Ask The Real Power in the Shadows

[Arla]

Arla hadn't spent much time on urban planets, but that seemed like it was going to change today. Columex was a bustling world with billions of people and heavy trade, and therefore plenty to offer the Empire. She'd come here to bring it into the fold. She'd received enough information from Imperial intelligence to know who the major players were, but actually bringing them into the game was another story.

By all reports, the place was really run by a small group of businessmen who controlled everything. Through violence, bribery, and any other means they needed to, they ran the planet from the shadows. Of course, Imperial intelligence was better in the shadows than even these people were.

She was working along with another Sith - an acolyte - who she had seen before, but hadn't had much by way of meaningful interaction with. Wodan had shown himself capable and he was an acolyte, so she had hopes for him. Especially since, if she were being honest (which she wasn't going to be), she didn't feel entirely comfortable with this mission.

She reached up an scratched absentmindedly at her hair as she sat at the caf shop sipping her vanilla latte. It was an unassuming place to meet, and in her blue and grey robes with her weapons hidden, she looked relatively unassuming as well. It was a beautiful morning with people passing by on the streets, and she wondered if the day would continue being beautiful or if it would turn to bloodshed. Time would tell.

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

While being a Sith had opened Caerllion’s eyes for how the Galaxy could be amazing beyond Annwfyn and allowed him to travel to many worlds, the Acolyte had never visited Columex. The famous trade outpost didn’t impress him. The Annfyn preferred more arborized places. This way, he risked this planet out of the list of planets where he would stay during a vacation.

However, his visit to Columex wasn’t to prospect in search of places for vacation, nor to admire the sight. Caerllion had been invited to help a Sith Champion in a mission to bring this world to the Empire. How they were going to do that, he still didn’t know. This was way he was going to meet the Champion to talk about the plan.

To not attract attention to him, Caerllion was dressed like any other tourist. His simple and plain clothes were very different from the fancy ones that he was used to wearing. It made him look more like a lowborn rather than a high noble. But he wasn’t complaining, this small sacrifice was for a great purpose.

He arrived at the caf shop and found the Champion seated at a table drinking a cup of something. Caerllion only saw Arla during that yacht party, but she soon left the pool with Wodan. The Acolyte walked toward the balcony and asked for a cappuccino. The Annfyn was trying to maintain the appearance of only being another customer.

Once he had the cappuccino, Caerllion walked toward the table where the woman was seated. “Hello! I hope that I didn’t make you wait so much.” he smiled at Arla, while sitting in the chair in front of her. The Acolyte knew that he had arrived on time, but he wanted to seem natural, as if they were friends drinking caf together.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

The ruse that Caerllion was playing was, of course, pretty much completely lost on her. Fortunately, she wasn't feeling in such a prickly mood today despite the stress, so she returned his greeting anyway.

Not at all, I was just finishing my caf and thinking about the best way to do this, she said. That was the part that did have her a bit stressed out. She didn't actually know how they were going to bend the rich and powerful to their will. On Dathomir it probably would have involved killing some people. Actually, it would probably involve killing some people here as well.

She glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot, but frankly everyone seemed quite engaged with their own thing. The pair weren't exactly high priority targets for surveillance, either. They were two relative nobodies within the Empire.

I think we're going to have our work cut out for us on this one, she said. How comfortable are you with jobs like this? she asked. Acolytes could range widely in skill and experience. She hoped that this one wasn't incompetent, but she doubted it, right? He wouldn't have been assigned to the job otherwise, right? After all, who was she to judge? She was hardly in her element on this one.

I admit urban jobs aren't my specialty, she said. She shouldn't have admitted it, but she did. She wasn't going to but she wanted the truth out of him, too.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”I see.” Caerllion said, before sipping some of his caf. The Champion in front of him seemed to be stressed with this mission. From what he knew about it, they were going to convince rich individuals to join the Empire. In his opinion, it wasn’t exactly something difficult. Perhaps he was used to dealing with this type of thing all the time in Annwfyn.

“I don’t mind.” he answered her question. “To be honest, I’m pretty used to it. When you are a noble in my homeworld, you need to deal with this type of situation all the time. I learned some ways to convince people like that to agree with me.” Caerllion would never be capable of being king if he didn’t learn how to be convincing.

