The first test

[Kriel Firin]

Fondor, a world well known for its orbital shipyards – a world whose economy had been blossoming under the Galactic Alliance. But it was not always so. Once upon a time it announced its resignation from the Alliance. It was just one world, but its ship construction yards were critical to Alliance military development. Back in the day, Fondor's loss lit up the holonews services. Soon after, Bespin, with its crucial production facilities for Tibanna gas, and Adumar, with its ammunitions industry, also left the Alliance.

And other worlds wavered and fell.

His lessons to date had shown him that history had a habit of repeating itself. So he’d gone to his Master with a plan. To sew a seed of doubt on Fondor that might blossom into a revolt and start a domino effect of defection. His part in the plan? To sabotage the biggest shipyard. To blame it on pirates and make the people of Fondor wonder if they were being protected by the Alliance or simply used by them.

Fondor's sun came into view – as well as its six moons – as Kriel exited hyperspace. His cockpit viewport polarized dramatically, making vision useless. Sensors showed the main cluster of the planet's orbital shipyards – far less numerous than those of Kuat or Corellia, but well respected – at a lower orbit.

Numerous capital ships and freighters were in construction here almost all the time.He knew the shipyards were also guarded by a compliment of commandos as well as several escort carriers. His attack would not be direct – but rather one of infiltration and then the planting of select devices at strategic positions.

So he arrived as Kriel Firin. Rich, spoiled and decidedly flamboyant playboy, formerly of Bespin. All of which was true. Only the place he now called home was a lie.

He spotted the a giant shield that required 18 shield stations to maintain – clearly protecting something significant and surmised that the destruction or otherwise disabling of just one would result in the shield collapsing. But first to dock at the main facilities. He had to follow protocol and this was a commercial shipyard after all.

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

O m e g a * P y r e * T e r r i t o r y

Fondor
Locations: Omega Pyre Headquarters, FLEETCOM - A designated world for coordinating and training Galactic Alliance and Omega Pyre naval forces. Heavily defended.
Defenses: Military Classification AAA
Information: Omega Pyre Corporatocracy, Manufacturing, Processing, Research and Development, Shipbuilding, Omega Pyre Trade Station, Uldyr- Class Defense Station


[member="Kriel Firin"]


Omega Pyre. Most would know the Private Military Company, most from its history as the former Protectorate. Others because of the Corporatcracy hold it held over Fondor, Yag'Dhul, and Thyferra. Omega Pyre (OP) was founded by [member="Cira"] on Fondor some years ago. Her organisation brought order to the chaos around that planet, and she became popular. Founded as a Private Military and Security Contractor, the company grew in influence and power, expanding to several planets and utilizing the Fondor shipyards and others to create powerful ships to further their spread.

In time, Omega Pyre grew to be an area of order and security in an otherwise chaotic universe, gaining a reputation in the galaxy at large. Currently, the Prex of Omega Pyre as a company as a whole is Aeron Kreelan. Through interactions with the Galactic Alliance leadership, Omega Pyre is now under contract to serve in any capacity required by the foundling government, with Fondor as their headquarters.

It is one of the most heavily defended fortress worlds in the 'Verse. The first line of defense is FLEETCOM. This is the central command for the Pyre's Fondor naval operations throughout the galaxy. From this location, fleet movements are coordinated, new recruits and officers are trained in the basic and advanced operations of naval warfare.

Stepping into Pyre territory might make one immediately think of the former Corporate Sector Authority. The only difference being that a single company ran and oversaw the trade, markets, and defense of the three worlds, to include the bacta trade and Fondor's shipyards.

For Kaile, the Pyre had been her port of call for years. She had served under the protectorate as a sleeper agent, using her skills to gather information for the PMC. Now a days, with the Pyre firmly attached to the Alliance, she had the best of both worlds. It had been a long while before she'd stepped foot on Fondor again, but it was always nice to be back.

There were a few things she had to pick up. She had the Messa with her this time around, and there were a few upgrades she was looking to get in the software suite. With luck, she could get some hook ups with old contacts. You never know what sort of decommissioned sensor suites or electronic packages she may be able to pick up.

