Private The Sunfall Relic

[Void Toll]

VOID TOLL

Krayt "Iron Hand" Valen, Captain of the Star Eater, leader of the Void Toll pirates, sat impatiently on what had become his throne. The room, which was called a throne room by some, the "ego gallery" by others (behind the captain's back of course), was filled with plunder that Valen thought went further held onto as a sign of his power: rare art, flashy jewelry and several cases of credits from various governments (defunct and active). What Valen usually found the most useful in showing his power and prestige were his slaves: a pair of identical blue-skinned twins and a curvy purple-skinned Twi'lek. They were not there for Iron Hand's personal use. He liked parading them around as a show of more of his power.

The doors parted with a low hydraulic hiss, and the hum of the Star Eater's inner workings seemed to quiet—whether by design or by the crew's instinctive awareness of their captain, it was hard to tell. A pair of Void Toll corsairs, or "Blackhooks", escorted Ulani in without ceremony, though neither laid a hand on her. They didn't need to. Presence alone did the work. Kessa Ironbrand followed a half-step behind, not quite guard, not quite equal—eyes already moving, measuring exits, sightlines, weapons, people.

Krayt "Iron Hand" Valen did not rise. He leaned forward instead, one metal-clad hand resting against the arm of his throne, the faint whine of servos filling the silence as his fingers flexed. His gaze swept over Ulani once—quick, assessing, unimpressed on the surface, but lingering just long enough to suggest calculation beneath it.

"Not much to look at," he muttered, more to the room than to her. Then a crooked grin pulled at the edge of his mouth. "Good. Means you might actually survive this." A few of the pirates along the walls chuckled under their breath. One didn't. Kessa. Valen's eyes flicked briefly toward her, then back to Ulani.

"You know who I am," he continued, voice settling into something calmer, more deliberate. "Which means you know I don't waste time on small work. If I wanted a smash-and-grab, I'd send them." He jerked his chin toward the gathered pirates—scarred, armed, and very obviously built for violence.

"They'd make a mess. Loud, bloody, expensive mess." A pause. "Already tried that once."

That grin returned, sharper this time. "Didn't take." He leaned back slightly, tapping the metal fingers of his prosthetic against the throne in a slow, rhythmic beat.

"Hutt Space is shifting. Black Sun's bleeding out, and everyone with teeth is circling the carcass." His tone carried something almost like amusement. "Including me."

One of the blue-skinned twins stepped forward silently, presenting a small, velvet-lined case. Valen didn't open it himself—he simply nodded. The lid lifted. Inside, resting in shadowed luxury, was the Sunfall Reliquary—or rather, its twin. A replica. Close enough to fool the eye at a glance, but not the real thing.

Valen watched Ulani carefully now. "That," he said, tapping the case once with a metal finger, "is what we don't have."

His gaze sharpened. "The real one's sitting pretty at a sky-palace over Nar Shaddaa. High society gathering. Masks, money, secrets. The kind of place my people walk into and immediately get noticed."

A slight tilt of his head. "You walk in… they'll wonder who you are. Maybe even let you stay long enough to find out."

Kessa shifted just slightly beside Ulani, folding her arms. "Or long enough to take something," she added, voice low, flat.

Valen's grin widened. "Exactly." He gestured lazily with his organic hand, as if dismissing the entire room despite being surrounded by it. "It's a relic. Black Sun pedigree. Kyber shard in it—worth a fortune on its own. But the real value?" His eyes gleamed. "Access. Reputation. Doors that open just because you're wearing it." [/color]

He leaned forward again, the servos in his arm whining softly. "I want it." Simple. Direct. No embellishment. "You get in, you get close, you take it. Clean if you can. Clever if you're smart. Fast if it goes bad." A beat. "Alive, preferably."

A ripple of quiet laughter moved through the room. Valen's expression didn't change. "Kessa goes with you," he added, flicking a glance in her direction. "She keeps you breathing. Keeps me informed. And if things turn…" he gave a small shrug, "she makes sure we don't walk away empty-handed."

