Ask Bad Gas Travels Fast

[Cipher 7]

Jacen scoffed, “You’re just mad it fits.”

His lips spread into a cocky grin as he held her gaze, chin raised in challenge. He let his eyes linger on hers longer than they should, but when she went back to work he followed suit.

The second part of this mission put Six front and center while he worked from the shadows. His job was to spread the bad news, and his goal was to make a little money. He’d put a couple feelers out to Holo agency’s and had heard back from two, the larger of which was Scuzz Feed.

Scuzz Feed was the most prolific rumor mill on Cloud City, they took pride in breaking stories that caused drama, especially if said story tha shot at Big Tibanna. The media prompt Seven had selected was a scathing hit piece on the factory he’d sabotaged. It accused the company of knowingly diluting its gas with a dangerous additive in order to bolster profits.

Now, this kind of job would have been a lot harder if there hadn’t already been local news breaking about a sting of volatile Tibanna mishaps. The holo agency’s were hungry for anything on the topic and securing a meeting with an editor of Scuzz Feed had been as simple as picking up the phone.

Seven stepped off the local transport. He straightened his sports coat and gave the building before him a once over before making for the entrance.

Once inside he was asked to sign in and then take a seat. He was using an alias named Baan Mido. The character was a freelance journalist from Coruscant. His wavy brown hair was slicked back and a charming smile rested on his expression. None of Jacen’s piss and vinegar attitude belonged in Baan making this guy a bit of a stretch normally, but given his exhilarating experience with Six he found he had the inspiration to pull this off.

“Baan? Baan Mido?”

Baan’s easy smile flicked in the voices direction.

“That’s me,” he said standing.
“Jay-Jay will see you now.”

Baan followed her to the elevator. She swiped a keycard and pressed the level he needed. He thanked her and got into the elevator. A moment later the doors slid open revealing an ostentatiously decorated office. Standing just to the side of the doors was an immaculately dressed human, he could only assume was Jay-Jay.

The human’s features lit up like a light switch being turned on and they said, “Baan Mido! Great to meet you, I’m Jay-Jay, but you can call me Jay. Can I get you anything?”

Baan shook his head then offered his hand in greeting, Jay enthusiastically shook it and Baan said, “No thanks, I’m just happy to be here.”

“And we’re so happy to have you, if I can’t get you anything why don’t step over to my desk and get to the nitty gritty?” Asked the Scuzz Feed editor.

“Sounds like a plan,” replied Baan with a smile.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

“I understand that you have quite a mess over here..” She began, rifling through some of the media debacles that hopefully came through by then. Six played her part well, watching for every subtle gesture or tick from the CEO, “This refinery is unlikely to recover from this hit. That’s where Imperial Czerka can help,” She explained, passing over a datapad to the man, “We buy you out, but you can remain on the board of managers,” It was lower influence than the board of directors, but it also avoided giving him accountability.

“You’re all like sharks,” The man laughed bitterly, shaking his head.

“Mr. Eddal, I believe you don’t have a choice,” Six reminded him, “You take this deal, you walk away with a paycheck that sets you up for a long time. We have third party auditors that can come inspect this place,” She let that lingered. He was in the business long enough to know that Imperial Czerka would brush things under the rug.

The man’s face changed colors several times, and it was clear his ego took a massive blow. However, they both knew he was backed into a corner. There was no saving the company - he was looking at bankruptcy next. It didn’t help that he had personal scandals going as well - one of the Holonet tidbits that Six had slipped to Jacen.

Before long, the negotiations were complete and the refinery was theirs. It was dark outside when Six stepped out of the building, stretching and heaving a sigh of relief. This would be a massive win for the Empire. However, more importantly, Jacen had proved himself beyond a doubt. She made a point to find him again.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Jay’s eyes were wide with excitement as he flipped through the information. He slid the datapad back to Baan and stood from his chair. He stepped over to a crystal decanter containing an amber liquid and poured two glasses.

He set one glass down in front of Baan.

“I have to admit, I’m a fan of your work.” Gushed the Scuzz Feed editor. Baan didn’t respond. He was relaxed in the chair, one leg crossed over the other with his hands resting in his lap.

