The Business Spark

[Alice Shaw]

It wasn't even noon yet and Alice could already feel the stress of the day bearing down on her. Her pale fingers curled around the frosted glass of alcohol. The ice made a familiar sound that resonated through the empty room as she lifted it to her lips. A sharp burn followed, travelling down her throat and settling in her stomach. She exhaled heavily, sinking back against the chair. Alice half heartedly flipped the paper on the clip board over. The list of names continued in a daunting black and white. There were other people who could have done this for her, but she was going to be spending a lot of time with her new body guard and thus wanted to get to know them.

The room she had been interviewing in were her own personal rooms. It was a more personal approach to the usually formal business meet and greet. They were lavishly decorated, as only a higher end apartment on Coruscant would be. Alice herself sat, her forearm draped over the armrest of a red velvet sofa. Initially she had only expected her new employee to stay while she toured the Galaxy, but apparently a more permanent position was available. Alice stroked her temple with two fingers, gingerly calling out for the next interviewee. She was struggling to remember what part of her had agreed to do this in the first place.

[member="Kyle Jerhal"] [member="Kung Seilois "]

 

[Danny Colen]

Kyle hated this part of Coruscant, more than he hated Coruscant altogether. It was full of snobs and people who had more money than they knew how to spend. Of course, his opinion was silent, as he didn't want to upset a potential client. He had made is way up to the apartment early, joining the back of the queue of people who had come for the same job. They all seemed to know who she was, be he didn't. In fact, he didn't care.
He heard the call for the next person, and so Kyle strolled into the woman's apartment casually, taking a seat almost opposite to her. His body language was relaxed, as his arm rested on the back of the seat and his right leg was resting across his left. The woman infront of him was pretty, he had to admit. But a snob, like the rest of them.
"So, you the one who needs protecting?" Kyle smiled, trying to act as nice as possible.

[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Kung Seilois]

Seilois sat in the hallway, relaxing in a chair as yet another mercenary was called into the room, but he was near the end of the line as he preferred to be. It allowed him to watch the other people present as well as judge and weigh their worth. Many of them were boys playing at work, and he doubted many had even fired a blaster before much less were prepared for a true firefight. In fact, if it was not for a few favors he owed a certain influential man who was rather fond of Alice's voice, he would not be here as his services were expensive.

He knew who the client was as, like any experienced Freelancer, he had done his homework as he did not enjoy surprises. Many of the 'interviewees' were chatting among themselves, but they gave Seilois a wide berth as he was dressed in his armored bodysuit, his helmet magnetically locked, and his rebreather naturally augmenting his voice to sound darker and colder then it normally was. Both his blasters were secure to his waist, but he had left his other weapons on his ship as he did not want to spook the secruity to where they called for back-up and try to throw him out.

Seilois leaned back in his seat, crossed his right leg over his left, and placed his hands in his lap as he waited. Patience was a virtue, and the down time was a nice change even if he did constantly check the other prospective 'bodyguards' for hints of treachery or aggression.

[member="Kyle Jerhal"] [member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

She offered a polite smile to the male as he walked in. Her opinion of him was neutral so far, his body language gave nothing away, beside the fact that he was far to relaxed about the whole ordeal. Alice lent forward, placing the glass on top of a marble coffee table. "Alice Shaw." She paused for a moment, her lips slightly parted as her eyes scanned him in the opposite seat. "Your name is?" Though she had it on a sheet in front of her, it was always nice to ask, though it was even better when they introduced themselves automatically. The previous applicants had been nothing special, but Alice could tell this one would be different.

She lifted her leg, crossing it over the other as she waited on his reply. There were typical questions that she needed to ask, but for now they could wait. Pleasantries were always a necessity, not only for her own sane mind, but to examine his level of respect. "Can I offer you a drink?" The same smile remained on her face as she watched his reactions closely.

[member="Kyle Jerhal"]

 

[Danny Colen]

The name meant nothing to Kyle, he was no regular to clubs, in fact he preferred to be well away from Coruscant, but here he was, dragged back to his forsaken homeworld. "Kyle Jerhal," Kyle replied pleasantly, masking his inner thoughts. "And I'm always up for a drink." He grinned, his eyes watching her closely. Are those real? His thoughts trailed off slightly, but he managed to look focused on her face rather than on anything below her neck.

[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

She poured out a drink, matching the colour of her own. Out of habit, two large ice cubes followed, splashing the liquid against the sides of clear glass. "So, I'm sure you just want to skip straight too it." She slid the glass over with two fingers, scraping the bottom along the marble. Surprisingly, no sound followed and silence ensued for a moment as she took a sip of her own drink. "What's your previous experience with jobs like these?" Her eyes flicked back up to his and stayed there as she awaited a response. There was no point writing anything down. People say that an interviewers decision is already made in less then half a minute.