Kessa didn't react outwardly, but her eyes briefly shifted to Ulani—measuring, weighing. She had worked with Ulani before, Kessa thought Ulani quite capable. Valen settled back into his throne, as though the matter were already decided. "Bring me the Reliquary," he said, voice lowering just enough to carry weight. "And you walk out of here richer than you've ever been."[/color]

A pause. His metal fingers tapped once more against the throne. "Fail…" he added, almost conversationally, "and I'll assume you weren't worth the trouble of finding."

Silence settled over the room again. Then, with a faint smirk: "So." He spread his hands slightly. "Tell me I didn't waste my time bringing you aboard my ship."

Krayt "Iron Hand" Valen
• Location: Iron Hand's "Throne" Room, Star Eater,
• Objective: Farm out a job
• Company: Ulani Shen | Kessa Ironbrand

 

[Ulani Shen]

​

tag: Kessa Ironbrand

Maybe it was curiosity about the sort of job the man had in mind, or perhaps to find out why she was the one given the invitation. Or maybe it was just a twisted desire to see the man behind the notorious Void Toll. Whether all of those or none, Ulani found herself aboard the dreaded Star Eater. The Void Toll were infamous pirates. She felt as if she were in the heart of darkness.

The Sephi was given the hospitality of a bag of ghoba rice, though no one was so rude as to lay hands on her. Words were used sparingly as her 'escort' lead her through the ship's corridors to meet with Iron Hand Valen. Kessa Ironbound appeared from a side passage, Ulani catching sight of the woman as she fell in behind her. An odd sense of relief accompanied Kessa's appearance. There was at least one person she knew, and semi-trusted. Though that would mean very little in the midst of her master and his entire crew. Still, it was good to see the scrappy woman again.

They stopped before a set of doors. The portal slid open to reveal, not the bridge, nor a captain's quarters, but a room that resembled a monarch's audience chamber. The walls were lined with displays, most certainly prizes Valen had plundered and pillaged. They were his now. Possession was 9/10ths of most law, right? On that Ulani agreed.

At the end of the room, and gallery celebrating the bucanner's victories, sat the man himself. Flanked by decorations in the form of mirrored blue-skinned twins, lovely and demure, and a voluptuous Twi'lek. The slave women languished idly, as if they knew they were mere adornments, trophies glorifying their master.

The arrogance of Valen was palpable as he looked the visitor as crassly as one might look at his pretty arm candy. Ulani endured his survey of her, features flat. His personal opinion, or that of his nasty rabble, on her appearance meant little to her, as long as didn't waste her time. Valen continued to speak, setting the framework for the proposition. One of the blue slaves stepped forward with a small box, opening it. Ulani peered in.

An opulent piece of jewelry. She knew of the Reliquary. But Valen would soon reveal it was a fake. Then the purpose of her visit spilled out. He wanted the real thing, and for all his prowess and might, brutality and fear-mongering, the pirate and his crew of meatbags couldn't get their grubby paws on it. That is why they called an expert. And he wasn't looking for loot. Valen didn't care about cash-out value of the piece, he wanted an ego boost, to poke Black Sun in the eye and elevate his name among the galactic underworld. Ulani wondered if he had a helmet big enough to fit his giant, inflated ego

Ulani had remained silent as Valen laid it all out. She only looked away to glance at Kessa as she chimed in. Turned out she would be accompanying Ulani. The Sephi gave an apathetic shrug of affirmation. In spite of the insinuations Valen made, Ulani was not disappointed that Kessa would accompany her. Though, she usually worked alone. Ulani would have to ensure Kessa was an asset to her, not a liability.

She remained silent for a moment. There was the fleeting thought that, if she was going to steal it, why not keep it for herself? Several reasons. She didn't need to feed her ego like that. Second, fencing it would be a nightmare. The arrangement with the Void Toll meant she would get paid for the theft without the trouble of trying to sell the hot relic.