Already docked on the shipyard at hangar Aurek-Nine-Four, Kaile went through post flight checks to make sure everything was okay. So far, so good. Mirk, one of her slicer buddies from her Pyre days was set to meet up with her at the local cantina. He had a ship buddy who could give her the hook up.

For now, it was all about securing the Messa and getting to it!.

 

[Kriel Firin]

Kriel was given landing clearance at hangar Aurek-Nine-Four. He piloted his personal luxury yacht to the coordinates given, aware that his ship was entirely defenceless. Which was of course entirely on purpose. He couldn’t risk arriving in anything even vaguely military – and his abilities were not sufficient to attempt to arrive via any stealth means.

Which is why he was here as Kriel Firin. It suited him to maintain his real name and persona as an alias. So he dressed like the son of a billionaire – which of course he was – and his swagger was most definitely not put on. His blaster was new, the old one destroyed by the Knight of Ren who found him on Bespin, albeit he was now his Master And it was the only weapon he had on him. His saber was with his robes – back at the Citadel.

As his ship landed, he checked the apparently innocuous items he carried in his bag. Alone they would pass any scrutiny but combined they made for a potent bomb. Not enough to bring the station down, but if planted in a populated area, would create the maximum amount of casualties. Somewhere like a cantina for instance.

So he checked his appearance in the mirrored surface of the ship as he disembarked and headed to the local watering-hole. It was impossible to tell how busy it would be – or how long he might have to wait to maximise the casualties. But he would be patient and there would no doubt be a dancing girl or two to allow him to pass the time pleasurably.

Spoiler

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Kriel Firin"]


“You ready Bobo?” Kaile would ask with notable cheer to her tiny green friend. He was perched upon her shoulder, giving a lazy little stretch. Warmth shown from chocolate brown eyes as her finger came up to give the little miniature Ysalamiri a rub under his chin. If pleasure could be displayed by a tiny lizard, it was in the way his lids fell shut and he leaned into her touch.

A giggle, and Kaile gave a soft caress over his lightly furred scales. “Okay, let’s see.” There wasn’t much for her to get ready for. She had dark brown pants that tucked into black, calf high boots. A nice blue button up shirt with a supple bantha leather vest over it. A low hanging tan belt, along with her thigh holster completed the look. Her hair for today would be… well, whatever it decided to do.

The dye was already starting to fade, and glints of gold and mahogany would start to show. She was a natural strawberry blonde, but her last mission required her to be a brunette. Pushing back the soft waves away from her face, she tucked them behind her ears.

Taking her bag, she swung it through both arms, making sure it was settled. Giving one last inspection to the Messa, the young woman gave a nod.

“Alright ol’ girl,” she told the ship as she stepped down the ramp. “Don’t do anything i wouldn’t do!” with a grin. The ramp went closing shut after she stepped off. Secured for the duration of her stay, Kaile was ready to get moving.

 

[Kriel Firin]

The cantina didn't have a name; it didn't need one. Nobody would have any trouble finding it. This was a floating construction yard. There were precious few places to go: the construction facilities, offices and the hangar.

Workers, pilots and office types all shared the same drinking establishment – that much was clear. No matter where people worked, they all came to the same place at the end of their shifts. The cantina was a magnificent triumph of beauty and design when compared with the dismal homogeny of the rest of the station. Violet lights covered the pale blue exterior walls. On almost any world the effect would have been ostentatious and tacky, but amid the grey of the facilities, it was doubly so.

As he approached the cantina's welcoming door, he could already hear the sounds coming from inside: loud music, laughter, chatter, clinking glasses. He knew the day shift had two hours to go before quitting time, but the cantina was still packed with night-shift workers looking to have a drink or something to eat before they returned to work.

Of course he didn't recognize any faces. The patrons were mostly humans, with a few Twi'leks, Sullustans, and Cereans filling out the crowd. And there was a selection of male and female waitresses and dancers. So rather than go up to the large bar along the far wall, Kriel found himself a booth adjacent to a rather buxom pink Twi’lek dancer and admired the view.

A waitress, another Twi’lek, this time green, sidled over. She raised an eyebrow by way of an enquiry.

“Do you have any Jhantorian wine?” He took the glazed expression to mean no, and re-ordered. “Beer, whatever you import.” And before she’d left, his eyes were already back on the dancer.

