Private The Song Bird has left the nest.

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tags: Alicio Organa

---

"NO you damned pile of Bantha crap," Evelynn shouted at a thug who had dropped for the fifth time in a row a box of highly refined Spice. The other thugs, nicknamed as 'Scales' for this mark of The Viper. The Viper was what Evelynn used instead of her name during deals and appearances in the crime worlds in the galaxy. Standing against a wall was a woman in a jacket and jeans with thick boots, a data pad in her hand. It was listing off the almost hundreds of shipments that were meant to be sent off and received. Natashen Marklow was Evelynn's top security expert on the tech front. Whilst not a real fighter, Nesty was a top skilled hacker, manipulator of data and was even skilled enough to disable a security grid without anyone noticing. Natashen knew better than to tick off Evelynn more than once.

Evelynn walked briskly to the clumsy thug and with a single yell of anger, used her long claws to deliver four deep gashes on the Duros' blue face. A ton of green blood began to run down his neck from his cheek. The same blood now dripped menacingly from her claws. The poor thug new better than to argue with his boss as she looked down on his half crumpled form. "Now, get your cheek patched up, then get these boxes moving!" her authoritative tone instantly got the terrified man to his feet and dashing for a safely kept box of quick medical supplies. With a hard huff, Evelynn began walking to the private lift to her pent house like office. "When that Organa boy turns up, get all of this out of sight and send him up," Evelynn told Natashen, who gave the snake eyed woman a quickly responsive nod.

Stepping inside the lift, Evelynn instantly pushed for her office. It was the one place that she could conduct business whilst feeling truly safe. Not just from her own personal defences, but the armed guards outside her doors, and the concealed turrets in her roof that activated at a press of a button in an emergency. Lining the long wall, was a one way window, the thousands of Airspeeders, lights and buildings stretching as far as the eye could see. Opposite was a large quantity of display cabinets and cupboards each holding rare and exotic trophies. Her personal favourites were: a death trooper helmet in exquisite condition, a Rancour claw and a Lightsaber that belonged to someone she once knew well. The very Kyber Crystal now sat on her curved desk with an Azurite and Sein Jewel. Each highly prized given the circumstance of their acquisition. Each of the chairs opposite her desk were of a fine material, the purple fabric of the utmost quality. Her own chair was even more so, given how often she sat in it.

The side door opened as a Twi'lek woman stepped out. Evelynn gave her a half tired, half annoyed look. The young woman was from her club, The Ruby Nexu. She was one of her favourites that she took extra careful of. "I'll be back in a bit. Got some work to do first," Evelynn said, her voice oddly calm and reassuring. Something that she was rarely. The woman nodded and walked back into the hidden bedroom and wardrobe. Grabbing a drink from her cooled cabinet at the back of the room, Evelynn poured herself a double of Raava before sitting down at her desk. A side screen showed her the point of the Paradox Complex's lobby and the point just outside her door, where two armed guards stood day in and out, rarely stepping away unless she was.

 

[Alicio Organa]

CORUSCANT
PARADOX COMPLEX
​

Alicio had to do this. For his family. For his city. For his planet.

At least, that's what he told himself. He dared not study the thought for too long, lest he realized what he already knew. The truth of the matter was, he was doing this because he was scared, because he cared too much, because his selfish desire to save his family outweighed his honor. It was a weakness he knew all too well, but one he couldn't face.

The dark form of the Count swooped into the reception area of the Paradox complex, dark cloak following him like a tide of pitch. He held a cane at his side, which clicked on the fine floor. He was a perfect picture of imperious calm, that would make the eldest Alderaanian noblewomen proud.

He spied Natashen Marklow quickly, slowly moving her direction, and stopping a few strides away, grey eyes a hailstorm. "I believe I'm expected."

For family, for city, for planet.

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tags: Alicio Organa

---

Alicio walking into the large foyer was a definite sight for anyone working the reception table. The lone woman sat there eyed the man walk in, knowing that he was probably going to see the boss. Most people of his type did. The tens of cameras began to instantly scan Alicio Organa's body and cane for any signs of weapons, hidden or not. If it did, the whole system would trigger to alert authorities if not cleared by Evelynn, the Manager and Owner of the Paradox Complex. But, since it didn't pick up a thing from his uniform or cane, the alerts were silent.