“However, I feel a bit uncomfortable with the lack of green in this city. The urban areas that I’m used to visiting had much more trees. Some like the royal palace are even inside trees.” a city covered with so much artificial things was still new to him

“Even with this difference in cities, I still believe that the people from my homeworld are similar to those from here. We can use my methods of approaching nobles.” Caerllion’s voice was low now. He didn’t want those around them to overhear what he was going to say. “It probably works with rich people too.”

“I know three methods, but their use depends on the person. First: Bribes, most of these people are corrupt. If we offer a good amount of credits or something that they really want, they will dance according to our music. Second: Blackmail, there isn’t a single person in the entire Galaxy that doesn't have a dark secret. We discover it and threaten to reveal it if they don’t do what we want. Third: Violence, we threaten the lives of those close to them. I particularly don’t like to use this one. There can be so much mess.” for Caerllion, the violent method was to be used only as a last resort.

“Now that you already know the methods, do you think that they are applicable in our situation?” he sipped some more of his caf, while waiting for her answer. She was the one leading here, after all.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

She was dubious of his confidence. The reports she had received from Imperial intelligence pointed to the fact that these people were stubborn, resilient, and determined. She doubted they would be able to convert them so easily, but perhaps. Maybe she was just being too negative.

She listened as he spoke about nobility on his world, and it struck her just how different it was from what she was used to. She was technically royalty, but things were not even close to being so subtle on Dathomir. Violence was the primary means of enforcing one's will: either physical or through magicks.

It certainly seems that the three are in descending order of messiness, she pointed out. If he thought he could smooth talk, she wouldn't stop him. She also wouldn't hesitate to remove someone's head from their shoulders if he couldn't manage to convert them.

The Five have incredible amounts of money. I'm doubtful a simple bribe will convert most of them, she said thoughtfully. But another thought occurred to her.

I imagine these people are consumed by greed, though. If we can turn them against each other, then it might be an option. Take one or two and let them inherit the money and power of the others if they work with us, she suggested. They could kill or blackmail the others perhaps. While they needed the full power of The Five, they didn't actually need all of the individuals themselves.

Garlon the Hutt already has criminal ties... rumored. He might be more open to a questionable deal than some of the others, she said.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

A smile appeared at Caerllion’s lips. Arla was a fast learner. “Exactly. When doing this type of mission, I prefer to cause the least mess possible. So much can end up causing problems in the future.” if he went directly to violence when dealing with the nobles of Annwfyn, the Acolyte would never be able to fulfill his plans.

“Another thing is that, when dealing with the second and third, we never should pull their leash with too much strength. The dog can turn and bite you.” his father taught Caerllion how the people could turn against him if he pressured them too much with blackmail or violence. He said that desperation can generate madness.

“I like that idea. Perhaps we can see which one of them is more inclined to accept the offer of making the others disappear. We could use it as the bibre. Or eventual blackmail.” there were nobles in Annwfyn that would like the idea of seeing their rivals disappear. His cousin Brynmor, for example, would love it if Caerllion disappeared one day. The Acolyte shared a similar feeling, if his cousin died he would also be full of joy. Being rivals to the throne, they would never be friends.

When Arla mentioned Garlon, Caerllion remembered something that he had seen in the Holonet. “This is a good idea. Most of the Hutts would appreciate the possibility of having their rivals disappearing. I heard that he has an important nightclub where he stays every night, perhaps we could pay him a visit. Could you make the contact to arrange the meeting here?” he felt that she should be the one doing it. She probably has a greater position than him and this would make people more inclined to listen to what she had to say.

“While you do it, I can make plans for us to escape the nightclub fast and easily.” he explained, before picking his Datapad. “Hutts are untrustworthy creatures, we need to be prepared if something bad happens during the meeting. Hopefully it'll not be necessary, but I like to be prepared.”

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

And then we kill them, she said simply in response to his comment about the dog turning to bite them. She said it as nonchalantly as could be, and it was quite clear that she was no stranger to violence. She may not have typically been the "heavy handed" stereotype of Sith, but it was quite clear she wasn't afraid to use violence as a tool in her arsenal. It was also clear she wouldn't take any flack from anyone.

