Ask Fuel For Thought

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The Nautolan had paused in his frustration, not noticing Kalique approach and reach down to help him until she appeared. "Oh, thank you. Sorry, yeah ill manage, work never ends, even on a supposed holiday. You know?"

The man quietly took the card from her hand and swiped his door open. Pausing before taking a step inside, he looked back with a smile. "I know this sounds cheesy but do you want to come in for a drink? I'm having a little difficulty with a deadline and a second pair of eyes might help. If you're not too busy, texting. of course."

Inside the other room Guin constantly had to fight the dual urge to knock some sense into the bashful man and his proclivities. Gross, she thought as he tried to ineffectively spin his lustful web around her without much luck. As she got closer, she could even hear the leathery waterbed making noises as he simply couldn't help but adjust himself while his snack neared.

Pfft, how could such a simple minded man ever attract her she thought as he dismissed her clever joke. Watching the magic happen in real time, she waited until he was clearly zonked, causing a loud scream to erupt.

"YESSS, YES" to Kalique she would sense Guins immense relief and joy, not realizing how such a thing might sound ro others not in the know.

The blonde paused again to check that he was still okay, despite being quite oblivious his surroundings now before she pushed him back and answered cheerfully. "The answer, you pig. Is that I'd never be satisfied."

With a little disgust she wanted to test how compliant he might be, ordering the intoxicated man to find some clothes and to her amazement, he started to stir to do just that!

Oh, this is gunna be easy, she thought.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique immediately noticed how he was somehow unsettled and the fact that he had name dropped Lord Tryst again made her more than curious. She was fully aware of how Guin felt, but as she suddenly felt how the prince turned from impatient and lustful so weakened and rather pleased, Guinevere's relief followed soon after.

So everything had went well for now, Kalique assumed and her muscles automatically realized a little as well. It was perfect timing as the prince now really seemed as docile as Guin needed him to be and meanwhile the Nautolan was literally inviting her to come along and find out some more.

"You're welcome...but damn, I'm sorry to hear" her warm smile turned into an apologetic, empathetic one as she saw her grand chance which wasn't just metaphorically, but also literally posed by the open door. "You seem like you need some company...so sure! I can finish this mail whenever". She stored her phone away and entered, even getting the chance to get closer to Guin while inside so the plans were aligning perfectly.

'You seem fine. Everything went well I assume? I'm in the next room, got a fresh lead with my Nautolan friend' she telepathically informed Guin, hoping that she could work her magic inside and gather the intel available while the Prince was out. Meanwhile Kalique could easily focus on the concerned Nautolan who had no idea she was exactly the wrong person to share a drink and information right now.

"The drink is a sweet idea of yours...but how can I help you?" she asked him sweetly, playing he'd charms just right as she slowly brushed a strand of loose her behind her ear. There was still a warm, completely innocent smile on her lips as she followed him, wondering whether he'd now actually let her in on something he needed an advice with. Guin meanwhile would have an easy game in her room as the fiery prince was still just laying and drooling, fully bewitched by her fancy brainwash odor.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The room Kalique entered was as opulent as the room across the hall where Guin found herself entertaining a goldfished prince. The decor was a little fancy with fine silks and gold trims, and clearly, custom added for the guest, or at the very least their patron had a big sway in getting it done.

While Guin had found her prince charming mounted atop the waterbed, Kalique would notice that the Nautolan's own one looked relatively undisturbed and crisp. With a sheepish grin, he led her across the room toward a messy little desk with piles of paperwork, oddities, historical trinkets, and the like. "What would you like? I can place the order and the wait staff will bring it up in a few minutes. Don't worry, they're very prompt."

Naturally, he ordered a second of whatever she picked, before turning back to the table with Kali and staring over things trying to establish his bearings. With a dash of luck, a trifling of stress and confusion, he pulled three objects and laid them just in front of the pair.

The first was an obsidian hairpin, with delicate and sharp edges. "This was found in an old ruin, we don't know much about its owner other than what the object might speak to about her liking to take risks for beauty." A small smile perched itself on his lips.

The second was a very ancient-looking clay vase with an exquisite floral animal imprint running around its mouth. "This one is quite cool, it is quite rare to find fragments of such things but to find one totally intact from thousands of years ago? totally invaluable! the civilization that created it died out years ago and thus we can only piece together their lives from things like this."

Lastly and most proudly, he pulled out a small gold necklace with a jade snuggled neatly into its end. "This one is my favorite, its beauty is incomparable." He held the stone forefront and center for her to see before looking towards her emeralds with a smile. "Well, perhaps they're the second prettiest of this color in the room. Would you like to try it on?"

