A Gamble

[Lilith (8th TL)]

It had been five years since she last stepped foot on Korriban, yet somehow it felt like it was only yesterday. Maybe because she had spent her entire youth on it, studying under the masters of the old ways. The memories didn't exactly bring good feelings, yet it wasn't because she didn't excel or agree with the philosophy. Mostly, because she missed her home and craved the life of businesswoman, and the power that came with an abundance of credits. It was probably unusual for someone who was trained to be a Sith to walk this path instead, so she hoped it wouldn't hurt her chances of winning the Emperors favor. But... maybe he knew nothing about her but her business.

At the same time, she knew there was a slight risk that her lack of lightsabers, robes and living in mandalorian space could possibly put her in some danger regardless. But it was a risk she was willing to take in order to continue expanding. Another thought she wondered, would he allow her to expand in his space if her loyalty wasn't 100% his? So many thoughts crossed her mind, yet she needed to push them aside and see what happened.

She nodded to herself confidently and continued walking down the Dark Side enriched halls of the temple. The closer she got to him, the more she could sense his power. Before she entered his personal study, she adjusted her black and red dress. Something she thought was appropriate considering where she was, short of a Sith robe.

Entering the room, Cait went to one knee and bowed deeply as soon as she saw him. Careful not to get too close too quickly. Though she did notice the man, despite his age, did have some appealing features about him, a side thought but an amusing one. "Darth Vrael," Cait began, pushing the thought aside and pausing for a handful of quickened heartbeats. "Thank you so much for seeing me." She didn't stand yet, of course, but continued speaking boldly, "I truly hope that I can show you I'm worth the time you've given me here. I believe whole heartily that my bid to expand in Sith space, your space, will benefit you."

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

His datapad buzzed suddenly, drawing Vrael's focus from the papers he'd been perusing. A brief look revealed the reason, and a scowl appeared on his face as he started organizing the mess on his desk. Ah yes, it was time for this little appointment he'd finally granted. It wasn't something he'd been looking forward too. This was likely going to be a waste of time, it was a shame he was even contemplating it. But one never got anywhere by ignoring potential opportunities, no matter how slim they seemed. Folding his hands in front of him on the desk, he looked up as his study door opened.

She was on time at least, so there was some hope to be had for her. Unfortunately, all that hope was easily overshadowed by the numerous counts against her. Her clothing for instance, it was painfully lacking in practicality, defense, and even pockets. A poor option considering their location, with numerous ambitious Sith roaming the halls and sniffing for weakness. Even more worthless than the commonly worn Sith robes. There were more important things to take note of however, such as her identity. Cait Aislinn, a young woman that had once been a part of his esteemed organization and now wasn't. Yet here she was, bowing in front of him and about to beg for his favor.

It was unpleasant in the least, that he was even giving her this much leniency. She was a traitor to their cause and the Dark Side, it was almost inconceivable that someone like her could even exist. Her business even, while obviously profitable, was hardly a grand innovation or business marvel. A mere whorehouse that catered to the baser impulses of the common man. Hiding his distaste behind a mask of polite interest, Vrael motioned for her to rise with a gauntleted hand. "Stand Ms. Aislinn, I have little time for pleasantries and even less patience. So as heartening it is to hear you haven't forgotten ALL your lessons, I would appreciate it if you got to the point of our meeting."
@Dread

 

[Lilith (8th TL)]

Cait could see his passive look, but his words dripped with contempt. Clearly, he knew about her. She had never officially stopped being a Sith, but she did stop her practices and focused on business instead. A spike of worry did not make her heartbeat any slower, though it was too late now for second thoughts.

She stood when he commanded, of course, looking at him but not moving from place. "I wont mince words, your majesty. On paper you might see just a business but that's the point. In reality I have several, and I'm building a network that I can move valuable goods and information through. Across borders, into areas—buildings—that the Empire might have difficulty getting into. Close to people that you might want to see taken out of your way." It was slightly vague, but she meant into enemy territory and close to key enemies. "Places and people I've already been in or close to. Including...Raz Solus."

