A Taste of Anarchy

[Retroboy]

Apophe KeYahm, Imperatrix of the Void Serpents, had many private pleasures. The most private, however, was the fact that she would sometimes slip away from her royal duties to do things on her own. Normally, she just left matters to one of her heralds, and when she returned everything seemed to be running fine. She never left for especially long, just enough time to do what she liked and relax for a bit. Wasn't she due that? However, this was not a time to relax. She had heard word, recently, of a specific Zeltron that might be particularly useful to the Void Serpents.

She now found herself on some smog-choked planet -she didn't know the name- walking the streets at twilight as she was mildly annoyed by the light drizzle that irritated her skin. She was dressed more conservatively than normal, if only to keep a low profile. She wore some knee-length tunic she had seen someone from the inner galaxy wear before, coloured in a light red. She neglected to wear pants, if only for comfort purposes, and besides, the tunic covered enough. Her eyes searched the streets, until she came upon a weak neon sign. A sly grin came upon her face, and she steered herself inside.

The interior was a particularly cramped tavern, covered in a haze of narcotic smoke. The lighting inside the place was strange, having gone for red light rather than the usual yellow, and it was turned down low, casting every patron in a gory chiaroscuro. The patrons inside sat in vinyl chairs, some nursing drinks, others pulling smoke from stained glass hookahs that were filled with something other than tabac. A single table sat in the far left corner, surrounded by people playng sabacc. Their eyes briefly drifted from their cards to the other players, and Apophe noted that occasionally their free hand wandered to the blaster pistols they invariably kept at their hip.

Eyes, naturally, were drawn to Apophe as she entered into watering hole, a few mouths gaping. She was used to it at this point, few were prepared to see a human woman of her size. Others, she could tell, were looking more at her claws. Those were the ones to watch out for. Slowly, she took a seat at one of the stools, sitting at the bar. The bartender, a worn looking human man with salt and pepper hair and a five-o-clock shadow eyed her up and down.

"They make'em big these days, huh?" The bartender said as he poured a drink for another patron. "What'll you have?"

Apophe looked at him with a neutral mask. "A shot and a beer," she said. "And some information."

The bartender quirked an eye at her, and pour Apophe her drinks. "I can do information," he said, placing the drinks on the bar. "Depending on what it is. Whatcha need?" The bartender leaned forward on the table, his tone getting low. At his level of closeness, Apophe could tell one of his eyes was a good bit smaller than the other.

"I'm looking for someone called Devika Beau," she said, also leaning in. "I can pay if need be. I was told she might be around here.

The bartender smiled, and then shrugged. "Yeah, maybe," he said. He looked to the rest of the bar, and then called out. "Hey, if there's a Devika here, there's a lady here to see ya. I think she means business."

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

There was no immediate answer. The unsavoury inhabitants of the tavern cautiously eyed their fellows before looking back at the behemoth of a woman who dared to enter their territory. The atmosphere grew tense with every passing moment; they looked ready to turn on the new comer like a pack of kath hounds. The place was a dive, recycled smoke tainted air lingered; serving droids and waitresses scurried to meet the demands of their patrons, topping up their beverages whilst provided an eyeful of pleasing flesh (whatever they needed to get a couple of extra credits). The tentative -unspoken - peace was threatened in a single moment by the arrival of this strange. Apophe.

Finally, there were signs of moment; the scrapping of a heavy, rustic chair against an unclean floor. The slow tempo of heeled boots echoed throughout the now silent tavern. Heads turned slowly to the movement, some muttering and whispering to themselves. Blasters were readied and knives slowly unsheathed. But a sultry voice broke the strained silence; it glided and slithered over the heads of the patrons. It was vehement and fervid, pleasant to the ear, even if the words were mocking and derogative. "Easy, easy, girls and boys. No need to ruin the night with blaster fire. Nothing kills a girl's mood more than premature shooting." Surly chuckles and broken sniggered as a voluptuous zeltron strutted out from a shadowed booth.

Devika's taunt, healthy vermillion skin was easily identified her species; as well as the blinding neon vestments her people favoured. She wore little than a vibrant bikini top, somewhat modestly accentuated by the overlaid spacer jacket hanging off her shoulders. Tattoos littered her torso and midriff, ranging in patterns and designs. Some seemed temporary playful paint jobs, others were permanent. Hanging carelessly on her hips were two holstered blasters as well as a slim looking blade strapped to the ample flesh of her thigh, garbed in tight leggings. No doubt she concealed more blades with her calf high, heeled boots. Though zeltrons were known as pleasure seekers, more concerned with the pursuit of vices and sin, they could also be known to become fierce warriors. Love and war were mere sports to them. This female was an expert in both.