The Nautolan offered to help her if she accepted, although she would immediately sense something once she touched it. It also seemed like he was caught up trying to prepare such items for the auction and estimate their values. It was a difficult task and one that he had laboured on but time was quickly running out.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Guin was nestled comfortably in the waterbed having now watched the well-chiseled prince put on the bare minimum of modesty. She was quite caught up in the show, holding tenderly to the duvet under her chin when she heard the telepathic message from her companion and was quickly brought back into the mission.

"Oh shoot, right." She slid herself off the bed awkwardly and made her way over to the prince. "Uhmm excuse me," she said with a little hesitantly, but given she wasn't entirely sure how long the effect would last, she knew she ought to hurry. "Hii cupcake, so um what can you tell me about Lord Tryst? and his plans?"

The Firrerreo looked at her blankly for a moment before asking his own question in turn. "Ooh yes please I want one with sprinkles, ohh you know my daddy too? he's much too busy to tell me..." The bubbled eyes of the prince washed over as he found himself distracted by an odd shape on Guin's skirt. Swatting away his curious hand, she continued to press him. "Focus, up here buster. Is he planning anything sinister?"

Defeated, the prince's face turned sad. "How would I know, he says I'm a wom mais..ise...I like women too much and don't spend enough time listening to follow in his footsteps. Don't tell him I told you, but..."

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Despite nervous, the Nautolan seemed indeed super busy and she wondered whether he was a direct idea of this Tryst or whatever. From what she had heard and seen of the Nautolan, she didn't take him for an actual associate as everything about him just seemed very genuine.

"Aw thank you, that's very kind of you. I'd take a smoothie or juice I guess. A nice refreshment after the sauna might be just right". She then took a seat next to him and marveled at the stuff he began showing her, not only feigning interest but obviously taking a very close look.

"Ooh...wow that's beautiful" the dark obsidian was indeed pretty, yet there was nothing special about it. Same for the vase, but she did let out a "Oooh...the delicate floral painting". She warmly smiled at him, realizing that the vase was perhaps expensive, but nothing special either.

The third object he brought Force though was indeed something special as she felt like the necklace's presence within the Force. "Wow...look at that stone". As he complimented her, her smile widened further as she kept playing her part perfectly. "Really? I'd love to" she replied happily upon his offering, actually feeling like touching this thing would tell her more, and alas, she wasn't mistaken. This object stood in direct connection to the Force and there was some secret it carried, yet it felt like she needed more time to figure out what it was.

"Thank you for showing me all that...do you prepare those items prior to actions?" she curiosly asked, hoping to learn more about his employer as well. Meanwhile in the other room, Kalique could tell that Guin was still save, but she had no idea what happened inside as the prince absent-mindedly began speaking.

"Hmmm...aaanyway. Daddy is mean. Just like Tryst...I don't like it either when he deals with such dangerous goods but he always strikes he can handle then...Daddy called him a wizard once, I'm not sure whether that's true though, but I just usually stay away from him". The Firrerian rambled on, both hands outstretched in the air and trying to catch something that wasn't there. Maybe it were the rays of light that irritated him but he kept trying to gain hold of something.

After another moment, he turned his head back to her, his pupils fully dilated and a derpy smile on his lips. "So where's that cupcake? And who's Buster? Also, how are you so pretty? You're face looks like the marble statue's one we keep in our garden...wait maybe it is you!". Now he had a real epiphany.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The Nautolan kept a mental note of Kalique's impressions of the objects he presented, not only was he interested in what she might say, but in how she might resonate with them. A smile beamed as she accepted his tender offer, quite casually pulling himself behind her and parting the chain between his hands, he slowly slid the chains up around her neck until he gently connected them once more.

With a click of his fingers, a section of wall nearby shifted quietly, and out popped a small mirror. Pointing in its direction, he swooned. "I rather think it suits you marvelously, don't you think?" The object lay dormant for some time, and its secrets would need coaxing to reveal themselves for good or bad, but she would surely find out soon.

The proud Nautolan smiled and nodded at her kind words. "Yes, of course, I'm an archeologist of sorts. It's been a big passion of mine for some years, and although I've never been big on the selling part if I refuse, I lose funding. You know how these wealthy types are."

A knock at the door meant that their refreshments had arrived and the staff scooted their way in with a rolling trolley. Not only were there the drinks requested, but a large selection of fruits, figs, and other tasty finger foods. "Courtesy for Lord Tryst." the attendant said before bowing and departing.