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Kriel Firin"]

It was called the "Lucky Lady."

A play on words for all the euphemism it offered, only to go along with this, the waitresses all had black tight short shorts and an excuse of a shirt with the words 'Feeling Lucky' spread across their generous chests. Yes, it was crude, but delightfully tacky. There were several dancers working the pole, as they were wont to do to get a little extra credits tossed their way.

When Kaile came in, she didn't even pay attention to all that. No, all see saw was the uplifting atmosphere, the music, and most importantly, the spicy Nuna nibblets she was craving something fierce.

Where was Mirk?! The question would run through her mind, the young agent starting to weave her way through the thick crowd of patrons. With how things were going, it wasn't a surprise that there were so many here. Spacers and workers of the shipyards alike enjoyed having their bit of fun. The Lucky Lady provided that.

Maybe by the bar... It was all a process of elimination. Decision made, the Lorrdian ambled her way through the crowd. Barely avoiding having a beer spilled on her, Kaile wiggled her way in between a Twi'lek and this other dark haired human male.

"Sorry!" she'd say with a friendly but sheepish grin, unknowing what sort of nefarious thoughts he had in regards to the shipyards. A finger rose and she gestured to the barkeep.

"One Cassandra Sunrise please!"

 

[Kriel Firin]

It seems the bar had a name. Either that or all the waitresses were available, or good at sabacc. Or possibly both, but Kriel figured it was a play on words on the name of the bar, but frankly wasn’t interested enough to find out. Although he was feeling lucky.

As bars go, it was OK. As cantinas went, given they were on a space station that serviced shipyard workers? It was good. It was clean, the music was loud enough to hear the lyrics and not so loud you couldn’t hear your own lecherous thoughts. It was going to be a pity to blow it up. Well, perhaps. Not the blowing up part, that was going to happen, it was the amount of sentimentality expended in the act that was debatable.

Not that the loss of life bothered him. He was immoral personified after all. But he was going to be disappointed if he had to destroy it before he could draw out the maximum amount of fun from the place. It was then he was shaken out of his thoughts as he was aware someone was coming close and sighed. Surely it wasn’t that type of place.

He was about to tell the stranger he wanted to be alone when her wiggle caught his eye. Both of them in fact. And before he had a chance to respond to her apology, she was off to the bar. It was one thing to be hassled when you wanted privacy – but far worse to be ignored when you wanted to tell someone to leave you alone. He’d have to give her a second chance to proposition him, so he could decline. It seemed only fair.

He stood up from the booth and headed to the bar and picked up a couple of the nibbles that were held in glass bowls on the counter top. Some sort of meaty flavoured snack. Fowl most likely. He turned his attention to the women

“Apology accepted, so let me buy you a drink by way of sealing the deal.” He nodded to the barman to have the drink put on his tab. “And I’d go easy on those if I were you. You know how they got their name I presume?” He flashed her a smile, his perfectly white teeth beautifully aligned. If you were a believer that beauty was only skin-deep then he was the perfect man. And if he didn’t know how good looking he was, perhaps he’d have greater success with women other than the ones who were as superficial as him, or were impressed by wealth.

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Kriel Firin"]

W-elll hello there!

At least that was the first thought that came to Kaile's mind. Afterall, the guy did have a nice set of pearly whites, and o-hh my word! Those eyes!!

Indeedy, this one right here was a right pretty one. A bit too pretty, but hey, one can't fault their genetics. Not to mention, Kaile was pretty darn sure that this fella right here managed to nab more than his fair share of doves. Amusement illuminated her bright brown eyes, her eyes crinkling at the ends where laugh lines peeked mischievously.

"Hey there," Oh already offering to buy her a drink? That was fast. Well, a free drink was a free drink, plus Mirk was no where in sight yet. It didn't do no harm to socialize for a bit. "Why thank you, that is mighty kind of you." she'd sing with a cheerful smile and a flash of two dimples.

If one could describe Kaile, it would be bubbly, home grown, girl next door. She wasn't the prettiest nor the smartest, but she had a level of cheerfulness and kindness that just made her glow.

"I'm Kaile," she held out her hand, warmth in her expression as the Lorrdian would read the new mysterious stranger with the great teeth.