True to the people of Zeltros, the blue haired female was striking to many; attractive even. Devika was well known for her beauty, but it was her skills as an information broker which made her a sought after female. She could only assumed that was the reason this stranger had so bluntly requested her. She gave the bartender a reprimanding look, obviously none too pleased at how quickly the bar man had complied with Apophe's inquest. "Subtly just isn't your thing. Is it, Sugar?" Her cantankerous remark was veiled with carefully placed humour. She wasn't expecting the outlander's appearance, she was however expecting a client; whatever the stranger wanted, she hoped to conclude the business quickly before her next mark got spooked.

Nevertheless, her amethyst hues finally rested on Apophe, though her expression didn't falter. Instead, she replenished her elongated tobacco holder, lighting it was an effortlessly strike of a match. Taking a long drag, her eyes scanned the abnormal tall humanoid in front of her; blue tinted lips curling in delight. Though many sometimes shrunk within the shadow of Apophe, Devika seemed downright astonished. Not many things took her by surprise anymore, but Apophe had got a damn shot closer than others had managed. She decided then to humour her and see what the humanoid wanted.

"My..." She held a breath of smoke, savouring its fruity essence, before allowing its vapour to drift past her lips, "You're a big one. What can I do for you, Sugar? Time is money and I don't see any credits coming my way yet."

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

Apophe's eyes wandered over to Devika, and a slow grin spread across her face. She had known the woman was pretty - she was a Zeltron after all - but holos didn't do it service. Still, she couldn't let her libido get the best of her. Apophe was here for business, not pleasure. She downed her shot, appreciating the burn, before beginning to talk with Ms. Beau.

"Kinda hard to do subtlety when you look like me," she said with good humour. "Besides, anyone wants to start something, I welcome it. I don't need a blaster to end trouble."

That wasn't entirely true. Apophe was perfectly capable of subtlety, when she felt it was necessary. She had disadvantages, being a monarch and being as massive as she was, but she was more than capable of it. The fact was that on this distant little planet, in a dingy little bar, she didn't really feel like being subtle when she was just trying to get herself a new employee. She had gotten Devika's attention, hadn't she? Wasn't that enough?

"As for credits, I have someone who will be able to wire..." she handed her a piece of paper, etched with a number ranging somewhere in the high thousands. "This much to an account of your choosing. That's just the signing-on bonus."

She sipped her beer, shrugging her shoulders.

"I'm looking for a long-term thing. My people need someone with your talents."

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

Patrons amongst the tavern grumbled in dissatisfaction at the giant's remarks and loosely veiled challenge. Devika was quick to defuse the situation before it could escalate further.

"Now, now, sugar. No need to start anything. You're tough, we get it. As much as I like a woman who takes charge, there's no need for anyone to start a blaster fight." Shooting one last glance at the rest of the patrons, Devika sauntered closer to Apophe, taking another drag from her elongated smoker as she did so. Silently, she surveyed the full bodied female once more - at first, she had assumed Apophe was just a hired muscle for some crime lord. But now she got a closer look at her, she knew it wasn't the case. Her 'admirer' carried herself with too much pride and confidence to be just some no name goon from a backwater star system.

The zeltron decided to proceed with caution. The last thing she needed was another reason to look over her shoulder.

Nevertheless, Devika took the piece of paper Apophe offered. Giving it a quick glance, she whistled at the more than generous offer. "Well, you know how to make an impression, I'll give you that." Tapping the bar for another bottle of spiced wine, Devika cantered her head over to the secluded booth in the corner, offering a flirtious wink as she did so. "You have my undivided attention. Please, let's take this somewhere more private." The Zeltron even brought over two shot glasses, intent on offering her new patron a decadent taste of a Zeltron brew. However, caution was to be exercised. Spiced wine, formulated by the vermillion people themselves, was known to possess aphrodisiac properties to those unaccustomed to it. Devika, on the other hand, drank it like water.