The Nautolan stepped over to preview the selection before taking a fig into his hand and munching on a grape or two before following up his statement with an inquiry. "This necklace was supposedly used in some kind of ritual, but I didn't feel anything when I touched it. What do you think? other than how it seems to be made just for you."

Guin seemed to be getting through to the now adorable princeling, being much more manageable and polite than before. She couldn't help but sigh as it became apparent that he was not in a good way either. Of course, the womanizer had daddy issues, she screamed internally.

"A wizard you say, did he have a name? Harry by chance? No?" The prince was already distracted and wouldn't give her an answer there but it was a decent lead regardless. After his little rambling, he started to reach out and try to touch her face in his confidence that she was a lifelike statue!

Startled, Guin shouted in defense.."Stop!" trying to buy herself some time to come up with something, and it worked. The prince stopped himself in his tracks and didn't move. "Uhh..you're not moving either, are you a statue?" it sounded even dumber to say aloud than in her head, but the inquisitive prince now panicked. "Oh my god, I can't move."

"Wait, I can move again," she replied, toying with him. "Stay still and I'll see if I can find something to help free you, okay?" The prince nodded, leaving Guin to slip away and start going through the room looking for anything in particular that could help their investigation.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

It seemed like after the very weird sauna episode, something really good had sprung from it. She still noticed how Guinevere was fine and the prince not moving a lot while the agent swept through the room, probably investigating what else he had to hide while the Nautolan here seemed way too friendly for this world.

"Thank you...honestly thank you for your kindness. Those are rare treasures you have found and I'm grateful that you've let me in on them..." she beamed at him gratefully, appearing as delighted as a normal woman would be if such a kind fellow would suddenly show you some really fancy stuff.

Obviously, he neither had to know who Guin and she were and why they were here, and also, Kalique was not going to let him notice that the beautiful, seemingly handcrafted necklace didn't just seem to suit her like a long lost family heirloom, but that she could feel the power hidden inside.

She watched her reflection in the mirror for a moment, the jade stone matching her eye color perfectly. It wasn't just that though. It simply felt like this amulet was calling for her, yearning for her touch and craving to be held by her for a while. She wasn't exactly sure who had made it or why, but she wanted to figure out what it was. "It is so stunningly beautiful" it was even hard to take her eyes of the mesmerizing stone, but she did force herself to meet his gaze again.

"Oh wow...that is so cool! When I was younger, I always wanted to be an archeologist!" she lied, however her fake amazed tone well trained. The door opened and a selection of snacks was brought in and funnily enough, the gracious sponsor was apperently the most interesting person in this resort so far.

"Oh...that's kind of this Lord...so is he your main employer for some sort? I'm sorry...I really don't want to seem noisy, but I feel like you've mentioned the name earlier " she voiced it all innocently, an apologetic, soft smile on her lips.

"A ritual? No...I don't notice anything apart from its mesmerizing beauty. Whoever crafted it, the stone seems like a very rare, magnificent wonder of nature". Obviously, someone powerful had his or her hands on it as well at some point, but it seemed like he didn't know much more about it.

In the other room, Guinevere was now stuck with the prince who was completely convinced someone had frozen him in Carbonite. It was the thought about her looking like a angelic statue that he couldn't lose. He stared at the ceiling, unflinching and not even realizing she was going through some of his stuff.

Guinevere would have to look carefully, but if she'd rummage through his clothes she'd find a pair of gloves with the Lord Tryst's signature which may or may not help her, or of she went straight for his laptop, she'd gain access to plenty of interesting data. Most importantly though, on a note in the garbage can shed actually find something that looked like a shopping list with items that were being put up for the auction and instructions on what to buy, together with strange little symbols that would be hard to decipher just then.

"There goes my mundane life...I've descended down a path that led me into oblivion. I'm nought but a sculpture, carved by the eternal being who shall now bear my sins". The prince was apperently caught in a temporary mid life crisis, still not moving while a tear streamed down his cheek.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The Nautolan's face lit up like a birthday cake when Kalique told him of her youthful ambitions. Her stream of compliments did not go unnoticed either, swelling the man up with pride. "Really? Well, I can tell you it's not all that the holomovies tell you. There's lots of paperwork and planning that goes into it, which can be boring for some but oh man. When you find something like this though, it's so worth it."