Good, we have a plan, then, she said with a nod, satisfied that the plan was at least a decent working one. He mentioned divvying up of the responsibilities and she nodded again. He was turning out to be a sharp one, which was welcome. You never could tell with malelings, but she was rapidly learning that the offworld ones tended to be much better than her Nightbrother brethren.

She pondered for a moment how to set up a meeting with the Hutt. Sure, she could call, but she'd prefer to blend in a little bit more. On the other hand, she didn't want to go out and buy clothes just for some club. She didn't really have the funds for that anyway. She was pretty much broke...

---​

As it turned out, Arla opted not to purchase any new clothing. She certainly didn't look like the nicest person in the club, but that was just the nature of things. She had left behind any of her weapons as she was certain they would be confiscated anyway. Besides, the Shadow was her weapon.

The thumping of the music pounded through the club as she pushed her way through. Her eyes swept over the variety of bouncers, but overall security seemed low to her. Frankly, she knew that diplomacy wasn't really her strong suit, but she'd have to make due. After all, the Sith didn't beg and scrape. They took what they wanted, and anyone that wanted to get in their way would pay a heavy price.

That's not why you're here, Arla, she reminded herself. Hutts tended to have an unpleasant reputation, but perhaps this one would break the mold. She wasn't holding her breath...

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion wasn’t impressed with Arla’s answer to his comment. It sounded so simple minded. “Only if it’s rabid. There is a difference between a rabid dog and one that is only furious.The first is incontrolable and needs to be terminated immediately, the second is still capable of being manipulated. We only need to aim their fury against the enemy.” the Annfyn wasn’t the type of Sith that would go direct to violence, he preferred to deceive and manipulate.

“Excellent. When you talk with the Hutt, try to not give much details about what we want to talk about with him. Do it in a way that only makes him more curious.” if they gave much information, there was a great chance that Garlon would refuse meeting with them. When dealing with this type of person, they need to spark their interest and leave them curious.

—-------------------------------------------------​

Hours later, Caerllion arrived at the nightclub. Arla had been able to arrange their meeting with Garlon, now they would only need to convince the Hutt to accept what they had to offer. Hopefully they would be able to do it through diplomacy, rather than with violence. He had left his lightsaber in his hotel room, now having only the Korriban magick to defend himself. In his opinion it would be enough if the worst happens.

The Annfyn was wearing clothes that would allow him to stay in the crowd without attracting attention, while also showing the effects of the Emryc Thorne’s Workout routine that he had started to do. He was inspired in doing it after seeing Altair’s in the yacht party. Maybe he could end up having a body like that of the Tiefling.

When he saw Arla, Caerllion approached the Champion. “Hello! Do you know where the meeting was going to happen?“ the Annfyn expected that the Hutt was going to talk with them in a room. However, there seemed to be several of those. “How he reacted to your call?”

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla decided she didn't really like diplomatic missions or missions that involved debating or talking to people. Truth was, she was a hunter at heart. This... this was all just so... fake. It was all fake, and Arla wasn't someone who wanted to be fake or who tolerated those who were. People said one thing and meant another. They smiled while stabbing you in the back. Her mother would have said something about how she was learning and growing as a person, but Arla didn't like it. Of course, she kept these thoughts to herself.

How do Hutts ever react? He was "most intrigued by hearing our presentation," she said. Whatever that even actually meant. She was pretty sure he would have said that to anyone about anything.

She shrugged as much for herself as for Caerllion. I guess we'll see what he has to say, she said.

Yeah, this way, she added. She led the way up and away from the music and the beating crowd. The club had become Garlon's own de facto palace, and the upper levels were devoted solely to Garlon and his personal guests.

Two guards stood outside the entry to the audience chamber and, as expected, searched the two before they entered. Arla took a steadying breath, trying not to be too annoyed at being searched. She'd known this violation was going to happen, but it was... no less annoying.

After a moment, they were both admitted. The room was hazy with hookah smoke and private dancers moved at the edges of the room. Several different guests or advisors or... whatever, were lingering around the edges of the room as well.

Greetings, she said, inclining her head respectfully. We are representatives of the Sith Empire. I am Arla, she said, allowing Caer to introduce himself on his own.