"I'll do it. But you don't know how to make me richer than I've ever been, if you don't know how rich I've been. I need to hear a number." That might have been a bit of bravado, Ulani was pretty sure the successful pirate could indeed pay her more than she had ever received before. In her mind, it was already a done deal.

 

[Kessa Ironbrand]

VOID TOLL

Krayt “Iron Hand” Valen’s grin broke wider at Ulani’s reply—sharp, approving, almost predatory. A low chuckle rolled out of him, genuine this time. “Good,” he said, voice thick with satisfaction. “Very good.”

The metal fingers of his prosthetic tapped once against the arm of his throne before he gave a slow nod, as if confirming something to himself more than to her. “Nice to see I didn’t waste my time.”

His gaze flicked briefly to the side. That was all the signal needed. Kessa moved. She stepped forward without hesitation, boots quiet against the polished floor as she crossed to one of the stacked cases lining the chamber. It wasn’t ornate like the reliquary display—no velvet, no ceremony. Functional. Heavy. The kind of container that mattered more for what it held than how it looked.

She popped the clasps. Inside—Huttese Peggats. Rows of dense, gleaming currency chits, stamped and coded, the kind that moved easily through Hutt Space without question. A lot of them. Enough to make a statement. Enough to make the job real.

Valen didn’t even look at the case as it opened. “Spend it how you like,” he said lazily, as if it were nothing. “Where you like. Consider it… preparation.” His attention had already shifted away, confidence absolute.

Kessa snapped the case shut and turned back, carrying it easily in one hand before returning to Ulani’s side. She didn’t offer it immediately—just held it there for a moment, eyes flicking up toward the Sephi, measuring. Then she leaned in slightly. Not enough for the room. Just enough for Ulani.

“Looks like my word still carries some weight,” Kessa murmured, voice low, edged with quiet satisfaction. “Even if it’s coming from a slave.” There was no bitterness in it. No shame. Just truth—stated plainly.

She finally extended the case toward Ulani. “The job should run smooth,” she continued quietly. “I did the research myself.”

Her gaze drifted briefly—not at Ulani, but somewhere past her, already running through angles, entrances, exits, faces she hadn’t met yet but already didn’t trust. Nar Shaddaa. Sky-palace. Silk instead of steel. Her nose wrinkled faintly.

“…though I’ve got to wonder,” Kessa added under her breath, tone dipping into something almost resembling skepticism, “if I can pull off fancy armor.” A beat. Then, flatter—“Or Force help me… a dress.”

Her eyes slid back to Ulani then—and this time, they lingered. Measured. Considering. There was the faintest shift in her expression, something less guarded. “…you, though,” Kessa added quietly, almost as an afterthought, “I can see fitting right in.”

Behind them, Valen had already settled back into his throne, conversation over as far as he was concerned. The job had been given. The rest was execution.

KESSA “IRONBRAND”
• Location: Iron Hand's "Throne" Room, Star Eater
• Objective: Finish negotiations
• Outfit: Normal Rags
• Company: Ulani Shen

 

[Ulani Shen]

​

tag: Kessa Ironbrand

The slightest dart of Valen's gluttonous gaze was all he needed for Kessa to obey. Ulani watched as she moved to a stack of cases like a tigress, the muscle wrapped around her bones seeming both relaxed and trigger-ready for action at the same time. The moment allowed the Sephi to compare Kessa to the ornamental beauties by the throne. All four of the women were slaves, but only one was truly useful. The others were eye candy, they could be taken up and discarded, replaced, with little investment.

But Kessa's body alone, scarred, strong, her gaze predatory, told a story. Kessa had been broken and shaped, honed into a sharp tool, a weapon most useful. Ulani had learned that Kessa was more than a tool, though, she was intelligent and cunning.

