What Lies Beneath and Within

[Tiria Reinhart]

Location: Ilic, New Cov

Tiria stood in the expansive observation deck that had been built into the wall built to enclose skyscrapers, separating them and their inhabitants from the lethal plant and animal life of New Cov. Perched atop this encompassing wall was a transparisteel dome, which was punctuated by several pipes at its apex that allowed ships to enter the city. Truly a monument to the inhabitants ingenuity. And their hubris.

It had only been in the past few hundred years they had carved out an opening in this wall and installed twelve-foot tall transparisteel windows that circled the barrier. It was quite the draw if for no other reason than the lush green laid out as far as the eye could see. Of course, it drew plenty of tourists as well. Come, see the jungle was consumes the world, and would prove fatal to any that set foot in it. Marvel as the New Cov Biomolecule Company braves almost certain death as they retrieve the biomolecules unique only to New Cov for numerous, vital manufacturing components.

She remembered when her world was so vibrant. Teaming with life.

Her eyelids fell over her vibrant green eyes as she drew in a calming breath. It would not do for the Overmind's sorrow and rage to spill out through its extensions. Soon. Soon they would learn the name of those responsible and revisit the horrors on them a hundred fold.

The Dauntless Commando turned from the window she'd been standing before and began a slow patrol along the window that ran for miles around the circumference of the city. It was early in the evening, where duties had been completed and now she was left to her own devices. It was always nice to see new planets. Learn of new people. Scope new talent that might be worthy of Joining the Hive. Any creature that could touch the Force with even the smallest degree were candidates; those with knowledge, experience, skills, access, or influence that could be plied toward their singular purpose.

While no longer on duty, Tiria strode along the walkway dressed in the Xiphos armor of the Dauntless. A lighter weight variant which was more than enough within these walls. Though she had left the helmet behind to enjoy the fresh and open air. Dark locks framed her face while most of her hair was drawn and secured behind her head out of the way. A serene smile held firm on the woman's face and greeted all those that returned her gaze. The Overmind had learned the value of customs and socially acceptable behavior long ago. She had come far since she had been small in stature.

Tag: [member="Selos"]

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

Gabriel had been touring the walls along side a small retinue of troopers. The man had been pleased by the view, however he'd firmly point out to one of his men that his mountain was the be all, end all. He conversed with his troopers jovially at times, however they recognized his status. Despite being caught up with his socializing he came to notice someone who knew the force. While he walked he directed his retinue along until finally the individual lay in sight.

His eyes looked her up and down, examining her armor thoroughly. "You're quite the odd one." He jested, as he puffed up his chest.

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

Tiria paused in her patrol-- her stroll around the splendid view overlooking the creeping jungle outside. A group of people had drawn near and one in particular had taken an interest in her appearance. From the manner of the man's attire, Tiria put him as a politician of some kind. One of the other Hive extensions would examine a terminal elsewhere for further details; this would take a few minutes to locate him by facial recognition alone. As instantaneously as information flowed between members of the Hive, they did not bother memorizing the face of every sentient. Not even all of the politicians. The important ones, of course, but trivia was not worth retaining when computers were readily available.

"Lieutenant Reinhart of the One Hundred and Seventeenth Dauntless Legion," she responded casually. A smirk pulled at her lips as she returned the visual examination of the Viceroy before her now. "How may I be of assistance?" The troopers with him suggested the man held office or strategic value of some kind. That he was walking openly suggested office. Politician. Viceroy, perhaps. That he did not recognize her attire ruled out several worlds as his possible point of origin -- if the Dauntless were called in to a world it was often difficult to forget who saved your ass.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

The troopers had straightened up, leaving their social behavior behind as their Lord offered a slight bow in the woman's direction. The way they all moved seemed mechanical in nature, these were obviously well-trained military men. When he spoke once more his voice was a bit deprived of the humor it once held.

"Viceroy of Cantoi, Lord Hynatos." His voice was deep and hard hitting at times. He inspected the woman's posture for a moment, quickly noting that she was a fighting woman. As he had sensed earlier she was also force sensitive..however one thing displeased him. While he could sense a disturbance of sorts, he avoided delving any deeper to avoid madness.

He let silence linger for a moment before offering up a simple question to the woman, "Are you available hourly or daily?" This was a tad of a joke on his behalf, an insult on many many other worlds. However the way he examined her, his intent was obvious.
"I sense the force in you, it'd do us well to learn one another." He proposed.

