Checkmate

[Nicolás Cormond]

His proposal and bill had successfully made it through the Senate. Approved by an overwhelming majority, Nicolás was ready to move onto the next stage of his plan. The Senate failed to realize the obviously ambiguous intentions checkered throughout his proposal, one that especially left room for loopholes or situations such as these. While he could not dethrone an entire government in an instant, he could oust one if evidence against them was found and presented. And indeed, it had. Many at his gala saw the supposed proof of his father’s illicit activities with the Hutt Cartel, and many believed him due to the ensuing attack and his own cunning in spinning upon their fears of the Cartel.

A legislative investigation was not made in the name of the Republic, but it didn’t have to be. Through his proposal, any investigation could constitute intervention. In addition, Nicolás wouldn’t be using the Republic’s own resources or meager military to take over Brentaal, which ensured he was not questioned about his schemes down the line. Even if the Senate did inquire about his move to oust his father, the proposal would guard his back, or at least delay their questions for months if not years. Bureaucracy was an absolute hell, but now that Nicolás was out of the swamp, he didn’t have to worry. Anyone who tried to chase after him would have to wallow through the same muck too.

In the end, he was safe. There was nothing to worry about other than his father and whatever tricks he held up his sleeve too. Although Senator Cormond doubted he could contend with him now, especially after his eventual meeting with an old particular friend. But that meeting would come another time. Right now, Nicolás would be speaking with none other than Senator Adasca. Who, surprisingly, chose to support his proposal and aided in its passing. Despite their differences, it seemed the idea of combating corruption could unite them together. Or in reality, Nicolás’ own clever schemes could manipulate her into supporting a vague bill with vague motivations. One she would come to regret.

He caught her approaching from ahead as they exited from the Senate chambers. “Senator Adasca! I cannot thank you enough for supporting my proposal. Please, walk with me.” The young man gave a wide smile. Could this be an end to their bitter rivalry? Yeah, right.

@Malon

 

[Aurora Adasca]

.

Aurora never thought she'd come to long for the cold slopes of Arkania, but that day had finally arrived. Coruscant was becoming too much for her in recent weeks and months. If it wasn't something pressing in the Senate, it was meeting with diplomats, greasy CEOs, or the busy skylanes transversing between the Rotunda and her apartment. She was fast growing tired of the city life. She would have paid for just a few days on the slops of the jagged, snowy mountains of her homeworld. Time to recenter herself and collect her thoughts.

But, alas, such was not the life of a Republic senator. Life was always busy and stressful. As she left her Senate pod for the adjacent hallway, another day of votes and debates behind her, Aurora couldn't help but smirk to herself as she imagined another life. A life in which she lived in the countryside of a temperate world in the Inner or Mid Rims. She imagined herself in the arms of a crisp-smelling man, or perhaps even laying on the shoulders of some beautiful woman from Empress Teta or perhaps even Onderon. She didn't care which. But that, she realized, might never be her life. She was dedicated to the cause. To the Republic. That was just the cards that the Force had dealt her.

As she exited the Rotunda, her eyes caught sight of Nico. Habit meant that her initial response to him was to tense and narrow her eyes. But, lately, things had not been so tense between them. They had actually found themselves agreeing on matters of import to the Republic. Somehow, though, that had made her even more uneasy. She had grown used to, even comforted, in their bitter rivalry. That was who they were together, and they both seemed to like it that way. But now things were... different, or becoming that way. And while she was happy to see him seemingly thinking of matters other than himself lately, she couldn't help the sense of unease she felt in their new "alliance."

"Senator Cormond," she said pleasantly after he called out to her. No sarcasm, no scathing remarks. She didn't like that either. Impulse demanded she subtly insult him, but she found herself tongue-tied. Instead, she said, "There is no need to thank me. It was the right thing to do." But then, he beckoned for her to follow him. He wanted something. But what? And why was it always a guessing game with him? Nevertheless, she obliged. "How can I be of assistance?" @Deviant

.

