Private The Testing Grounds

[Niki Priddy]

Objective: Secure a deal with a display.
Equipment: Priddy Plates | Attire - See Right | Wristwear | L&R Middle-Finger Rings | Belt | Keyring | Dasmi's Pendant | Coal Nail Polish | Transition Glasses | Glasses Charm
On Person: Yellow Vipers
Augmentation: PGEM-SAP "Amber Eyes"
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna

A private invitation had been sent to two members in particular of The High Republic in following the report from Wielu.

The location on Beltrix III was no secret meeting place however. Priddy General Engineering and Manufacturing site known by its rather simplistic name of Mass Production Facility 1 did not lend credence to the sheer scale of the twin facilities. Dominating the air space around them with a security fence and pylons spaced evenly to maintain that line in the sand from those that might cause trouble.

Niki awaited both of them atop the first building, drowned out by the constant hum of repuslor craft around the buildings and largely hidden from view by the beacon lights that welcomed the craft bringing her guests.

The interaction the Senate had been made to work with was a deplorable one if she had understood the report correctly. Not only was this meant to refresh them to a more civilized setting, but also to serve as a display piece for the talking points Niki had sent to the High Republic committee for review.

The proposed product of a personal shield generator had already made it through R&D, initial trials, and even a few test runs of production to iron out potential issues.

Niki took a long drag from the yellow viper in her hand. Her security retinue watching not only their surroundings, but the sky as they awaited the arrival of their guests.

"Eyes up, mouths shut." Niki spoke through a haze filled sigh. "These are clients representing a possible deal with The High Republic. Best behavior, and potential bonuses if this goes through."

Severely sharp nods followed the announcement as the shuttle came into sight. A final drag taken as the viper was thrown to the ground and stepped on. The final bits of spice laced tobac smoke leaving her lips as she waited for the two to make their way over to her.

A hand covering where most humans hearts would be as she greeted them both with a slight bow. "Welcome to Beltrix III. I am Niki Priddy, owner of Priddy General Engineering and Manufacturing and lead designer of the products I sent in my proposal for consideration to the committee."

Her hand waving them towards an access elevator that would take them to the interior of the facility.

"I have initial productions of the personal shield generator for you to examine as to better inform you of what I offer, and what is to come."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

The shuttle cut through Beltrix III's thick haze, its polished hull glinting under the sharp blink of the beacon lights. Aurelian stood by the open hatch before the landing struts even touched down, the repulsor wash ruffling his dark hair into deliberate disarray. His smile was already there, hinting at charm first, trouble second.

Sibylla stood beside him, poised and dangerous. Recent events, however, had hammered home just how precarious that life could be. The memory of a lightsaber's plasma arc, far too close for comfort, one that almost skewered him.

A personal shield generator for his peace of mind was now a necessity. If Priddy's device could stop what had nearly killed him, it might just be worth the Senate's time.

He stepped out into the hum of repulsor craft and the industrial tang of the Mass Production Facility. His eyes swept the rooftop with practiced calculation. The security team didn't escape his notice: disciplined, armed, and threatening enough to make this meeting interesting.

Niki Priddy was already there, framed by the machinery and the night. Her greeting was formal, but her eyes were sharp. Aurelian returned her bow with an easy half-smile, the kind that could pass for courtesy or mockery, depending on who was watching.

"An honor, Miss Priddy," he said, his voice warm but edged. "I hear you've built something that can keep a person alive when the galaxy insists otherwise. I want to see if it can deliver on that promise."

He followed her toward the elevator, his coat swirling around his boots. He was already imagining the feel of the shield activating, and what it might be like to walk into danger while wearing it.

Niki Priddy | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Aurelian Veruna Niki Priddy ​

Sibylla let her gaze drift just beyond the open hatch of the shuttle, to where the thick haze of Beltrix III hung like a suspended storm. Outwardly, her expression was calm, almost serene. Inwardly, her thoughts tumbled in quick succession, tracing the chain of events that had brought them to this moment.

When she had first implored Aurelian to wear additional protection beneath his clothing, he had laughed, called her paranoid, and shaken his head with that maddening air of someone humoring her. Yet it had been her caution and prudence that saved his life on that bloody afternoon on Wielu. She had not gloated, nor did she take satisfaction in being right. No, it only confirmed what she already suspected. The path they walked demanded preparation and the right tools.

Prudence had its virtue. And Niki Priddy, in more ways than one, was the embodiment of prudence.

If this shield generator delivered on its proposed design, it could alleviate more of her brother Cassian Abrantes ' concerns. The way her brother’s face had drained of color and looked at her with the harrowed, fearful expression of losing her had rattled her. Not just because of Cassian, but also because of what Aurelian had uttered to her before.