The man took the glass of juice into his hand and took a short sip. "Oh, sort of. I have various contracts for different organizations and the like, for example, I used to teach a class on Glee Anselm for a time. Then one day, out of the blue, I get an offer to get an all-expenses paid trip to search for things we never had the budget for at the university. So all I had to do was find rare and special items that could re-coup his investments and well, then I get to do whatever I wish."

He would have left it at that but he could tell that the answer didn't truly satisfy her rabid curiosity. As much of a charmer as he was, the man couldn't help but try to please her, and besides, who was going to find out? "Lord Tryst is a secretive type of individual, I've never actually met him face to face but he pays well and so far has been so very kind to me."

Her curiosity about the stone's origin was shared by the Nautolan, who had spent hours going over anything he could find but came up with very little. There was clearly a question lingering on his mind, but how to put such an idea into words eluded him for a few moments as he considered that he hadn't even asked her name yet.

"For the auction, we had planned to stick it on a velvet pad and have the bidders come up and take a look, but in my experience, beautiful modeling of such an exquisite piece always gets the best price." His voice was calm and sweet. "Of course, I don't mean to intrude on your lovely holiday, but I can't imagine it looking as good on anyone else but you."

Alongside the offer to wear the piece for the night, Kalique would be personally invited to the dance and dinner that proceeded with the auction and seated in a prominent spot courtesy of you know who.

Across the hall, Guinevere was frantically looking through every nook and cranny in the hopes of finding something worth the ordeal that she had willingly put herself through. Naturally, the tech goddess went straight for the prince's laptop before suddenly stopping herself with a gross look back toward him. There was absolutely no way that she wanted to touch this object and neither did she have any interest in powering it on lest she sees something that she couldn't unsee. Instead, she carefully plugged a small device into its side in order to clone its contents.

While that was going on, she continued to sweep the room, taking small bits and pieces of interesting-looking papers into her pockets. Lastly, she found a small pile of dirty laundry, which upon kicking as to avoid having to touch such a disgusting mess, found an item that was clearly not the prince's style. Picking those up and stashing them, she continued until she had finally arrived back with the prince himself.

Truth be told Guin was starting to feel a little bit bad about what she had done to him. The mini mid-life crisis did no favors to that line of thinking, but at the very least she believed that after the effect of the perfume had worn off, he probably wouldn't even remember a thing.

In a quiet and calming voice, she knelt down behind him to guide the lost little lamb. "My child." Guin almost broke character already, barely holding back a giggle. "Uhm, keep your eyes closed and promise me that you will work on becoming a better person. In fact, you should start by apologizing to every woman you have ever wronged. Then after falling asleep, you will be freed from your marble state" It was certain that such a list would be long and possibly never completed, but the little petty revenge was oh-so worth it and a convenient way for her to escape while he was too busy to notice.

As the prince started confessing his sins, Guin slipped back into the other room and pulled out the small device from the laptop, and started to make her way for the exit, very glad to be putting some distance between her and the ticking time bomb of a prince.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique couldn't help but to feel a little bad for how easy it was to make him talk. No tricks, no manipulation, just kindness and a supposedly genuine conversation. Also, no fancy perfume needed, but she was more than glad that Guin and her both could get their work done simultaneously even if her task seemed much easier.

She still listened intently as he outlines parts of his life and how his life was intertwined with the mysterious Lord Tryst's. "Ohhh! Honestly that makes me so happy. After all the hard work, it seems like you've deserved thus upgrade!" her smile seemed all genuine and happy while she actually didn't care much about the stranger. He was a clueless, friendly provider of information, hence she was glad she had run into him, but she only kept playing her cards right because it served her well.

"That's what truly matter...like honestly, I'm glad he's kind to you. You seem like a very valuable employee and I'm really glad to hear he's treating you well". So regardless of how shady this wealthy lord was, he was kind to his servants? Or was he a cunning manipulator which would even allude to possible Sith ties...

"Velvet?" she kept feigning interest, seeming as though she pondered on his words for a moment. "Hmm yes, I can see it. A dark shade of purple would emphasize the colors. I'm no expert, but it looks beautiful in my mind". Damn, and she herself wanted that necklace, but as it was scheduled for the fund raiser, she couldn't just make it disappear. If it was a real dark sided artifact, the ISB would surely be interested in it, but if not, if it didn't need to end up in confinement, she wanted to figure it out.

What followed was even more promising, and obviously, appearing very delighted, Kalique accepted his gracious offer. "Thank you...honestly that's so sweet and kind and I don't even know what to say...I'm looking forward to tonight" she gave him her most charming, warm smile, her eyes sparkling in delight while she couldn't believe they now had such a great lead. She immediately had to tell Guin and as he still had work to do, she said her goodbyes. The poor Nautolan was truly kind and genuinely friendly, yet he had no idea he had just become an important part of their mission.