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Yes, the right thing to do.” He echoed her words with a soft smile strewn over his impeccable features. Arm wrapped around Senator Adasca’s, he was the picture perfect gentleman. Which was precisely what the other representatives, in addition to the encroaching media, would come to find. Nicolás was the picturesque Senator who fought in the name of the Republic and his homeworld. Beside a charming smile and a compelling voice, his reputation was spotless. Little did the outside world know of his true intentions. Little did Aurora know of his deep-rooted motivations. But in time, she would. In fact, Senator Cormond aimed to hang it right before her eyes.

Did she seriously believe their rivalry was over? The hatchet was not buried, the slate wiped clean or the olive branch extended. Bygones could not be left bygones. Truthfully, their one on one was only just getting started. This game of chess between two of the most influential representatives in the Senate had been raging on for months now, but Nicolás was the first to checkmate. His proposal had a pretty face to it, one Aurora was quick to embrace. But looks were always deceiving, and under that face laid a bureaucratic nightmare. One that provided him the tools he needed to amplify his power across the galaxy. And Senator Adasca helped him the entire way.

For now, he said nothing. Yet his eyes said everything. The unease she was now feeling would only swell. Eventually, Nicolás would reveal the needle and she would pop like a balloon, spilling her insides over the carpet floor at their feet. Not literally, to his disappointment. Still, he could not wait to see the look on her face when all was revealed. Regardless, he played his part before the photographers outside the Senate rotunda. Smiles, winks and all. “Your assistance won’t be needed any longer, my dear Aurora.” How he addressed her was both sweet-sounding and demeaning at the same time. “You’ve already given me everything I needed and ever wanted.”

At the flash of a camera, he grinned. “Say cheese.” He urged, holding her close to his side as he continued to clue her into his ongoing machinations.

@Malon

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Aurora played along outwardly. She smiled pleasantly for the HoloNet reporters and even for him; but, inwardly, her mind was racing. Nico didn't say anything without purpose. There was always a double-meaning, especially when he was speaking in front of the public. His image mattered most to him, so he often said things that seemed pleasing on the surface... but weren't always so underneath. So what did he mean? What had she handed him? She needed answers and, in his signature villainous nature, he seemed poised to at least clue her in. But she was going to need more than that.

"Must you always speak in riddles, Nicolás?" She rarely used his first name. Even despite their past bitterness, she always referred to him professionally. But she needed answers and he would note the use of her first name as a hint of her severity. She spoke the name with a glamorous smile, but there was just an edge of venom to her tone. I'm on to you, she was letting him know. You're up to something. "I haven't ever given you anything you haven't deserved." Ah, there was the jab. She hadn't lost her touch after all. "So, enlighten me. What have I so graciously given to you that you could not have gotten for yourself?"

Spoken with her usual confidence, yet, beneath the surface, her stomach was tying itself into knots. She was worried. Had she misread his intentions? Was there truly no depths he would not fall to? She wanted to believe that not even he was capable of such wickedness, but she had been wrong about him before. She just hoped that now, in the Republic's time of need, she had not been wrong again. The Republic needed to stand against corruption and personal greed. She hoped she had not unwittingly made a stand for those things rather than against, as she had intended. @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Must you always fail to piece the obvious together, Aurora?” He answered, mocking her question from before. Whether he used her first or last name was of no consequence to him. His words would bite as the same way, their meaning unchanged. Likewise, her taunts would be shared with his own. The man was goading her. He was trying to guide her to the truth she failed to see. He wanted to her to realize how far behind she fell and how far ahead he was now. Nicolás wanted to see the look on her face at figuring out that the very bill she voted for provided the Senator the legislative power to meddle and domineer Brentaal, and therefore, the Hydian Way.

He and Aurora had ventured to Wakeelmui, another minor world on the hyperlane, to bring them into the fold. At every turn, she sought to thwart his every attempt at manipulating the planetary officials into his favor. Because she was afraid. Afraid of the power Nicolás could wield if he controlled the chokehold of almost all Republic trade. Although she had won the battle that day, she had not won the war. In the end, she was outplayed. Blinded by her love of the Republic, Aurora didn’t realize she helped hand her greatest enemy a silver platter of everything he needed to win. By her own hand, she lost. Nicolás wanted her to know. And he wanted her to know that she could do nothing about it.