Actions had consequences. My actions had consequences. And she was coming to realize that they affected more than just herself when it came to those decisions. Not just in a political sense, but in a personal matter too.

With a soft intake of breath, Sibylla stepped forward to join Aurelian. He moved as he always did, full of pomp and presence, cloak brushing his boots while she walked alongside him with measured grace. This time, her thick mahogany hair was drawn into an intricate braid that kept every strand in its place until it fell in a single heavy rope down her back.

Her high-collared travel gown of Shell spider-silk hugged her figure; its dark chocolate weave was traced with embroidery over the shoulders and sleeves. A leather belt cinched her waist, and with each step she took, the pleated skirt parted to reveal the fitted trousers tucked into tall buckled boots. Elegant, but practical -- exactly what she wanted for the examination of the personal shield generator Niki had invited them to see.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Miss Priddy," Sibylla said, a genuine curve to her lips as she extended her hand in greeting before stepping into the elevator alongside her and Aurelian.

"I reviewed the initial designs, and I am eager to see how the oscillating phased field performs in practice...particularly in circumstances where discretion is paramount." Her hazel eyes met those of the engineer with keen interest.

 

[Niki Priddy]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

One of her guests delivered arrogance fitting of one that survived being attacked with a lightsaber. The other the impression of practicality that suited the CEO's tastes far more than the former. Both appearing to be eager to examine the product as promised. Both potentially holding the sway she desired to stir the High Republic into further contracts for military spending. Her thoughts returning to their previous idle ponderings as both shared their own avenues of interest for the shielding system.

The arrogance coming to mind as she watched him walk. Seeming to corroborate it as a consistent if maybe exaggerated character trait with the findings of the Queen Mother.

A defense mechanism perhaps? A trained mindset? Or an overdeveloped projection of self-confident assurance that shielded him in a galaxy wide system that valued confident airs. Wonder quietly settled in regards to the potential answer of these thoughts. Stealing a glance towards the woman before her could tell her which assumption was correct and which assumption was a blind shot into the void.

"I build many things to help people stay alive." Her hand waved dismissively before looking directly to Senator Veruna. "But a determined adversary will find a way. Especially if their target chooses to remain ignorant of the proper applications, and shortcomings, of the items I provide."

The greeting from Representative Abrantes was met with equal warmth.

"A pleasure that is all mine, Representative Abrantes. I do hope you change that title to something more fitting in the near future." Looking very much like the Loth-cat that caught the canary with her comment, Niki turned to lead them towards into the elevator, using only the slightest nods to direct the security team that followed behind them into place before the door.

"Discretion in regard to protective equipment is a fine line to walk." The elevator doors closed with a hiss as it sealed and pressurized. The air now filtered and slightly cooled even as they descended. The interior a stone gray shining in the cool lighting provided by inlaid lamps in the corners of the elevator carriage.

Niki pealed back her jacket to reveal the limited protective armor piece before closing her jacket with a pointed look to both of them.

"From personal experience, the vitals organs are the most concerning factor when designing equipment for discretion." The light above the door shining bright as they reached the display floor. The doors opening as the security team separated. One stepping out and sweeping the room before nodding. Drawing out the other security staff as Niki led the way once more. "A personal shield generator ideally circumvents the necessity for bulky plating."

The bare corridors of the display floor were in a similar stone gray, with more recessed lighting set into the corners of the ceiling as Niki led them down the hallway to a left hand turn. Passing four sealed doors along the way to their destination until she brought the retinue to a halt outside the fifth door they came across.

"The issues pertaining to a personal shield system however, becomes managing weight against protective properties."

Niki pressed her hand against a data-terminal. A breath passed as heavy geared locks clicked and whirred from within the door itself until the door panels peeled away and left the room inviting them inside.

"And given the after action reports of the latest attempt at diplomacy with not one, but two parties," Niki stepped inside first, leaving two guards stationed at the door while the rest followed in close step behind her before spreading out to cover the room. Her steps resounding off the bare walls into a tiered floor plan. The outer tier they would step onto first being level with the floor outside with a singular table within a few strides of the door, with two steps down into an area that appeared to be modeled after the interior of a Nobles home on Naboo in both color and quality.

"This design seemed the most pertinent to showcase." Her hand slid across the top of the rooms singular table. Two Boxes no larger than half of ones palm and no thicker than a dainty finger lay waiting beside a pair of sheathed blades.

"Feel free to test them as you please. I will be offering input, along with a warning about relying on these, shortly before you depart."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

Aurelian's smile stayed steady as Niki spoke, though a slight tilt of his head showed he was absorbing everything; her demeanor, the room's details, and the product she clearly took pride in. Her comment about "remaining ignorant of proper applications" might have been a jab at others, but for him, it just added another layer to the game.

"That sounds almost like you're implying I'm the type who'd skip a manual," he said lightly, his eyes gleaming as if daring her to confirm it.