Having gone down to the lobby for some fresh air away from the thugs working around on the upper private floors, Natashen looked down at her data tablet and noticed the man of nobility was walking to her. Given what Evelynn had said about her new 'Song Bird', she assumed it was him. Just looking at the young Organa she could instantly tell why her boss had chosen him. Young. Easy to manipulate. Most likely with many pressure points to press on to force him into her grand plan. Whatever that was.

Natashen had to hold her head in a steady manner internally when Alicio spoke. He really was a Noble Man of decent standing. Evelynn had made comments about him being 'Quite the Catch'. Now she know what that meant. His cape even gave him a sense of authority and mystery. It was rather a change from the muscular and brain dead hired men and women upstairs. Holding her Data Pad up, Natashen used its scanner to move over his face, smiling when it showed it was a perfect match to the man Evelynn was expecting. "Yes, you are, Mr Organa," Natashen said, her tablet being lowered down so she could see him clearly. With a single tap, the lift beside them opened up. "If you would step inside, we can start our trip upstairs to Miss Ostium," Her hand was gestured to the lift in a 'You First' manner. Natashen would have to press the right code onto the access panel inside to get the lift going up beyond customer limits.

Normally, she would just let him go up, but she had to give some advice before hand. When Alicio would walk in, she'd follow and begin typing in the code. Taking them straight to the 29th floor and the Boss's office. It'd take them a minute, or just about, meaning she'd have to speak quick.

 

[Alicio Organa]

As the woman held up her device to his face, Alicio clenched his jaw, staring directly ahead. He recited to himself, over and over again, to remain calm, come at this meeting with a level head. A moment of weakness, of flaring emotions...

He didn't want to think about the massive consequences that could follow.

Alicio hesitated for only a moment as Natashen gestured him into a lift, walking in and occupying the farthest corner. Once inside, he kept his cane close to his side, gripping it for comfort. Staring ahead, even as the woman entered the lift with him, and brought them up. He closed his eyes a moment.

"Be honest with me," he said, with a surprising amount of calm. "What are the chances I die up there?"

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tag: Alicio Organa

---

As the elevator doors closed, the soft hum of it rising towards the higher floors, Natashen was surprised by the instant question in such a quiet manner. People who usually go to see her boss, always have some level of fear or apprehension. Taking a moment to think of how Evelynn reacted earlier and how mad she usually gets afterwards and for how long, gave her shivers. Evelynn was famous for her seductive and business woman mannerisms, but her fury was even more notorious. Some never left the building after all. "Well... It's not as likely if you don't tick her off more than she already is," Natashen said, only after slyly disabling the audio in the lifts from the small camera in the ceiling. "According to your medical records, you've never needed a cane before. Not even records of up to a few days ago," Natashen said, her data pad having shown her loads in a matter of seconds since scanning the young Organa's face.

Glancing at Alicio, Natashen gave him a stern look. "If you try something. She'll be the least of your problems. But, that won't stop her from being a huge threat to your family," she said, almost like a threat and a warning in one. Lifting her jacket a small amount, she showed off the small concealed blaster at her hip. Only a small piece, not even strong enough for light armour penetration, but enough for an unarmoured person like him. "Not to mention me being a thorn in your side as well."

Eventually, the lift came to a stop, opening to show a small hallway with two Devaronian guards armed with slug throwing shotguns. Each wore medium armour emblazoned with a snake's skull symbol of a dark purple colour. "Play nice, for your and everyone else's sake," Natashen said, gesturing for him to step out whilst she readied the lift to descend again.

Inside the room, Evelynn glanced at the panel on her desk, seeing that Alicio was in the lift. A smile drifted across her lips. Whilst mostly preferring the company of other women, she couldn't help but admire the young man's attire and poise. He really looked far more interesting now. But, precautions were needed. So, taking her lipstick from her desk, she applied a light layer of the deep crimson colour to her lips, making sure to be as precise as possible. Not point in looking off now, right.