Another camera flashed, another smile was made. The charming man continued, acknowledging her jab. “Ah, there she is. There’s the Aurora I know. A sharp tongue indeed— though not a very sharp mind.” He maintained his hold with her arm, smiling further for the cameras. While two-faced, he played both well. “You see, Senator Adasca.” His voice returned to its former chill. “My proposal wasn’t meant to root out corruption. It was created to tear down my father’s spotless image and give me the authority I needed to destroy him once and for all. And as he fell, I would rise. Brentaal, along with the Hydian Way, would be mine at last.”

He chuckled lightly. “And all it took was a little spark to light the fire. Fear is such a potent weapon. You would be surprised how easy it is to manipulate a room full of panicked senators by fear alone.” He was not so vague any longer. By now, he figured Aurora would have caught on.

@Malon

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Aurora felt her stomach drop into a pit of molten rock. She was furious and it took every ounce of her self-control to keep her outward facade from dropping. But he would know. He would feel her become stiff as a board under his touch, as though she was repulsed by the very feel of him; and, in a sense, she was. She had given him the benefit of the doubt, believing that, whatever he was, he couldn't be that vile and terrible. But she had been wrong, and she would never make that mistake again. He was rotten to his core. As bad as the Hutts he pretended to stand against. Perhaps worse.

But as bad as the situation was, his victory was not as assured as he seemed to think. He had won a critical political battle, she could give him that. His snakelike tongue had won it for him. But the war? That was far from over. She smirked despite her obvious anger. The HoloNet cams would record that. She wondered what story they would spin up. And then she quickly stopped caring.

"Your father's image is indeed besmirched. A fortunate thing, really, if he is as corrupt as you say. I find it rather hard to believe a man who raised you wouldn't be." Anger was bubbling in her throat, but she kept her smile for the cameras. She couldn't let him win in the court of public image. "But do you really think one vote has secured Brentaal for you?" A bitter chuckled escaped her throat. "Oh, Cormond. Sometimes you're so clever, but then your ego makes you so terribly stupid." She rounded on him, seizing his sleeve between her fingers and dragged him back inside the hall where she could finally let the fury that was simmering inside of her leak out a bit more, away from prying eyes.

"Brentaal isn't yours, not by a long shot. Not yet." She bit out at him, her eyes glimmering in the florescent light of the hallway they were in. He had duped her and she was furious, at him and her own blind stupidity. Other Senators heard the harshness in her voice as they passed by, turning their heads to look, but none of them stopped. "Yet you gloat already as if the war has been won. What do you hope to gain by telling me all of this? Do you really think I won't try to stop you?" She scoffed. "You're the one who cares about his image. So what's your brilliant plan to keep me from blabbing to the press?" Could she do that? She didn't know, but, in her anger, she didn't care. She just wanted to scare him at this point... or at least try. @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Of course not, Aurora. It’s not the single vote I’m thanking you for. It was the ripple effect that came after. Your kind words during the session only ensured the proposal passing.” He maintained his smile, holding back his contempt and cynicism far better than she was in the heat of the moment. He could tell that his words had cut deep and struck hard. Senator Adasca was infuriated at knowing she had been so outplayed by his own hand, and that was all Nicolás wanted. He wanted to reveal his many machinations so that she would at least know. So that he could watch her face shrivel like some wrinkled old lady at the realization of defeat.

But why? Revealing his many underlying schemes to his rival was like the cliched villain revealing their plan to the hero of the story, only for said hero to muck everything up. Except, this was no corny film or vapid story. Even with the truth, there was nothing Aurora could do. No reversing Nicolás’ checkmate.

As he anticipated, his proposal aimed to give him the authority to strike his own homeworld with little concern. Although a Senate committee into the illicit crimes of his father was never made, his bill provided enough vague details for him to skip a Republic-sponsored investigation entirely. Private investigations, like the one presented at his gala weeks prior, could substitute. But how would that stop any skeptical Senator, much like Aurora in this very instance, from stopping him? Simple bureaucracy.