She was able to shoot back a small glass in one go, letting out a blissful sigh afterwards as a shiver briefly worked its way down her spine. She refilled the shot, but then paused when Apophe began to speak business. "Sugar..." she began, grinning at Apophe over the rim of her glass, "You realise 'long term' isn't exactly in a Zeltron's vocabulary. We're like an oasis on Tantooine; here one minute, gone the next - I'd just like to make that clear. Now...what 'talents' are we talking about exactly? I have many." She hit back another shot. A Zeltron's anatomy boasted a second liver - Devika could drink till Hoth melted.

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

Apophe took her seat opposite Devika, and smiled at the woman's feistiness. She look down at the shot, and shrugged, draining her beer so that she would be able to partake. She took the shot, and grinned. Though the spiced wine was potent, Apophe's size made it unlikely to affect her with just a simple shot.

"I thought you might say that, but my outfit, we're a little different," Apophe said, admiring her own claws but keeping her voice low. "I'm Imperatrix of the Void Serpents, an up and coming power in this busy little Galaxy of ours. I have more wealth than any pithy mob boss could offer you in an entire life time. Not to mention other benefits."

She took another shot to match Devika's, and her smile changed to something predatory, like a wolf bearing its teeth. "I'm not out here to control you, dear, just often you something a little more stable," she said coyly. "You could still do whatever it is you like to do, I'd just be keeping you on retainer. It helps to have talent on board, and it's not often I go out and look for new people individually. You're very, very talented, Ms. Beau..."

She leaned back, inhaling the smoke. "Don't you think it's time you put your skills to something grander?" She giggled. "Crime bosses and politicians might use you and even praise you, but me, I'm familiar with your work and I appreciate it. I want to see you shine."

She shrugged, her eyes wandering over to the other patrons in the bar. "I'm not all talk, either, you'd be paid very, very well for working with us. And hey, perhaps you might find some in our community to your liking. I have a Devaronian friend I think you would get along with quite well."

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

"Void Serpents? Yes, I think I've heard of you before." Devika let the name roll off the tip of her tongue. She had vaguely heard of the shadowy organization, though truth be told, she had just assumed they were yet another upstart group made up of youngbloods and greenhorns. One or two crime lords had mentioned their growing power, but the hubris of their corruption had stifled any growing concerns turning into action. It was clear now to Devika why she never received another job from those patrons again - could these Void Serpents have done away with the competition? Such a thing wasn't unheard of. Hoth, it was almost expected. The soft touch often portrayed a weak hand, and looking at Apophe's talons, that was certainly not the impression the Zeltron was getting from the she-mmoth.

Devika hit back around shot, refilling her glass and Apophe's with a favouring grin, "Well, you certainly know how to tempt a girl. I'd be foolish to refuse such an offer." Indeed it seemed like a generous offer. The Zeltron recalled and scanned the humanoids words repeatedly, searching every possible angle and approach to ensure there was no deceit laced within such sweet promises. Yet Apophe did not strike Devika as the type to rely solely on sly schemes and crude backstabbing (though she never dismissed anyone as incapable). No, the woman who sat before her, sharing her drink, was a self made monarch - every action, display and gesture was done with calculated power. The giantess was undaunted and Devika respected that. But she also wished to test it. She hit back her last shot, eyeing Apophe carefully now to scrutinize her response, "You realise that I have made a number of enemies over my, shall we say, questionable career. Enemies such as some red sword wielding crazies. Some are not willing to cross the Brotherhood, not even for a fine piece of Zeltron ass, such as myself. There is nothing more disappointing than an employer unwilling to protect their retainers."

She had been burnt before; now with any contract, Devika always ensured she was not walking into any trap or compromising situations. The Zeltron let the statement linger - sharp eyes watched Apophe carefully for any gesture or movement. Devika's observational skills were as sharp. Coupled with her species natural empathic abilities, lies and deception were easily detected. It was plain to see why some sought Zeltrons services so vigorously (and not simply just for pleasure). And yet - the pink skinned humanoid sensed none of this from the curious stranger. Instead, she sensed something of grander devices. For a moment, elation and fascination took hold of the Zeltron's expression, "But you...you've single handed built this empire from the ground up, you're not afraid to get your hands dirty. People gravitate towards you; follow you without question - because you give them what they want, what they truly desire."