“Thank you. That’s very kind.” Responded Baan.
“How much do you want for them?” Asked Jay-Jay.

Baan watched Jay take a swig from his glass and knew that to mean he wasn’t being poisoned.

“I want a month's pay, 8000,” said Ban
“4.5” countered Jay.
Baan laughed, “I haven’t been paid, 4.5 since I was in college,” he took a sip from the whisky and nearly fell out of his chair.

“What is this?” He asked.
“Nabooian Single Malt, to die for, right?”
“136 ABY?”
Jay was a little taken aback, “Actually, yes.”
“7.5 and the decanter.” Counterd Baan.
“You drive a hard bargain Mr. Mido. Best I can do is 5.5 and an unopened bottle.”
“Meet at 7 and you’ve got a deal.”
Jay considered it, then said, “6.5, and an unopened bottle of the same kind.”

Baan stood and stuck out a hand, “Deal, the only thing I ask is that you get this information to the public as quick as possible. Lives are at risk because of this negligence.”

Jay put a hand over his heart, touched by Baan’s words.

“Put your information here,” said Jay handing Baan a datapad, “And I will start uploading your stories. A few hours from now this is all Cloud City will be talking about.”

A few hours later…

Jacen pulled around the corner and parked the speeder half a block up from the entrance to the gas company. He flipped through his phone, switter was going nuts with the stories. So far, the one that picked up the most traction actually involved a level of depravity that nearly made Jacen blush.

He spotted someone exiting the building and picked out Six. Huh, red looked good on her, he thought.

Jacen pulled up in front of her, cigara hanging from his lips, and said, “Need a lift?”

In the passenger seat when she opened the door she’d find a familiar looking bottle containing a specific amber liquid.

“Where to?” He asked, already holding out his pack of cigarras. He’d light her up if needed.

Jacen flashed her a smile before heading off. He fully expected her to tell him to fuck off. His luck was due to run out eventually.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

She had to grin when he pulled up in the speeder, cigarra dangling from his lips with his hair slightly ruffled by the wind. He wore that devil may care look well, though she was in no hurry to admit that aloud. Six was about to lean over the speeder and tell him a congrats and a goodbye, but she spotted the bottle in the passenger seat. Her brows rose and she began to chuckle, “I thought you were a house whisky and beer guy,” She quipped before she finally opened the door and took a seat. He was certainly slick for remembering the drink detail and even her preferred smokes.

“We own the refinery now,” Six said she took the proffered cigarra, savoring the celebratory smoke, “I picked last time. I think it’s your call now, Cipher Seven,” She added, tilting her head to look at him and flash him a fanged smile. A genuine one. He had earned that name. He was filling some big shoes, but she had no doubt that he would deliver.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

There was a split second where he was positive she was going to bail, but he saw her eyes flit to the bottle next to him and let a knowing smirk land on his lips.

“Eh, felt like this job required something worth savoring,” he said, watching her get in.

His brow raised as she confirmed what he’d hoped:

Mission Success.

“Huh,” was the only response he could manage. Just when he thought he couldn’t be more surprised she shocked him again. As soon as she said it he felt pride swell in his chest.

Cipher 7.

From orphan to Cipher. That was pretty good. He took a drag off his cigara, finding it suddenly tasted sweeter as he basked in the victory, but that wasn’t the only thing he reveled in. His half lidded gaze landed in her smile and he noticed something different there. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but decided he’d be chasing it for a while.

“Thanks Six, you’re not as mean as I thought,” he scoffed, “You gonna open that bottle or hog it?” He asked while putting the speeder in gear.

Port Town was a seedy district in level 130. It was the kind of place that was often overlooked or forgotten, but to someone who knew what to look for it was rife with opportunity. He put down at a bar playing live music. The place was a dive but just looking at it told you outwards appearances were deceiving.

“Hope you can dance,” he said with a sly grin.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

“Open it? Just right here?” She chuckled, “I believe this is something best enjoyed with proper glasses while musing about victories,” She smiled as she gazed at him, not entirely opposed to sharing that experience with him. She normally intimidated men, but so far Seven was proven to be quite slick.