As the tour moved to the display floor, his attention fixed on the sleek, unassuming shield units. They looked almost delicate, a quality he appreciated. Protection that didn't broadcast itself was far more valuable than the clunky armor he'd seen senators wear.

He picked up one of the devices with the careful respect given to a rare jewel, turning it over in his palm before securing it. A soft hum vibrated up his arm, and for a heartbeat, his mind raced. He pictured alleyway ambushes, blaster bolts that harmlessly fizzled, and the stunned look on an enemy's face when their killing blow simply vanished.

His gaze then moved to the two blades lying on the table. He chose one, testing its weight, letting the light catch its edge.

Aurelian stepped into the space, positioning himself with a deliberate flourish. "If this works as promised," he said, glancing at Sibylla with that dangerous smile, "we might both sleep a little easier."

He held the blade loosely at his side, then winked at her, a mix of challenge and invitation. "Go on. Give it your best shot. I'm curious to see if Miss Priddy's creation prefers theory or practice."

Niki Priddy | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Aurelian Veruna Niki Priddy ​

"In my experience, yes, vital organs deserve the utmost protection..tThough I would argue throats come a very close second." The remark carried the air of someone speaking casually, yet the shadow in her gaze hinted at memories far from pleasant. She let it pass without elaboration, turning her attention to the table instead.

By the time they reached the testing area, Aurelian already strode forward to take one of the shield generators in hand. Sibylla was slower to move, but not in fear or hesitation, but more in deep contemplative pondering. She lifted the remaining shield generator with deliberate care, testing its weight in her palm before glancing to Niki.

"Does it require placement over a specific point, or is there flexibility? Formal attire, field gear... even something as simple as a stroll in the gardens calls for a different arrangement."

Her hazel eyes met the engineer's with genuine interest, her expression shifting into one of genuine focus and contemplation as she listened to every detail.

If this works as promised," he said, glancing at Sibylla with that dangerous smile, "we might both sleep a little easier."

Aurelian's voice floated across the space, rich with charm and accompanied by the signature smile he seemed to wear so naturally. It was as if the bloody scene that had seen him pale, injured, and struggling to breathe didn't even affect him.

Sibylla found herself envious of that fact. How he had the seemingly ability to brush off death and still flash that maddening smirk of utter confidence.

Certainly, the way he carried the vibro blade he picked up indicated a skill that the man had no doubt perfected in his lifetime for use. Different from Sibylla, who had initially considered such pastimes as fencing to be just mere noble pastimes. An error in judgment that she'd been practicing to try and remedy in the wake of her assassination attempt.

As it was, the baited challenge in his tone did not go unnoticed. Despite Sibylla's practiced composure, competition was one of the few things that could draw the younger woman out of her shell. Sibylla's lips began to twitch into a subtle curve as she adjusted the shield in place before her fingers brushed the hilt of the vibroshiv. Hazel eyes caught Aurelian's with a flicker of mischief.

"Practice over theory, then," she said, as evenly as if they were discussing the weather, her wrist rotating as she used the motion to get used to the vibroknife's weight.

"Though I should warn you... my brother has been giving me lessons. He will be most disappointed if I don't make use of them."

It was by no sheer chance that Sibylla mentioned her brother, Cassian Abrantes . Oh no, that, by all intents and purposes, was the teenager's devilry exposing itself in rare mischief.

That was bait.

 

[Niki Priddy]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

"I do not imply. Merely offer past experience as a reminder for the future." Niki hedged at his comment. Neither confirming nor denying his suspicions.

Niki stepped aside, allowing them access to the table as Aurelian moved first to take a shield. Commenting on the potential for better sleep as Niki let her brow rise.

"This should allow you some measure of peace, as I do not promise. I deliver." No inflection to her voice. No spike of pride as she chose to ignore his final comment.

Instead addressing Sibylla.

"The device does not require you to place it in any specific location besides on your person. A belt-sash-bandolier-lapel. Back pocket. A waistband. The interior of a boot. A particularly sturdy cuff." Rattling off potential locations for the device to be hidden and touching those spots on her own attire before returning to an easy stance.

"So long as the device is in close proximity to your body, the shield will conform to the majority of mass." Niki paused briefly at her own words as her head tilted.

"Proximity to the body can be measured as such." Niki turned before they had truly begun to test the item. "Can you touch it to activate it? If you are unable to reach the device, it will likely not function as intended despite being engaged. And may in fact work against you. As this suggests you are either unaware upon waking, disrobed, or otherwise acting foolishly."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

Aurelian listened to Niki's list of possible placements as though she were reading a particularly intriguing menu, his gaze flicking between the points she indicated on her own clothing. A slow, knowing smirk followed, like a man who had already found three ways to misuse the thing before she had even finished explaining.