 

[Alicio Organa]

He could have protested. Said that his cane wasn't out of any need, but as a symbol of status in High Alderaanian society. That he'd used it in plenty of parties before this one, including a masquerade on Coruscant. That even if there was a trick, he wasn't idiotic enough to try something.

But he didn't say any of that. Instead he regarded Natashen, and the blaster, with far more backbone than he'd shown Evelynn all those months ago. Even when she mentioned his family, he didn't balk. Instead, when the lift opened, he stepped out, offering a quiet word as he did.

"Thank you for the advice. Truly."

The clicking of his boots and his cane continued down the hall, until he met the Viper's guards. He looked them each in the eye, knowing just how much danger he was stepping into, and surprising himself with just how ready he was.

"Whenever she's ready," Alicio offered, resting his hands on the staff.

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tag: Alicio Organa

---

Natashen's gaze stayed on Alicio's back as he exited the lift, letting the doors close behind him. He really was quite different from what Evelynn had mentioned about him when she first saw him and rather forcibly got him into her business. She'd have to keep an eye for anything from Evelynn's office like alerts or any signs of fighting.

The two Devaronian guards gave Alicio glares as he stood like a noble man with little to worry about. People like him crossed their path many times into Evelynn's office, but he was different. One of them gave Alicio another scan with his eyes as the other pressed a small button beside him on a speaker. "Boss, that Organa boy is here to see you," the guard's voice called through the device. Both of their shotguns ready with their safeties off. The guard waited with baited breath for Evelynn's response. If she was 'preoccupied' then he knew he'd be in trouble. That's what happened to the last one in his position.

Evelynn took another sip of her luxury drink, her glowing, snake like eyes flashing towards the small speaker on the left side of her desk. Smiling, she stood up and removed her long jacket, tossing the apparel over a small table near the window. Now showing off her black tank top, mostly fur shoulder and neck piece and skirt that reached her knees. Her arms were wrapped in a sort of purple sleeve, similar to tights. The metallic claws worked carefully as she sorted out her outfit, aiming to put on a good show for her guest. Her entire lower section of her torso, just above her waist, was open to the elements, mainly for style and her cybernetic weapons. Taking her heel wearing feet to guide her to the desk she recently vacated, Evelynn took another sip of her Raava. The ornate glass tapped her red lensed glasses with a soft Klink.

Placing the drink slowly down onto the purple coloured material, The Viper, tapped the button to let the guard know she was ready. Knowing Alicio would be in her office, face to face again with the very person who threatened his family, she sat back against her chair with the knowledge he might pull something. Even if she did call him for an update, others had tried similar attempts of her life in these situations. But, she knew that Alicio was better than that. He did look rather fetching, but he was still young, easily manipulated and above all, driven to be protective of his family. Even if he had to sell himself as her spy to keep them safe.

 

[Alicio Organa]

There was a moment of pause.

It was a negotiating tactic Alicio knew well from his studies. Make the person you meet with wait, sending the message that you were the one in control, that you had the power, and that your opposition's time was subservient to it. When subject to this tactic, the only thing one can do is try to keep a clear head.

Which was difficult, considering the horned bodyguards with scatterguns.

It did give him time to run through his strategy one last time, though. A chance for some good to come from this meeting, even if it meant dirtying his hands. Family. City. Planet.

Those three words were on his mind as he entered Evelynn's office, seeing the woman of his nightmares for the first time in months. He thought he might break. Show how scared he really was inside. But he kept his composure, save for a deepening of his scowl, as he observed her room, her dress, her claws.

He'd had worse nightmares since that Alderaanian evening.

Alicio stayed at the doorway as it shut behind him. He gestured at one of the chairs near the desk.

"This seat taken?"