Her brows rose as they arrived at the location and she realized it was a rather nice establishment that had an unassuming external appearance. Six got out of the speeder, carefully leaving the bottle of whiskey behind for now, “I would have dressed up if I had a bit of warning,” She chided him playfully, though thrilled for a break from the mission.

“Can you?” She asked when he quipped about dancing. Men that actually danced were a rarity, so she was curious about his skills on the floor. The two were allowed in easily enough and the upbeat music already put her in a better mood.

“First round’s on me,” She said before he could protest, ordering them both drinks. Six took a seat next to him at the bar, “I’ve already signed off on you being Seven, so do you still need to butter me up?” She said with a smile, always keen on drawing out intent. She wasn’t known to dance around topics as he would have learned by now. He certainly had her attention, so she wasn’t above prying.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

He scoffed while taking a drag off his cigarra, “Wow, trying to tempt me with a good time,” he said with a sidelong glance and a coy smirk. “I’m watching you, Six.”

He was projecting at this point but what did he have to lose?

“Where’s the fun in warning?” He asked, “Besides,” he said, turning to look at her, giving himself time to take her in, “You’re already the most beautiful woman here.”

“We both know that’s not an answer,” he shot back. Seven wasn’t some classically trained dancer but he’d grown up in places like the dive they were walking into. He had rhythm and he knew how to use it, but where was the fun in being honest about it?

“I’m terrible,” he said with obvious sarcasm. He blew out a plume of smoke before flicking his cigarra into the ashtray at the door.

Alright he was feeling cocky.

As they entered the bar a genuine smile spread across Jacen Dolan’s face. It was like walking through the door of your childhood home. The lights were dim, but they’re tone was warm, the music was upbeat and played by an actual band, everyone in the place looked like they were having a blast. He took a deep breath savoring the familiarity of this completely unknown place.

Six led him to the bar and bought their first round, he started to protest, but just shook his head. Seven lived up to his word and ordered the house special, a can of cheap beer and a shot of whisky.

Seven didn’t sit. He leaned on the bar propping himself up with an elbow while taking another cigarra from his jacket pocket. He’d offer her another, because no one likes to smoke alone.

“Probably not,” he shrugged, “but you liked it so much I couldn’t bring myself to stop,” He scoffed, leveling his half lidded gaze on her, while taking a drag off his cigarra. His hand on the bar tapped in time with the music. A little perma-grin settled on his lips as the bartender dropped off their drinks. He hadn’t been buttering her up, he’d been telling the truth.

Seven held his shot up to cheers, “Memento Vivere,” he said then took the shot.

He turned to face her, coy smile spreading across his lips “Why don’t you ask me a question you actually feel like asking?”

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

He certainly had a silver tongue, and he managed compliments without coming across as a greaseball. Six took the cigarra, joining him in their bad habits. She always told herself she would quit, but the ten step programs were always a drag. Six couldn’t help but grin as he turned her blunt question right around on her.

She blew out a few smoke rings, flashing a fanged grin, “Where are you hoping this evening goes?” Six asked outright. The music picked up around them and some of the patrons even started dancing. Six didn’t move for now, her gaze fixed on the man next to her. He looked like a completely different man than the nervous one that walked into that office with Levik. That day felt so far away that she almost wondered if he put on a coy act. Ciphers often cycled through masks they wore and she wondered if he was wearing one right now. However, she knew that whatever mask or real persona he wore, he had her attention.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven smiled as he took a sip of his beer, taking her in. Letting his eyes roam from her to the dancefloor and back as the beat of the band became infections, “I want you on the dance floor,” he let his hand slip toward hers as he closed the space between them, “Then if you can hold your own out there,” he said with a playful nod toward the crowd of undulating bodies, “I say we find somewhere to savor that single malt. Hell, I might even let you tell me about one of your past victories,” he scoffed, taking one more drag off his cigarra before setting it down.

He reached out and tucked a strand of crimson hair behind her ear. Unable to stop the grin on his face from spreading. He took her hand and started to back toward the dancefloor. “ You coming?”