"You don't look like a native," she teased, considering he had no purple skin like the typical Fondorian and he didn't wear the muted slate gray uniform of the Pyre.

 

[Kriel Firin]

He was used to getting what he wanted. At least anything money could buy. Or fear, that sometimes worked too. But he was just starting to realise that in the wider galaxy, he might just come up against situations he couldn’t buy or intimidate his way out of. But that path was just beginning, and his arrogance was still clouding his judgement – especially when testosterone entered the equation, and right now it was a significant player.

She wasn’t his usual type. A description of which would be less about hair colour or race and more about assets and value. He liked women to be, well…well-endowed, but it was never a pre-requisite. What was more important was how they looked. Not in and of themselves, but how they appeared on the arm. Trophy women. Females that every male in the place wishes he had. Women that simply showing you were with made other men either hate you or wish to be you. That made other women wonder how they could be on that arm instead.

They were typically vacuous. Or at least, they might as well have been. They were toys, play-things. They were not for talking with or treating as equals. Yet here was a woman that simply didn’t fit the mould. So why was he interested? Was it the thrill of the chase? Possibly. The truth is, he didn’t know and – to be fair – wasn’t consciously thinking about. Instead he was simply intrigued. Smitten? No, not Kriel. Surely not Kriel. Well, time would tell, wouldn’t it?

Dimples. They were, cute! He almost shook his head physically. Since when did he think of features like that as cute? Or even notice anything about a woman above chest-level? But he did.

“Kaile?” He tried the name for size. “I’m Kriel.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it. He was a scoundrel at heart and flattery was always a weapon – he’d learned that from his father, the philanderer. “And no,” he said grinning inanely, like some energy-starved purrgil that fell into a well of Clouzon-36, “I’m from Bespin, have you heard of it?” And yes, the grin was that infantile!

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Kriel Firin"]

He was a charmer.

Ohh, goodness was he a charmer!

He radiated it as if it was in his blood. "Nice to meet you Kriel," she told him with a cheerful air. At the mention of Bespin, Kaile took her chair and drew a little bit closer. "Bespin? Really? From Cloud City?" came her subsequent question.

There was such a warm joy to her expression, with enough curiosity to paint her sweet. " I've been there a few times. I love the sunsets," she said with a whimsical sigh, her smile drawing wider as she appraised the dusky skinned man.

He had thick brows, with slightly sunken eyes and high aristocratic cheekbones. Along with that, he had a thick fringe of lashes that would many any woman jealous. Alas, the short stick that the fairer sex were doomed to have. Sculpted lips and beautiful eyes. Really, did this man walk out of Holo GQ?

He'd make a great donater at the local bank, that was for sure.

That thought alone prompted a small chuckle, one she quickly gave an apologetic glance for. "Quite a ways from Fondor. Meeting up with relatives or are you looking to dive into the Pyre for their awesome dental benefits?"

Not that he needed them with those pearly whites. If he were a prized bantha, he'd be the blue ribbon contender!

 

[Kriel Firin]

He smiled. Not that it was an odd thing for him to do. He regularly flashed his teeth – but just not in this way. Most of the time he bared his teeth, it was in a sadistic way, a sneer or delight at someone’s misfortune. Or he’d do it for effect, a cold but well rehearsed grin that showed just the right amount of enamel to effect the right response from the other person. But this smile was warm and one not seen since he was younger – and always reserved for his mother. Not that his thought process was going along those lines now. But nor was it the usual carnal one-track line of reasoning either. He liked this woman. He, Kriel, liked someone. Sure there was more to it than liking – her sigh that caressed the room was divine. Her own smile lit up the room. And her chuckle was one to bottle and only unstopper for special occasions.

“Yes, really,” he said, unable to rearrange his own face into anything other than the now almost uncomfortable inane grin. “And the sunsets are glorious – as are the sunrises.” He blushed slightly – something he hadn’t done since before he was a teenager. There was an implication to sharing sunrises that was romantic – in a way that he’d never said to anyone else. Usually he’d left the woman long before the break of dawn – or he’d kicked them out.

For a moment he was lost for words, and the feeling was not only new, it was disconcerting. He was here to do a job. To kill innocents in a show of strength and to undermine the local security. But he already knew he couldn’t let this woman die. Did that make him weak? A fool? Was this another test of his faith in the Dark side?