She returned with the case, and opened it. Peggets. A fething load of them. Ulani was tempted to pick one up, feel it for authenticity. But she had no doubt they were real. Valen liked to show off his wealth, and giving such a generous amount before the job made him look like it was nothing. It wasn't nothing to Ulani. With it she and Kessa could well supply themselves for the job.

Kessa returned to Ulani's side and they turned to take leave of the Iron Hand. The woman's familiar voice toned softly in Ulani's ear. So, it was Kessa who had recommended Ulani for the job. The Sephi's admiration, and trust, in the slave woman jumped. Not only did she drop Ulani's name for the mission, but Kessa did ground work as well. She may prove a good partner afterall.

Ulani's gaze was drifting, as if taking in the splendor of Valen's gathered trophies. But her attention was on the voice of the woman next to her. Kessa's comment about her own doubts about playing the part, and how she could see Ulani fitting right in, amused the Sephi. Her head turned slightly to look at the brunette, the corner of her mouth turning up slightly in a private grin.

It was true, Ulani had learned to melt into a scene, whether a street thug or a high-society socialite, whatever the job demanded. Her gaze sifted over Kessa as they walked out of the throne room. As far as Kessa, with her pitfigher posture and marred skin, it would be hard to sell as at a ritzy event. But the woman had a beauty Ulani could see in spite of it all.

"We'll both fit right in...I have a few ideas." She said, glancing again over at Kessa, giving her a grin and a wink. But first, Ulani wanted to get the hell off of that ship.

 

[Kessa Ironbrand]

VOID TOLL

Kessa didn't look back as they left the throne room. She'd spent enough time in that space to know exactly what it was—power dressed up as taste. The doors slid shut behind them with a low hiss, and only then did something in her shoulders loosen, just slightly. Not relaxed. Never that. Just… no longer standing in the center of a predator's den.

The case of peggats remained in her grip for a few steps longer before she shifted it, offering it properly to Ulani this time as they moved down the corridor. "Don't spend it all trying to look the part," she muttered, tone dry. "We still need to get in and out."

Her eyes flicked sideways, catching that grin, the wink—filing it away without reacting to it outright. But there was a faint shift in her expression. Amusement, maybe. Or curiosity.

"Mm." A few more steps in silence, boots echoing softly along the metal decking. Then—"You have transport?" Kessa asked, practical as ever. "Or are we lifting something on the way out?"

Her gaze moved ahead, already mapping routes in her head. Docking bays. Patrol patterns. Who might notice, who wouldn't. "If we're flying in clean," she continued, quieter now, "it needs to match the story. No pirate rust bucket. Something that says we belong before we even open our mouths."

She glanced back to Ulani again, this time more directly. "And I'd rather know before we're halfway to Nar Shaddaa whether I'm walking into that place as hired muscle… or something a little more refined." A faint huff of breath escaped her—almost a laugh, but not quite.

Her hand came up briefly, brushing along one of the faint scars at her collarbone, more out of habit than self-consciousness. "Because I'll be honest," Kessa added, lowering her voice just a touch, "I'm real interested in hearing these 'ideas' of yours."

There was a beat as her eyes tracked over Ulani again—not assessing threat this time, but something more measured, more thoughtful. "How exactly you plan to make me pass for high society…" she said, the corner of her mouth twitching faintly, "or underworld high society."

Another step. Then, quieter still—"Either way… I want to hear it before I end up wearing something I can't move in."

KESSA "IRONBRAND"
• Location: Iron Hand's "Throne" Room, Star Eater
• Objective: Finish negotiations
• Outfit: Normal Rags
• Company: Ulani Shen

 

[Ulani Shen]

​

tag: Kessa Ironbrand

With the hiss of the doors shutting behind them, Ulani relaxed a bit. That man was irritatingly self absorbed, but that fit the pirate lord type. He was a megalomaniac, but an effective one, and one with plenty of credits to throw her way. As she and Kessa retreated down the passage way, Ulani took the offered case. The brunette was hard to read, but that was a good thing. You could get a way with a lot more when you had a sabcc face.