Now Devika seemed utterly bewitched with Apophe's prospects, turning her full attention onto the woman. The thoughts racing through Devika's mind began to make her heart rate slowly rise; how long has she been waiting for a possible opportunity such as this? "Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a good time gal who loves booze and credits as much as next diva; the simple pleasures in life can't be out done. But there is something I desire even more. Something no patron has yet been able to give me." Like a stalking Nexu, Devika perched her over the counter slightly, leaning forward like she was ready to pounce - her smile turned almost feral. Gone was the fun loving twinkle in her lavender eyes. Instead, only ravenous hunger burned.

"I want war."

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

Apophe's grin turned manic. This was the sort of talk she always loved to hear. There were risks in taking her on, for sure, potentially angering the Sith, but they were risks she was willing to take. After all, she was one grudge in a galaxy of trillions. The little Zeltron woman was so very interesting, too. Confident, talented... what more could one ask for in an employee?

"Oh, you'll have war," she said as she matched Devika's shot once more. "It's part of why I'm bringing you on. I think I need someone like you for what I have planned. I can't say very much here, but I hope you understand. It'll be perfect for you."

She looked down at the woman. She had trust issues, which was understandable in a Galaxy like this. After all, Apophe had been betrayed before, even by her own siblings. Or was it her that did the betraying? She was the one to turn on her father, after all, and they were only being dutiful. It was all a matter of perspective, she supposed. She wanted to make sure that her people felt safe, though, and Devika was going to be one of her people now. She figured she might as well and try to assuage some anxieties.

"I'm hoping you won't be going out picking too many fights," Apophe admitted. "But you're going to be one of mine, and that means I have your back. We will protect you, don't worry about that. I promise. I know those words don't mean a lot in a lot of the Galaxy, but an Imperatrix's word is bond among the Void Serpents, still."

The rest of the Galaxy could cast their aspersions on the Void Serpents. Apophe welcomed it. The Galaxy could call itself civilized and the Serpents barbarians. But they would never be as honest about what they were as the Serpents were, and they would never hold to their promises like a Serpent could. That was one thing the Republic could never hold above Apophe and her people.

"I'm glad to have you aboard, if you want to be with us. I make a point of surrounding myself with skilled people. Befriending them, too."

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

The dangerous glint in the Zeltron's eyes slowly simmered as Devika's mood lightened. Some were often put off by the over passionate nature lurking beneath her playgirl façade. Yet the she-giant didn't even blink; instead she seemed to revel in lust for conflict. A girl after my own heart... Since her imprisonment, Devika's instinctual empathy (which was renowned amongst all Zeltrons) was tainted and ruined. Pleasurable emotions such as joy, desire and euphoria were nothing more than bland tid bits to her - only vehement feelings seemed to speak to her now; anger, bloodlust, rage. She could easily sense such emotional afflictions and what's more, she revelled in them. Where most Zeltrons shied away from such things, Devika invited them into herself. Drinking them in was like savouring dry Naboo wine. It pierced like a hot poker, enflaming the blood and ravaging the nerves. In solitary isolation, the faint experiences she could sense were enough to keep her sane. They were the only things she was exposed to during her time on that sithspit rock - the only thing the warden was willing to let her feel. Just thinking about it -about him- marred her expression in an unpleasant sneer.

Shaking her heads of memories she'd had no desire in remember, Devika reclined back, seemingly pacified by Apophe's admission. In fact, she seemed down right eager, her interest no doubt peaked by the Imperatrix's veiled allusions to greater plans. She spoke with confidence, not arrogance. A natural born leader with the ability to inspire others; in the ever darkening universe, such people were growing rare. Devika couldn't help but be somewhat curious about her new employer. She certainly seemed more flexible than others she had worked for in the past. What's more, she was certainly pleasant to share drinks with. It was the personal touches of etiquette than Devika savoured. Pouring them another round, the vermillion skinned female chuckled haughtily in good nature, "Sugar, it ain't me who picks the fights. I'm just the one who wins them" She gave a coy wink before once more offering Apophe her shot "Tell you what - why not celebrate this union with a little game. I love games. Let's us get to know one another - on a more...personal level. What do you say, tall, dark and beautiful? Care to humour me?"

It was true, Devika was curious another the woman sitting opposite her. Though she had heard of the void serpents, she actually knew little about them. It would be good to gather some additional information, as well as gauge some of Apophe's mannerism and motives. The woman could certain hold her liquor. Not many entered a drinking round with a Zeltron lightly, but the she-behemoth seemed as cool as a snowstorm on Hoth. "The rules are simple - I ask a question, you answer and I take a shot. And vice versa. However, if you don't want to answer the question, you take the shot. You're only allowed three passes before the game is over. Winner gets a boon - a favour. Nothing is off limits."

