The Mixer

[Baros Sal-Soren]

[member="Peyton Steele"]

Serenno was a planet of intricate politics, internally at least, externally it was a constant source of frustration for any world that dared to rule it. They were fiercely independent as a world, and constantly rising up in resistance. It was the perfect place for Baros to branch out too, if he could convince someone among the Counts to vouch for him and get him a trade license. It was annoying work, but someone had to do it.

His impeccably groomed person was only overcome by the exquisite refinement of his attire. He had spared no expense on his garments for this night, neither had he spared expense for the gown of his plus one. After all, it was the women he sought to impress more. To have him dressed to impress the Countess' of the world, and the woman on his arm dressed to stir the imaginations of the Counts, he was on to sure thing.

His speeder came to rest on the platform outside an ornate hall with an arching gable styled roof coming to a fine point far above their heads. It was a grand building, and it was a grand occasion, the wedding reception for the new Count and Countess Canao. Baros walked rather quickly about the speeder and waited as the door rose. There she was, the girl to end all. Tonight she was the knock out blow that would seal this deal.

"Peyton...I think that gown has become better looking with you in it."

He walked towards the entrance, with Steele on his arm. She was hard woman, as her name suggested, and they were far from lovers. She was business all the time, and knew how to turn on the charm, just as much as Baros. Their working relationship was match made in the heavens.

"Count Veggo," Baros said bowing, and taking the Countess' hand, "and your wife...more beautiful than ever. How are your Velanie flowers, my dear? Still struggling to keep up with you?"

"Now Baros...enough flattery...introduce to us your guest," said the rotund Count, "she deserves as much attention as any of the young things here tonight."

"Indeed," Baros said with a smile, "Count Veggo...my dear Countess, may I introduce to you the Lady Peyton of Steele."

 

[Peyton Steele]

Peyton Steele had been around the galaxy a bit. Had her moments in the sun, her moments in the troubled spots, and right now? She was just glad that things were falling into a sense of normalcy. She had been working for the Protectorate for a piece, and then something happened. She wasn’t sure what, but she woke up what felt like weeks later not knowing who she was, where she was or what she was capable of. She had friends that helped her remember a little but still, it was tricky.

Cybernetic enhancements.

That was new. But… it was more than that. Almost genetic engineering. She still didn’t know the extent of it all. She didn’t care to. And once Baros contacted her again? A lot came slamming back to reality. She was starting to get pieces of her identity and helping the business mogul? That was just too good of a deal to pass up.

Sure, she’d been working a new angle in her personal life, Peyton had become quite the Forger for this reboot. Forger, thief and knowledgeable about the finer things in life. She’d blame Baros’s influence on that. It just… well, felt familiar, felt right. After all, she knew she was gorgeous. Why not work without getting her hands dirty? Sure, if it called for it, she’d help her partner out, but before that?

“You’re too kind, Baros.” She blushed, yeah, she still wasn’t always super confident at these get togethers. That would probably never go away. What Baros could be looking for was another blonde by the same writer. She was bubbly and loved parties.

And when they were getting to the Count and Countess of this estate, Peyton put on her best side. Her best smile and most charming personality. Especially when the Count took her hand and gave it a kiss. “Count Veggo, Countess.” She smiled, nodding to both, but feeling the fire coming from the latter.

Jealous much? She made sure to be extra close to Baros, just in case. Maybe the Count wouldn't notice, but his wife? She surely would.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Pulling away from the conversation with the Veggo's before it had time to get into anything beyond the weather and parting references to the 'just terrible' events surrounding that which was headlining the news on the day, Baros squeezed Peyton's arm. "Relax," he said, feeling how rigid she was walking. It was clearly nerves. "I don't just pick anyone for these events. You are perfect...and I am not just talking about your figure," he said with a wink.

There was a momentary greeting with the Duchess of Forndell, before he continued his conversation. He did, though, take time to give a wide eyed look of shock towards Peyton as he mouthed, "Did you see what she was wearing?"

"You are dangerous, Peyton," he whispered, "all the men here see it in you...and it thrills them. Nothing is sexier to these men than a woman they feel like they may not be able to control."

He pulled away from the whisper. "It's grotesque really, when you think about it," he said with a smile and a wave towards the Ladies of Delien, "doesn't do it for me at...all." Sarcasm?

Target spotted.

Baros made a beeline for the Minister of Trade, Remee D'Elique. She was exquisitely dressed, and rather comely in a country girl come to town type way. She had certainly aged well, didn't look a day over 35. What was she now, 40? 40 really was the new 30.

"Minister D'Elique," Baros said with a bow, "how delightful it is to meet you again. It has been too long. I still enjoy the memory of your visit to our store in Coronet." He gestured towards Peyton, "Minister, may I introduce you to Peyton Steele. My guest for the evenings events."