When chided not to spend too much on looking the part for the job, Ulani gave her companion a sidelong glance and another smirk. "Don't worry, I won't. And I have transport, but you are right, we'll need something special for this job. We'll need to make a stop. I know a guy." The Sephi added as they entered the hanger. Kessa again voiced her curiosity about her role in the job. Ulani understood. The woman was a living, breathing weapon, and the concern that she would in anyway be restricted in movement was valid.

They entered the hanger, where her courier ship waited. It was non-descript with a worn paint job. Just the way Ulani liked to keep it. She tilted her head towards the vessel, indicating it was hers. "Well, you named an obvious ruse, as a body guard. It not be a hard sell, since you carry yourself like a fighter." Ulani again glanced at Kessa before acutating the gangway ramp.

"Another take is you act as my slave." She added as she lead the woman into the ship. There was no judgement, or air of superiority in the idea. By then, Kessa should have percieved that Ulani had her respect and treated her as an equal. That was something, given Sephi's natural haughtiness. "Or..." she paused, once again shooting a fleeting glance at Kessa, "my arm candy." She turned to hide her smirk.

"We can discuss which would be most sellable and useful. But don't worry, this isn't my first bantha roundup. I want to ensure you unique skills are in no way hindered by your clothing or accessories. the ultimate goal, as you stated, was to get in and get out."

Ulani finally arrived at the cockpit, gesturing for Kessa to sit in the co-pilot seat. "We can discuss your thoughts on the way." she added, strapping in and starting the engine-ignition cycle.

 

[Kessa Ironbrand]

VOID TOLL

Kessa followed Ulani aboard without hesitation, her expression remaining as unreadable as ever. Professional. Focused. The same mask she'd worn in Iron Hand's throne room. The same mask she'd worn for years.

It was easier that way. Suggesting Ulani for the job had been simple enough to justify. She was competent. Resourceful. Smart enough not to get herself killed. All perfectly valid reasons.

The fact that Kessa genuinely enjoyed her company was entirely unrelated. At least that was what she kept telling herself.

The courier vessel earned an approving glance as she stepped aboard. It wasn't much to look at, which made it better than most ships she'd dealt with. Nobody remembered forgettable. Nobody searched forgettable. "Good," Kessa said when Ulani confirmed she already had transport. "One less problem."

She settled into the co-pilot seat as directed, posture still rigid despite the relative privacy of the cockpit. Her attention drifted across the controls, noting exits, storage compartments, and potential weapon placements by habit. The bodyguard suggestion earned a small nod. "That would work."

It was obvious. Simple. Believable. Then came the second option. Slave. Kessa's expression barely shifted. The role wouldn't be difficult to play. She already wore the collar. Plenty of wealthy criminals enjoyed displaying ownership as a status symbol. If anything, it might draw less scrutiny than an armed escort.

She was already considering advantages and drawbacks when Ulani offered the third possibility. Arm candy. For perhaps the first time since leaving the throne room, Kessa looked genuinely caught off guard. "What?"

The word escaped before she could stop it. A nervous chuckle followed immediately after, and she rubbed the back of her neck. "Did you see the twins in there?" Her eyes flicked toward Ulani. There was a sparkle in her eye that said Kessa definitely noticed the twins.

"And the Twi'lek?" Another short laugh. "How can you seriously look at them and then look at me and think I'm the arm candy?"

The question was delivered with more bewilderment than offense. Kessa glanced down at one of the older scars running along her forearm. She was strong. Useful. Dangerous. Beautiful had never been particularly high on the list.

"There is... a lot to discuss there." The nervous amusement lingered as she settled back into the seat.

"Honestly, bodyguard is probably the most obvious choice." A pause. "Problem is bodyguards get noticed." That thoughtful look returned. "People watch bodyguards. They expect trouble from bodyguards."