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tag: Alicio Organa

---

Gazing her eyes to meet the young man's as he walked in, Evelynn showed that she hadn't changed from her dominant manner by simply taking another sip of her drink. This boy might have finally grown a spine after all. Making her wait, walking in like he owned the place. It almost reminded her of herself in her earlier years. Before becoming the head of this business. Smiling at his scowling face, Evelynn knew that unlike him, she had years of time since then. Years of perfecting her art. Her tools of trade. Her venomous words and alluring deals. Even if the latter had to be forced at times.

With the door closed, Alicio still trying so hard to be strong, Evelynn had to hold herself back from chuckling. Alicio's question about one of the two chairs in front of her desk made Evelynn raise her arms to gesture to the empty room. "Does it look occupied?" Evelynn asked, her velvety voice sounding nowhere as smug as she felt inside at the boy's first words to her in months. The chairs was covered in a purple, smooth and expensive leather. Similar to her own. "You may as well take it. Not like anyone else is going to be joining us," Evelynn said, lowering her arms to a more comfortable position, the drink once again reaching her crimson lips.

After lowering her drink, Evelynn gestured to the rounded bottle of Raava in the cabinet to the back of the room. "Have a glass if you want. No point doing business without enjoying the finer things that come from it," Like the serpent she was, Evelynn was just biding her time. Eventually either Alicio would make a move against her, or he'd stay in his place. Not that she believed that he ever would leave such a beneficial and safe position from under her thumb. After all, he was the one holding her thumb from crushing his family and everything he stood for.

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio wasn't kidding himself.

He knew who had all the power here, and it certainly wasn't him. It was a frustrating position to be in, knowing that he had to battle for every inch of ground. To be taken seriously.

When offered a drink, Alicio pondered the thought. "Thank you for your hospitality," he said, not trying to disguise his apathetic tone. He walked to the cabinet, pouring himself a small glass of Raava. After taking up the glass, he went to the chair, resting upon the odd-colored leather, and leaning his cane against the armrest.

He didn't look comfortable, like Evelynn did. He was poised, perched, proper. Attentive, but on edge. As he likely should have been.

"I... I assume you want information." The hint of a stutter. The first crack in his facade.

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tag: Alicio Organa

---

Sitting in her chair, Evelynn briefly closed her eyes when he went to get the offered drink. She was reminded of a meeting her mother had with a spy of similar quality. The first of many, yet to carefully treated compared to those who appeared later on. The day she saw him pull a blaster on her mother, was the last day she ever saw his face. The guards had shoved her into another room. She was only young back then. Evelynn knew they had lied to her when they kept saying that they shoved him into a ship for safe keeping; knowing that they had simply taken care of him for good. Alicio was a rather fun person to see trying to be so mature since last time. Evelynn had to stop herself from laughing when she opened her eyes to see him speak to her again.

"He's so cute. Acting like he's stronger than he is," Evelynn thought, her finger circling the rim of her glass, taking note of his minute stuttering. Her eyes moved from him to the large window, stretching across the whole office, gazing at the millions of lights and Airspeeders in the far distance. She'd come so far. And she liked where she was. "Well.... that's why your my little," Evelynn said, her face turning to look at the young Organa and pulling an expression as if talking to a cute child, "Adorable song bird. Right?" Her voice could have been mistaken for motherly, if it wasn't for her claws and eyes flashing in the lights overhead. "What's your family been up to? Made some partnerships with anyone lately?" Evelynn asked, taking a sip of her Raava. "Probably a lot more at ease without a scope on them," Evelynn added, her gaze flashing dangerously, yet playfully. Her soft smile hidden with the ornate glass of exotic liquor.

 

[Alicio Organa]

As a child, Alicio's father would come to tuck him into bed. No matter where they moved, the homeless shelter, or the apartment, or the house, his father would always wish him good night. It was the one time Simon appeared to be at ease.

Too often, the Nobleman-in-exile would have a look in his eyes. The shine of fear, and shame. When he was travelling the streets of Balmorra. When he trained his children in the ways of the Alderaanian courts. But especially when he taught them to keep a secret.

'When they ask for your name,' he instructed, his voice the timbre of a caring father, 'what will you say?"

'Alicio Treadway,' he would respond, without missing a beat. For he'd been taught the best lies...