The approved bill would act as Nicolás’ lawful loophole. If Aurora tried to denounce him before the whole Senate, the proposal pardoned his actions. As would his many connections spawned throughout the Senate. Even if the Republic seriously considered whatever claims she made, it would take months, if not years, for them to do anything about it. By then, he would be untouchable. The most powerful man in the Republic behind the Chancellor. Again, that was the best case scenario for poor Senator Adasca. At best, babbling to the press would only hurt her image as a paranoid and desperate rival. What would the other Senators think? Her own people?

Nicolás grinned. “Brentaal is mine. The war has been won.” He took her words and gave it the truthful twist it rightfully deserved. “You can’t do anything, Aurora. You’ve lost. You of all people should know that. I have all the cards in my deck, and you have nothing but your words. Powerful as they might be, you can’t hurt me. Only yourself. Nobody will believe you if you go to the press. Even if they do, you implicate yourself. Hell, even if a Republic investigation is set in, it would take years to find anything. And believe me, there’s nothing to be found.” His eyes bore into her own. “Bureaucracy can be both a massive pain and a wonderful blessing.” After all, Nicolás had already escaped the swamp now that everything he needed from the Senate was over with. Aurora was still wading through the muck.

Now, she was not even a rival. Senator Cormond had reached well beyond her reach. The gap between them was just too wide now. “You can’t scare me, sweetheart. Your threats mean nothing. Now, you’re all bark but no bite.”

@Malon

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Even Aurora knew that she had lost the battle. Several battles, if everything Nico said. But he was wrong about one thing: the war wasn't over. Not by a long shot. By making this declaration, he was reigniting their rivalry and making it even more fiery than before. He thought himself above her, beyond her reach—she could hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes. But she did not divert her gaze or give him the satisfaction of seeing her beaten. No, she only truly lost if she allowed him to think he had won. He was hiding it well, but she knew she could still make him sweat.

"You're mistaken." She managed a self-deprecating laugh, flashing her straight, white teeth and then turned her fierce gaze back to him. "The moment is yours, I'll grant you. I'll even raise an imaginary toast to your momentary victory. Savor it while you can. The Senate is one way to stop you, but there are others." Her lips curled upward in a wry smirk. She needed to appear more confident than she was. In a battle against Nico, imagery was everything. If she could feign strength, he'd believe it. At this moment of loss, that was the small victory she needed. "I wouldn't hide behind the bureaucracy, if I were you. I would accelerate my plans—and quickly. To that end, it is rather fortunate that you chose the analogy of, how did you put it, 'having all the cards' in your deck."

She turned momentarily away from him, so that he could see nothing but her back. But she didn't leave him. She wasn't done with him quite yet. "Have you ever played pazaak, Nicolás? If not, you should familiarize yourself with it. You see, the goal of pazaak is to reach the number twenty without going over." She smirked again, despite herself. "It's a silly little game, really. Play your cards right, and you'll come close to twenty, outscoring your opponent without going over the magic number. If you play them really well, you'll hit twenty exactly and win the round automatically." Now she turned back to him, flipping her silver hair over her shoulder. The florescent lights of the Senate hall glimmered in her eyes. "You came terribly close to twenty today, dear friend, and for that, you should be commended. But make no mistake: the war is not over and I am not beaten. If you thought as much, then you didn't really know me at all."

She threw him another one of her trademark smirks. "On the contrary, this game of ours has just begun. Take care not to overplay those cards in your deck. Going over twenty, well... that would be rather unfortunate so early in the game, wouldn't it?" She twisted around, now, to face him more fully. Her charcoal-colored dress spun as she did. "There are cards in my deck you've not yet seen. It's a funny thing about us card players. We always have one last trick up our sleeve when we need it most."