"Baros...Sal....Soren," said the minister, "and your lovely guest...why...you had promised me the next dance at our last encounter I do believe?"

"Ah...yes...I do recall that."

"May I, Peyton?" The older woman said, with a glint of victory in her eyes, as she looped her arm in around Baros' and pulled him to the floor where a slow melody echoed about the chamber.

Baros looked back apologetically. "Ah...mingle?" He said with a look of concern spread across his face.

[member="Peyton Steele"]

 

[Peyton Steele]

When they stepped aside, Peyton was starting to relax. Even more so when Baros started speaking. He was good at calming her down when she needed it. She didn’t want to cause issues with the Count. Least of all his wife. They had things to do here, and the blonde was doing her best to monitor the security systems here. And what was working where. She shook her head. Normally, she was all business, all the time. But sometimes? Baros knew how to break her shell.

And when she was working with new people? She let them assume she was a bit more dainty than was the truth. The blonde had worked with Baros for a while and was finally learning the finer thing of life. She rolled her eyes and shook her head at him when the Duchess walked by.

Peyton would never where something like that. Tacky and ratchet. Yeah. Both.

She followed the man to the Minister. Oh this was going to be good. When the dance was asked for and Baros gave her that look, she couldn’t help but wink and smile. Sauntering off to do a perimeter search. There had to be a trick to the security system. Maybe she could charm someone? Probably.

It was that the target was behind the main vault. But getting that door open and keeping everyone distracted? That was the trick.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Minister D'Elique was indeed a feisty individual, a little to forward for Baros' tastes, but he liked the idea of getting what she had to offer. As they danced across the floor, Baros kept his hand firmly planted on her small of her back, little finger purposely having a dalliance further south. He was careful to note that Peyton had disappeared.

Oh...good girl...

With Peyton having been 'driven off' from her man, Minister D'Eique spent a great about of time on Baros' arm. They conversed with numerous Serronese aristocrats, politicos and business people. Remee was clearly glad to have the fashion guru at her disposal, and Baros was able to get several handshake agreements for one off orders. It was not what he wanted out of the night, but it was a consolation prize should Peyton fail in her mission.

The nights events began to wane, and people were beginning to say good bye. Remee stayed close to Baros as she farewelled her guests, occasionally her eyes lingered on him which made the Corellian feel a little bit like a prized stallion more than a man.

With only a few people still talking, Baros' arm was grabbed by the Minister and pulled towards the rooms out the back. It seemed she was taking him to the vault.

"Baros...let's do something horrid...something wrong..."

Baros' eyebrow quirked. "I will not be telling anyone...nor complaining...assuming we think alike."

Remee smiled. "I have seen how you have been looking at me," she said as she punched in a code to open the vault door, "and I know where we can have some time to ourselves..."

"The vault?" Baros said with surprise, that was bold of her, "you are a bad girl..."

"The thrill of getting caught...just makes it better don't you agree?"

[member="Peyton Steele"]

 

[Peyton Steele]

See? Getting the freedom to wander about? That was fine with Peyton. She liked Baros plenty but they had a reason for coming here, after all. She was making smiles at the people in the party as she was walking around. Getting to the bar, though, it’d be a crime to not take a drink from at least one of the fine men here, right? Well, if that sort of thing, the men, interested Peyton. And no, it wasn’t like that. Even the women didn’t interest her. Peyton was job centric and really… it didn’t bother her, the rat race of partnership.

She took a martini from one gentleman, and smiled. Mostly small talk, but the best part of it? He knew the tech here.

“So the vault, she’s a beauty. I saw you observing the perimeter. Private security?”

Peyton smiled a little and nodded. “You can say that. I’ve got some friends who are really into protection, and while I’m here, I figured I might look around.”

“Makes sense.” He sipped his drink. “Well, its code-activated, this one. But they can be given a voice signature…”

She nodded as he continued on. Where was Baros?

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

He was no accustomed to being the distraction. It was unfortunate that the target was female, otherwise he would have had Peyton in this situation and he would be doing the sneaking. Baros squirmed a little...

"Oh Baros..."

He was not one to fake passion, but that is where he found himself. He had to await his companions arrival and turn the tables on the Minister. He was busy, but she needed to be the busy one soon.

He couldn't say anything, not that he had anything to say, but he was simply busy.

A shadow came to view on the wall, and a signal was seen...Peyton? Had she figured out he had already made it in...?!?

Flipping the tables on his 'encounter', Baros finally was able to talk. "Your turn..."