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

Cantoi. Tiria knew of this planet. A bustling world with a continent-sized city. Perhaps in a thousand years it would become another world-city. It was a place for small organics like themselves, but not for Tiria's true embodiment -- rather that of the Overmind that served as the Hive's core. Lord Hynatos, Viceroy of Cantoi, stood before her now having generously inquired who she was. Perhaps she should feel flattered.

While the woman before him was not aware of the man's thoughts, it was wise not to delve too deep into the Force bond he'd discovered. The currents were swift among the members of the Hive, and Tiria had assembled her share of creatures over the many years. Some were no longer with them in body, but their knowledge and essence never faded. A sweet symphony that might deafen those that were not prepared. Those that had not opened their mind to the Joining.

Haughty laughter answered the man's poised question. Her only movement was to square herself with the royalty that had graced her presence. Many would have been insulted by the insinuation. Tiria's unflinching eyes met Gabriel's in that moment. "How strange that would be, my Lord." She took one step and then another to slowly close the distance between them. "The Dauntless are not a Force-oriented combat branch of the Confederacy. Why, it is almost certain anyone found with that talent would receive the gentle guidance of one of our many, powerful Lords."

Tiria stopped three feet from the man with a smile on her lips. "But if you wish to discuss why you believe this to be so, we should find somewhere more appropriate for someone of your station." She held her head high, hands at her sides neither concerned for her own safety nor plotting against Gabriel's own. If her 'condition' intrigued him, she would accommodate his request. After all, he possessed the Force, and a politician still held value to the Hive. Tiria couldn't dismiss his potential out of hand.

Her eyes never strayed to the Troopers that accompanied the man. Their thoughts on this topic did not matter, but Tiria was forced to dismiss the allegation categorically in public. One of two very small, but very important agreements she had made given her nature was known among certain, high-ranking officials of the Confederacy.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

Gabriel met her smile with one of his own. The woman could dance, something he found value in. His youth seemed to make the young man vulnerable in some senses, however this was something he compensated for with his attunement to the force. While he did not reign himself in like a jedi, he was sure to avoid losing himself like the sith.

When he spoke he had some more control, than he had expressed with his previous statement. "Oh, and where do you think can host someone of my status?" He questioned, truly he was curious. He had expected a soldier's answer or the like, but a man could dream of what the woman could say.

With as much he motioned for his guards to distance themselves, "Watch from a distance." He signed to them instead of speaking. The troopers marched off, soon fading off into the distance, regardless of where they went the troopers watched, constantly reporting their Lord's position to other forces as well as their ship in orbit.

He'd step forward into the woman's advance, aiming to force a retreat from her, if not he'd greet her advance with his chest plate.
"Before we continue, who is your commanding officer?" He wanted to document this for personal reasons. Regardless of when she answers he'd begin to walk. Expecting her to both decide their destination and answer any question he might have. By all means he exerted the energy of a royal, poise, attitude, and all.

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

Tiria smiled as the man had his guard give them space. Prudent if he had any hope for any real dialogue between them. Much fun as bantering with a noble at his own level before an audience, just the idea she knew how to use the Force could be damaging enough if it reached the wrong ear. Not that this was the first time such a complication surfaced -- it had happened within the squads she'd trained with. A problem of her own making in that case after Joining a few within the Dauntless.

After they were far enough away, Gabriel stepped into her advance. Despite his expectation, Tiria stood her ground. His chest plate struck the armor that covered her breasts. His height would force Tiria to tip her head back to meet his eyes; something she took her time in doing.

"Dauntless Commander Luna Terrik. To avoid any diplomatic incidents, my Lord, I hope you will refrain from suggestive phrases should you find any reason to contact her," Tiria replied evenly. The smile curled up one corner of her lips after the warning, however. Luna could handle a man like this with ease. Either he'd heed her words and not earn the ire of someone of her own station with the Confederacy, or he'd double down and perhaps earn the righteous wrath of the Dauntless Commander. Even a cold wrath could last a lifetime.

As they turned to begin walking to a less public venue for their conversation, Tiria glanced over at the man at her side. "Did my Lord Hynatos come here looking for a beautiful woman, or was he in search of someone knowledgeable in the Force? Seems a strange place for a soldier of the Dauntless to meet someone of your position within our society."