She left it at that. She didn't reveal more. She wanted him to guess — to sweat — to lay awake at night and wonder if he had undone himself by gloating too early. She wanted his eyes on her, always. As long as they were, he was a smaller threat. But, behind her clever facade, there was a great deal of uncertainty. She inwardly wondered if she could truly back up the threats she had just laid down. Was there something she could do? She did not know, but she was determined to try. Part of it was her duty as a Republic senator. But most of it... was about him and not letting him win. She couldn't let him win. Her pride forbade it; and she would not admit defeat until the last card was on the pazaak table. @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

He watched as she flashed a haughty grin and slipped out from under his arm. He could tell his words sunk deep. He could see that Aurora had realized the pit she dug herself into. He could feel the woman twitch at the idea of defeat, even as she feigned superiority. Of course, the other Senator refused to accept the truth provided. Whatever clever trick she believed she still had, whatever plan she was drumming up in her dull mind, had to be utter bullshit. An attempt to intimidate and frighten Nicolás. But he wouldn’t be so easily threatened by the likes of this Arkanian goose. She could flap her wings or snap her beak or ruffle her feathers, but she could do nothing. She was nothing.

“I know how to play pazaak, sweetheart. Well enough to know that whatever cards you believe you have in your neck will do nothing. Your sleeves are empty. Your eyes blind to the truth.” He scoffed. “It’s game over. I’ve won. You of all people should know the Senate enough to understand that you can’t touch me. You can’t win. You think you can breath fire but all I see are wisps of smoke.” A smirk lined his picture perfect face. But deep down, her words were also sinking in. What was she talking about? What was she planning? That ounce of fear grew heavy. Still, the man refused to acknowledge it. Even so, he couldn’t let her go with that final word. Nicolás wouldn’t allow her to win in this conversation either.

He waltzed toward her, refusing to grant her an escape. With her back still turned to him, he hooked his arm back into her own. Like any gentleman, even if this one lacked genuine regard. He cared more about defeating Aurora in this war of words at this point. Even then, he continued. “Where are you going, Aurora? We’re not done yet.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry. This won’t be the end of our little relationship. I enjoy you. You always keep me on my toes and anchored to the ground, even if you have the fashion sense of a garbage chute. Although I would personally recommend slipping into something a little more colorful next time. Or into a coma. I’d take either.”

They still had so much to discuss, so many more cameras to smile on and journalists to greet. In fact, one in particular surfaced from the crowd and approached the pair as they walked side by side. With a cameraman at her back and a polished mic in her hand, she gestured to the two. “Senator Cormond, Senator Adasca. What an honor to meet you both. But please, a question if you will.” She grinned at Nicolás. “Tell me, Senator, what is it like knowing your proposal is among the fastest bills to pass in a Senate known to take months to debate?” How fitting a question that was.

The handsome Senator exchanged the smile, no doubt rupturing ovaries from Coruscant to Corellia. “Oh, believe me. I’m as surprised as you are. But I can say that it passed only by the backing from representatives like Senator Adasca. Like I had, she realized the threat of corruption within the Republic. She understood the need of this bill’s passage. She recognized that bitter rivalries had to be buried for the sake of the galaxy. And let me tell you— whatever we differences we held for one another, we have set aside. As Senators, we must safeguard the security of this Republic. And I can promise you, I— we— will do everything in our power to ensure it stays that way. Right, Aurora?”

Nicolás had her trapped. She had to stick with her earlier speech, cling to the image of some newfound friendship. Else she risked to appear belligerent, like the aggressor. And by doing so, if she attempted to attack him in the future, she risked the same thing. After all, who would the Republic believe more? The representative of an isolated world with a history of xenophobia or the charming Senator of Brentaal who had spearheaded the effort to combat corruption? The answer was clear. The result obvious. Aurora could not tangle with the devil, else she be burned.

@Malon

 

[Aurora Adasca]

He did have her trapped... in one way. But there were many paths to victory and just as many out of defeat. Fortunately, she had sensed his intentions with the HoloNet reporters from the moment he had first led her out in front of them. And, while she couldn't backpedal now, that didn't mean she had to succumb to his trap. She just had to be smart. Fortunately, his words were veiled enough so as to give her an opportunity to do just that. Oh, she played the good politician. She smiled and clasped her hands in front of her. Nico wasn't the only pretty one out here.