A new song was just getting started and a group was stepping off the floor leaving Six and Seven a perfect opening.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six didn’t waver as he leaned in closer, the cigarra still dangling from the corner of her lip, “If?” She asked with a teasing grin. There was a subtle look of surprise as he tucked her hair away, the gesture tender and slick all at once. She knew he would succeed on all those missions that called for persuasion.

She put out her cigarra and smiled, slipping her hand into his to allow him to lead her to the floor. The music called for a sensual style of swing, and she wouldn’t shy away from it. Six started across from him, beginning to swing and move her hips to the rhythm. Shortly after that, she lifted his hand and spun under it, effortlessly leading the dance. She circled the floor with him, moving to the beat and enjoying herself.

After one particular spin, she drew in close to him with her back pressed against his chest, the rest of her firmly pressed against his body as well. She glanced over her shoulder at him, “How am I doing so far, banthaboy?”

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven relished the challenge in her voice as she put her hand in his. Her smile was intoxicating and the look in her eye as he tucked the hair behind her ear told him everything he needed to know. He didn’t waste time. As soon as her hand was in his he was backing up toward the floor, already swaying to the music as the simple beat began to pick up in intensity.

As he expected she was amazing. She took the lead and he let her, preferring to watch and learn her movements. Luring her into a sense of confidence as he enjoyed her seductive sway. She spun herself out and he saw his opening. As she spun back into him, her back against his chest, she asked how she was doing.

He leaned in, one hand slipping around her waist pulling her into him and the sway of his hips, while he leaned over letting his breath fall on the nape of her neck before saying, “I had no doubt you could lead,” he spun her out and brought her back, stepping in and putting her chest against his, never falling out of rhythm, keeping them as close as two can be while still clothed.

“I wanna know if you can follow,” he said as a devilish grin spread across his face.

He started slow, a subtle change in their timing, she was good, never missing a beat, the song was reaching for it’s climax and he suddenly wished he could freeze time. Instead he dipped her suddenly, one hand firmly placed on the small of her back while the other traced the outside of her thigh, coming to rest behind her knee. Then he snapped her back up. He felt her pressed against him, his whole body was hot with desire as her breath on his neck stoked the flame. Their bodies intertwined.

Nothing else mattered. Not his new designation. Not the mission. Not the Empire.

The only thing that mattered to him in this moment was her.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six gasped in genuine surprise when he suddenly dipped her. Quite frankly, she expected a mishap, one of her hands bracing for a fall that never came. Her other arm was looped around his neck, and her gaze remained on his. She was used to only leading, so this was a refreshing change of pace. In fact, she found herself actually giggling a bit while he had her dipped. He snapped them up and both her arms were wrapped around his neck.

“You know this is a bad idea in our line of business, right?” Six asked with a grin, not making any moves to step back from where she ended up after the dip. Her gaze briefly flicked down to his lips before quickly returning to his eyes, a glance so subtle it was easy to completely miss. There were many things running through her mind - each one more brazen than the last. It was that fine line between staying classy but also feeling empowered enough to act on whatever she pleased.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Jacen was good with little details. He remembered the little things, like the things others never notice but mean the world to you. As Six’s mask slipped and she giggled he caught a glimpse of her and committed it to memory. He knew then and there that was the Six he wanted to know. His gaze slipped from her fanged smile to her ocean eyes and he found himself fighting off that familiar smile.

She pointed out the risk, and she was right. At any moment one of them could die, but that just made him want her more. So, Jacen scoffed, “Can I tell you a secret?” he asked, lowering his voice so only she could hear, “I love bad ideas,” he said as he leaned in to kiss her.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six shouldn’t have been surprised by his response, but it was electrifying nonetheless. She didn’t move away as he leaned in, and she found herself doing the same. One moment she was weighing the risks, the next she found her lips locked with his. The dance floor faded away, along with all thoughts of their mission. Everything had been a success, and she wanted to celebrate, but more than that, she wanted to sink into his embrace. She was lost in the heat between them, the taste of his lips and the exhilaration that came from being in such a public place.