[member="Peyton Steele"]

 

[Peyton Steele]

Peyton was aware that sometimes it was her call to be the distraction. But today? It was Baros’s turn, thankfully. Peyton really wasn’t… She didn’t see the point and purpose to being physically intimate with another person. Really, she didn’t see the point in being intimate on many levels. With Baros it was different, that was a working relationship and a friendship. It was… simpler. No feelings from her end aside from her having to find a new job, and partner. That would not be easy. She and Baros? They knew how to work with one another.

And that meant letting hmi have his time in the sun. Alright, maybe that was a bit sadistic of Peyton, but…. She shrugged. Didn’t matter. It was fun for her. Still, she had to give him the time to make it seem like it wasn’t just a stalling tactic.

And switch? She grinned and stepped inside the vault, quietly, her heels were outside the vault and she was barefoot. She winked at him and stuck her tongue out. Right, was she supposed to take the Minister down? Or just… y’know, steal? She pointed in to the vault and then tipped her head, before pointing to the Minister and mouthing ‘knock her out?’

As much as Baros would probably like to think he could, from his current location, Peyton wasn’t sure.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Baros winced as the minister...did...stuff. He mouthed the words, "Leave her alone." It was an awkward enough situation. He did not need to explain how the minister was knocked unconscious while she was with him.

He was definitely not buying Peyton that drink that she had been promised.

"Oh minister..."

"Go get it...stop messing around," he mouthed.

His eyes got wider as Peyton started fluffing about.

"Get...a...frelling...move...on," he mouthed.

This was compromising as it was, and it could not go on forever.

[member="Peyton Steele"]

 

[Peyton Steele]

Peyton grinned as she looked at Baros. She shook her head and starting making a lewd gesture or two at her partner, just because right now? She could. Still, the blonde was being quiet. It was more... she could do what she wanted right now and get away with it. Sure she was keeping eye contact with Baros, and not watching the scene, but...

It was all in good fun.

When her partner fake-called out pleasure to the Minister, Peyton closed her eyes in a fake-pleased face and mimicked him.

Right, right... What were they looking for again? She knew that the datachip was around here somewhere... Checking...

Checking.

She turned to [member="Baros Sal-Soren"] with a confused look, both hands empty palms up. Where was all she mouthed.

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Baros pulled a finger out of a hiding place and showed Peyton where to go. He was not impressed with her shenanigans...not at all. As he continued to keep the Minister preoccupied, he watched as Peyton helplessly wandered about trying to find the datachit. When she mouthed her question, his eyes grew wide.

"Oh damn..."

"I know Baros...I know..."

His eyes grew wide as he realized he had spoken out loud.

He mouthed more words to Peyton, this time insuring he was slow and methodical in his words. Check...in...that...bag, he mouthed and let his eyes direct her to the Minister's personal portmanteau.

[member="Peyton Steele"]

 

[Peyton Steele]

Right, the bag. See? Peyton was a bit rusty on this. She hadn’t really performed a heist in… how long had it been? She shook her head to herself and bit her lip so hard. Her eyes going wide and her body shaking as she was trying to hard to not peel off into a giggle fit. Yeah, sometimes Peyton giggled. But it wasn’t very often, and it was normally when something was hilariously dangerous.

Like the words exchanged between Baros and the working woman.

She took a shallow breath through her nose and nodded.

Right, back to business.

Bag!

Of course. Dumb.

Barefoot, she was doing her best to not flash everyone in the room, granted there were exactly two, and one was too preoccupied with not having fun, while the other just wasn’t paying attention, and she slowly reached into the bag.

Ever play operation? Yeah, it was like that, but added with a sense of intuition.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Baros took the Minister into his arms and held her close. Whispering sweet nothings in her ear, he made other words silently to Peyton. They were words that you should not really repeat to anyone. They were words that would indicate how close she was to getting caught. He was done. His energy spent. His vigour unvigoured. His life reduced to an embarrassing assortment of giggles and playful nibbles.

The Minister corrected herself and grabbed her bag. Pulling herself together, she winked at Baros and looped her arm through his.

"We have been gone long enough for people to start talking now...time to go..."

She was clearly enjoying the event even more than prior to their encounter.

She and Baros walked out, Baros glancing back at Peyton as the door to the vault slowly shut, and locked in place.

[member="Peyton Steele"]

 

[Peyton Steele]

Right, she had… botched it? Not totally. She looked up from the bag, and slowly lifted her hand, the prize in her grasp, and quickly, she took a step back, towards the far end of the lit vault. Sure. There weren’t shadows to hide in here, but she could stay to a blind spot, and Baros could lead the Minister out, so she’d not be looking at Peyton. Hell, she wouldn’t know she’d been lifted from until later. That was fine with her.

But wait… where were they going?

She wasn’t going… feth, feth, feth.

And now the lights were off. Where was her Datalogger? Right… Browncoat made one that had a flashlight, at least now she had temporary light.

And time to break the code. She didn’t have anything else to do, dark vault…

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]