"Yes, Nicolás. It is indeed a time for bitter rivalries to be reconsidered. Hatchets to be buried." In the chests of certain people, Aurora thought, though she did not voice such a morbid thing. Instead, she turned and addressed the reporter directly. "I voiced my support for this bill after overwhelming evidence was presented that the Hutt Clan is indeed active in Republic Space. I'm sure my colleague is doing everything in his power to ensure House Cormond is purging its stain from their reputation after the events on Brentaal." She resisted the urge to cast her gaze slightly sideways to smirk at her bitter rival. Two could play the game of thrones, and, thanks to his machinations, he could not deny his House's wrongdoing, even if his plan had precluded his own involvement for the moment. "And I am sure you have all heard of the nasty rumors coming out of Alderaan of late. Our review there is nearly complete, but I'm afraid the reports we've gotten thus far are not good by any stretch of the imagination."

Now, she allowed herself to look at him. She smiled at him. As I said, her gaze would speak to him. You haven't won the war just yet. Pleased with herself, despite her predicament, she continued. "The Republic must stand against such blatant corruption and greed. And we must take all necessary action to ensure those complicit in these crimes are met with the justice they deserve." The reporter seemed to be eating her words up. They made for good headlines and soundbites, she was sure. But good. Her words would be remembered, as would Nico's initiation of them. That would prove useful in the future, if she was to stop him. "To that end, I will do everything in my power as a Republic Senator to defend the Republic against such corruption, as well as all those who would seek to use our democracy to further their own lusts for economic and financial power."

Now Aurora arched an eyebrow and turned slightly to Nico. "And Brentaal will be a perfect place to begin. With Senator Cormond overseeing the anti-corruption efforts there, I am certain that we have his assurances that greed and corruption will no longer be allowed to dictate the policy of the Hydian Way, nor used as a means to line the pockets of Brentaal's wealthy Houses." Did the reporter know what she was implying? Likely not. Soundbites were all they cared for. Still, it was said. It was recorded. It was on the HoloNet. And Nico would lie, of course, as she wanted him to. He had spun his web well; but, if she had her way, she would see him hang from it before this little game of theirs was over. "But, please, don't let me speak for him. Am I correct in that assertion, Nicolás?" @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Correct in every word, Aurora.” He smiled wide, looking into the camera unabashed and unashamed. The young man showed absolutely no indication of his disgust for her elaborate response, underlying taunts or attempts to trap him in turn. Nothing more than a tiny squeeze of his arm against hers as they remained tightly interwoven. “Family or not, corruption on Brentaal cannot stand. The Hutt Cartel will be ripped out from the Republic— root and stem. I will do whatever I must to maintain control and security of my homeworld and of the Hydian Way.” He nodded low, giving an air of modesty when there was none. “For the sake of the Republic and its people.” In reality, it was for his own sake and ambition. Not that Aurora hadn’t already figured that out, even if it took a few slaps to the face.

“That is very good to hear. I am sure the people of the Republic will find relief knowing that the Senate will not stand for corruption.” The reporter nodded to the pair of Senators, pleased with what she fished out from the net she cast. Nicolás and his outpouring of smiles and winks was only butter on top. It was clear the female journalist was charmed, even if the interview lasted seldom a minute. Regardless, Senator Cormond had not come to this particular session looking for love. Besides, he already had a date: Aurora. “Of course. The Senate was made to represent the interests of the people, after all.” His words said one thing, but to the woman wrapped around his arm, he said another. Nicolás did not embody the interests of his homeworld or his kin. Only himself.

“Well, thank you for your time, Senator Adasca and Senator Cormond.” The reporter made a small curtsy and the man did the same. “Please, call me Nicolás.” The woman blushed and departed with her cameraman in tow. That one would make another excellent pawn, he found. There was no better way to the influence the thoughts of millions than through the media, their screens. Even if Nicolás had his eyes set only on Brentaal, did Aurora, or anyone else, seriously believe he would stop there? He didn’t want a single world, or a bustling hyperlane, or even influence over the Republic. He wanted it all.

“Come on, sweetheart. There’s so much to do in so little time, especially when I leave for Brentaal tomorrow.” He glanced down to her. “But you shouldn’t worry. I’m certain my arrival will be airing on some of the most trusted news outlets my world has to offer.” Media he would have long manipulated into his favor. “You can watch from the comfort of your bed. Watch as I take power over the gateway to the Republic as you sit there and do nothing. Like any good dog would do.” He beckoned her forward to the landing platforms, expecting her to join him for a dinner of continued backtalk. Maybe if all went all, perhaps a walk through the park. A stroll in a narrow alleyway, followed by an unexpected attack.