There was a luxurious club not far from where they'd encountered one another. Lacquered dark woods, bright yet warm lighting, and a calm atmosphere of those seeking polite conversation or privacy. A place for people of power, prestige, or money. It would be odd for a member of Dauntless to frequent such a place. Why would a solider who crawled in the dirt and the filth of the galaxy be at such a lavish place? And who was she with? To what end? Tiria would pay no mind to any brief stares as they passed.

A booth secluded from the main room would suffice for their discussion.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

His intention was not to contact her commander, rather he was curious of the Dauntless's structure. He had only heard of the organization a few times. He hadn't thought to read up on it seeing as it was irrelevant to him. Her warning only went to intrigue him. He spoke once more curiousity laced in between each word. "While I do admit, it would be a pleasure to meet such a woman who you think so highly of. I have no intention of making any enemies out of those I seek to befriend." The way he spoke generally included oppositions to his narrative, as a means to have others question his own words. He held his tongue on the matter further-more, there were more pressing matters.

"While I do enjoy the sound of my title, it'd be in my best interest to express that the title is one held in a long line of representatives of the representatives of Cantoi, specifically the 'First' Prince. You may address me as Sir Gabriel, only in private of course." He was a man of values, he could not accept the usage of his title in such an explicit statement. Only a moment later, he would offer an answer to her question, as Gabriel.

"Entertain me well, and i'll give you the answer in full." He teased, before reminiscing a tad. "On my home-word, there is no dense forestry. While it does pain me to be away, there is so much in this universe that I have yet to see. So much work to be done, so little time." A long breathe trailed after his words, a sign of exhaustion, not quite the physical sort.

They had entered a luxurious club, it reminded him of home, forcing him to rest a hand on the hilt of his saber that rests on his side, away from the woman. He had been curious as to how she obtained knowledge of such a place, but he held his peace. Upon being seated he addressed something immediately. "While I do enjoy your aesthetic, I think that it'd serve you better not to draw more attention to us. Are you wearing anything underneath that armor? Or might you have something to change into?" Gabriel was already in formal wear of sorts well laced with armor, however her armor was a tad too noticeable.

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

"Sir Gabriel. Yes, sir," Tiria replied with a faint tone of amusement. Normally an officer would tend to call anyone of higher authority 'sir' out of habit as much as for respect. She'd been using his title to pamper the nobility. He'd had his fun at her expense, and so she'd taken the liberty of returning the favor. Though the subtlety or almost inside-joke quality of the act might have been lost on him; which was fine as Tiria carried with her an audience of One.

It was interesting to hear another title of 'First Prince' dropped in reference to the man. A Prince of Cantoi? Were he to be Joined that would be most fortuitous to the Hive. The authority he carried would grant them considerable reach. The more people she met among the stars the more opportunities to extend her reach -- and in so doing acquire everything needed for revenge.

Was it entertainment now the man sought? Green eyes shifted toward him as she smirked once more. As a nobleman his motives could be so shallow, but they could also just as easily be a front. A test to ensure those in his presence were not desperate to use him for power or prestige. Such things came to Tiria from one of the Hive, just as confirmation of his identity was also plucked from a terminal elsewhere in the Confederacy.

"Our battles never cease." Whether they were anything alike, or of a physical or metaphysical nature, every creature fought to claim what it deemed its own. Nothing came easily, or cheap. Many years had passed since Tiria met the Overmind and the Hive was born anew. "Long as we do not falter."

Another laugh followed as Tiria leaned back in the soft seating, one arm thrown over the top of the half-circle booth. She sat in silence for three seconds, her eyes fixed on the Prince that joined her here. Obviously the man had never worn such a uniform before; there was no place to store a change of clothing. But she was off-duty and no uniform was ever truly luxury attire.

Without a word, the brown haired woman stood. Her hands reached up and undid bindings that held curtains back, which fell into place obscuring the booth's occupants. With a glance back at Gabriel, Tiria's hands began sliding over the solid pieces of her armor, detaching them from the bindings and sliding them free. One by one starting with the arms, and then the breastplate and back she drew over head. As each piece was removed more of the black body suit beneath it became visible. Her eyes flicked up at the man as she bent down to wrap her fingers about a boot. It slid off without Tiria waving on one foot in the slightest. Then the shin guard followed by the thigh piece. The procedure was then followed for the other leg as well.