Her gaze shifted toward Ulani. "They don't pay nearly as much attention to slaves." Another beat. "Or arm candy."

The corner of her mouth twitched upward despite herself. "Which is a ridiculous sentence for me to say out loud." Still, she couldn't entirely dismiss the idea. A bodyguard was a threat. A slave was property. A beautiful companion was decoration. And people rarely paid attention to decorations.

Kessa folded her arms and looked over at Ulani. "Alright then." The faint smile remained. "Sell me on it."

Her eyebrow rose slightly. "How exactly are you planning to turn a pit fighter into high society?"

KESSA “IRONBRAND”
• Location: Iron Hand's "Throne" Room, Star Eater
• Objective: Finish negotiations
• Outfit: Normal Rags
• Company: Ulani Shen

 

[Ulani Shen]

​

tag: Kessa Ironbrand

While she only showed a little more expression than Kessa in the throne room, Ulani dropped her guard within her own ship. Her companion, understandably, did not. In her position, being guarded, avoiding any disclosure was essential. Still, when Ulani mentioned arm candy, she felt the satisfaction of a reaction from Kessa, no matter how small it might be.

"True, a bodyguard would be easy and acceptable, but not ideal. A bodyguard suggests they guard something, or someone, valuable, that draws attention. Something we don't want." Ulani nodded as she finished firing up the engines. A deckhand was waving her towards the exit. The ship began to creep in that direction.

The idea of a slave floated well too. Kessa looked the part certainly. The shindig was over Nar Shadda. Slavery was accepted, and most everyone there would be high in the underworld, criminal organizations, or morally compromised at best. Ulani didn't like the idea of playing a slave owner, but she was a professional, and would for the right job.

But the role of beautiful companion really flustered Kessa, to Ulani's twisted amusement. Cracks appeared in the woman's tough exterior, a scoffing chuckle, a lilt in tone. Ulani had known Kessa as as solid as durasteel, unfazed, all business, it was good to see she was still alive behind that hard shell. Kessa began her barrage of protests, comparing herself to Valen's beauties. It was true, Kessa wasn't like twins or the Twi'lek. They were far less appealing, in Ulani's eyes, than Kessa was.

"Yeah, I saw them. Pretty and soft. But not everyone likes soft and docile." Ulani looked at Kessa with another smirk. Maybe she was liking the idea too much, playing into an intrigue she possessed regarding Kessa. Besides, there was no way to train Kessa in time to act high society. Everything about her movements spoke of threat, of strong confidence. But she didn't want to understimate Kessa.

The ship cleared the hanger and drifted into the void. Kessa challenged Ulani to explain how it could possibly work. Ulani tasked the navcomp to calculate the jump, then hummed in thought. "Why not combine the two. more of a servant assistnat." She posed. "You could pose as my assistant." It was reasonable, being a servant would explain that slavie-like features, scars, collar, rough around the edges, but fine clothes and that sharply intelligent gaze Kessa had could sell. "Not as big an attention-getter as a bodyguard, not as 'distasteful' as a slave, easier to sell than arm candy. But a little of all three."

"If you can keep from glaring menacingly and relax a bit, I can make you look the part." Ulani quirked a brow, finding the idea of dressing Kessa for the part more exciting than it should.

 

[Kessa Ironbrand]

VOID TOLL

Kessa stared at Ulani for a moment after the Sephi's explanation.

Pretty and soft.

Not everyone likes soft and docile.

The words echoed around her head far longer than they should have. For a brief, dangerous moment, Kessa found herself wondering if Ulani was actually serious. The thought arrived unexpectedly and was immediately shoved aside.

They were discussing a job. A cover identity. An infiltration. Nothing more. Still, it was difficult not to replay the comparison. The twins. The Twi'lek. And somehow Ulani had looked at all of them and then chosen to argue in Kessa's favor.

It didn't make much sense. Which was probably why it lingered. Fortunately, the conversation moved back toward practical matters before Kessa could dwell on it further. The stars stretched into lines outside the viewport as the ship entered hyperspace. Only then did she feel the last traces of tension begin to leave her shoulders.