After pausing for a second to gather herself, she added, "I'd like to open businesses here, Dromund Kaas and more places slowly as I gather profit. And I'd like to do it with your blessing, whatever the cost may be for it. Including a cut of my profit, access to my goods and information. As I said, whatever it may be." And she would, obviously, give him whatever he wanted in order to make this happen though there was one minor thing she wanted to address, "I haven't forgotten my training, your majesty, not at all." It was the truth, despite not spending time on the practice anymore, though she wasn't sure what he'd think of that addon.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael raised an eyebrow at the offerings she presented, a clear expression of incredulity. On paper it sounded very nice, a tidy extra avenue to success for any operations the Sith might one day need. Another way to strike out against the Empire's infamous enemies and make them pay for their transgressions, a shot at the Mandalorian leader. even A lesser man might've taken the deal right then and there, jumping at the buzzwords like a Gamorrean simpleton. Vrael was not such a man, and he was far from impressed so far. He pointedly looked down and away, pretending to scan over a paper of figures as he deliberately showed his lack of appeasement and interest.

Finally, he looked up and cleared his throat, giving voice to his many complaints. "Your deal, Ms. Aislinn, is quite lacking in my eyes. In fact, it seems to be giving me nothing of particular note or value. Building a network? I already have one, and I don't count potential future assets in deals like this. Cut of the profit and access to goods? You mean taxes, all business pay for those, and they give me their information too if they want to stay in business." He let that sink in with a pause, a brief introduction to the real crux of the matter, and one that put a plain to see scowl on his face. "More importantly," He continued, "There lies the matter of your actual loyalties and intentions. That bit about crossing borders and getting into hard to get spaces was nice. However....I cant help but notice how my accepting this would add my own regions into the scope of that bit wouldn't it? "

He folded his arms against his armored chest, giving her a obvious once over as he spoke then. "Clearly you've apparently dealt with the Empire's enemies if you can get close to people like Raze Solus. And for all you just said about remembering your training, you certainly haven't been acting like it. What reassurances do I have that it will not be me and mine you'll be hurting, that you wont be steadily backstabbing the Empire the moment I give you access. What is it that sets you apart from another large business that I could actively seek out, properly vet, and then get all the benefits with none of the risks?" He leaned forward as he asked, seemingly eager for an answer that he knew wasn't readily available. Was this a ploy to simply infiltrate his Empire? Perhaps not, but it certainly seemed likely at the moment and he really could just take over some wide reaching arms manufacture if necessary.
@Dread

 

[Lilith (8th TL)]

While she hoped this wouldn't come up, obviously the emperor was a smart man and that hope was completely unrealistic. It was at that time that she dropped all defenses around her mind that she was taught to keep up— not out of stupidity, hopefully anyway, but for a reason she'd soon let him know.

"I know you already have many networks, but another couldn't hurt? Assuming you have the reassurance you want." Maybe that was presumptuous of her, but the more the better assuming they didn't backfire on him. "My focus is on business because I have plans to become one of the largest, if not the largest syndicate and my foundations are already being lain. I understand not counting future assets, but I beg that don't completely discount them. Not in my case. I believe...I believe that the Force has shown me that I will be successful."

Cait's countenance became more serious, more confidant as the last sentence left her lips. Despite not practicing, the Force was with her—if she liked it or not. She had used it in every mission to find success and this.. knowing in the Force had come to her and still did as she spoke the words.

She lowered her head after and crossed an arm over her chest, "My loyalties, to you and myself." It was not to him now obviously, but the benefits of having his blessing was far greater than complete freedom, and she would give it to him if that's what it cost. She wouldn't have come here if she wasn't willing to do whatever it took. She could've gone to the mand'alor and snuck around Sith space. But she didn't. His blessing was what she wanted. "And I... can devote time to my training again to brush up." Even if it meant plummeting back into the Dark Side.

Letting him into her mind was risky because he'd see that she'd given up the title of Sith, but he'd also see her determination, her willingness to retake the title and give her loyalty to him; for success, for power. He'd see her absolute dedication to it.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

She had a lot of nerve bringing the will of the force into this, especially after her blatant disregard for the progression of the Sith cause and all it stood for. Obviously the force had intended for her to walk the path of the Sith, and here it was forcing her back on track after her impromptu vacation from destiny. He did not expect what came next however, not in the slightest. Empty excuses, simple factoids, false promises, he'd been prepared and expecting all of them in some form. Open submission and surrender however, had not been considered a likely response. She opened her mind even, laying bare to him the truth of her thoughts on the matter.