With the various pieces carefully laid out atop the center of the bench, Tiria settled back down where she'd been before. Her arm cast back atop the bench top as if nothing had happened. "You can't imagine how wrinkled a dress would get inside that armor." Not that she favored dresses in particular. The dark brown, almost cord-like hair brushed lightly against the wall behind her. Would her prince ask that she let it down as well? The smile on her lips grew as she sat in wait for the man's next move. She'd already taken her turn in their game.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

As she stood up to close the curtain his once wandering eyes caught her form. They'd follow her trail, every movement was dissected. While Gabriel wore the attire of a noble politician, he carried himself as any warrior would. He broke down every subtle gesture, he got to knew her movements in the brief time it took them to reach this point in time. By no means was he displeased, she was a fighting woman as her title, speech, and posture all conveyed. Her words had made the man nod briefly, his thoughts slightly drifted for a moment, he longed for his home.

Gabriel was soon treated to a show, as her armor began to lessen his smile returned. There was so little known between the two, however they had more in common then one would think. His hand moved towards the the left side of his chest, he gripped a flap of cloth. As he began to pull it became obvious that what he wore was only the exterior of his attire. The white coat was lined with plating to serve as protection to the noble, but once removed he felt unencumbered. He wore a high quality breathable shirt, around his waist was a belt that held a lightsaber far smaller then the one he had wore on his exterior, safely fastened to his side. He gripped the larger saber and placed it on the table before him. He saw no threat in the woman, perhaps due to the havoc he could unleash without the weapon.

"A black body-glove aye?" He used the term best known to his people. "You're no noble, a dress would simply sully your appeal." He chuckled to himself for a moment. Her hair had been quite appealing, catching his eye the moment he first saw her, however he kept from demanding as much from her. Soon he leaned back into the comfortable chair, his own arms spread to declare his space. Eyes were glued to her form, "Do you know the weakness of noble women? They find themselves comfortable. Many have never known battle, their minds and body alike are soft. On my homeworld, to be soft, is to be dead."

His taste in women was quite obvious at this point, seeing as he was clearly stating it. "I see you're quite comfortable now, no? Why not make yourself comfortable beside me. It is quite hard to see you from over here" He patted the cushion beside him before returning his arm to shoulder level. The latter half of his statement was of course a lie, but a good excuse in his book. One could assume that the Prince only travelled in the company of men by his suggestions alone.

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

Tiria exhaled slowly as her head turned toward the curtains, the muscles in her face relaxing into that of someone that'd known battle. While this body alone had only so much experience, the wisdom and suffering of others were carried in it. Was she rebuffed by his demeanor, or continued advances? Had she grown bored of chasing and being chased by the present company?

A moment later the smirk returned and Tiria regarded Gabriel from the corners of her eyes. "Comfortable? On these decadently padded seats, surrounded by silk and stain, and smothered in sweet, floral scents?" The black-gowned woman rose to her feet and slowly began to move around the table between them. "Did I look comfortable to you, Sir Gabriel?" Tiria asked as she lowered a knee onto the seat beside him. With a slight arch to the small of her back, her modest bust extended further out. Black was not a flattering color when it covered you neck to toe; it lacked contour.

"Choose your next words carefully. A woman could take offense being mistaken as hollow and superficial by your own words." Tiria smiled as she gazed down upon the seated man before her. Gabriel would not find her leaping into his embrace so easily. Not like one of those women he spoke of; one that might try to curry favor of someone so influential back home. For she was neither desperate nor smitten by a regal demeanor.

The tips of Tiria's fingers of her right hand then slowly slid along Gabriel's shoulder-height left arm. Did she mean for him to stop and return to the topic of her Force usage, or was she encouraging him to continue?

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

Gabriel's temper flared for all but a moment, unleashing a wave of killing intent in the woman's direction. It'd strike as a powerful wind that never quite manifested in the room. Truly he was strong in the force, and he was quick to reveal as much when doors were closed. Her hand felt a certain pressure upon touching his shoulder, an uncomfortable one at that. "You mistake me for someone else. You take your armor off in front of me, are you confident, comfortable, or foolish? Regardless of the answer know one thing.." The dark side came to him as naturally as the light, he walked a thin border. "I could have every individual in this building brought before me and slaughtered with a wave of my hand. This building would be nothing but ashes if I willed it. Yet you challenge me?"