The further the Star Eater became, the easier it was to breathe. The easier it was to stop being Iron Hand's slave and start being herself again. Kessa shifted slightly in the co-pilot's chair.

"A servant assistant." She rolled the title around thoughtfully. "That actually sounds believable." More believable than pretending she belonged among nobles. More believable than pretending she wasn't a slave. And certainly more believable than pretending she was some decorative socialite.

"The rough-around-the-edges slave part isn't exactly an act." A faint smirk appeared. "Been training for that role my whole life."

Her fingers drummed lightly against one armrest. "The assistant angle explains why I know things. Why I pay attention. Why I'm standing close enough to hear conversations." She nodded once. "And having someone useful around keeps people comfortable. Most criminals understand servants."

A glance slid toward Ulani. "More comfortable than they would be around a bodyguard."

That part was undeniable. People watched bodyguards. Measured them. Prepared for them. Most people looked right through servants.

The idea had merit. Though one piece still bothered her. Kessa narrowed her eyes slightly. "What I still don't understand is where exactly the arm candy part comes in." There was no hostility in the question anymore. Just genuine curiosity.

A few minutes ago the suggestion had nearly short-circuited her thoughts. Now it mostly left her confused. "...not that I'm complaining if it helps the job." The admission came easier than she expected. Perhaps because part of her was still trying to understand why Ulani seemed so convinced it could work.

Or perhaps because knowing Ulani apparently considered her more attractive than Iron Hand's collection of decorative slaves had made the whole thing feel a little less absurd. A little. Kessa folded her arms behind her head and settled deeper into the seat.

For the first time since boarding the pirate flagship, she looked almost relaxed. Almost. Her gaze drifted toward the starfield projected across the cockpit displays. Then back to Ulani. "Alright."

The corner of her mouth twitched upward. "Enough about me." She tilted her head slightly. "What's your cover?"

The question was practical, but interested. "You've figured out what role I play." A pause. "How exactly is Ulani Shen getting invited into a sky-palace full of wealthy criminals and underworld aristocrats?"

Her brow lifted. "Because I have a feeling you already know the answer."

KESSA “IRONBRAND”
• Location: Iron Hand's "Throne" Room, Star Eater
• Objective: Finish negotiations
• Outfit: Normal Rags
• Company: Ulani Shen

 

[Ulani Shen]

​

tag: Kessa Ironbrand

Ulani let Kessa think through the idea. The Sephi knew the girl was sharp, observant and thought things through. She seemed convinced of the viability of the role, though the arm candy bit still vexed her, Ulani could tell with mild amusement. She really should be more professional, but she found prodding Kessa with it fun, and hoping the woman would have even the slightest glimpse of seeing herself as more than a slave and a weapon.

"Well..." Ulani shrugged. "I just mean it's a fancy party, and you can't dress like its any other work day. Even as a servant, it would reflect poorly on your boss if you didn't look good." She explained, glancing again over at the scarred woman in her tattered gear.

"As for me..." Ulani looked up as if contemplating, even though she had something in mind already. "Arms dealer. They tend not to be too boistrous about their business, so being unfamiliar won't be so unusual. Its a respectaable trade among the type that will be at the sky-palace. "

Unstrapping from the chair and standing to stretch, Ulani continued. "And the invitation will come from the same place our fancy ride will. I have a friend with a lot of resources. Those peggets will get us what we need from him. We'll be there in a few hours."

The Sephi canted her head, indicating Kessa should follow her. Ulani lead her guest to a very small room that served as both a lounge and galley. "Hungry?" She asked.

 

[Kessa Ironbrand]

VOID TOLL

Kessa followed Ulani into the small galley, taking in the cramped but efficient layout with a glance. Compared to the excess of the Star Eater, the courier felt honest. Functional. Built for a purpose rather than a reputation. The discussion, however, remained fixed firmly on the upcoming masquerade. She sighed softly. "Alright, fine." The words came reluctantly.