We've come with the hopes of enhancing everyone's assets in the coming months, she said. That was vague enough still.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”So he showed curiosity, excellent.” if Garlon was curious to hear what they had to say, it meant that there would be less of a chance of him getting bored early during their conversation. Perhaps only worse than a furious Hutt was a bored one.

“If he sounded bored, we would have problems talking with him. A bored Hutt is very dangerous, they can decide to do some things to distract themselves. Like giving us to their pet Rancor.” he explained. Even if they could deal with such a situation easily, Caerllion wasn’t in the mood to fight against such a thing in an underground pit for the amusement of a maniac slug. “When dealing with his kind, you need to be careful and always catch their interest in a good way.”

Caerllion followed her through the crowd of the nightclub. He was impressed with how the place was full. Given the bad fame of the Hutts, Caerllion didn’t expect that so many people would be in this place. Although, it was something that he would expect in the high levels of Coruscant rather than in Columex. Garlon had good taste.

When they entered the room, Caerllion finally was able to recognize the place as the den of a Hutt. Shady courtiers moving in the shadows, possible mercenaries staring at them and the smoke of hookaah. It was very different from the fancy atmosphere from the club outside, being more fit of the decadency that the Hutts appreciated.

“My name is Caerllion, my Lord. It’s an honor to be in your presence.” According to his father, Hutts liked to be remembered of their magnificency. Even if it was only on their arrogant heads.

After Arla said why they were there, Caerllion wanted to face palm. She should have worded it better. The Hutt laughed at her comment and mumbled something in Huttese. The protocol droid that was near him turned to the Sith. “The Great Garlon is amused with you. He had been curious about what the Sith wanted to discuss, but now it seems that you are only another merchant. If it was only that, he asks you to leave.”

The Annfyn expected that Arla would say something else. Perhaps give a more elaborated explanation about their presence here. If she didn’t do it, the Acolyte would need to talk in her place.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla listened to what he said, and her ears literally perked up slightly at the mention of rancors. Yes, she'd heard about the slugs enjoying murdering people with the beasts or simply pitting them against other creatures for entertainment. It was disgusting and disgraceful.

They don't deserve such noble beasts, she said, voice dripping with acid. There was nothing she could do about it now, and she would at least tell herself that that wasn't the case with Garlon.

Arla had never actually met a Hutt before this, and she didn't realize just how much she wasn't going to like them. Not because of their appearance, but because of what most of them stood for. They were monuments to their own arrogance, and she had little interest in groveling. For the briefest moment she dreamed of a day when Andruil was still Empress and she could have returned with a thousand soldiers to rid the galaxy of this one. It wasn't meant to be.

We certainly could leave, she said. I'm not here to force something on you, but I didn't take you as the kind to be taken off-guard by change, she said.

Her eyes were suddenly icy, and she exuded a quiet confidence in what she said. Not because she was a great orator, but because there was a presence in the Force that betrayed that there was more to her than met the eye.

Because make no mistake, change is coming whether it's heralded by you or someone else. Have a nice day, she said, and she turned to leave, motioning for Caer to do the same and offering no option for him to argue. The fact of the matter was that Sith didn't grovel or beg nor did royalty and nobility. She wasn't going to be treated as a second rate arms merchant by him, and if he didn't change his mind she would follow through on walking out and they would find another way. And if her gambit worked, they would have their "in" and a position of strength from which to negotiate.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Yeah. Not only the Rancors, but every animal deserves respect. The Hutts throw several of these creatures in poorly maintained menageries. It’s horrible.” due to his people's connection with nature, Caerllion believed that animals shouldn’t be exploited or live in terrible conditions. Even the livestock that was consumed by him should be killed painlessly, following the Annfyn costumes. He refused to eat meat that wasn’t obtained under these conditions.

When Arla gave her answer to the Hutt, Caerllion briefly closed his eyes. She should have worded it in another way. The other thing that his father taught him about these slugs was that they were very paranoid and prone to misinterpreted things. Hopefully, Garlon would be more curious and not listen to his natural paranoia.