"So I could wear it tucked in a boot, hidden in a cuff, or dangling from my ear like a trinket?" he mused, tilting the shield unit in his hand to catch the light. "Practical, certainly. Though practicality has never stopped me from getting killed before." His tone was airy, but the glint in his eyes was knife-sharp. "Tell me, how long does it last once activated? More to the point, if someone decides to try their luck with a lightsaber again, am I buying myself time to think, or am I just an extremely well-dressed pile of ash?"

He didn't bother to hide the faint twitch of amusement at his own phrasing, nor the way he watched for even the subtlest reaction from her.

The shield's gentle hum through his wrist was a subtle, grounding sensation, a promise tinged with arrogance. His attention drifted to Sibylla just in time to catch her quip about Cassian.

That earned her a slow, deliberate raised brow, a silent acknowledgement of the bait she'd dangled. Aurelian stepped forward, his movements unhurried but intimate, closing the space between them until the faint scent of her perfume mixed with the tang of the shield's energy.

"If your brother's been giving you lessons," he said softly, the warmth of his voice carrying an edge meant only for her, "you're going to need more lessons." The smile that followed was dangerous, a subtle promise wrapped in silk, far more than merely charming. "From someone… more capable."

The vibroblade in his hand tilted, catching the room's cool light before the tip found its way to the fabric above her abdomen. The press was sudden, precise, the kind of controlled danger that felt more like theatre than a true threat, but only just.

The shield flared instantly, a ripple of blue-white energy skimming along the point before fading into nothing. Aurelian didn't look away from her face, watching for the exact moment the light touched her eyes.

"I could make time," his voice dropping lower, more conspiratorial. "But I can't promise I'd keep it entirely… professional." The pause was intentional, the implication heavy between them. Then, with the faintest upward twitch at the corner of his mouth: "Ask dear Cassian Abrantes what he thinks of that. If you want to watch him choke on his tea."

Niki Priddy | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Aurelian Veruna Niki Priddy ​

Sibylla was pleased with Niki Priddy's answer. Clipping the device by her belt would suit her perfectly. A technology that she can keep close at hand, be discreet, and not draw the eye. If all it required was to be reachable, it was a practical piece indeed.

"So I am still responsible for my person in the most intimate of moments," she remarked dryly, acknowledging the shield's limits. She had no time to muse further, for Aurelian closed the distance between them once again.

He had a maddening tendency to trespass upon propriety -- fingers brushing her jaw or tucking a stray curl behind her ear -- gestures that were almost certainly part of a well practiced repertoire, reminding her of the other times when he'd stepped into her personal space as if daring her to step back. Sibylla humored them only because she knew he aimed for theatrics, and also because they were intended to provoke. He had been no less bold in the Candidate Suite in Theed when she had sought to read him before proposing her support and an alliance, and even now, Aurelian was not so easily deciphered. Still, she could not ignore how near he came, close enough for the faint spice of lavender and citrus to thread between them.

"If your brother's been giving you lessons," he said softly, the warmth of his voice carrying an edge meant only for her, "you're going to need more lessons." The smile that followed was dangerous, a subtle promise wrapped in silk, far more than merely charming. "From someone… more capable."

"I could make time," his voice dropping lower, more conspiratorial. "But I can't promise I'd keep it entirely… professional."

Sibylla's hazel eyes narrowed slightly, her expression carrying the faint air of someone unimpressed. And yet, ever since he had told her he saw her, not the perfect daughter, not the symbol, Sibylla had found herself circling back to those words. They made her think, wonder and confused her on what was his aim?

It was nothing like with Lysander. He had never bothered to hide his emotions, never cared what the galaxy thought of them. What she saw in him was what he felt. No masks. Raw. Unfiltered. The thought of him evoked another memory of when she'd seen him last, and another pang jolted through her chest.

The brief wander of her mind allowed the tip of Aurelian's vibroblade to find the fabric above her abdomen. The press was sharp enough to bring her back to the present, forcing Sibylla to push down the brief flutter of grief and turn it into a razor-sharp focus instead.

Her hazel eyes narrowed on Aurelian as the shield's brief flare lit the amber flecks within them, before she let them roll in a manner that was half exasperation, half dismissal.

"When do you ever keep it completely professional?" she asked point blank, deciding to treat any implication in his tone as bait. She was sure he had likely quoted such lines to others before. Although, the image of her brother choking in his tea at her bringing up the suggestion was enough to evoke a twist at the corner of her lips, bringing a faint shimmer of mirth to her eyes again.

Sibylla shifted her stance subtly, weight balanced, then tapped the flat of her vibroknife against his in a light, deliberate contact. The blades kissed with a muted hum before she slid hers along his in a controlled outside line, turning his point off to the side. Without pause, she used the opening to snap forward with a short, sharp thrust toward his ribs... just enough to test his guard without overcommitting.

