Looting [PM for Invitation]

[Insomnium Savant]

The trip from Daupherm to Andara was a long one, but the man who stood on the deck of the small luxury ship was used to them. Luxury was part of what made Nikoj the dark being that he was, and as he pushed his arms behind his back, clasping at either elbow with each hand, he stroked over the material of his cloak with long, slender digits; pale enough to offer a harsh contrast. A screen displayed the porting dock of Frego; an emergency, and hopefully only stop on his journey. Apparently, not even his family’s expansive wealth could account for intelligent help, the kind that had the ability to make sure that a ship was fully fueled for a trip. Thus, he was delayed, agitation showing on his features in the form of little creases and lines to either side of his gun-metal grey hues. A tense jaw and terse expression added to the underlying anger that was slowly growing for the incompetence that had, once again, thrust itself into his lap.

A single foot tapped on the metallic floor beneath him, the sound seeming to grow louder as it echoed through the chamber; pilot having already exited to get some business done while the ship attendants oversaw the refueling. About ankle high on the onyx leather, the fringe of Nikoj’s robe hung, seeming to dance as he moved, looking like black flame as it tried to nip at and char his form. Behind him, there was a faint trail where the cloak hung to the ground, the same fire wanting to eat at his forearms. A mantle over his shoulders accentuated the man’s masculinity even as the grey and red designs over his robes betrayed the chaos that warred behind his mind, moreso than his gaze at the moment.

A hand flashing forward to wave through the air as if to dismiss the screen; though it did not disappear, the man turned and excused his aggravation so that he could focus on something more deserving of his attention. Like finding young acolytes to train in the name of the Bogan. A light saber rested over his hip, hidden by his clothing, hand that had just waved through the air lowering so that he could stroke over its firm presence at his side. His other arm curled against his back, he idly pondered, letting his thoughts carry him far off and away.

~ Posted for Nikoj Darmum

 

[Sreeya]

For once, Kira was within her element. All this smuggling and assassinating was beginning to take a toll on her. As she comfortably rested in the cockpit of her starfighter. The small, unassuming ship was loaded with heavy armaments that made it a formidable foe no matter how big the opposition. The pirate was cruising in space, lazily hovering around Frego. The planet boasted luxury and riches. It was a haven for someone looking to make a few credits.

Kira had struck here before, but that was too long ago for it to be an issue now. She had switched ships many times over since then. The pirate quietly surveyed all the different ships zooming in and out of view. None of them looked interesting in the least. Kira thought of turning around and heading over to Tatooine for more promising jobs, until something caught her eye. A luxury ship?

She immediately sat forward, tailing the ship from a distance. It appeared to be low on fuel. She watched until it parked to refuel. Kira parked her own ship further away. She had numerous options now. Striking now would be stupid as he was in broad public view. Her best bet was to sneak on board and then strike when the ship was already in the air.

Kira jumped down from her ship and made her way towards the luxury ship, blending in with the crowds. Ships were usually easy to bust into. However, she also had to keep in mind that each ship had its respective crew. She had no idea what kind of people operated this particular ship. Her movements were quick and calculated, accented with finesse. She betrayed nothing, yet her intentions were clearly displayed upon her countenance. She was only a few feet away now, enveloped within the shadows. In a few seconds, she would slink like a predator set on its prey and sneak right into the ship. And the crew would never know.

 

[Insomnium Savant]

The cold depths of his eyes fell over the ground for a moment, the sign of a one caught with shame; humorous given the true meaning behind the barely significant gesture. In truth, the man’s mind was still caught on the cusp of ideas without ever piercing into the core of their meaning. He simply tossed about one notion after another, sliding through them the way that a spendthrift might rifle through a bargain box, only to discard over and over again. Perhaps he was just overthinking the process. Aye, that was it, that always seemed to be his problem; taking things to strange extremes as if it would somehow garner him the results he wanted. Hard work would pay off, but for the moment, taxing his poor constitution was not going to aid anyone. Certainly not him.

From the corner of his eye as he lifted his head, the man caught a flicker on the screen, someone who very nearly evaded his attentions, and had his head not been tilted at the particular angle it had been; he would not have even seen the figure as it flashed by. With a curious blink of those metal-cold eyes, he forced the surveillance to rewind, carefully scrutinizing until he was sure that he had seen exactly as he had. A smile curled upon his lips, thin and mirthful, but with the faintest taint of twisted, thinly-veiled sanity aching on the outsides so that the arch became so much more than just a grin.