“My reason for being here is in part business and part pleasure – they’re kind of one and the same. I’m looking for a ship. Something with speed, stealth maybe. And I thought this was a good place to start. And meeting you here? I know I’ve made the right decision.”

Did he just say that? Really? It seems he did.

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Kriel Firin"]

Now he was a series of strange, curious contradictions.

Being a Lorrdian meant that Kaile was able to pluck and take note of even the subtlest of physical body language. This was due to her ability to be able to read a sapiant’s body language for intent, truth, and emotions to a surreal capacity.

Heat flooded his face, denoting that rushing awareness of catching his foot in his mouth. As if he just realized what he had said and how that could be twisted. It only would prompt the cheery Kaile to widen her smile. More when he began to say such sweet things. It was adorable really.

How curious.

On the outside, as well as upon first impression, he had appeared to be a confident, perhaps overly so individual from a well to do family. Then, after speaking to him a bit, Kaile was able to gently lift a layer and peer a bit closer. There was always more that met the eye. She knew this all too well. It was why she enjoyed being embedded as a waitress.

One could learn so much from folk there. Sharing a meal, a drink, it was a bridge to build intimacy with. What sort, well, that was up to the individuals. Kaile simply enjoyed meeting people. Reading the different flavors of their personalities.

“I haven’t had the chance to really see the sunrises,” she told him honestly, setting her chin to rest upon her palm, elbow to the bar. Just then, the barkeep returned, setting down their drinks in front of them. Kaile turned her head, shining the bartender with a wide sunny smile.

“Mind if I could please have a plate of orange slices?” While not an ale, she did enjoy gnotching on them while she drank.

Returning her attention to Kriel, her friendly smile widened. With just the barest amount of flush to her cheeks, Kaile said with a sheepish expression, “D’aw, you are too kind.”

“But maybe there is some truth to that.” she scooted closer, a bit of a mystery in her voice. Her eyes grew wide, near enough for Kriel to take note of the cognac of her eyes.

“I can probably help you get a great deal on one!” she said in confidence. She was talking about the ship of course!

“I know a few of the stealth classes sold here. C.E.C alone has some interesting ones. Santhe too.”

Oh, what a cheeky grin that woman hand. Perhaps that is what made her different, that her offer was genuine as it was kind.

 

[Kriel Firin]

The thought that he was being played, or set-up or even that the authorities knew what he was up to and sent this woman to stop him did not even register. It was a combination of his arrogance, previous successes and his over-reliance in a Force that he didn’t truly understand, let alone know how to use. So he blindly continued without fear or caution – and with scant regard for his mission right now either.

She seemed interested in him. In a more substantial way than women in the past – that saw only his looks, power or money. He’d never had a partner – but he’d known a lot of women. They rarely lasted more than a matter of days and Bespin wasn’t such a big planet that he had an endless supply of new opportunities. But the galaxy was a whole new ball game – which made it all the more odd that he fell for the first pretty woman he met. Maybe it was because she was different? Or she treated him differently? Who knew? Who cared?

Even the way her chin rested on her hand was intoxicating. Was she using some spell on him? The Force? Pheromones? The though barely crossed his mind before he gave her his full attention once more.

He smiled. Nobody had ever called him kind. Except for his mother…when he was young of course. Even she had stopped calling him that now. But the fact someone had said it jarred with him. He was here to fulfil a mission for his Master – not be kind to a woman in a bar. Even if she was as special as this one. He made every effort to change his face to a more neutral expression – but had no idea how successful he was.

But her eyes were intoxicating and he found he was being drawn in once more. There was plenty of time for the mission after all. “I’d appreciate you helping me,” he said, honestly, “I have the means but not the knowledge. I’d love to hear your views on the best purchase – you certainly seem to know your ships.”

Was this a petty crime lord turned Dark sided murderer? Was he play-acting the role of a lifetime or was he simply out of his depth? The next few minutes would tell if he was truly able to separate personal and professional. He took a sip of the drink and gasped. “It lives up to its reputation,” he gasped. “That’ll strip carbon scoring from the Millennium Falcon.”