She never broke eye contact, even as the shield shimmered between them when it struck, its light brushing over the angled planes of his tanned face in turn. The spark in her gaze and a lofted brow said plainly she had no intention of letting him dictate the pace of their match.

"Let's test just how capable those skills of yours are." It was part challenge, part genuine curiosity. Cassian's training had been by-the-book reliable, disciplined, and drilled into her with military precision. Aurelian, she suspected, fought differently.

And when her life was at stake, she needed to learn the kind of moves that ended a fight decisively. Permanently.

"And are you so sure Tona would allow you any time in that busy calendar of yours?" she added, her tone slipping toward wry, this time moving backward to allow enough space for a proper spar. "I imagine it's only gotten busier."

Towards Niki Priddy she tossed a genuine question before they had a proper start, "Are there any particulars we should know regarding the shields before we begin? I rather not accidently nick Senator Aurelian's pretty little visage and invoke the wrath of his fanbase."

 

[Niki Priddy]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

Niki narrowed her eyes a mere fraction with Aurelian's comment about an ear piece.

"Certainly. Though, this model is fairly bulky for such use as an ear decoration. Unless you are aiming to act as an augmented human." Her voice leaning towards a possibility though as her head tilted.

"A more dedicated module could be devised however, if this version proves itself in your care. Or perhaps because of it." She smiled sweetly as Sibylla's question brought amusement to her. Providing what felt like an appropriate response to the representatives musing.

"I believe with intimate moments, the shield would likely not function unless more intense, movements, occurred. Granted that was not a focused metric we had accounted for if you should require-" That smile did not change despite the lingering look Niki gave to the woman. Leaving the silent question to hang there and instead shifted to the next question.

The guards around them either embarrassed into silence by the implication, or already happily married.

It wasn't Niki's place to inform Sibylla of the potential issues regarding such oversights without being asked directly.

"Fourteen hours of non-strenuous use. Half if under stress such as attack. As for Lightsabers-" Her hand emerged from behind her back, pushing her glasses up and out of the way as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Due to the nature in which those weapons operate, the shield provides a few more seconds at most of resistance. But it operates in such a manner that only the initial strike is resisted."

That issue had been a sticking point in research and development along with the overall design.

"This model will provide a chance for the protected party to react, but is not capable of sustained resistance." Her hand falling away after replacing her glasses to their proper place.

The final question before they began to test the shield module drawing a severe silence from Niki as she filed through her own thoughts.

"Deliberate and patient movements are required to pierce the shield. Movements made hastily will be absorbed and distributed across the shield, highlighting the field that surrounds you. Ionic or electromagnetic pulses can temporarily disable the oscillating shield and leave you vulnerable before the shield can reorient itself. If it returns to a functional state." A severe inflection placed on the if in her statement as she slowly paced the exterior of the arena.

Heels making sharp, punctuated sounds within the room as she finally came to a stop opposite of where she had started.

"These items have only been tested within set parameters, and you are engaging in the first non-specific testing they have encountered. I expect to find issues that can be remedied with your direct input."

It wasn't a smile that she gave them. Rather an expectant look paired with a grin.

"Unless you mean to, you should not worry about errant movements. Feel free tl begin as you please."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

Aurelian's interest perked up the moment Sibylla started talking about "intimate moments". His brows lifted, and that dangerous smile curved wider, as if he'd just been given a silk-wrapped gift full of scandal. He was about to offer an indecent retort when Sibylla's sharp reminder about his professionalism cut him off, pulling his gaze back to her.

"Tona will always find time in my schedule," he murmured, voice low and meant only for her. "If you simply ask for it. And I would, of course, relish an intimate opportunity to teach you a lesson or two. Professionally, of course." The grin that followed was so overtly unprofessional, it was practically a masterpiece.

When Sibylla quipped about his fanbase, Aurelian turned to Niki with a languid shrug. "Since returning bruised and battered from Wielu, I've actually seen an uptick in the polls, no need to worry about nicking me." he said, a faint drawl curving around the words. He punctuated it with a wink, as if the galaxy's entire political interest in him were simply another admirer to indulge.

As Niki gave her straight-faced description of the shield's performance in "intense movements," Aurelian shifted just enough to watch Sibylla's reaction. He waited for the moment she realized precisely what she'd asked. The corner of his mouth twitched, but he held his tongue for now.

Her more technical breakdown drew his focus back, and for once, he was silent. He paced the tiered floor with measured steps. Fourteen hours, halved under stress. Limited lightsaber resistance. Vulnerable to ionic or electromagnetic pulses. He filed each note away, mentally weighing the device's strengths and weaknesses against the kind of situations he actually intended to walk into.