It felt like an eternity before she finally drew back, gazing into his eyes. Her fingers lightly traced along his jawline, “I guess you dig mean girls, huh?” She asked, a teasing tone to her voice. Six thought about all the high roofs and towers on Bespin that could overlook stunning views spanning high above the clouds, “Come on, let’s find a place to break open that whiskey,” She said with a jut of her head towards the exit.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

In a single day he’d breezed through an infiltration and sabotage, gone pseudo-skydiving, duped the head editor of a tabloid, and earned his designation. Never in his life would he have guessed that there was anything that could top what he’d already done.

Then they kissed.

He was glad their proximity would make it impossible for her to see the surprise that rippled across his face. The hand that still held her leg behind the knee slowly drifted upward as the hand on her back hungrily pulled her into him. He didn’t miss her meeting his energy as he relished her affection. Everything around them kept moving, but as far as he was concerned time for them came to a stand still. He felt every press and sway of her body, he nipped at her bottom lip driving his hips into hers and then just as quickly as it had come on, it was over.

He could still feel her kiss on his lips as she spoke. “I like them almost as much as a bad idea,” he said, hunger apparent in his gaze as he chewed on his bottom lip wishing they were still locked together.

She made it clear she was ready to go and nodded. “I’ll snag a couple glasses.”

Reluctantly, he let her go, straightened his shirt, and stepped over to the bar. He snagged his half smoked cigarra, lit it up, and took a breath, then he caught the barback’s attention, “Can you give me two empty glasses?”

The Barback looked at him a little confused but snagged two rocks glasses and handed them over.

“Thanks, here,” replied Jacen through pinched lips as he slid the guy a twenty while shrugging. “I’m not bringing them back.”

The barback pocketed the cash and turned a blind eye.

A few minutes later they were in the speeder taking a ramp upward. Level 130 was a solid find, but it’s views weren’t as nice as it’s hidden bar scene. The speeder crested the top of the ramp. Apex Overlook was exactly what it sounded like. It was the highest possible point in Cloud City. Years ago it had been an exclusive location for the rich and powerful, but now it was little more than a tourist attraction. As they pulled up a gate let them know the plaza was closed.

“Hope you’re cool with breaking the law.” he remarked with a coy smirk.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Seven managed to surprise her on multiple occasions - something that wasn’t done so easily. As they pulled up near Apex Overlook, her eyes widened in surprise. It was definitely an off-limits area, and she knew they would have to do some preparation before they could use it. Right off the bat, she brought out her slicing kit to do just enough to make the security cameras ‘malfunction’. She was no slicer, but she had generic programs that could create minor inconveniences. No one was actively watching this feed, so they were fine.

“Well you’re easing into your Cipher role just fine,” She said with a grin as she climbed and easily hopped the gate, “We’re all about bending the rules.”

It was a dazzling sight from up here - as if they were floating across the galaxy. Stars spanned for miles and it was so clear that planets could be seen in the distance. Six took a seat as she grabbed the bottle and popped it open, pouring them both a glass. She clinked hers against his, “To a successful mission, to you becoming a Cipher…and anything else?” She asked with a grin.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven watched as Six slid out her slicing gear as they got out of the speeder. Honestly, this was the exact place he’d have come as a kid. There was a strange nostalgia to the empty plaza that reminded him of all the nights he’d spent on the street. The biggest difference this time was he wasn’t alone.

Seven finished his cigarra and stamped it out under his heel as Six worked her magic. She climbed over the gate and he watched her. He chuckled as she commented on him easing into his role, “I had a great mentor,” he teased following her over the chain link fence.

The view from Apex was otherworldly. Clouds bigger than the city they sat atop slowly drifted by below. The moon and stars above painted her porcelain skin in moonlight. He sat down next to her as she poured them both a glass. He took whiskey in one hand and let his other drape around her shoulders.

Seven locked onto her ocean eyes as she gave her toast leaving it open for him to finish. His gaze was unwavering as he said, “To bad ideas, and a career of making them.”

Seven tipped back his drink. The bite of the whisky was pleasant on his pallet. It was complex and smooth but didn’t taste like vanilla, damn. She was right, this was good.