Unfortunately, they weren’t so lucky today. The Annfyn saw the Hutt’s face change from amusement to rage. Once again the creature mumbled something in Huttese. While he talked, Caerllion could feel how some of the courtiers in the room gasped. The Acolyte could feel their panic growing.

“The Great Garlon dislikes your tone, it sounds like a threat. Do you only come here to threaten him?” Caerllion watched the Hutt gesture his hands. It made some mercenaries move close to the two Sith. Their weapons were already prepared.

“Lord Garlon, my friend didn’t mean that. She only worded that wrong.” he said, attracting the attention of the Hutt. “Change is really coming to Columex, but we are here to warn you about it and offer the chance to participate in it. Someone smart and powerful like you should be the first to know about it.”

The Annfyn relaxed when the Hutt gestured again, making the mercenaries retreat. Then, he mumbled some more. The protocol droid promptly translated it. “Your words pleased the Great Garlon. He will listen to what you have to say. However, first he wants your rude friend to apologize about her comment.”

Caerllion turned to look at Arla. In his opinion there was nothing for her to apologize for, it was the Hutt that was rude by comparing them as merchants. However, if they wanted Garlon’s support, she would need to play along with it. It was that or they were going to end fighting their way out of this nightclub.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

As it turned out, there was a distinct possibility that Arla would never take on another diplomatic mission again after this. She had neither the patience nor the tolerance for this piece of trash. In fact, she was angry that Caerllion had continued to talk to him. She was just as happy to deal with one of the other Five. Someone on this rock would be smart, but maybe the position of strength they needed in these negotiations was to stand on the corpses of a couple of the Five first.

Her mother never would have let herself be spoken to like this, and Arla wouldn't either. Maybe you should trade on her name. No one knows who you are... but they will, she thought to herself. They would, and it was moments like these that would define that.

Her fingers clenched up into a claw-like motion at her hand, betraying her preparation to cast a spell as she saw the mercs draw their weapons. Her mind switched into another mode as her eyes swept over everyone in the room, evaluating who was and wasn't a threat. There were a half-dozen guards in here and the two more outside. Several other attendees and servants were littered around the room. Most of them were probably not much use in a fight, but she figured some of them would be armed. There were probably other guards in the club, but they were less likely to be armed. This wasn't one of the members of the Hutt Cartels. This wasn't some incredibly powerful figure, he was a seedy businessman who thought too highly of himself.

Arla didn't actually return to the area she'd walked away from earlier, but did stop and half turn to face the Hutt and Acolyte.

The thing that came next all hinged on one thing: how badly did they need the Hutt? If they needed him alive then she would be forced to do what she had to. If they didn't, then his head would make a powerful message to the others: you play by the Empire's rules or you get ground under heel. The reality was, the Empire could have leveled this entire planet if it wanted. It didn't need this Hutt, and the two Sith could make it work easily enough without him. In fact, she could envision him being quite the problem in the future.

Her face didn't even twitch, piercing silver globes boring through the Hutt. He was probably too stupid to notice, but the darkness that now flowed freely off of the Nightsister would give Caerllion a pretty good idea to tense up for what was coming next if he was paying even a modicum of attention.

She had no lightsaber, but her magick was her most powerful tool. There was almost no warning as a sudden glow appeared in her right hand and flew across the short distance between her and the second closest guard. The concussion bolt split the man's head right open, snapping his neck back with a sickening snap.

The other, closest guard, she grabbed by the throat. The Shadow flowed through her and she pulled him with more strength than someone her size should have normally had. Blaster fire opened up from the third guard on her side of the room and it slammed into the back of the guard she held. She snatched his vibroblade from his dying corpse and turned with vicious intent on the final guard.

Two down, four in here, two outside. Hutt's the priority. He's the message, she ran through her head. Honestly, she would have just walked out without apologizing and dealt with him later if not for the fact that she was pretty sure he would have tried to kill them for that. And that was why she struck first, not for any reason other than that.

Get the one's on the left! she shouted to Caerllion. Even if he hadn't wanted a fight, it was fight or die now. She leapt forward, dodging the next spit of blasterfire with the aid of the Shadow as she rammed the vibroblade into the third guard's throat.