Kalique left soon after, her newest accomplishment dangling from her neck. This was just perfect. Kalique slipped around the next corner and telepathically reached out for Guin, still staying close enough to help her if needed but away from the Nautolan's door so he wouldn't spot her lurking. 'I've got something...are you done soon?'.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

As Guin neared the exit she heard the increasingly familiar mental voice knocking around inside, leaving her unable to answer but Kali would sense that she was coming and that they would soon be reunited anyways. The agent stood next to the door, looking back towards the hallway where so much had just gone down.

The stresses of the night were beginning to catch up with her, just a little while ago she had so very confidently informed her partner just how confident she was in completing the task. Yet it felt like each strand of nerve in her hand began to wobble all at once as she tried to reach for the light switch. She couldn't help but feel a rush of vulnerabilities all coming back to bite her at once, now that the mission boost that she had been riding thus far started to fade.

Pulling the door open and slipping through, Guin nervously pulled out her phone and tapped a message that she was finished, although by now she suspected that her powerful friend would have noticed the sudden change as well. She'd try to start making for the elevator in the hopes of making it back to her room in one piece, but it didn't take long for tears to start pooling around her eyelids.

By the time Kalique caught up with her she was sniffling, trying to remain calm and collected in the face of the emotional strain. She was an agent damnit, and she would act like one, she silently scolded herself. "Hey..that's cute." she finally said as the pair re-linked in front of the elevator entrance. Kalique was certainly going to be worried about her, but she was surely going to be fine. She had to be for the sake of their mission.

"I'll be okay," she said quietly. "I uh, handled the situation and found some things that might be useful but I'll need some gear to know for sure." Shaking a little less now that Kali had arrived, she simply forced a small smile and asked after her to shift some of the focus away from herself. "What about you? did you go shopping or something without mee?"

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique waited around the nearest corner, eyes closed and sensing those milling around on the current level and how fortunate no one else was approaching right now though. She was aware that Guin was making her way towards the exit, yet she could feel how her demeanor fully changed, from one moment to the next.

The stresses and the strain were seemingly collapsing on her at once, and Kalique spun immediately, worried gaze directed towards the corner where Guin was about to emerge. "Are you okay??" she worriedly asked, her voice hushed though as she wrapped and arm around her and lead her towards the elevator, wondering whether he had said anything, or perhaps even threatened her in a moment of clarity, but she immediately reassured her that she was okay.

"Are you really okay?" it was genuine concern she held for the woman who was very much in the open on this mission and Kalique knew how she sometimes struggled with confidence. "It sounds like you've done really well...how did this obnoxious jerk hold on? Also, do I need to clear his mind or will he have no clue about what hit him?". Apperently, they had both been sucessful with their interrogations, yet again Kalique felt bad for how easy and surprisingly pleasant her encounter had been.

After entering the elevator, they were en route to their rooms, yet obviously, Guin noted the borrowed necklace. "I've collected plenty of information...I'll fill you in in the room" she replied, reaching down to touch the necklace once again. It faintly hummed with the Force, yet it was still a mystery for Kalique. "This was lent to me..." she kept it vague for now, although added a little smirk.

"We've got a date tonight". Obviously, Kalique had arranged for an additional spot for Guin, but she'd only elaborate after reaching the safety of her room. They chose hers as Guin could immediately get to work with all her tech and check the prince's data while Kalique sat down on the bed, carefully wrapping her hand around the amulet and closing her eyes. "Tell me when you find something...I'll try solving this here". With Guin now up to date, they had a little time before having to depart for the surely interesting night to come.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

It was a comforting feeling being around Kalique again, someone who had repeatedly shown genuine concern for her wellbeing. With a little pause to think, she pulled a small smile nodded that she was okay, and shook her head when she mentioned having to clear his mind, another fun little side effect of the perfume.

Their mission was far from over, but the downtime to sneak away and hang out, away from the needy men, was a great reprieve Guin thought. A little proud smile etched itself across her face as not only had Kali been able to keep her safe, but she also had gone on to do so much herself too.

"A what now?" Guin gave a little side-eye to the suggestion, especially after how thrilling the last outing just went. But maybe after a little bit of relaxing coding and tinkering, she'd be up for another foray. Together they made it back to Guin's room at last, causing a small sigh of relief to escape her lips. Even though it was only temporary accommodation, she'd still wanted to make the room homey.