When she finished, he rolled his shoulders, loosening his stance. The shield's faint vibration was a constant reminder at his wrist. He turned to Sibylla, his blade tilting in a lazy arc that caught the light.

"You heard the Ms. Priddy," he said, his smile now sharper, hungrier. "Unless you would like to discuss intimate moments more..." His eyes locked with hers, daring her forward. "Go on, Sibylla. Make your move. I'm ready for you."

Niki Priddy | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Niki Priddy Aurelian Veruna ​

Sibylla's attention swung back to Niki, listening as the engineer explained that the shield's current model was too bulky to be fitted into something as small as earrings. That immediately sparked another thought that it could be adjusted for larger jewelry pieces, like a pendant or choker. Elegant, discreet, and practical.

She was about to ask when Niki's words cut in with another clarification on Sibylla's commentary, one that, despite its innocence, had unintentionally carried the unfortunate weight of innuendo as it touched on her being left to guard her own safety in her most private moments.

"I believe with intimate moments, the shield would likely not function unless more intense, movements, occurred. Granted that was not a focused metric we had accounted for if you should require-"

The implication landed heavily, the pointed phrasing and the guards' awkward throats clearing saying more than enough. Sibylla may not have a reputation as colorful as Aurelian, but she was not naive. While she had never known a serious courtship, flirtations had circled her since Theed Academy and even more once she became a Junior Representative. As the Daughter of Abrantes, a betrothal with her promised advantage -- but she had never entertained one. Even with Lysander, as much as it pained her to miss him, their connection had lived mostly in words, never in a kiss... much less that!

Heat rushed to her cheeks before she could stop it, blooming into a betraying blush that no amount of composure could mask. For the span of a few seconds, Sibylla's practiced poise cracked, her lips parting as if to reply to Niki Priddy , only to falter, close again, and leave her flustered.

"That wasn't -- I meant while sleeping in bed or taking a shower." Of course, in her flustered state, her attempts at excuses and verbaige only made it worse.

And of course, Aurelian was not one to lose an opportunity. His pointed use of particular phrasing of teaching her a lesson suggested far more than Niki had ever implied, and the picture it painted was both mortifying and infuriating.

Her blush darkened to crimson, the man succeeding with little more than his words to leave her flustered and aware in ways she did not wish to admit. A quip trembled on her tongue, but the very color staining her cheeks betrayed her. It was a lost round, and damnable man knew it!

"Practice over theory, then," Sibylla snapped at last, her voice clipped and more flustered than she would have liked, her hazel eyes flashing as she leveled her vibroknife, the faint hum of the shield flowing over her.

Frustration at his gall, at the insufferably pleased tilt of his mouth, burned hotter than her embarrassment. If she could not win with words, then perhaps she could with a blade. Who cared if she wasn't the best fighter yet? A few well-placed strikes would be enough.

While it would be evident that she was no expert bladeswoman, Sibylla still moved with surprising swiftness and the deft footwork of a dancer. Closing the distance, Sibylla shifted her weight onto the balls of her feet, attempting to feint high but strike low, with the blade angled as Cassian Abrantes had taught her.

With a sharp step forward, she swept her vibroknife to test across Aurelian's guard, angling her vibroknife upward in a sharp thrust toward his chest, attempting to draw his blade to try and intercept, before rolling her wrist and dipping the strike down in a slower arc toward his hip. The shield shimmered at the last second, blue light flickering against the hem of his tunic.

 

[Niki Priddy]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

The observation about his sudden spike in the polls was met with severe scrutiny.

Market trends were easy enough to follow given the numbers and requirements a planet required for continued production of their favored items. Winning the hearts and minds of the people however seemed a far simpler metric than originally anticipated.

Filing away the thought of using Aurelian in modeling the potential attire for the senate for a later time than continue to listen to his preening.

Sibylla however provided a brief respite from the feeling. Drawing a smile from the engineer as the woman's mouth opened and closed before offering an explanation that was better suited towards the qualities of the shield.

A thoughtful look sent to a blank space on the wall as she thought aloud.

"A shower would be near impossible with the device active. At least one with water given the typical velocity. Unless you were to manage the output which would make it possible but would require testing and ensuring the device does not have compromised seals to keep the internals from shorting out. And a sonic would potentially generate unknown issues while wearing the device. As for sleeping–" A half shrug made before she continued on. "That would simply require a separate, dedicated broach or other appropriate item that would not be easily turned off by pressure when shifting."

Another musing stare sent toward a different wall before she spoke again. Tone bland but considering as she softly tapped her foot.

"The item remaining in use while showering was not one we had considered, in truth, as the design focus was given to wearing it for a designated period of time before returning to safer space."

Her eyes narrowed at the two now, skeptical and searching.

"Should there be designs prepared for more dedicated shielding systems under the belief of operating behind enemy lines for extended periods of time?"