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Of course they would end up needing to fight their way out of the nightclub. Caerllion was a fool if he thought that Arla would agree with the Hutt’s demand and say that she was sorry. She didn’t seem to be the type of Sith that would accept being commanded to do something like that, even less when she had no reason to do it.

Being honest, the Annfyn believed that even if she had reason to say that she was sorry, Arla would never do it. There was something “wild” about her that made Caerllion think that the Champion would never agree with someone like the Hutt, even if it was with diplomatic purposes, where lies could be told freely. This “”wild side” of her was intriguing in the same measure that it was dangerous.

Intriguing was also her answer to the Hutt, better saying her actions. Caerllion tensed up when he felt the Dark side coming from her. It meant only one thing, she was preparing to attack. He made the same, without his lightsaber, the Annfyn would need to rely on the Korriban magick.

Thankfully he had practiced more with it. It would be enough to fight these criminals. While Arla split the head of a guard with a blast of energy, Caerllion conjured a small spark of Korriban magick in his right hand. Then, he threw it into a Quarren mercenary that was coming toward him. When the small spark hit his arm, the Quarren was set on fire. The Acolyte fueled the flames with his rage and only stopped when the mercenary fell on the floor, screaming.

While the two Sith fought against the guards and mercenaries, the courtiers started to scream and run toward the exit. Their Master, however, was oddly calm. During his 600 years in the Galaxy, Garlon had dealt with his own share of Force users. While he never met a Sith, the Hutt expected that most of them would be exactly like Arla. Impulsive and aggressive.

With them distracted, Garlon picked his Datapad and activated two trapdoors. Being always prepared for an attack, the Hutt had filled the entire floor of this room with these. Each tile was one, with him only needing to choose one and it would open. This time he had activated those below Caerllion and Arla.

Caerllion had cut the neck of a Rodian using his magick when he felt the floor below him disappearing. With a yelp, the Annfyn fell into darkness. A similar fall would wait for Arla. Their destiny was only known by the Hutt, who had a satisfied smile on his lips.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla had to admit she felt a wave of relief when she saw that the Acolyte joined without hesitation. He knew that when things hit the wall, there was no time for second guessing, and her opinion of him in that moment rose several notches.

Not that either of them had time to ponder or discuss it at the moment. She was moving directly toward the Hutt now, a beeline for him when the floor beneath her fell out. She was falling, and the Shadow was the only thing that kept her from breaking her legs as she hit the floor several feet below. No doubt it was supposed to break the legs of whoever fell so they would be helpless when whatever came next happened.

She only hoped that Caer would have fared as well. She hit the ground, hand slapping against a sandy surface as her head whipped around to see what they were up against.

She heard a quiet skittering in the corner, and she tried to make out what was in the darkness. She saw her partner and she saw something moving as if the floor were shifting like an ocean.

It was only now that she saw a wave of small insect-like creatures scurrying in their direction. She could see the bones and gnarled corpses who had failed to escape the small pit before them.

Caellion! I'm going to get us out of here, take this, she said, shoving the vibroblade into his hand. I'm going to drop us both on the Hutt's head, you're going to stab him when you land, right through the skull, she said. There was no time to explain how she was going to do it, but she was putting a lot of faith that he would manage to do what she'd said.

And you may be nauseous! she shouted, hoping he could keep the dizziness and nausea at bay until after he'd landed the strike. Though, now it flashed through her mind she'd seen him using some form of magick, so perhaps he was familiar with this technique already?

She threw her arms around him in a tight hug and a flash like green fire enveloped them. Everything glowed like neon green and then they were no longer standing in the pit but floating several feet above the Hutt's head. Teleporting two people even a small distance was no small feat for her, but she did manage it, something the Hutt would not be expecting if he'd never met a Nightsister before.

She landed on the Hutt's shoulder and half leapt, half fell onto the ground next to the Hutt. Please land the hit, please land the hit, she thought to herself.

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

As soon as Caerllion felt the floor disappear under his feet, he had covered himself with Korriban magick. While he still didn’t learn how to teleport using it, the Acolyte already knew how to use it to avoid having his legs broken in a fall. This way, his landing wasn't the most gracious, but he avoided any major injury.

The darkness covered the entire place where they fell. He could feel that Arla was next to him and apparently without any wound. However, he could also feel several things moving in the dark. They were hungry and the two Sith were going to be their next prey. The Annfyn thought that needed to find a way out of this place immediately.