The tempest of dark energy that swept by the room for a brief moment faded as Gabriel's laughter erupted. "I will not censor myself..before I am a prince, I am a man.." With that he gripped her by the waist and pulled her in a tad more. "It'd do you well to remember as much when approaching me." His excitement showed a tad, her provocations had worked to some degree, having hit a nerve of sorts. Her form had certainly caught his eye, however his interest could not possibly be so shallow. Every moment they spent together he tested her, expecting more and more. However the chase had grown tiresome for him as well. His eyes had never strayed during the few moments that she had worn such a cruel face.

"My my, your eyes tell a different story than your body, one could be easily mistake your actions for an advancement..while your face says otherwise. Tell me woman, tell me your intentions, otherwise i'll take initiative."

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

Tiria withdrew her hand slowly before lifting and turning it before her eyes. A soft hum followed the visual inspection. Gabriel's fierce burst of the hidden bloodthirst did not seem to elicit even a widening of the eyes. It was true the woman before him had dropped her physical defenses in his presence. It was also true that the man's lightsaber sat on a table, and his other, small lightsaber was tucked in at his side; both would require even a second to draw. What a woman could do in a second this close to a man that sought to kill her...

Soon laughter replaced his commanding presence, and Tiria's eyes lifted from her hand back to the man himself. The small smirk resurfaced as though not a thing had happened. Foolish? Oblivious? Arrogant? No, none of those things. If Gabriel was so strong in the Force even this close he could be a challenging opponent to fell. But had they come all this way, played their game just to kill each other?

Despite what had transpired, her brows did lift at the man's forward command of her waist. A man? So the game continued.

Her fingers reached out and mimed pressing along the underside of the man's chin as Tiria bent in to bring their faces closer together. "This body is but a shell," she spoke softly as though they were lovers. "One I would offer gladly if it opened your mind to the larger world. A world of purpose, intellect, and," the green of Tiria's eyes turned into the fires of a thousand, smoldering stars, "unity." Tiria's lips parted with a soft 'ah' as her face hovered near his own.

Carnal pleasures they did not seek, nor did they shy from them. Everything was a tool toward advancement of their cause. At times the tools broke or yielded no fruitful results; an ineffective implement soon discarded in favor of a better one. Gabriel's show of Force had interested her all the more. She hoped they would strike an understanding. The game had been fun, but was quickly coming to its end. Now they should talk freely.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]​

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

Unity, the word meant little to him. His world was cold, his people were breed for war. Such an enviorment was thrust upon him at such a young age. He had known much suffering, loss was his power. His power drove him up the ladder far more than any other motivator. He represented his people regardless of where he went. At times individuals could not say they spoke to the prince, but to a planet who's ideals were so tightly knit it could be considered it's own hive-mind. One that Gabriel would never forsake, however his intentions were slowly coming to light.

His hand that gripped her waist was far from letting up, infact it tightened as it brought her chest to his. Once again her words tempted him, but temptation was a force he could easily reverse, perhaps all along she had been playing his tune without quite realizing it. The man had gathered more information steadily after sensing the abomonation that surrounded her. "Your power is unrefined. There are many principles you have yet to learn regarding the force. I can offer my tutelage in exchange for..well i'm sure you know that i'll take everything from you if given the chance.." He paused for a moment to reflect and lay out his plans for the next portion of his expression.

He had understood her words far more than she likely knew. The pieces of the puzzle slowly strung together as he began to determine her true nature, however he neither denied it nor approved of it, for he was of similiar station. Gabriel was Cantoi embodied.
"Now, give me your answer." The strength of his words were unparelled, he had spoken with the power of one who held a certain degree of mastery over the force.

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

The Hive pressed upon Gabriel. It was a gentle, yet persistent sensation. All it would take is for him to open his mind to them even a little. Often people expressed some form of acceptance or agreement in Joining. A breathy 'Yes,' or a dying 'Do it' would suffice. A doorway for it to taken possession, and bring with it the benefit of a greater whole. To know you were not alone in the galaxy. Knowledge and skills you had never been accustomed to at your fingertips -- at their fingertips. For with Joining came the loss of self, and of selfish desires. Only the needs of the many -- of the One.

Tiria's gaze held true even as he pressed their bodies together, the fire in her eyes grew insistent he accept.

Gabriel's response was, however, not what she had wanted. The glow faded within the rings of her eyes then, and a soft sigh blew pass her lips. There were other possibilities even if he was not drawn into the fold. Options that would still be beneficial, but not nearly as efficient as being part of the Hive. Why did so many creatures of the galaxy not understand what they were offering? So few even bothered to hear her words once they knew the truth. Fear, panic... Closed minds, all of them.

