten settled;resting and thinking over a few things she would explore the ship for a few moments. It wasn't long before she moved to find Isley. Making her way towards him, she would soon locate him and then lower herself down into a chair she would clear her throat, signaling that she wanted to talk.

"You have a minute?"
She'd question softly, her eyes traveli,g around and studying various things. It wasn't long before those intense hues of hers once more landed on him.

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

Shortly after a few more pieces of conversation, the Mandalorian opened his vessel to Lilith. For the duration of their trip, she was free to move about and even claim one of the rooms as her own. In the meantime, Isley busied himself with piloting the vessel. Normally, one would simply engage the auto-pilot and be done with it; but the Mandalorian liked to take the back door routes through space. It kept him out of trouble. It kept him alive.

It wasn't too long before the relative quiet of the moment concluded with [member="Lilith Engelis"] emerging from her room. Her heels clicked upon the metal floors before ending with her descent into the co-pilot's chair. Isley took a moment to engage the auto-pilot before turning to face her. A nod was rendered in response to her inquiry...and honestly, it seemed as though something was bugging her. It was practically written on her face, after all.

"Of course." he said. "What's on your mind?"

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

Taking a deep breath it would be a few minutes of awkward Silence before she began speaking.

"I wasn't entirely honest with you. There is a reason I've been doing what I've been doing. There is a reason I was so gleeful at the ruins where you stumbled upon me... Something very dear was taken and Iorded over me.. Something I got back only to have ripped away during the tragedy the galaxy faced... That something... No that someone is currently in stasis on Kamino... I am telling you this because you should be shown that I have some amount of trust for you... But, should you try to use this against me or attempt to manipulate me in anyway.. I will simply kill you..."

Leaning back, she would fold her hands and then place them upon her lap, studying him intently to see how he would take her words. A normal person normally wouldn't threaten their employer the first day on the job, she was far from normal.

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

Most employers wouldn't take kindly to threats.

Just like how most Mandalorians wouldn't let a Sith leave one of their worlds alive.

Yet, Isley had proven himself to be quite the unconventional employer and Mandalorian. Instead of filling [member="Lilith Engelis"] with lead upon their meeting, he allowed her to live and go free. Likewise, instead of getting hostile in response to her threat, he saw the good in what she said. For one, she had a degree of trust in him. This was evidenced by the fact that she divulged a rather sensitive piece of information to him; and for a woman like Lilith, that could not be easy. The Mandalorian took a moment to mull over his thoughts before turning his chair completely to face her. His expression was not hostile, nor serious...yet characterized by empathy.

Now. As Isley was very familiar with Kamino, there were only two reasons why someone would be there. One, they were looking to purchase clones. Two, they were looking for medical assistance. The Mandalorian sincerely doubted that this someone was in need of cloning services, so that only meant...

"Someone close to you was hurt and you are seeing to their care. Divulging where they are...that's one hell of a risk." he began, letting the weight of her limited trust in him sink in. "You have my word that what you have just shared will remain between the two of us. I would never use this as a bargaining chip or lord it over your head. Contrary to what many believe, I am not a monster. That much, you can trust with absolute certainty."

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

A relieved sigh left her lips upon hearing his words. She had never viewed him as a monster. He was more of an oddity than anything in her eyes;someone that caught and kept her fascination.

"The person on Kamino is my child.. She was critically injured before Akala decided to pull her stunt. As of recently due to the amount of injuries galaxy wide, the price to keep Cassie alive has increased tenfold. I'm going to be doing some persuasion to the people where she is located."


As she spoke it became quite clear Lilith wasn't above violence to ensure her treasure got what she needed.

[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

Lilith had a child.

At once, a gentle sigh escaped the Mandalorian's lips. Being that he was a parent himself, he could only imagine what Lilith was going through. There was no greater anguish in this world than seeing one's child hurt...And there was nothing more dangerous than an enraged mother. Of course, while Isley sympathized with his assistant, he knew the economics of the situation. Billions had vanished, millions had died, and Kamino now needed to pick up the pieces.

That meant that prices were going up. For everyone.

"I lost my daughter, Anastasia, prior to the calamity." he said, taking his eyes off of Lilith for a moment. "She perished while I was being hunted...and there was nothing I could do to save her. I know what it's like to see one's treasure hurting...and what it's like to lose that same treasure. I don't want anyone, especially not you, to go through what I've endured."

He paused, returning his eyes back to hers.

"As such, there will be no need to flexing those muscles of yours against the Kaminoans. If you would allow me to, I'll handle the financial part of keeping your little one alive. Consider it a signing bonus." Then, he raised his hand, as if expecting resistance in response to his offer. "Of course, I realize that you did not tell me this in the hopes of a hand out and that you are more than capable of handling this yourself. I just...I want to help is all."

With that said, there was nothing to do except await what [member="Lilith Engelis"] would have to say in response.

 

[Vesphira So'Kil]

She was quiet for what seemed like a very long time. Listening to his words and then allowing them register with in her mind. He still managed to take her off guard and prove that he was one of a kind. So when he offered to take care of the finances to keep her child alive, she couldn't help rising slowly and hugging him lightly, her body seeming to move on its own.

Snapping out of what ever the hell sentimental daze, she was in she would quickly step back and stare onward with an openly puzzled look.

"I am sorry. Sorry to hear about your child. Sorry for what ever that just was. I also thank you.. Normally my pride wouldn't allow me to accept but this is my child.. That and unnecessary violence is a waste of valuable energy."

[member="Isley Verd"]