The man could easily pursue the person, he hadn’t been able to determine much more then presence, and apprehend her on his own. He could just as easily wait until his crew had boarded the ship and have them claim her; but neither of those seemed appealing. No, instead, the man would let whoever it was, do as they seemed to think was a good idea; and then show them just how foolish they were for choosing his vessel to stow away in.

With a sigh, the man let his long legs carry him his seat, which was in the compartment behind the deck where the pilots navigated the ship. The room was spartanly decorated; which was somewhat out of character for the man who seemed to enjoy the lavish. The walls were bare, the floor was bare, there were windows; but they were small and didn’t seem to fit the luxury cruiser motif in the least. However, Nikoj had found that the room was the best for his particular needs; meditation, an escape from the beauty he surrounded himself with normally to face the peace and serenity that he loathed. Upon meeting the forces, he crushed them, letting his mind drift to things that would eradicate the calm from him, sending him often into a frenzy.

Call it Dark Jedi meditation if you will. The man had grown adept at sinking into the core of tranquility only to claw his way out; something that he found fed into the flame of his anger far stronger than simply releasing some pent up rage did. Yes, he would enjoy the coming meeting, and maybe, just maybe it would help him to figure out how he was to gain his first acolyte apprentices.

~Nikoj Darmum

 

[Sreeya]

Kira, completely oblivious to the fact that she had been seen, considered herself quite lucky. She entered the ship and had to stop to marvel at her luck. The pirate had a smug grin on her face, her steps quiet like those of a cat's. She made her way through the ship like a shadow, stopping occasionally to note how wealthy the owners must be. This ship was accented with luxury at every turn and Kira couldn't remember the last time she had bagged something this delicious.

The empty ship only fueled her greed. She could just jack the ship now and forget about the crew. It would be so easy. So simple, so beautiful. Kira made her way towards the cockpit of the ship. She could already visualize the shocked expressions splashed across the crew's faces as their prized ship rose into the air and jumped into hyperspace. Kira's greed obstructed her alertness. Her steps were staccato and quick, the gentle sound of her footsteps now resonating within the corridors. Hopefully the rest of her path would continue to be uneventful...

 

[Insomnium Savant]

The man’s foot was tapping, even as his arms were folded over his lap, one hand grasped a light saber, the other curled against his hip to faintly grasp at the bone he felt protruding to one side. The saber was, of course, not activated, so the handle just bounced against his side. He was hardly an imposing figure, but he dominated the narrow room that lead to the cockpit, which made him directly in the way of the woman if that was her desired intention.

Of course, he didn’t know that she intended to steal the ship. So far as he knew, she was just looking for a free ride. Thus, if she were to walk in at that very moment, she would have found a man who had just come out of the grips of a meditative trance, quite a lot more alert than he normally was, more in touch with the Force, with the anger that fueled him to use it, and tasted at the entropy that was so natural to him and his kind.


~ Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

Easy. Too easy. Kira grinned widely as the cockpit was within reach. She knew there was nothing there to stop her now. This ship was hers. Within seconds, she would be in the air cruising in the lap of luxury. Unlike other ships, Kira told herself she'd keep this one. She had a pistol in hand, just in case, but knew there would be no need for it.

At last, Kira arrived at the cockpit. However, instead of the beautiful control screens, she locked gazes with a man. Most likely the very same man that owned the ship. Out of reflex, her pistol was drawn, aimed square at his chest. However, Kira thought quickly. Why have a violent encounter at all? There was always plan b, which was to sneak on as a stowaway. Kira put the pistol away, grinning sheepishly.

"Uh...must have gotten on the wrong ship."

 

[Insomnium Savant]

The woman seemed to burst into the room, at least, that’s as it was from Nikoj’s perception. Though that may well have been some form of Force sensory, knowing that she was coming, anticipating, only to have that anticipation lead to fruition as she entered. When her blaster was pulled and aimed, his saber seemed to flicker into life, going from his side to his hand, held at a defensive angle over his face and chest in what amounted to the blink of an eye. His hand was jutted down at an angle so that the blade covered crossed the majority of his vitals, making them less vulnerable.

He didn’t bother extinguishing his blade as the woman replaced her blaster, the darkness of an inky brow slowly crawling upwards against the pale of his brow. “I think not.” He said as his free hand lifted, Force energized through him so that he could knock some cargo supplies against the entrance, obstructing it from nearly the knee down, making escape, should she attempt it, somewhat more difficult. Still, there was a small chance that they would not end up in some form of violent debacle. “How does one accidentally enter another person’s ship?”


~Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

Kira was instantly afraid when she saw him lift the supplies. It was obvious that he was one of those people. The ones that used the Force magic thing that she had no idea about. The pirate took a couple steps back, almost toppling over a box. She inwardly berated herself for landing in this situation.

"Uh...well...I have a ship just like this, you see. And thought this was mine."

The pirate took a couple more steps back, attempting to inch away.

"There's no need to use magic...er..Force, you know?"

Kira had never felt this vulnerable before. She was not Force sensitive, but there was no denying the fact that he had a negative aura emanating from him. Was he one of the bad guys that used the magic? If so, then she was in deep shit. She only hoped that he would be in the mood to show some mercy. Kira had no idea that he also did not want engage in violence. To her, it appeared as if he were ready to kill her. At worst, she could whip out her vibrosword and block his saber if he used it.

 

[Insomnium Savant]

The man’s eyes fell over the feminine form before him with just a little more intensity, taking on an incredulous tone, as if to ask if the woman really thought that he was so daft as to believe her. None the less, he could feel no Force sensitivity in her, and so the blade extinguished, only to be placed against his side, back where it had originally been. Moving to stand, a hand rested low over his side, near where his blaster was, in case the woman decided that attack would be her option.

“Ahh, then allow me to see you back to your ship.” He said as his lips twisted into a smile. It was true that Nikoj could be fearsome when the case called for it, but he was not unable to be sociable, polite, or even kind when the occasion called for it. Anyone could show anger and rage all the time, but only by using them as one would any tools could a Dark Jedi monopolize on other facets of a psyche that could be equally chaotic and yet done with more finesse. Perhaps it was just the nature of his raising.

An arm was extended for the woman as he took a step forward.


~Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

There was definitely something eerie about this man. Kira couldn't understand what it was. She was hesitant to take his help. There was no denying that he was alluring in a way that was a bit scary. It was the first time she decided to take the time to survey him. His sharp contrasting features were striking, and she wondered if Force was a part of his charm.

"...All right, so I lied."

Kira hated digging herself into a hole. What would happen if she confessed? Curiosity got the best of her and she went for it. The pirate bit her lip nervously, wondering how he would react to her bluntness. Perhaps he would simply laugh it off and let her be on her way. Or everything could turn sour. Either way, it was too late to retract the confession.

 

[Insomnium Savant]

The man chuckled to the woman’s confession; honesty wasn’t something that Nikoj prized as a personal moral, but he enjoyed finding honesty in others, if not solely because it made things easier for him. Of course, he didn’t need her confirmation to know that she’d been trying to deceive him; but the knowledge that she would be at least somewhat truthful in the face of danger was appealing to his senses as a predatory figure. His hand still held out, he nodded.

“Ah yes, I thought that was the case, however I believe my men are still refueling, allow me to show you back to your real ship, if you should have one.” He said. It was his way of being sure that the woman did not just sneak back onto his vessel, while perhaps getting a few moments of conversation in with her. That was another art that was dead to many of the Dark Jedi; one that worked well in many a circumstance. “However, if you don’t have a ship, then perhaps I can interest you in one of those dining places that are over packed within the ship harbor hall?”


~Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

Kira heaved a sigh of relief when he found humor in the situation. She half expected him to bust out with lightning and fry her. The thought made her a bit queasy. Why was that kind of power even necessary? Kira liked things simple. No weird unexplainable magic for her. She was about to answer that she could make her way back on her own, when he proposed yet another question.

"Well.."

A coy grin played upon her lips as she regained some of her true personality and confidence. Maybe this man wasn't as bad as she thought. There was still a shroud of mystery about him and it disturbed her. But it was also like a bait for her curiosity.

"..Don't tell me that you wouldn't entertain me to dinner just because I have a ship."

This time, she took his arm, shedding her frightened demeanor. If she could get a free trip in luxury, why not take it? Being a pirate meant often living in poor conditions. Kira smiled, nodding at him to lead the way.

 

[Insomnium Savant]

The woman had gone from seemingly timid to coquettish in the space of only a few seconds, not that the Dark Jedi could fault her for such a transition. While enjoying the use of force to garner his needs, he did not mind using some of the finesse for which he was also known, and so as the woman took his arm, he tightened his own around hers so as to draw her closer; but hopefully not close enough for her to feel the concealed blaster from within his robes.