The soothing scent of a fresh floral arrangement brought just the right about of springy vibe to everything, and would help bring a little clarity of mind and focus back in time to work. "Okay sure, but one second.." she said warmly, pottering off into the other room before returning clutching a medium-sized bag and wearing a pair of cute fuzzy pink slippers. It was always a good idea to be comfy when doing these sorts of things, she always thought and today was no different. Sliding onto the bed, she hoisted a pillow behind her back against the wall and pulled a laptop out and onto her legs.

While she had the data from the prince's device, it would take just a little bit longer for her programmes to do their thing and break open any of the weak encryptions that he hoped to call passwords before she could see any of the juicy stuff. Looking up over the screen with a cautious look on her face as if she had only just caught on to it, she quietly asked. "Uhm Kali, is that thing dangerous? I have like an EM box for stuff but idk if it works on that."

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

While Kalique was rather happy with how she had managed to score a place in this after-event later on, she surely still owed Guin an explanation. "I think he thinks it's a real date...he has invited me to the after-party that takes place once the auction is done. There will be food and dancing and he's been hinting at how this mysterious Lord Tryst could make an appearance".

It sounded way too promising to get such a chance of closely interacting with all those wealthy people, yet Kalique knew that despite the loose occasion, they really had to be on their guard. She crossed her legs on the bed and breathed in slowly and deeply, only to carefully let the air out again.

She focused on this presence humming deep inside the amulet's core, however the power so faint that she couldn't even tell its alignment. As Guin reentered, she was slightly pulled out of her full focus mode as her appereance was way too adorable and a smirk crossed her lips before she closed her eyes and started again.

Something inside the jade stone was throbbing, yet it was as if it was encompassed by several layers, carefully hidden behind this outer shell and in order to find ones way in, you first had to decipher the enigmatic way it used to store its secret. Kalique couldn't even tell whether it was a real artifact, as the presence was simply so faint that she doubted a regular force user would manage to pick it up.

"Hm?", she was yanked out of her half-absent, concentrated state as Guin carefully asked her question, her gaze flicking open and softly eyeing the agent again. "No...it's very calm. I sense something, but it's like it's locked away. It doesn't have a dark alignment...this I can tell, but there could be something inside" she truthfully explained, a little confused by how this thing seemed to work. "What did you find?" she let go of it for now, stretching her legs and expectantly watching her.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

Guin listened along, nodding as Kalique explained about what she had been up to with the Nautolan. It was a funny contrast to her own experience that evening, although, in the end, they both gained precious intel. It was also interesting how this lord Tryst seemed to have his fingers in all the pies so to speak, and yet the information they had on him was quite scarce.

Guin was always amazed by her confidence and affinity to make people open up without realizing it. "Okay I know it's a mission, but you gotta admit that's kinda cuuute. But is it like a double date or is he really luucky?" she giggled just imagining how that situation unfolded.

Knowing that Kali wasn't phased by whatever weirdness was going on with the necklace did slightly put the agent's mind at ease, and at the very least she didn't seem to think it was related to the Dark Side - but that just made the blonde wonder then if there were more sinister objects that they had missed, or if the rumors were just overblown.

Raising a hand to her mouth, Guin laughed. "Oh my god, so there I was walking into the prince's room half expecting that I could just chat a little and that would do the trick when .. well ...that's when I found him butt naked on the bed with a rose in his mouth!" The rest of the story followed in short order, filled with dramatic pauses and even a little acting, ensuring that now they were both caught up in each other's escapades.

Suddenly a noise brought Guin's attention back to the laptop alerting her to the files being ready to browse. It took a little time to go through the clutter and noise but eventually, she would come across something and her mouth would open in shock. "Umn this isn't good Kali." Moving sideways so that they could both see the email that she was referencing. There was no name attached but it was clearly intended for the prince and detailed precise instructions on what and how much he was to bid on.

While not illegal on its own, it was their first real clue that the auction itself was a sham. If this idiot was being told what to do and what items to win on, was it possible that he'd be the only one? Or was it more likely that others were in on it too, siphoning money away from the charitable needs and into their own pockets?

A worried look crested Guin's face as she looked back to Kalique. "Should we tell anybody? we've already got our hands full trying to track down relics but this is way bigger than that."

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Guin seemed actually happy about what a piece of a cake her interrogation was, while she still felt bad about how this guy had treated her before he had been made docile. "He was too kind and naive for his own good...he spilled details like a fountain", she explained with a chuckle, facing her again.