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

Aurelian let the smirk bloom fully the moment Sibylla's cheeks betrayed her. He did not even need to speak, her fluster was its own victory, and he savored it like the finest wine. When she snapped her challenge, blade lifted and eyes sparking, he raised his own in a lazy salute as though indulging her.

Her rush forward came sharp, disciplined in its structure, though not yet seasoned. Aurelian matched her step for step, giving her enough resistance to force her to feel the blade, but not so much that she couldn't land her attempt. Her low feint slid close, the shield humming to life across his hip where the point kissed his tunic. The brief flicker of blue cast a ghostly light across his grin.

"Not bad," he murmured, voice edged with approval that felt half-genuine, half-taunt. "You've been drilled well."

His riposte came smooth and controlled. Blade angling across to press her back with a series of deft pushes, each one calculated not to overwhelm her, but to make her weight shift, to keep her guessing. When her feet would find resistance, his vibroblade would tip inward, testing her shield with a sharp, deliberate tap near her shoulder.

Aurelian laughed under his breath, low and satisfied, as though the game itself was enough to amuse him.

Meanwhile, Niki's matter-of-fact musing about water velocity and showerproofing drifted through the spar like an absurd counterpoint. Aurelian caught just enough of it to seize another opening.

"The shower complicates things, does it?" he said between parries, his tone all velvet mischief. A particularly sharp press of his blade forced Sibylla back another step before he added, with perfect timing: "Well, I would be happy to join you both in there and assist with testing. Professionally, of course."

Niki Priddy | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Niki Priddy Aurelian Veruna ​

Damnit.

By now it would have been ridiculous to clarify she hadn't actually wanted a shield that functioned in the shower or under a sonic. The suggestion had been innocent enough in her mind, but the moment Niki entertained the possibility, Aurelian had seized it like a hawkbat with prey. Every quip, every smirk, seemed designed to keep her off balance and needle her into reaction.

And odds were, that was exactly what he wanted.

"Extended time, yes," Sibylla shot out quickly to Niki Priddy , her voice sharp between breaths as she blocked his next strike.

"What about... EMP hardening?" The words tumbled more sporadically than she intended, her focus pulled tight between his blade and her own. Another parry, a quick feint to the side, the shimmer of his blade glancing off her shield as he struck.

Sibylla had to purse her lips, biting back the curse as the blue white shimmer rippled over her once more, flashing across her slender figure as he tagged her with maddening precision.

Blast it. He was doing that on purpose.

Of course, he had to cheat by distracting her with more utter, lewd nonsense. Never mind that the comments were sticking, caught between embarrassment and exasperation at his salaciousness. Crimson heat flooded her heart-shaped face, but her eyes sparked in determination.

I have to be faster, Sibylla thought, as he came at her again, snapping her vibroknife up to meet it, their blades rasping together with a buzz of energy.

"If you spent half as much effort on form as you do on theatrics, Aurelian..." she said, pushing his strike aside with a flick of her wrist.

"...You might actually impress me." Her voice was tight but determined as she pressed the attack. Her grip tightened as she slid low to his outside line, boots skimming across the floor with purpose as she angled behind him, that thick dark braid of hers whipping around her shoulders. With a sudden twist of her weight, she hooked her foot forward, aiming to trip him back to break that insufferable rhythm and have him land on his back.

 

[Niki Priddy]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

The lack of answer to her last question was answer enough given political types.

Set aside for a post-meeting briefing, Niki sat on the display table with a small hop. Taking a container from her pocket and popping a small orb into her mouth before letting her gaze wander back to the pair. Her feet kicking slightly as she watched them move. A very faint smile painting her face as she let herself think on the past.

The memory disrupted shortly after as her face betrayed a moment of disgust at the flavor of the little orb she was chewing on hit. Settling back into the bland stare and kept herself grounded in the now.

The question about EMP hardening drawing an immediate answer. "Material restrictions for weight and size did not allow for truly dedicated EMP hardening."

Her feet kicking once more as she continued.

"It would likely be heavier, roughly two times heavier with different materials with associated deficiencies. But, potentially, smaller if we restrict the amount produced. Or, opened a private line of production for such models."

Musing aloud now rather than directly addressing them as if her thoughts were running away from her.

A frown appearing as her eyes went skyward. Her rambling continued as her eyes narrowed. "Given the metallurgical qualities of certain metals, something could be woven to produce an analog Faraday cage system to cover this model without needing a dedicated line of design or production."

Now properly in the thinker posture as she examined their movements, paying no mind to the verbal sparring that was happening.

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

Aurelian's blade sang against Sibylla's, the clash resonating through him. Her sharp quip about theatrics cut the air, but he only let his smile widen, teeth flashing in something both amused and predatory.