[member="Kyle Jerhal"]

 

[Danny Colen]

"So, I'm sure you just want to skip straight too it."
Kyle raised his eyebrows in a suggestive manner at that, before returning his face to a more serious look. He picked up the glass, nodding in thanks and taking a sip.
"What's your previous experience with jobs like these?"
The worst question she could have asked... "Well," The young man started, scratching his neck. "I protected some... wanted people, let's say. It was never exactly legal work, I have to confess." Or very hard work either. He smiled again as his inner thoughts were pushed to one side. That was hard though, he couldn't help but think about the heavily armoured guy outside, he looked experienced and ready, and here Kyle was, dressed for selling scrap. Atleast he had his blaster pistol tucked in his back pocket, if any of the dodgy looking guys outside tried anything, he would be ready. Stop being paranoid!
[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

Alice smiled dully, illegal work wasn't something surprising to her at all. Though she couldn't see why anyone would prefer it over legal jobs. "Well I suppose work is work, you can't complain." Alice had never had to complain about work. Ever. She grasped the glass in her fingers once again as she asked her next question between two short sips. "What makes you think you're better than those others out there?" She put it bluntly. There was no point beating around the bush and wording things correctly. She didn't think it would be appreciated right now.

[member="Kyle Jerhal"]

 

[Danny Colen]

Kyle was relieved that the woman didn't mind his illegal work. Then again, all these snobs turn a blind eye when it suits them... He took another sip of his drink while listening to the next question. "Well, I'm better looking then those goons." The man gestured to the door, obviously referring to the group of mercs who waited outside. "Oh, and I'm fast." He grinned, before adding: "Fast on my feet, not in the sheet, I mean." Are you really trying to screw this up? Kyle put his drink on the table, trying to concentrate more.

[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

An amused chuckle escaped her lips seconds before they met with the rim of the glass. "Funny and cocky, what more could I ask for?" He had balls and she was very appreciative of that. She licked her lips, removing any stray liquid while she set the glass down. Returning her gaze to Kyle she raised a brow slowly, asking her last question. "What's your price then?" Though she hadn't quite decided whether he would make the cut or not, it helped to know how much it would cost. She had to admit though, it looked good for him.

[member="Kyle Jerhal"]

 

[Danny Colen]

Kyle grinned heavily. "Cheap, for you. I'll make you a deal." He thought for a moment, counting in his head. "A measly 4000 credits a month, if you're looking for that kind of permanent guard. Although, a little extra if I ever save your life would be nice." His grin stayed, as he imagined in his head the things he could buy with that money. Not much to most rich snobs, but for me, it'll do good. The man almost lost himself in his imagination, but snapped back to reality, lifting his glass to take a last, rather large, sip.

[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

Alice couldn't help but fix a genuine smile on her face. She took very kindly to his attempt at flattery and almost laughed when he stated his price. His offer was something she could more than afford, he was right in thinking that. She nodded toward him gently. "That sounds like a fair price. I'd like to give you a chance. I'll be in touch soon." Her grin faded into a light smile as she finished off her drink, immediately setting out to pour another. Alice very much liked the short, simple interview. She hoped she was right in making her decision. Regardless, there were still a few to see...

[member="Kyle Jerhal"]

 

[Danny Colen]

Kyle stood up, placing his empty glass on the table. "See you around." He grinned, taking one last look at the woman's body before drawing himself away to the door. As he went outside, he eyed up a heavily armoured man, and then glanced at a few other mercs. "She's a looker." The man winked at them, making his way out before they could even respond.
[member="Alice Shaw"]
@Kung Seilois

 

[Alice Shaw]

Alice decided to take the empty room for granted, downing the remainder of her drink in the comfort of silence. Kyle was a good choice, she was certain, but there were other people to see. She placed the glass back down against the marble table, filling it up as she called out for the next applicant. As she waited she risked a glance at her watch, 1:00. A steady stream of air exhaled from Alice's lips as she sank back into the chair again. Nearly over.

[member="Kung Seilois"]

 

[Kung Seilois]

"She's a looker," Seilois eyed the boy from behind his visor as he left. It was a bad idea. The thing of cheap romance stories and holovids. A bodyguard and client should never engage in a romantic entanglement. It never ended well as at the end of the day, the guard was an employee that was being paid and when romance was involved his judgment was flawed. But it wasn't his neck that was on the line, the boy would learn in time if he survived long enough. There was nothing in the universe as dangerous as a beautiful woman. It was not an opinion, it was a fact.

A few more mercs went in and out rather quick as it seemed the client was growing tired of the interviewing session which meant either she had found one she liked or didn't like any of them. Going with what little he knew about her besides her profession and what background he could pull, he was leaning towards the second option. After a short while, it was finally his turn. Unfurling his legs, Seilois pushed himself to stand, and he entered the room.

He did not expect it to be her private chambers, a habit of hers that would need to change if he got the job. It was never smart to show someone where you slept, Seilois lowered himself into the chair across from her and once more crossed his legs and put his hands in his lap making no move to remove the helmet, "I am Kung Seilois, it is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Shaw, I heard you sing a few weeks back. Truly impressive," he said easing into the conversation. She looked young, younger then he thought she would look. He was already an imposing sight, he had no reason to push that any further.