...hold a kernel of truth.

"I've not spent much time in New Aldera with my House," Alicio said, careful to add just the right amount of caution to his voice. "Faith has kept me busy in... Sanctuary City, a refugee town on the coast."

He added another layer of caution, eyes narrowing slightly at the crimelord. "I'm the Crown Liason. I approve building plans, take in refugees, fundraise."

"We've worked with Chaldea and Lujo, creating sister cities across the galaxy. And I'm currently negotiating to bring in a group of refugeed Shi'ido from Lao-mon." He frowned. "Although, no one is supposed to know about that."

Alicio was trying to give Evelynn something else to chase after, dangling Sanctuary City and his role in it in front of her face, trying to brush to the side his connection to Faith entirely. Some secrets would do worse than endanger only his family.

It was a good thing, then, despite the pressure, that Alicio was raised to be a liar.

'And if they ask about House Organa?" His father would ask.

'Who?'

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tag: Alicio Organa

---

Listening to what Alicio had to say about his recent activities did interest her. Building cities and bringing people ripe for the picking. Even his new title did grasp her attention further on the man before her. Adjusting her body, Evelynn sat up, leaning against the desk with her elbow. Her clawed finger circled the rim of her glass, the liquid almost moving with her from the vibrations along its fragile container. The yellow in her eyes flashed as she locked eyes with the Organa boy. Well, no longer a boy. He'd actually grown some kind of backbone. But it might be interesting to see just how hard it was compared with their first interaction.

"That's very interesting," Evelynn said, whispering it as if wrapped in what he said, "Cities, refugees and a fancy new title. My little song bird has grown up so much." Her smile was one of admiration for a brief moment, before her cruel intentions slipped through. "Well, hearing about your new progress with all those who need your help, that's not what I asked," her voice had turned slightly aggravated. Like her temper was already fairly high and his avoidance of her question was pushing it. Her claw circling her glass stopped, dropping slowly, precisely, to the desk's surface. The eyes behind her purple lensed glasses seemed to glow a piercing way, like they penetrated through Alicio's own eyes to try and get the information herself.

Sending a small signal to her cybernetics, the long Lashers started to uncoil from her compartment. The dark scaled pattern of its metal blended into the chair and floor behind the desk, the blades themselves like the fangs of a set of deadly vipers eager for blood. Like silent snakes, they began to slither across the ground, just out of sight and right below Alicio. Anymore hints of avoidance, and her little bird might just have to have a awing clipped.

 

[Alicio Organa]

She had seen through him immediately. And that infuriated him.

Alicio had been banking on her taking his bait. Had figured it would be enough, to show just how powerful he was in his own right, not how powerful his cousin was.

His cousin, the Queen of Alderaan. Of course Evelynn was focused on her.

Both her show of admiration and force were met by the same expression; narrowed eyes and dark, barely contained calm. He was scared, and he wasn't particularly trying to hide that fact.

Instead, the Count used his fear. He channeled all those dark feelings, of terror, and rage, and hatred, into his tranquil appearance. The Force sang in heavy tones around him, tasting of myrrh on his tongue. The chill of his expression was frigid, as Alicio felt an unseen power flowing across his form.

"I am offering your organization an in to planets across the Alliance," he persisted, grey eyes sharpened like daggers. "Alderaan, Lujo, Chaldea. Places with little to no criminal competition."

He could stomach betraying his people, if it meant saving them from a worse fate.

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tag: Alicio Organa

---

If there was one thing Evelynn loved to do, it was see if people could hold their own in her business. She did it to thugs, hired muscle, staff and even people like Alicio. A sly and pleased smile slithered across her face at Alicio's rise in anger. Even if he tried to hide it, she had an eye for such a thing. Just like how snakes use thermal vision to see prey in the dark of night. It was almost time to close the jaws on Alicio, seeing just how far he would go. Time she pushed him just a bit more. "Well, Alderaan, Lujo and Chaldea. That's quite a list," Evelynn almost teased at the man before her, "and it would impress me even more if I hadn't already got businesses sent there just as your operations started." She knew it was a big gamble revealing her people's place amongst his own workers and refugees, but she wanted to really push his mind. "Did you honestly think I wasn't watching your every movement. Where you went. Who you spoke to. I see Everything," Evelynn said, giving Alicio an insight as to how far she truly was able to see and how much she could find out.