The warm, coy demeanor faded. In its place was the sharp eyes and ever so faint mirth of Tiria's typical self. Or perhaps it was another's. They couldn't tell the difference, really. A creature of pleasure had been offering its knowledge in appealing to Gabriel's senses. Obviously he was not so easily drawn in, however. Not a typical politician? The lightsabers and his show of Force did not preclude certain weaknesses of personality; but they had proven for naught.

"At last we see one another," Tiria finally responded. "Know I bow to no one, but I show respect to those that will teach me skills to survive." If the man had gotten any misconceptions from her sultry attitude, Tiria was happy to correct those now. "What tutelage do you offer, Sir Gabriel?" Nevertheless, he offered to help 'refine' her skill in the Force? Was that something this body could do? They'd come to understand people needed some level of aptitude for the Joining to work, but perhaps they'd never truly explored the depth of the First Embodiment of the Hive.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]​

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

The pushing upon him by the hive mind was fought back, he was that selfish being that would harm such a creature should he be given the chance, this was not hidden either. Gabriel once his fangs were revealed never would turn tail.

A tool, at the end of the day that's what Gabriel sought, just as she wished to expand her hive, Gabriel wished to expand the influence of his domain. To bring his kingdom up to prosperity just as any noble of good heart would aspire to. However the darkness Gabriel carried ensured he did this with a brutal cunning. He had seen that the older woman was manipulative to some degree, something he could truly appreciate. However he saw weakness, her own aggression in her pursuits left her open to unwelcome situations. Gabriel was sure to correct such fally and quickly should she accept his next offer.

"Travel with me for a period..meet with me when I call for you." He suggested, the more time they would spend together the more he could teach. However he took a brief moment to reflect on her words. A quick and witty response was offered, "I don't ask that you bow. However you will bring yourself to your knees before me." There were perhaps three meanings behind such a statement. However he wouldn't dwell on it too long.

"Your mind is strong, stronger than you're likely aware of. I cannot share the principles of your curriculum..here." He reminded her that a thin curtain separated them from the club. "However, I will teach you to harness your potential, and externalize it into a force of destruction, persuasion, or peace. The choice is yours." This quite well reflected Gabriel's stance on the spectrum. The warmth of his well-formed muscular chest still pushed up against her. His grip tightened slightly, he could not be mistaken for a gentle hand. His free arm moved around and gripped her by the back of the knee as he went to stand up he'd hold her up at an angle.

"Now tell me, what is your answer?"

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

There were more ways to manipulate a man than through seduction. Tiria relented attempting to get Gabriel to Join her, for now, what did not mean he was free of the Hive. This would amused her; and he had shown not interest in casting her from his sight. So a new game would begin between them. A longer game. One where there were no rules, and the conditions for victory were amorphous at best.

Gabriel's offer was listened to intently -- at least the serious parts of it. He spoke of wielding her 'potential' for destruction, persuasion, or peace, which the Hive admitted was better than the usual Force User's mantra. Sith and Jedi had not truly appealed to the Overmind whose interest lay in extracting vengeance than ascribing to some philosophical naval gazing. Those of the Dark Side would claim to be natural allies, but the creature knew better. It knew their treachery. Knew it well.

From behind relaxed eyelids that hid the tops of Tiria's green eyes, the soldier regarding the Prince that chose to sweep her off her feet in that moment. She wrapped her legs about his waist to avoid dangling like some rag doll, and for purchase for moves gentle or cruel. The pressure of his hard chest pressing against her softer one had not enticed as much as Gabriel might hope. They came now to business, and Tiria was more focused on the future they might share as a whole than that of delight. He had seen a glimpse of the truth earlier; one he might believe he shared in his way.

"Yes." A smile that failed to reach her eyes surfaced for a moment. "But if you believe as the Sith do, I will become your waking nightmare." Mutually using one another toward their own gain was acceptable. Believing the Hive to be a personal possession to be used and discarded would be met with a fury the likes of which the unjoined could not comprehend.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]​

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

Her legs had met sturdiness on all side, just as she thought her body to be an instrument of war, the same could be said of Gabriel's. His eyes swooped down at the base of her neck before eventually meeting her eyes with his own. Not only did he listen to her words, but he felt for her heart beat. He read all body language he could observe at such a close range. He wanted to know what the woman's body said about the situation she found herself in, was she as cool as she conveyed herself as? Regardless he had gotten the answer he expected. Her body said that she spoke the truth regarding the sith. However if she knew how to detect lies through heart beat or through reading subtle gestures she'd know his next set of words to be true.