"If I'm supposed to look like I belong at a fancy party, I'll admit I wouldn't have the slightest idea where to start." Kessa looked down at herself—the worn clothing, practical boots, old scars peeking out from beneath sleeves that had seen better years. "I know armor. Work clothes. Things that don't matter if they get blood on them."

A faint smirk appeared. "Party attire isn't exactly one of my specialties." Her eyes shifted back toward Ulani. "So I'll leave that part to you." The statement carried more trust than Kessa probably intended. "You pick it." A brief pause followed. "Just don't choose something that stops me from doing my job." That was the only condition. The rest she would somehow figure out.

The conversation shifted to Ulani's cover identity, earning a thoughtful hum from Kessa. An arms dealer. That made sense. More than most stories she'd heard criminals invent. "Mmm." She nodded approvingly. "That's actually smart."

Her arms folded loosely across her chest. "Nobody expects an arms dealer to be famous. Half their business depends on not being famous." Another beat. Then a flicker of amusement crossed her features. "Though now I'm curious."

Her brow arched slightly. "Does an arms dealer need to get dolled up for one of these parties too?" The image was amusing enough that Kessa couldn't entirely suppress the smile threatening the corner of her mouth. Though aside from amusing Ulani in something flashy and revealing was of interest to Kessa as well. She could already imagine Ulani pretending to be some wealthy merchant while privately judging everyone in the room.

The mention of a contact handling the invitation and transport earned a more serious nod. That part she liked. Reliability mattered. And frankly, she trusted an unknown professional more than she trusted most of Iron Hand's crew. "Good."

The answer came immediately. "That's probably a better option than relying on my master for every piece of this operation." The words weren't disrespectful. Just practical. Kessa trusted Valen to pursue his interests. That wasn't always the same thing as pursuing hers.

When Ulani asked if she was hungry, the brunette actually smiled. A genuine one. Small, but real. "A slave learns to eat whenever it's offered." There was humor in the statement, but experience too. Years of it.

She stepped toward the galley's counter and leaned against it casually. "Besides," she added, glancing toward Ulani, "if we're about to spend the next few hours turning me into some refined servant-assistant-arm-candy hybrid..."

The ridiculous title earned a quiet chuckle. "...I should probably enjoy being comfortable while I still can."

KESSA “IRONBRAND”
• Location: Iron Hand's "Throne" Room, Star Eater
• Objective: Finish negotiations
• Outfit: Normal Rags
• Company: Ulani Shen

 

[Ulani Shen]

​

tag: Kessa Ironbrand

Ulani's pulled a container of stew from the chiller and set it to reheat. As she retrieved two bowls, her gaze darted again towards Kessa, pondering what the woman should wear. The worn tank top revealed lean muscled arms, well scarred. Those would have to be covered. But she had a decent figure, maybe some cleavage would be nice. Ulani stifled the smirk of approval. She was, however, of the same mind as the slave woman when it came to functionality. Something slitted for good mobility. She thought she had something that would work.

"Don't worry, I think we can accomplish both with the right outfit." Ulani assured Kessa. "The harder part for you will remembering how to act. You can't look like you are ready to beat the crap out of anyone who comes near." It wasn't a dig at the woman, it was simply who she was, what she had been forced to be. "But I think you can pull it off." The Sephi encouraged.

"Does an arms dealer need to get dolled up for one of these parties too?"

Ulani grinned slightly at the question as she dished out the stew and poured two waters. Moving to the small table, she answered. "Of course. Dealing in arms is a business, and dealers are entreprenuers. At a party like this, you want to look successful so you are taken seriously." She explained as she sat and began eat.

After the meal, Ulani lead Kessa to her small quarters, where they would begin working on the transformation. She suggested her companion grab a shower in the 'fresher, so Ulani had a clean slate to work with.