“Entertain? Why, my dear. I do believe you are mistaken. Those horrid restaurants are often so packed and uncomfortable that I was using it as a threat.” He teased. Of course, most of them were just as he’d described, but there were a select few that allowed for a private get-away; they just happened to be significantly more expensive. Leaving a pad and stylus with some instructions for his crew on the way out, having already Force pushed the cargo out of the way so that they could get out, he escorted the woman towards the ships exit.

“But for the price of my entertainment today, I suppose I should give you a proper meal.”


~Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

Kira couldn't help but be surprised every time he used the Force to do something. When he moved the cargo supplies out of the way, she almost jumped.

"I don't think I can ever get used to that.."

The Force was alien to her, and anything like it made her a bit uncomfortable. This was laced with fascination, which was part of what drew her to him. Of course, she kept all this hidden. Her exterior suggested that she was a mere socialite and fine wine and dining were her specialties. As they made their way out of the ship, Kira had to glance back and marvel at the ship once again. Such a beautiful treasure. If only...The pirate pushed the thoughts out of her head. She was being treated to a fine meal and this man was being a gentleman. The last thing she should be pondering on is nabbing his ship. Kira decided to inquire about his abilities. She had only met these magic users a few times, and they were always on some important mission.

"So...what is this Force you have? Why can't everyone else move things around like that? I can tell you now, it'd make a lot of household chores much simpler."

Kira grinned, glad to have a lightened atmosphere. They both had weapons on them, and at the back of their minds, both were alert. That didn't mean that there couldn't be some moments spared to enjoy.

 

[Insomnium Savant]

The question caught Nikoj somewhat unaware; it wasn’t that he was unused to non-sensitives, but most of the ones that he came into contact with either didn’t want to know or were afraid to ask of the somewhat mysterious “magic-like” thing. Conversation was conversation, though, so he could at least attempt to explain what it was that made it so that some could manipulate the force, and others could not.

Of course, should her questions become anymore pointed, he would be careful to steer their discourse somewhere else. He had no intention of revealing anything about the Bogan or about the nature of his own touches with the dark side of the Force. But, being able to talk about things that were reserved normally for master and acolyte was a bit of a relief, something of an outlet.

“The Force isn’t something I have.” He started as he led her from the holding part of the ship onto the cementine ground below, soles tapping over the hard surface, his grey eyes pouring a gaze over the narrowly distant terminal off to one side. “The Force is all around, it is everywhere, and in everything; but it is a tool, as with any other, and it is only as powerful as the wielder.”

He paused briefly as he lifted a hand, long spider-leg like fingers pushing through his hair as the wind gently worked against his robes, making them flutter in the breeze as if they were some form of cape or long coat. “Only one who is sensitive to the Force, who can feel it; can manipulate the Force. A comparison would be… a person who can memorize everything they see. One can use that to their advantage, or they can squander it on inaction; it’s all based on choice and potential.”


~Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

"Hmm sounds like it could be a good thing or a bad thing. Personally, I'd see it as a burden. Having the extra sense would probably help me steal-I mean...help me go through life much easier, but it would also drive me crazy."

Kira hoped to brush off her slip up. She could tell he knew that she was a criminal and made no real effort to hide it. The pirate glanced over at the various restaurants they were passing. She had never taken the time to actually traverse through Frego. So far, all she had heard was true. It was a luxurious planet and it was all around them. The sudden breeze caused her to scoot a little closer to him, but she looked as if nothing happened. It then dawned on her that they had not been properly introduced yet.

"My name is Kira. You are?"

In truth, she had plenty of questions for him. She had wanted to meet one of these magic-users for as long as she could remember. They were always talked about everywhere in the galaxy and always involved in high profile activities. Kira hoped to be able to find out more during dinner. Try as she might, she could not keep her thoughts from wandering back to his beautiful ship. It was like an itch she couldn't scratch.

 

[Insomnium Savant]

“Any tool that isn’t used can be a burden.” He hastened to tell the woman as his robes dipped low over his pale flesh, catching on the inside of his elbow to appear like a hanging inferno against his side. The woman’s arm was still crossed over his as he peered over a few of the restaurants in passing. He did not often frequent harbor dives, and so he was not exactly sure which of the places would be best. He struggled to think back to a few reviews that had fallen over his desk, the kind that were handed out at every port; and were nothing but stuffer or waste. However, he didn’t let his confusion show on his features.