It was...a bold move to say the least, and one Vrael quickly decided to take full advantage of. Reaching out with the force, he glanced over the outer layers of her thoughts, searching her feelings for the truth. He didn't do something so crass as actively invading her mind, he had no need to and no wish to witness her numerous follies. It was enough however...to see that her intentions were just as she'd said they were. Her determination, her ambition, her loyalty, he could see it all in his minds eye. Vrael withdrew back into himself and looked upon the girl from a new light, an eyebrow raised in intrigue rather than contempt this time. Silence, as he tried to absorb this new development and how to handle it. It really did change everything.

Eventually, when he spoke again, his tone remained flat and unimpressed, just as before. The actual content however, had changed quite a bit. "Very well, I suppose there could a minimum of potential in investing in your operation. So, on a trial basis, I will grant you my blessing on this matter. On the condition that you fulfill everything you say you can of course. And yes I will be expecting you to be returning to your studies and your true calling in some capacity at least. There is no need for anything that would restrict your business duties or call attention to yourself, but some manner of...brushing up as you put it, WILL be occurring." Gah, he disliked having to grant this, to someone such as her. But seeing as she'd just proved herself wholeheartedly, he would swallow his personal opinion for the Empire's benefit once again.

@Dread

 

[Lilith (8th TL)]

As soon as the Emperor was done with her mind, she raised her defenses again. Just because other Sith were through the walls, didn't mean one of them wouldn't get smart and sense her open mind. And they probably wouldn't be as disinterested in her deeper thoughts as the emperor was. Cait was a little shaken by his command to return to her studies though— but she was serious about giving him her loyalty. She'd do it, if she liked it or not, completely and utterly. And as he commanded, she'd devote herself to her studies.

Though she relaxed somewhat too. He was skeptical about her still but willing to give her a chance, and Cait would make sure he wasn't disappointed. She was already taking great strides towards her goal, and this was a big one too.

After he finished talking she replied, "Yes, you majesty. Thank you, your majesty. As soon as I have the chance, I'll see to my studies." Cait bowed deeper. And after she carefully, slowly, grabbed a datapad from her pocket. By now the emperor should know that she was serious when she meant her loyalty was his now, so he shouldn't worry about her reaching into her pocket for a weapon or something. She'd stop if he told her to though, but otherwise she'd pull out the datapad and proffer it to him.

On the datapad was information about her network that were for his eyes and whoever else he deemed necessary to see it. It might bring him some comfort, and show him where some of her... some of his assets were currently. She didn't take a step forward though, letting him take it by the Force if he wanted to.

"The name of my network is The Exchange. This datapad has information on it, and a way to contact me should you need it, but I'll keep you up to date." That was all she decided to say. She awaited to be dismissed by him, or if he had anything to say.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael ignored her many expressions of gratitude, keeping a stony face as he waited for her to get on with it. He didn't react as she reached into her pockets, the weight of his recent mental discoveries staying his hand still. She had no intention of betraying him, not right now at any rate. Reaching out with the force, he summoned the offered datapad to his hand for a quick read through. The Exchange, it was still much smaller than he would've liked to see, hardly an asset even. It had potential though, he could admit that much. Only time would tell now.

He quickly confirmed that the contact information was present, one of the more vital pieces he needed at this juncture. He then put the pad down on his desk, regarding the girl for another brief moment. She was waiting to be excused now, no doubt anxious to escape now that she had what she needed. And, despite a deep inner search of his thoughts, he had no reason to deny her. Finally he nodded, waving a hand in dismissal as he spoke. "Very well Ms. Aislinn, you may go, go and make your promises a reality. Do not give me cause to regret my actions today, and the chance I have given you."

The meeting effectively over, Vrael would return his focus to the stack of paper work, pulling the first of many sheets off the pile. This had been...surprisingly hopeful considering his expectations, but it had still eaten up valuable minutes. There was much to be done before the day was over.
@Dread