Seilois stopped for a second, an odd... familiar smell touch his nose, it smelt like Red Spice... a drug he had been forcefully addicted to back on Nar Shaddaa when he was young, but he waved it off. He highly doubted such a potent drug would be in the room, it was probably a phantom smell.

[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

Though she was tired and weary, Alice tried her best to smile at the last applicant. She seemed too tired and weary to be taken aback by his armour, though it did give him some extra brownie points. Her fingers shifted through a mass of blonde hair, catching on smaller knots. "It's a pleasure Kung. Forgive me if I seem rather short, people really know how to test patience now a days." She cleared her throat, lifting the frosted glass with pale fingers, taking a couple of large sips. The now half empty glass was returned to it's place as Alice settled back into her chair.

"So, I'm sure you know all the usual questions. But we'll start from the beginning. What's your experience with jobs like these?"

[member="Kung Seilos"]

 

[Kung Seilois]

"It's a pleasure Kung. Forgive me if I seem rather short, people really know how to test patience now a days." Seilois gave a small nod with his head to show he understood. If the mercs he saw talked and boosted like they acted, well, he would be at the end of his rope as well, and a few of them might have been shot, but only if he was in a fairly good mood to begin with which is why he preferred to work alone. Less headaches and less chances of betrayal, something that happened far too often in his line of work.

"So, I'm sure you know all the usual questions. But we'll start from the beginning. What's your experience with jobs like these?" So she was able to tell he was far more experienced the the others by looking at him? She was sharper then she probably got credit for, Seilois paused a second pulling up the last few protection details he had done, "Seilois, please, I do not enjoy the name Kung. I worked secruity at a ball that I cannot tell you much about the client who hosted it, but many of the guest were members that the Jedi... would not be fond of," Sith. He did not know of her experience with Force Users, so he would not throw out names she may not understand, "I protected my fair share of Crime Lords on Nar Shaddaa, Hutta, and even Coruscant. I have worked security for secret projects ranging from illegal mining operations to small corporate workshops where they were building proto-type equipment. I have served as a bodyguard on numerous battlefields and I have faced, and killed, even Jedi before to ensure my clients survival. If needed, I can get the sabers and the contract back as proof."

[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

Alice listened intently and nodded occasional to show him she was still listening. As expected he had quite the resume. "Seilois. I apologise." She finished the rest of her drink, pouring out another as she spoke. "I would offer you one but I have a feeling you're going to keep that helmet on." She grinned a little as she lifted the fresh glass to her lips, the ice clinking heavily against it. "Quite a colourful history you have. I must say I'm impressed. What's your price?" Alice didn't see the need to ask any further questions, it was clear he was experienced, enough for her to feel comforted in his presence.

[member="Kung Seilois"]

 

[Kung Seilois]

"No harm done," Seilois said waving off the apology. It was only common to call someone by their first name, "I would offer you one but I have a feeling you're going to keep that helmet on." He raised an eyebrow under his helmet. Why did it seem everyone wanted to see his face, "I feel better with it on, but if you were my client; it would come off should you request," Seilois said as some of his clients felt uncomfortable around him with it on. Made him less.. human they often said which was true and part of the point.

"Quite a colourful history you have. I must say I'm impressed. What's your price?" Seilois gave a small nod, "And that is just the protection details I have run. It would take me far too long to speak of all the jobs I have done," he said before pausing as he thought over if he should tell her about the... other client he had, she seemed sharp enough to hazard a guess when he told her his price.

"Normally, I would not be here. My price would be too much as this would require a lot of my time, and you would not be in enough danger to warrant needing someone like me, but... I have an.. acquaintance who enjoys your singing and has invested some resources in seeing you make it big in the galaxy," Seilois said tilting his head, "He will be paying me the majority, eighty percent, of my cost."

"So, three thousand sign up fee. five thousand credits per month, as well as bonuses for any time I kill, remove, or otherwise eliminate an obvious threat to your safety," he said before adding, "I will add that I have my own starship, so I can provide discreet transportation at any time."

[member="Alice Shaw"]

 

[Alice Shaw]

Alice shook her head, swallowing her mouthful of liquid before replying to his statement. "Quite the opposite. I'd prefer you to feel comfortable. If keeping it on makes you feel such then please, don't let me stop you." She stood up from the chair, listening to his price as he spoke. She hoped she didn't seem to rude, moving away from the conversation, but she could smell a rather distinct scent. It wouldn't do to let him know she was addicted to spices as well as a clear alcoholic. His price sounded fairly do-able and she was very flattered by the mysterious client.

The window clicked open, letting a breeze in that rolled through the room gently. "That sounds like a fair enough price. Please thank your...acquaintance for me. I'm very appreciative of their help." Alice moved back to the seat opposing Seilois. "I hope you don't mind working along side someone." She took the drink back up in her hand, taking leisurely sips between words.

[member="Kung Seilois"]