"I have no such obssession with the force, I serve it..but I do not sacrifice myself to it, for my body is Cantoi's to sacrifice."

The man turned quickly and shifted his body weight as he went to shift the woman down onto the cushions, he bared over her like a predator who had pinned their prey down. His hands were placed down next to her head on each side. With her legs on his waist she'd likely be propped up to some degree. Once again he spoke. "We live in a dog eat dog world, should you spend even a small amount of time on my home planet, then you will understand this well..." He leaned down to meet the woman's ear, he'd whisper so gently that the severity of the words could likely be missed. "Should you turn your blade on me...death would only be a release you'd yearn for.."

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]

 

[Tiria Reinhart]

Tiria knew how to lie just as surely as she knew seduction. The Hive knew many things from many points of view. But deception was not necessary between the two of them. After the culmination of their first game she had been nothing but honest with Gabriel. Honest and forthright; the Overmind had no patience for betrayal and its wraith if it came to pass would gladly consume an entire world. His world, if its Prince was the source. For there was no greater vengeance than depriving someone of all they truly cared for in the cosmos; to leave them barren and alone as the Overmind had been so long ago. Before a little one fell into its lair, and they became as one.

Not a sound rose from the soldier's lips as Gabriel turned and pressed her back into the cushions. Her green eyes stared up at him just as sharp and unwavering as before. No matter what he sought to do, her will would not be so easily shaken. Perhaps in time he would learn this.

Soft laughter bubbled forth as the man pressed upon her his own importance on loyalty. "Don't worry, Prince of Cantoi, I do not betray those that do not betray me. You are not one with me, but you are with me." A curl to her lips turned as she stared beyond the man's head, their lips nestled close to one another's ear. If someone happened to look in on them they would go away with all the wrong ideas.

A soft hum followed as she thought to mention one thing more, "And Gabriel," her voice a hushed whisper like his own, "be sure the Dauntless are not forced to visit your world." His world had a unique quality to it, which she might enjoy. It did not stand on a precipice of begging intervention, but if certain wrong choices were made in its future... Well, Tiria was only one Commando and not the Dauntless Commander. If they arrived in force there'd be little she could do to spare them. As unlikely as this seemed, it was a matter -- for the sake of their alliance -- he should know.

Tag: [member="Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn"]​

 

[Gabriel Hynatos Umberhorn]

Gabriel knew almost whole-heartedly that the CIS was his means for survival. His planet needed the external aide otherwise it would be completly stagnant in terms of technology and the like. This had been one of the reasons he left the comforts of his fort to travel the universe in search of such alliances. However he had found a prize that would distract him from this goal, while only briefly. The force had called to him, he sought one to impart his knowledge upon, despite his youth he understood many things well. Things he would reveal to Tiria in the privacy of a sound proof room, or in the empty void of space where no sound went all that far.

For now that would have to wait. Gabriel's excitement had truly gotten the better of him. Moving to pull away from the temptation he found himself totally entransed by her at times. However Gabriel was far from a fool, his guard was always up. Even now as he pinned her down, he could imagine her lane of attack, how she would subdue him. His openings were hers to take, all though the result might not be what she'd expect. However her words held truth in them, he could tell so much through his multiple vectors of attack.

He did not request commitment, nor did he request her hand in all his affairs and obviously not hers. Truly her physical charm had caught him, but there was something more that he saw between the two, a kinship of sorts. They served something greater than themselves, things that were far from clashing. All of these would due well in her training, as well as furthering Gabriel's own connection to the force.

"While I do force the hand of my people and put them into situations the others of the Confederacy may question. The results are undeniable. My people are proud of their lineage, but they are not arrogant. The people may even reject change should it be offered to them, but do not mistake my people for weak..do not believe that they are set in these ways by generations prior. No, we chose this life."

Passion, his words were laced with passion and love for his people that even he would be seen as weak for expressing. After such a quickly spoken speech he leaned into the woman once more, this time he went to mock her just as she did earlier. His lips just barely touched hers as he finished speaking his peace. "Now tell me, what - do - you - want - to - do?" He sounded out for her with dramatic movements of his lips. The man was not above mockery, he reveled in it. She was quite keen to him by now likely, it was obvious what he wanted by making such a move.

[member="Tiria Reinhart"]