"He did also tell me about a friend of him...seems to be another archeologist. Not sure about this friend, but if you want to try your luck with the Nautlon, you've got my blessing". They both needed something from them and played their part, yet now that she was thinking about it, she didn't think the Nautolan and Guin were a bad idea and it did made her chuckle. After their first rather intense part, it was good to take a little humor break.

She then listened to her story, first gasping, then bursting into laughter. "Nooo way...I can't believe someone actually tried that number". That was truly unbelievable, even though it was also somehow fitting for such a jerk."I'm so sorry you had to put up with that...but honestly I'm so proud about how you've handled that" she was genuinely complimented her, realizing that she seemed much better now.

After she had shared her story, Kalique elaborated as well before she did some research on the names she had picked up and the Nautolan's research as Guin suddenly addressed her. She scooted closer and quickly scanned the screen, immediately frowning. "That is some shady business indeed" she agreed, contemplating their options though.

"We should I guess...actually, who do we inform though? The authorities? Will they care? I have a feeling all those wealthy, influential douchebags here all have their part in this dirty game". Would the police forces care? Or were the law enforcers just puppets on this corrupt planet? Actually, she assumed, there was probably someone amongst the governing Council who would care, but how were they supposed to find them? "Do you think we can unravel more? Find more evidence about what is really going on here in the background?". On Desevro, making the information public had worked well, but this here was different.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

She wasn't entirely sure if Kalique was just messing with her or if she was completely serious when discussing this so-called friend of a friend nautolan, but that didn't stop her from bursting into laughter alongside her friend. The light-hearted moment did wonders for the agent's mood and helped bring a certain leveling back in time for them to re-focus on the task at hand.

Hearing such genuine compliments too, the poor girl's heart nearly burst with delight and peppermint sweets. They'd only known each other a short time and already paired so well in both teamwork and companionship. When it came time to think about how to proceed with the mission, it was a difficult question to answer.

"Hmm, I don't know." her face frowned slightly. If they tried to tell the wrong person, it could easily end up with them being run out of town without even an opportunity to search further. It was a risky endeavor to seek outside help just yet, as their evidence was probably not enough to convince their bosses to intervene either.

Guin nodded to Kali's suggestion that they find more information and that was exactly what she was gonna do. Rolling over onto the bed, she pulled the laptop in front of her and made herself comfier as they'd probably be some time. This also meant that Kalique would have a bit more time to dedicate towards figuring out what in the heck that necklace represented and even if there was some way to unlock whatever it was.

--

Minutes turned into hours and before they knew it, Guin had found herself neck-deep in countless files and folders of nonsense. Aside from the material she never wanted to speak of again, there were only loose references and material that might be relevant in the future, but in the present, there was no way to know for sure what the connection was.

"Uhm Kali, what time did you say we had to be there? cause I forgot to tell you something kind of important." Guin's gaze shifted slowly from her screen to the other blonde's. "I didn't pack a dress." In her defense, she expected Kali to be all over this kissy-kissy, cuddling business with her involvement being strictly loose jeans and a hoodie, in a backroom supporting from afar.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

After the women had done their research, a few hours had already passed. They had made progress, more on the prince and on the lord and his doings than Kalique had managed to do on the necklace, yet Guin had a point when she mentioned the time again. Guin had found some more interesting details, so that they definitely had enough leverage after all.

Opening her eyes and unfolding her crossed legs from her meditative seating position, she turned her head and meet her gaze. "Uhm...wait how late is it" she glanced down and did notice that they really had to go soon and thus scooted towards the bed's edge.

"In an hour. So that's not too bad. He and his friend wanted to pick us up in the hall here...but that is a problem" she remarked, a smirk crossing her lips at the dressing problem. "Lucky for you we've got options and still time. You can either have one of mine - I packed a few for all scenarios - or we head down to the boutique real quick. Up to you!". Obviously, they had to be dressed appropriately for the occasion of the prestigious auction and the following festives that would probably bring them forward.


@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

Guin's face excitedly lit up like a Christmas tree at the mere suggestion that they go on a shopping spree together. The only problem was that she absolutely knew that there was no chance that it would ever be possible to only be real quick, as she said. "OH I'm so down to go shopping, but maybe another time?? since we're in a hurry, yours will do just fine. You always have the most stunning taste Kali."

The agent quickly started to pack a work bag with a number of items, tech, and whatnot that she thought might be useful to have for the evening. While not technically part of her kit, she also brought a small concealed can of pepper spray in case of an emergency where someone got a little too excited for her own liking.