After a few seconds of breathings, a large sigh escaped her lips. Entering back into an almost bored stupor at his constant avoidance of her wanted answer she looked at him sternly. "How about this. You tell me all I want to really know, or I'll get some people you care about..." Evelynn gave an almost thoughtful look before smiling her cruel grin, "To disappear... Permanently." Alicio's pressure point was his family, and she could easily collect data on their locations and have an assassin ready within the hour. The yellow slits for her eyes almost looked extra focused on the nobleman. Her finger returned to circling the glass in front of her before lifting it and taking a sip. The strong liquid was almost like a punch to the brain, yet Evelynn kept her body and mind steady. She was used to this classy and powerful drink after all. "Understand?" the question was more a statement than asking him.

Her lashers laid as still and stiff as a viper ready to go in for a kill. She wouldn't kill her only form of entertainment this early on though. Just in case she had to remind him where his place was. "Now, what deals as your family made recently. Want new doorways are opening for my end of our arrangement," Evelynn asked, being more clear with what she wanted.

 

[Alicio Organa]

Of course Evelynn had all the cards. She wouldn't have even considered dealing with an Alderaanian noble if she hadn't.

Alicio's mind was moving at a breakneck pace, trying to figure out what he could say, what he could do, to get out of this. If he stuck to his guns, Alderaan was safe. Protected under anonymity. But his loved ones were in danger. If he caved, they were in danger, but alive; but Alderaan, and countless lives were at risk too.

It was the moment of truth. Would he kill his family for his people?

"Understand?"

"...Yes."

He couldn't. He would have sacrificed himself a million times over, but he couldn't lay anyone else at the altar.

Alicio's shoulders fell a hair, and his face grew tight, abandoning all attempts at deception. The defeat on his features, the impotent rage of being left with no choice, the fear for those he loved, it all showed, clear as day. That heavy song in the Force hummed louder, as if it were pleased by the turn of events.

"Faith secretly joined the Free Alliance Coalition. It's a voting bloc of senators opposing Chancellor Tithe, trying to prevent him from turning the Galactic Alliance into a corrupt state, and to keep him from occupying the seat past his term. I helped her attend meetings, in private." Alicio choked back a sob, realizing what he was doing, but unable to stop himself. He cared too much.

"If her involvement gets out to the wrong people, terrible things could happen to Alderaan. To Faith." Kidnappings and murder had already thinned the group's numbers, and Alderaan had a history of being abandoned by the Alliance in it's time of need. But he knew a plea to her conscience wouldn't convince her. So he tried a different tactic.

Perhaps Evelynn had expected Alicio to beg for his family's safety. Alicio wasn't that man anymore. He stood up, holding his cane tightly in one hand, his expression crystalizing into biting cold fury. "If my betrayal here leads to that, I will destroy everything you hold dear before I kill you."

The scariest part? He meant it.

- Evelynn Ostium -

 

[Evelynn Ostium]

Location: The Paradox Complex, Coruscant, Surface
Tag: Alicio Organa

---

After wander through the words that Alicio said like a forest of secrets constantly floating to her, Evelynn let her smile grow to a pleased and content closed grin. Her hand began to circle the glass of Raava again, her eyes almost glazing over with the pure joy this was bringing her. But some part of her felt bad for the young man. He was swearing away his allegiance piece by piece. Talking of everything his family had started to do. It almost felt like Evelynn had taken some very good spice. Something she never did, but had seen some many in the state to understand its effect.

"Faith secretly joined the Free Alliance Coalition. It's a voting bloc of senators opposing Chancellor Tithe, trying to prevent him from turning the Galactic Alliance into a corrupt state, and to keep him from occupying the seat past his term. I helped her attend meetings, in private."