Arla had the same idea. Before he could ask how she was planning to do it, the Champion shoved a vibroblade at him and ordered him to stab Garlon with it. It took him a second to understand what was going to happen. She was going to teleport them. Since the power that she used in the fight wasn’t Korriban magick, it could only mean that it was from Dathomir. It was the only other Dark Side magick that could teleport people.

“What do you mean that I can be nauseous?” he asked, before Arla hugged him. This reaction was enough to make him fall silent. His face became red with a blush and his ears twitched nervously. Later, he would blame his hormones for reacting like a silly boy near her. Even if it was only for them to escape, the Annfyn was still a teenager and the Champion was a gorgeous woman.

He didn’t have much time to think about it, because soon he was being teleported with her in a flash of green. Caerllion felt the contents of his stomach rising toward his throat. Before he could afford vomiting, they had appeared in the Hutt’s room. Garlon was surprised that the two Sith had not only returned, but also appeared in thin air.

With his distraction, the Annfyn did what Arla had asked and stabbed the Hutt with the vibroblade. Garlon fell dead, making the few courtiers that had remained in the room to run away while screaming. Caerllion turned to smile at Arla, feeling proud for having been successful with his attack. Unfortunately he immediately felt the urge to vomit, this time stronger than before. He turned away from the Champion and vomited, his face red with shame for doing such a thing in front of her.

While he vomited, Garlon's majordomo approached Arla. He was a thin yellow skinned Twi'lek with clever eyes. "Huh, now that you killed my Master, are you going to take control of his business? It was what he did to took control of this part of Columex years ago." then he turned to look at the Annfyn. "Is him alright? Do you want me to bring a medicine for him? Or perhaps a bucket?" he grimaced when Caerllion vomited some more.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla scrambled back to her feet after her somewhat unceremonious landing and looked around for any signs of the remaining guards. It looked as though they'd either fled or moved to the pit to try to kill the interlopers because she saw no immediate sign of them.

What she did see, however, was the blade sticking out of the bulbous head of the Hutt who was now leaning forward, body slumped over and tongue flopping out. She saw Caerllion vomiting onto the ground, but didn't think any worse of him for it. He'd landed the blow, and vomiting on first teleport was not uncommon at all. Arla had done it as well.

The remaining grovelers fled the room as two guards came in who were quickly dispatched by two more concussion bolts, and that silence that followed a battle began to settle over the room.

Good work! she said, slapping Caer on the shoulder as she continued to relieve himself of his earlier caf. Sorry, it'll pass in a minute or so, she reassured him, for the first time seeming to be a bit more softer spoken toward him.

It didn't take long, however, for her attention to switch back to the majordomo who had approached. She made no aggressive move toward him, and actually respected his balls for approaching her.

Yes, we can discuss future arrangements as well as your role in them as we go forward. There's a potential new position open in upper management, she said, motioning toward the dead Hutt's bulk.

Maybe something to clear his pallet would be good, she agreed to the majordomo who scampered off immediately to fetch something to assist the vomiting Acolyte.

She moved over to fetch the vibroblade from the Hutt's head and eliciting a gush of blood from the wound. She seemed unfazed as she cleaned it on a nearby blanket. She finally turned back to Caer again now that they were alone, for the first time since they'd met, her features seemed a bit softer.

I know that didn't go to plan, but you did well. Thanks, she said. They were going to get results at least, and the majordomo came rushing back a few moments later with a mix of different drinks from water to sodas to alcohol. He also brought a very ornate bucket that was probably used to serve chilled champagne to wealthy patrons. Not generally for vomiting, but you know... what the moment calls for and all that.

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The Annfyn was still spilling the contents of his stomach on the floor when he felt Arla tapping his shoulder and congratulating him for his good work. If it was at another time, the Acolyte would have smiled and said thanks. However, right now he only wanted to stop throwing up. He could do all that later.

While she talked with the Majordomo, Caerllion felt that the nausea was starting to pass. If teleporting with Korriban magick was also like that, the Annfyn would need to get used to having these reactions. He knew that such ability was useful and after today he was certain that learning it as soon as possible would make missions easier.