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Kriel Firin"]


Kaile couldn't help the snicker chuckle that danced across her face at Kriel's expense. "It will put some hairs on your chest, that it will do." she teased, her melodic laughter bubbling around them with good natured cheer.

"Hold on Kriel... let me get you a few napkins." ever the one to play the part of hostess - there were several gigs as a waitress at Yum Bunnies - Kaile got up for her search. "It may look pretty, but it can knock you on your arse if'n you aren't careful." There was the slightest of twangs in her voice. It poured over like rich honey, warm and inviting, tempting one for another taste.

"Mind if I can get some of those,' she'd gesture to a Bith patron, flashing a winning smile in trade for a handful of napkins. "Thank you mighty kindly." she said in turn, taking her pilfered sheets and heading back over to Kriel.

"Haha, you okay?" her chocolate brown eyes would survey him in concern. There was an earnestness there that few ever saw in others. Perhaps because they'd become so jaded, so deadened to the ways of the 'verse that when one truly expressed that level of sincerity, it would be hard pressed to believe it to be real.

"I'd had the same reaction when I first had one, " she offered in comfort, bringing her hand up to gently rub at his shoulder. " Felt like my throat was gonna get stripped away... but when they add in that bit of syrup, tastes divine!"


[member="Kriel Firin"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

By now his eyes had joined his throat in revolting against the drink. They weren’t exactly streaming, but he could blame the wateriness on the wind in here. He took the napkin with a smile and dabbed his eyes, before dabbing his mouth.

“It sure has one hell of a kick,” he said – as much a wheeze as actual words. “And I’m in two minds if I want to get used to it, but never let it be said I’m not up for a challenge. But I’m less sure about adding hairs. I’m more woirried that if I spill it, it’ll burn them off.” He attempted a weak smile and then took another sip, more measured this time. “What doesn’t kill you, eh?” he said, the second drink still fiery but less impactful than the first.

“And thanks, I’m OK.” His eyes told the truth, he stared into hers – like liquid chocolate – and wondered if he was making a fool of himself. In much the same way all those girls used to flirt with him and he lapped it up, but ultimately felt nothing for them. Was he the love-sick puppy now? And after what, a matter of minutes? He only had eyes for her and if she didn’t know it my now, she pretty soon would.

“Syrup? Do they add it, or is your voice sufficient?” He didn’t know where the line came from, or why he used it, but it sprang from his lips without being asked.

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

The line would prompt the right corner of Kaile’s mouth to twitch. Her grin grew wider, and she gave him an expression of one who was genuinely touched by his compliment as she was slightly amused. Two tiny spots of color shone on her cheeks, dimples flashing.

“You’re too sweet, Kriel.”

She flashed him a goofy smile, wiggling her pert nose. Kaile rarely ever had any compliments. She was happy as a clam where she was. She was no exotic beauty nor a Coruscanti debutant. Kaile was just Kaile, and she was happy with that.

“Thank you.” she told him, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Glad you are okay,” she brought back her hand, sliding back onto her seat.

“No, they sometimes add Namana nectar to it.” Namana fruit, once processed, induces a faint sense of pleasure. Most people don't notice immediately. They just feel good without knowing why.

“It tastes better.” she would gesture to her own drink, then asked with a friendly tone. “Want to try mine?”

 

[Kriel Firin]

As much as he was enjoying the situation, there was something nagging at the back of his brain. Something his conscious mind was aware of but kept pushing aside – like a parent trying to hold an adult conversation whilst their toddler was trying to get their attention.

And like any mother or father, finally the persistence meant you had to give your child eye contact and listen. It was inevitable. And Kriel’s ‘child’ was a series of thoughts that jarred with who he was and who he’d become. Pleasure is all well and good, but business came first. This flirtation, however wonderful, ran the risk of side-tracking him from his mission. And – cover story or not – being described as ‘sweet’ felt plain wrong.

But that winning smile melted his once impregnable heart. Could he remain a Disciple and maintain a relationship with this woman? And why was he even thinking about this? He was a wham-bam-thank you ma’am kind of guy. Even considering a relationship was new to him. But despite his history and his recent training, he simply could not help himself. Especially when she wriggled her nose. Oh how he wanted to touch it!