"Theatrics are half the fight, Sibylla," he drawled, his tone pitched just enough to grate. "If I didn't distract you, you might actually stand a chance, especially after all those lessons you've been receiving from your brother..."

Their blades rasped together once more, his wrist strong and sure. Yet, his attention slid for just a heartbeat toward Niki. The engineer's calm, rambling monologue about metallurgical properties and analog Faraday cages felt absurdly out of step with their spar, and it snagged him. He flicked his gaze her way, one brow arching as if trying to decide whether she was brilliant, mad, or both.

It was all the opening Sibylla needed. Her foot hooked, her weight shifted, and Aurelian felt his balance torn out from under him. He hit the floor with a sharp exhale, the hum of his blade buzzing against the plating before cutting out. The shield shimmered faintly across his chest as he landed, its flicker painting his dangerous smile in blue light. Sibylla was instantly above him.

He met her fiery hazel eyes with that same infuriating grin, utterly unbothered. "As much as I like you on top," he said, his voice low and velvet with innuendo, "I prefer to be dominant in this… professional relationship." Before she could savor the victory, his legs shifted sharply. One boot hooked forward, aiming to scissor against her ankle and tug her off balance. He played dirty, yes, but his laughter spilled out, rich and taunting, as if this was nothing more than another dance designed to keep her flustered and on her toes.

Sibylla Abrantes | Niki Priddy​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Niki Priddy Aurelian Veruna ​

For one glorious heartbeat, Sibylla had him. Satisfaction surged hot in her chest, yet before she could flash her smirk of triumph, the blasted man had the indecency to open his mouth - - again.

Her face flamed as red as a Corseca gem, her lips parting in outrage before she could gather herself enough to utter a quip.

Damn him!

And then the world spun. His boot scissored against her ankle, and suddenly she was airborne, crashing onto the mat with a hard thud. The breath rushed from her lungs, her shield flaring in a ripple of blue that swept over her slender frame. Her hazel eyes flashed with frustration, and her chest heaved as she hissed out.

"Would you cease with this 'professional' dank farrik?!" The Mandalorian curse snapped out before she could stop herself, heat flooding her cheeks all over again, irritation surging hotter than the sting of impact.

Blast him and his insufferable grin! Every word he threw painted pictures in her mind that she had no business entertaining. She had resisted his rakish games this long, and she would not yield now. Not to his commentary, nor his devilry.

Oh, she was going to make him pay!

Sibylla rolled towards him, knife gripped tight, and lashed out in a downward stab to try and land it before he could slither away.

 

[Niki Priddy]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

Niki did not break stride despite the blatant flirting happening in front of her. "A Faraday cage would solve some of the latent issues with the device as a whole honestly."

Now slightly rocking as she continued to think aloud. "Then again, a Faraday cage would require the user to have an understanding of properly disassembling the system and similarly, proper reassembly, otherwise that would fall under user error."

Distracted by her own thoughts until she heard a phrase she didn't think she would hear on Naboo given the issues the planet had seen with Mando's.

Then again, she was in the presence of the Mandalorian Representative.

A smile crossing her face as her dialect switched. "Gar jorhaa'ir Mando'a?"

Sibylla had no doubt been immersing herself in the culture, but language was a bit harder in her own experience. A hand now resting under her chin and waiting to see her reaction.

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

Aurelian saw Sibylla's fury erupt, a Mando'a curse sparking like dry tinder. He didn't need to understand the words to enjoy the heat flushing her face, the way she spat them as if to scorch him. But before he could twist the knife with a clever quip, Niki's voice drifted in, casually murmuring in some foreign tongue.

He glanced at Niki briefly, his brows raising at the strange sounds. "If you expect me to stoop to such a primitive tongue, I fear you'll be waiting a long while," he said silkily, dismissing her with a flick of his grin. His sharp gaze snapped back to Sibylla. "But if you'd prefer me to keep things... unprofessional, my lady, I'll be more than happy to oblige."

The words were barely out when Sibylla rolled, fast and fierce, her blade driving down in a strike meant to end the game. Aurelian's hand shot up, fingers clamping her wrist before the vibroknife could pierce. The strain bit into his arm, but he relished it, the struggle thrumming between them like a current. With a sudden surge, he twisted, flipping them in a swift reversal that left him above her. Their bodies were close, her hair fanned across the mat beneath him.

He pressed down slowly, intently, turning the knife in her grip until its edge hovered just over the hollow of her throat. The shield shimmered there, a sharp, pulsing red, flickering in warning with each fraction of pressure.

Aurelian leaned close, his dangerous smile inches from her flushed face, eyes gleaming with wicked delight. "As I was saying," he murmured, his voice low and mocking, "I do prefer to be dominant.... professional or otherwise" The wink that followed was pure provocation, a spark meant to set her temper aflame all over again.

Sibylla Abrantes | Niki Priddy​