He was so distracted by trying to chose one of the locations, that he almost didn’t catch the woman’s brief slip up, and he had the fairness to pretend that he hadn’t heard it. He knew full well what she did by the time he’d seen her padding her way into his ship. “I am Nikoj of Ottabesk.” He said smoothly, actually giving her his real name; something that he figured would be safe with one who was likely near the same side of the law as himself.

All around tourists pushed their way through various crowds, some riding mobile hover chairs, some guiding about children; the latter of which he struggled not to scowl towards. Finally picking a place called “Eternium” which boasted the best of assortment of Alderaanian dishes, second only to those actually found on Alderaan itself. Ducking into the receiving parlor of the restaurant with the woman, he faintly smiled.

“So tell me. Do you often steal ships?” He asked as if it would come up in any casual conversation. With people hustling and bustling around them, nobody would be able to hear their conversation; which made the setting ideal.


~Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

Kira looked around inside the restaurant, marveling at the grandeur. This planet was truly one for kings and queens. She inwardly was glad that Nikoj had rather good taste in dining. A waitress came up and lead them to a table. As she did, he asked her a question that made her abruptly burst into a small fit of coughs. So he had heard her slip up after all. She looked around, making sure no one noticed. It was strange now nonchalant he appeared on the topic.

"Uh..well, yes, I do. I'm a pirate, after all."

She figured it wouldn't hurt to confess. At worst, he would report her to authorities, and she would make an escape like usual. Kira sat down across from him, ordering some fine Alderaan wine. She watched as he ordered his drink and the waitress left. Since he had found out about her, she figured she could ask him about himself.

"So...are you one of the bad guy Force users?"

There was an amused grin on her face. It was obvious that both of them were less than model citizens. She only wondered to what depths his notoriety went. Maybe he wasn't that bad at all, or maybe he was some sort of monster. She doubted he would really let her know. She could tell he had caught on to her insatiable curiosity.

 

[Insomnium Savant]

“Bad…guy force users?” The single intensity of a feathery brow pushed it sway upwards on his head as he looked over the woman sitting across from him for just a moment. At first his expression was somewhat incredulous, as if she had just seriously asked a Bogan if he was a ‘bad guy’. How tame the term seemed! And yet, it was strangely succinct and in character with the woman who he was gradually beginning to associate with something of a feline.

“I suppose that you could say that, if you had to label me.” He replied after just a moment, a hand pushing its way across the table so that fingers could twine under the bulb of a wine glass, lifting it to his lips so he could sip at the Alderaan Ruge, his lips faintly moist as he placed the glass back down. “I subscribe to the part of the Force that does not call for order, but instead for chaos. Many Force sensitives believe that the Force has a will, a destination and a goal, but what sense does that make? It’s like trying to ascribe all worldly actions to a higher power, but ultimately, we are all singular, random free agents who must operate on the principle of survival.”

He stopped after his brief speech; it wasn’t exactly standard date discourse, though to call their luncheon a date would have been presumptuous. He was somewhat intrigued by the woman’s mixture of almost humorous curiosity, adorable clumsiness (If one could call it that), and yet somewhat lethal intentions. “How does one become a thief?” He asked finally, to break the brief silence that he had let grow from his own words. His head, which had been bowed briefly in contemplation lifted once more so that the steel of his gaze could once more pass over the woman.


~Nikoj Dharmum

 

[Sreeya]

Kira shrugged at his question. There were many long buried memories swimming in her head, almost aching to come out. They were the thoughts of her origin and of her fall into the path of thievery. It was a rather brutal one that she had locked away in a box within her mind, never to resurface again. The discomfort was mildly present upon her countenance, although it was wiped away promptly, to be replaced by her trademark grin.

"Well, there are a lot of nice things in the galaxy. One just might not feel like paying for any of it."

The answer was simple, yet laced with truth. Why work for a living when you could simply take what you want? It was a primitive thought, but one that had gotten her far. She may not live in the most luxurious places, but she could still have nice things. At last, the waitress came back, taking their order. Kira ordered one of the richest dishes she could think of. Hey, if he was taking her out, he can't expect it to be cheap.

After the waitress left again, Kira once again turned to Nikoj. He was definitely an interesting man. He revealed tidbits about himself, yet he continued to be completely cloaked in mystery. What was it about him? She couldn't put a finger on it, but it was drawing her to him like a moth to a flame.