And he relished the physical touch, to the point that it felt disappointing when she returned to her feet. He was a lothario for sure – but this was virgin territory for him (pun intended).

“I’d love to,” he replied to her question, and offered him a sip of her drink. The subtle but nonetheless difference in flavour made all the difference. “You learn something new every day,” he said. “Thanks. And tell me, what ship would you buy, in my position. I’d really appreciate your opinion.”

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

"Well..." she began, giving a slight tap of her fingers across the bar top. As she pondered, a plate full of orange slices was set before her. "Thank you!" she exclaimed with notable joviality. Digging in, she offered some to Kriel.

"Feel free to have some. They are great! Really sweet." she would laud the oranges praises. Considering fresh fruit was rare for spacers; not to mention pretty expensive, Kaile took the time to have as much as she could when she was portside. Delicately plucking one slice up, she would continue her earlier thought.

"Well, depends on what exactly you be wantin' a stealth ship to do," she began, elaborating. "How many folk you planning for a crew? Is it just gonna be yourself?" Enter the curious perk of a brow. Oh, did he have someone here? Was he with anyone? That would be important little details to cover -- if the Mrs's didn't enjoy the ship.. well.. that would bring some issues to Kriel that she didn't want him to have.

He was quite nice.

"What uses you planning for it?" she'd inquire, bringing the slice up to her mouth to take a bite. Orange juice went trickling down her fingers in beads, but she was quick to scoop them up with a flick of her pink tongue.

[member="Kriel Firin"]

Spoiler: OOC

OMG sorry for the delay! I swore that my post to you posted days ago... I guess it didn't actually post and it lost it :/

Here i was wondering why it was taking so long for a reply!

 

[Kriel Firin]

Spoiler

Don't be silly, I've had plenty to do and just glad you've posted

The more he sat here, the more it felt like a date and less like a mission – one that involved killing as many innocent people as he could. Which only added to the confusion he was already feeling. The main problem was that both options were pleasurable – in their own ways – and he had no desire to choose between them. Not yet, at any rate.

He took a piece of the fruit and was instantly unsure if he liked the blend of sweetness and sharpness in one mouthful. Maybe it was the similarity to his own circumstances right now that swayed it, but after a second bite, he began to really enjoy the taste.

“Interesting. But in a good way,” he said and took a second piece and ate this one more slowly, aware the juice had a mind of its own and dribbled down his chin if he wasn’t careful. “What do I want it to do? My requirements are…” he started to list them, counting them off on his fingers. “Stealth primarily. I don’t need a lot of firepower, shields would be more important. And a crew of one. Maybe an astromech. But room for a companion, should one wish to travel with me.” He flashed his teeth, “I can always hope.” Inwardly he groaned. Were these one-liners really spilling from his lips?

“And a use? I like to maintain a level of privacy. Going places without advertising the fact. Visiting planets and places I probably shouldn’t go. I like to live dangerously at times. That’s just me.”

His eyes were now transfixed by her fingers and he wondered if she knew how sensual her actions were.

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Kriel Firin"]



Kriel was so interesting to watch as he spoke.

The Lorrdian enjoyed observing people. Their mannerisms and gestures. From the way a subtle twitch of their eyebrow would relay irritation to the subtle upward curve of amusement that hung from their lips. The body was a fascinating thing. It would reveal such a wealth of information; cues and clues that went unfiltered to show true intent and the real emotions behind them.

Unless one was trained, it was very difficult to hide such tidbits. Kriel was wealth of information. Such an interesting palette of seemingly contradicting tells. A small chuckle bubbled as she took another bite of an orange slice.

“Mmm... “ swallowing, she gave a small nod. “So you ain’t lookin’ for a starfighter. More of an actual long haul live in?” her brows would perk together. “Wouldn’t be too comfortable for two if it was a starfighter.” the thought amused her.

“It is always far more interestin’ to travel with someone else.” she admitted, shining him a smile. “Great way to share the cleaning duties.” impish mirth sparkled in her brown eyes.

“So.. a freighter. “ her mind went through the known models. A thought came to her then, and she shot him a questioning look. “You looking for a new model or used? Used would save you some credits, and there ain’t that much to really worry about if’n you get a good mechanic to look her over.”