Nothing like burying the hatchet in front of the cameras before burying a hatchet in the back of Aurora’s head to throw off suspicion. Then again, was she really willing to go out with the likes of Nicolás Cormond?

@Malon

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Now, it was her victory. The snake had managed to maintain his public image and hide his wrongdoing... for the moment, but in the realm of romance, he had a long way to go; and he quickly forgot, she had gleaned a tad bit of information on that particular facet of his life during his little party on Brentaal. Aurora turned to him, flipping her hair over her shoulder and delivering her trademark smirk. Yes, she thought, perhaps tonight would end on a rather high note, all things considered. She just wished she had kept the HoloNet reporter around a little while longer.

"Mmmm," she hummed as she feigned thinking about it for a moment. "That does indeed sound lovely. But, alas, unlike the adoring fans of your up-and-coming holo-drama, I am not so easily wooed by cheap cologne and—" She paused, a look of genuine confusion came across her face as she swept her gaze across his clothing. But this too was just a feign. Her smirk returned momentarily. "I'm sorry, where did you say you got those rags you were wearing again? Honestly, if you spent as much time on your hair as you did the rest of your ensemble, I might at least be tempted."

She reached up to give him a "loving" pat on the cheek and then withdrew quickly, before he could catch her hand or swat it away. "Besides, what would your paramour think? So young and tender, that one." She shook her head like a mother scolding a rebellious child. "I couldn't possibly be monstrous enough to break his heart." To add insult to injury, she added a scandalous wink. It was the last of her playful taunts, for her voice dipped and her expression became suddenly serious as she prepared to turn away from him again. "Enjoy your evening, Nicolás. You have much to celebrate tonight. But remember what I said. This game of ours is far from over, and next time you won't find me so passive in my resistance to your plots." She turned and threw a wave up over her shoulder. "Until then!"

She kept a casual pace until she was well outside of his sight. Then, she began to steadily increase her pace until she was almost running. She needed to get back to her office. There was work to be done. He had been right about one thing: she couldn't overtly go after him in the Senate. Not yet. But she had been right too: there were other ways. She just needed to regroup and examine her options, before the entire Hydian Way was under the control of an egotistical maniac. @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Please, Aurora. Even your taunts are as recycled as your sense of style. If you’re trying to intimidate me, it’s not working.” A soft chuckle followed with his answer, even if a scowl was set upon his lips. However, that grimace deepened the second Aurora decided to cross the line and mention Senator Pax. The pair were close. For some, too close. Somehow, Senator Adasca had caught onto the unique relationship the two men shared, solidifying Nicolás’ contempt for the woman. It went without saying that she was a thorn in his side, but this was a slap on the cheek. Not because of her idle threat, but because she was right. On the inside, he knew it was a truth that could not be ignored.

One eye twitched. “Careful now. I enjoy you, Senator Adasca, but you tread on thin ice. Break it and I will leave a mess not even that mop on your head can wipe up. That is a promise.” His voice had taken on a more serious tone. Now that was a real threat that could not be so easily overlooked. If the young woman was not already fearing for her safety, then she would now. Nicolás had eyes and ears everywhere. Aurora would do well to remember the position she was in. Regardless, it looked like their tense exchange had reached an early end. For them both, that was likely for the better. Each were no doubt moments from tearing one another to shreds— and not in the figurative sense.

He sneered. “So be it. I’ll be in touch, Aurora.” His mocking tone returned. “May the rest of your day be as pleasant as you are.” A second later, Nicolás watched the woman twirl around and march elsewhere. It didn’t matter where she might go or what she might do. For all her threats, she was not as great a risk as she may have thought. Nicolás had more important matters to attend to as well— gathering forces to oust his close family, followed by his inevitable confrontation with his father. In spite of everything, the end result would remain. Soon, the entire Hydian Way would fall under the control of Nicolás Cormond. An egotistical maniac indeed.

End Thread.​