He pulled her into him and felt himself relax while staring up at the stars, “I think this is the part where you regale me with your last victories,” he scoffed.

 

[Cipher Six]

Six sipped from her drink, smirking at his toast. He wrapped an arm around her and she welcomed it, gazing up at the stars. It was cheesy and totally like something out of a Holomovie, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. At the back of her mind she always thought how much of this was realistic or possible for her. She always kept her distance and drew back right when it got to be anything beyond superficial. It remained to be seen where this fit.

“Perhaps I can claim you as a victory,” Six teased as she looked at him, her gaze lingering on his. This time, she was the one that closed the distance, leaning in to capture his lips once more as she set the glass down beside her. Her fingers curled into his hair, pulling him close as she took her time, not worrying about who saw them or what this meant.

Her body pressed against his, desire burning in her gestures. She clearly wasn’t afraid to make moves of her own, and she effortlessly swung a leg over, moving to sit on his lap while facing him. Six drew back from the kiss with a teasing grin, her arms casually looped around his neck, “I hope I’m not ruining the view," She said with a tilt of her head and a wink.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven enjoyed her warmth. He’d lost count of the number of times he’d sat out under a view like this alone, it was nice to have someone to share it with for once. He tipped his cup back as she teased him.

“You should really raise your standards if you think I’m a victory,” he scoffed, “Besides, I think we both know I’m the one that won here,” he said as his baby blues met her turquoise gaze. He was about to comment on something, but she leaned in and he realized it wasn’t important.

The soft clink of her glass on being set on the ground was his queue to put his glass down as well. Her hands ran through his wavy hair as they kissed. That same passion he’d felt in the bar came surging back with vengeance as he enjoyed the taste of her lips. He could feel her taking control and he let her get comfortable.

She straddled him and his pace quickened.

Oh, so that’s how he wants to play, he thought. His eyes lingered on her lips then found her eyes. The combination of her smile, her lips, and the stars was something ripped from a holomovie, and he loved every second of it. For once throwing caution to the wind and giving in to what he wanted.

Her words brought a smile to his lips. He’d already told her how beautiful she was. Rather than respond immediately he leaned up pulling her in and then laid back onto the ground.

“Actually, now that you mention it, could you slide a little—” Suddenly, he swept her. One arm kept her pressed firmly into him just like the dip on the dance floor. He was a lot stronger than he looked and with ease kept her off the ground as he took her place on top.

With her still suspended in his embrace he leaned in. He let their lips brush then passed hers by finding the soft skin of her neck. He kissed her soft and sensuously down to her collar bone before coming back up to her lips while pressing his hips into hers.

Seven gently lowered her to the ground, stealing one more small kiss before turning the question that kicked this whole thing off back on her, “Where are you hoping his night goes?”

It was a simple gesture. He placed what happened next in her control. Which he was pretty sure was exactly what she wanted.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six quirked a brow as he remarked on her standards, “Rest assured I prefer when men know their worth,” She shot back with a snappy reply, making it clear she wouldn’t bite at any self deprecating commentary. She was too classy for that. Fortunately, he let his actions speak louder than words and it was what she preferred anyway. She grinned as he flipped them around, and she found herself on the ground.

He looked like a hero from a Holo flick with the backdrop of the stars behind him. Her legs almost instinctively yearned to wrap around his hips, especially as he pressed against her to invoke a sigh against his lips. Six gazed up at the stars as he kissed along her neck, and she briefly turned to do the same, letting her fangs graze against his skin. It was a perfect mix of sensual and dangerous, reminding him of what she was and how it came into play with passion.

Six gazed up at him when he asked his question, one of her hands reaching up as she traced a lone finger along the side of his face. Without warning, she flipped them again, now with him lying on his back and her straddling him. Her hands pinned his own hands up by his head, and he would get a taste of that inhuman Firrerreo strength. Six gave him a fanged smile, “Right up until here,” She said before she climbed off him and started chuckling, “Come on, banthaboy, we have to check in with our debrief,” She said as she walked away. Six knew she was being a horrible tease, but it would take a bit more to get that cozy with her.

@Zay