The Acolyte would only need to pack some medicine for nausea when he started to train teleportation. He didn’t want to have another round of vomit like this one ever again.

With the dissipation of his nausea, the Acolyte pulled a tissue to clean his lips and turned to look at Arla. She seemed unfazed by the teleportation, which meant that she already did it other times. He wondered how powerful she was and what were her connections with the Nightsisters. Of course, if what she did was really Dathomirian magick.

His thoughts about her power moved to those about her appearance. Arla was really good looking and her pointed ears could pass her off as an Annfyn. Perhaps more as a hybrid than a pure blooded one. The Acolyte wondered if she was a half-blood. It would be a shame if someone like her was one. She was really gorgeous. “Thanks. We can talk with the other four. Maybe they can listen to us.” they still had other opportunities to bring Columex to the Empire.

Then, Caerllion saw her pull the vibroblade from the Hutt’s skull, making blood gush from it. The Acolyte didn’t mind saying such a scene, but it seemed to make his nausea return. He was grateful that the Majordomo had returned with a bucket. He picked it and vomited some more.

“Well, news about Garlon’s death will spread soon. The other Four will try to occupy his territory. This can result in a civil war among them.” having heard what Caerllion had said, the Twi’lek decided to give more light to the situation. “Even one of his relatives can decide to come and occupy his place.”

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Maybe, she agreed, wondering for a moment if it was just in her mind that the Acolytes eyes seemed to linger on her for a bit longer than normal. It wouldn't have been the first time, but it was probably just in her head. After all, people had a tendency to wonder about the ears and the Nightsister facial markings.

Someone will work with us, she said. It was just a matter of time until one of them decided being alive and subservient was better than being dead.

Her attention was drawn to the statements of the majordomo a moment later and she gave thought to it. They had a myriad of options laid out in front of them at this point, and it was worth a discussion before they moved forward.

His relatives will not be taking over, she assured him. Specifically because Arla would see to it that if they showed up they would be killed.

We could requisition assets from intel or even IAF to secure the areas if need be, she said, though the latter option was probably a bad one up until they had more of a foothold on the planet.

She turned to the majordomo. You... what's your name? she asked.

Olathar, ma'am, he said.

Could you keep Garlon's resources together for the time being? she asked. She watched him, reaching out to sense the truthfulness of his answers.

I can certainly do my best. Some would follow and others would not. With a bit of support, I believe I could at least maintain his resources for a time, he stated.

Thank you, give us a moment. But don't go far, she said. He nodded and stepped across the room to work on... something. She wanted to discuss things just between the Sith. Their next move would be important.

What do you think? I was thinking let him hold assets for now and bring in a team from ISB's Covert branch to support him while we deal with the other Four? she suggested. If they tried another diplomatic approach, she wondered if it would be better to let him go in while she... waited in the rafters to pounce. Probably literally.

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Before Olathar went to do what Arla had asked him, Caerllion gave the bucket back to him. His nausea had once again disappeared, but now he would be more careful and avoid looking at the dead Hutt. Only thinking about this pestilent creature made the Acolyte feel his stomach complain.

“Thank you.” he muttered at the Twi’lek, who only nodded and left with the bucket. Caerllion felt uncomfortable for being in such a weak position in front of others. Even if Arla has said that it wasn’t a problem, the Acolyte had learned since he was a child that showing vulnerability in public was dangerous.

“I think that I'm better now.” he said to Arla, before using his handkerchief to once again clean his mouth. It wasn’t that the Champion said that she didn’t mind him vomiting that he was going to walk around dirty. As soon as they left this place, the Annfyn was going to take a long shower and brush his teeth.

“Yes, good idea. With him being his Majordomo, I think that Olathar knew about the administration of all that under Garlon’s influence and would be able to administer it perfectly while we see if the other Four are more receptive with our proposal.” it was that or the two taking power for themselves. He wasn’t in the mood to support the later one.

“We should ask Olathar to arrange a meeting with the others. Do you know which one of them will be interested in talking with us?” Caerllion asked, hoping that this time they weren’t going to deal with a Hutt. The Annfyn didn’t want to end falling through a trapdoor and ending nauseated again.

@Phoenix