The metal claw stopped when he mentioned the 'Free Alliance Coalition' and fell to the table. "Opposing Chancellor Tithe," Evelynn said under her breath. She had heard the name, if only by reputation. "Well, that's something very interesting to learn about," Her eyes gazed out of the large window to the almost darkening sky. "If that man stays in office..." Evelynn kept the rest of her thoughts exactly where they were meant to be. This would take some careful consideration moving forward. Even the knowledge that his cousin, the Queen of Alderaan would die if she leaked this knowledge actually caused her some pause. Losing her meant no control over Alderaan, and Alicio.

Perhaps Evelynn had expected Alicio to beg for his family's safety. Alicio wasn't that man anymore. He stood up, holding his cane tightly in one hand, his expression crystalizing into biting cold fury. "If my betrayal here leads to that, I will destroy everything you hold dear before I kill you.

Alicio's sudden standing against her got her to at least appreciate his gall, but then he finished speaking, her smile was gone. Instead of acting soft or letting him off her eyes flashed with serious fury. Standing to meet with Alicio's eyes, her Lashers remaining hidden by the floor, Evelynn stared into his soul. The many loose items on her desk fell to their sides and rolls for a brief point before settling. "You think you can demand things of me, boy," Her tone, once calm now, was dripping with just as much hate as Alicio's. "You think that you can threaten me, in my own building?!" Evelynn's pupils, already slit like, contracted as her left Lasher raised to point at the back of his head. The metal half an inch from his skull. The remaining one raised slowly to her side, like a snake ready to be ordered by its owner. The one behind his head gave a minute poke at his head, the razor sharp point that could pierce steel just leaving enough of a mark to not draw blood, yet let him know she was furious. The doors opened with the two guards standing at the doorway, weapons raised. Not one of them spoke. Waiting for Alicio to do something.

Her face was consumed in anger and rage, just like the worker down below had done earlier. With a steadying sigh, Evelynn let her eyes close for a second before the cybernetics lowered and retracted to her. In almost a few seconds the mechanical weapons were back into their compartment. "Well. That was interesting. You actually showed some spine," Evelynn sounded almost impressed with Alicio's outburst. "Maybe you'll actually entertain me more than I thought." With that, she sat down, waved the guards away and with a last sip from her drink. The strong liquid felt strangely calming so also Evelynn added, "And don't worry, I won't tell on your little 'Conspiracy Group'," Evelynn said, two clawed fingers making air quotes above her head. "The LAST thing I want is for that pile of Karking Bantha pile to continue in his seat of power," Her eyes glanced at the small Kyber Crystal on her desk, now on its side from her standing up. "People like him don't just make business hard, but take what they want with little consideration as to the consequences." Her voice was quieter as she picked up the dark blue crystal with the tips of her claws. Her yellow eyes examined the item before placing it at the middle of the two other jewels. "They like to take what they want, thinking no one would remember. But we do." The hostility in her eyes actually faded slightly. Like her mine was calling distant memories that seemed better than todays.

 

[Alicio Organa]

As Evelynn stared into Alicio's soul, she would find nothing but conviction. Guilty, dark conviction. He would have hated dying here, knowing that he had betrayed his family, but he would have accepted it. But he knew he wasn't going to die.

In a political sense, Alicio was far too useful. He'd just proven he could get her information. He was close to the queen of a world. Evelynn seemed smarter than to throw that away. Not to mention the heat of a Count's disappearance on her hands.

But most comfortingly, the Future whispered to Alicio through the Force. He sensed what would happen, a half-second before it did. He felt that she wouldn't hurt him. Which was why when her lash poked the back of his head, he didn't react. His eyes were sharp, dangerous, as the Dark Side hummed around him.

But the moment passed, and with it, Alicio felt a bit of confusion. She didn't have plans on revealing them. She... liked that? Maybe liked wasn't the right word.

"People like him don't just make business hard, but take what they want with little consideration as to the consequences."

Alicio cocked his head to the side. He was still scornful, but a pinprick of curiosity had broken through. "And how is that different from what you do? Taking what you want, without caring for how it hurts others?"

- Evelynn Ostium -