"Okay, I'm reaady. These are for you, they're two-way comms for your ear and that way we can keep in touch the whole night since you know, I can't do the head thingy you can do." the agents mood had improved considerably since earlier that day. Not only was she about to embark on a really cool and fancy aspect of the mission, but she got to do it alongside Kalique too instead of just being in the background. The fact that their dates for the evening were def an improvement from the prince certainly was the icing on the cake as well.

The next stop was Kalique's room and Guin would tag along behind her, almost skipping along until they reached her closet space. "Hmm, do you think we should dress similarly or stand apart? what do you think?" Ooh, and shoes too, gosh they could be here all night picking the perfect outfit, Guin thought.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Guin had a point...unless they were speeding down and quickly grabbing the first dress they'd see, they'd be too late and they couldn't keep their interesting company waiting as they needed to get into this auction asap. "Thank you, that's very sweet of you to say", she warmly smiled at her, actually appreciating the compliment as she rarely ever wore normal clothes.

"Oh perfect, thank you" she accepted the gear with a wide smile. "Is there anything special about them? You know tech isn't my specialty...but not using telepathy might be a safer bet as we don't know whether this Lord Tryst can pick that up".

They then moved over to her room. "Okaaay. Give me one second" Kalique hurried over and rummaged through her stuff, leaving a rather messy pile behind, but she found just the right clothes. She also grabbed her make up bag, knowing they were expected to look appropriately and while she rarely ever did real make up, this occasion called for it.

She put to dresses on the bed. "Okay, let me know what you think. I believe it's better not to match as we're posing as accociates, not sisters". Maybe they could play the part of both, but for now this was a safer option as well. For Guin, she had chosen a stunning, sexy red gown and for herself she had picked an elegant, black gown, thus choosing to have the main focus on the necklace and the stone that perfectly emphasized her natural eye color.

"We should do some long curls and an elegant evening make up" just like the ones she had usually worn to galas or events on Serenno. "Should I do yours? I might be a little out of practice but it's not too hard" she offered with a smile, knowing damn well that she wasn't one to wear makeup often either.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The comms weren't anything more special, unfortunately, but if anything was needed, she would be bringing some toys with them anyway.

When Kalique pulled a pair of dresses out and placed them on the bed, Guin stood there stunned a little. The elegant black gown was perfect and highlighted in all the right places, the entire room would surely be transfixed by her every move. The second dress was something out of a holovid as far as Guin was concerned. The blonde's face was taken in by its pretty features and if she was being honest, wasn't entirely sure she would do it justice.

Taking the dress in her hands, she looked up with a slightly unsure smile on her face but in the end, decided to trust in Kali's judgment. "Yess definitely, but let me go try this on." The agent popped into the bathroom and slid her clothes down to the cold floor, before taking the red gown over her head and pulling on it a little to ensure that it was sitting correctly on her frame.

Whether Kali followed or she returned back to her, the agent retained her sheepish smile, "Do I look okay?" There was still time for some makeup and heels, plus some help with her hair but with Kalique's approval her self-esteem was set to skyrocket into space.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique watched Guin as she took in the dresses, obviously not quite sure what to do. "You'll look absolutely stunning" she threw her a warm, encouraging smile, knowing this was way out of her comfort zone, but she was proud of her for swallowing those doubts down and jumping right in.

While Guin disappeared into the bathroom, Kalique changed as well, slipping into the black, tight-fitting gown and adjusting the shoulder sleeves in the mirror. Guinevere stepped out soon after and Kalique's mouth went straight open, never having seen her in anything other than a uniform or fairly colorless, comfortable and unobtrusive attire.

"Damn! Look at you! You look incredible!" she wasn't just hyping her up to boost her confidence, but was genuinely amazed by how well she could wear such striking colors and the elegant, yet sexy design and the compliment was completely honest. "Wow...truly" she immediately moved over, grabbing a part of her hair and lifting it halfway.

"Okay curls. I'll curl some strands and but parts of your hair up! For makeup, let's find a lipstick color in the fitting shade but otherwise stick to your eyes". While Kalique wasn't girly at all, somehow the prospect of calling onto her childhood and teen knowledge was slightly exciting and she wanted them to pull this off perfectly. "Come, sit" she guided her toward the mirror before she begin to work her magic. "We still have to discuss our strategy...do you think we'll be fine by keeping an eye on Tryst during the auction and trying to get closer around dinner?", she asked her as she searched through her stuff to pull out what else they needed.

@Xorism