With a tentative, teasing lick of her blue lips to emphasis the stakes, Devika speared her purple eyed gaze on Apophe. "What do you say, my bodacious babe? I'll go first, nice and easy - How did the Void Serpents come to exist? Feel free to give the short version."

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

Apophe's eyes lit up.

"I like games," she said eagerly. "Alright, you're on."

The question the Zeltron posed was an interesting one. The Yahm loved to tell tales of their own glory, and that was true even of someone as unconventional as Apophe. However, she knew that she didn't want to bore Devika, either. Ultimately, she had to find a place between being informative and being brief. She took a moment to figure out exactly how she was going to do that, before finally settling on an account that would keep to the good bits.

"Well, my people wandered the Galaxy for a long time, raiding as we went," she began, settling into her 'storyteller voice', low and smooth. "But my father thought we were destined for something more than that. He decided he wanted his own little Empire. So he raided a prison, hoping to get some new soldiers to add to his army. Unfortunately for him, he was a little short-sighted and upset that the people he just freed weren't all fighters. Thought he'd enslave them to make up for the losses. Well, eventually, I realized he was squandering potential, and then, well..."

She dragged her thumb across her throat.

"Suddenly, there's a power vacuum," she said. "A lot of my siblings wanna be the boss. Too bad for them I now have a whole bunch of very grateful former slaves of my side, and they don't. Those that know what's good for them fall in line pretty quickly, and now I'm Queen of the Yahm."

She smiled wistfully, remembering that early chaos of her ascension. She had lost some siblings she thought for sure would stand behind her, but in the end, enough did that her conscience felt clean enough. Besides, Lazzis was always behind her, and she was the one who mattered most to her. No one sibling had more of a bond with Apophe than her older sister Lazzis.

"Eventually, a bunch of people called the Free show up," she said. "They wanna conquer us. But, even though they fight hard, we thrash'em. Still, I'm pretty impressed with what they did, so, I, well, I extend them an offer and now they're with us. I look around, realize I now have a lot of followers, and think to myself..."

Her smile grew broader.

"This is the beginnings of a real empire here. So I create something new. Something that emphasizes everyone's strengths. The Void Serpents. We're not out to conquer the Galaxy, but we want our own little piece."

She giggled. "Hope I wasn't too long-winded, there," she said.

She examined Devika once more. There were so many potential questions to ask, here. Some of them could end up going very poorly for her as well. Even the most brazen soul could be offended by an uncouth enough question, after all. She rolled what she wanted to say around on her tongue, but eventually came to something she thought might, at the very least, produce an interesting answer.

"What started this little scrap between you and the Brotherhood?"

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

Devika gave a low whistle, admiration burning in her eyes. The creation of the Void Serpents was certainly an interesting one - exactly what Devika expected. A self made Empire, a congregation of numerous factions brought to heel under one leader. One who could be ruthless as well as benevolent; an interesting combination. What's more, it didn't seem like the giantess was afraid to break taboos - not many would be able to slay their own family, even in the face of betrayal. Devika wasn't even sure if she could be capable of such familicide, but then again, the only family she had left was a mother; a retired veil dancer, now multi-club owner on Zeltros. She actually kept little contact with Zeltron matron now but it was for the best. With the kind of people Devika rubbed shoulders with, it was best to keep her mother in the dark.

Like a child listening to a bed time story, Devika patiently waited to the end, her eyes sparkling with attention. Staying true to the rules of the game, the Zeltron haughtily shot her flavourful drink back without a moment of hesitation before promptly refilling it. "Damn, sugar. You sound like you could give Mandalorians a run for their money." It was true - the Void Serpents (though perhaps rough round the edges) certainly seemed like a force to be reckoned with. And Apophe was the queen leading the charge. Again, the Zeltron's eyes shimmered with undisguised desire. Here is a woman who could set the whole galaxy aflame. Then simply sit back and watch it burn.

To Devika's credit, the pink skinned female didn't at all seem outwardly offended by the question Apophe finally asked- after all, the Brotherhood were powerful enemies. It would be foolish not to have at least some information about Devika's circumstances with them. Reclining back in thought, the Zeltron recounted her memories, as if they were a tale of woe and whimsy. "Well, I suppose it all started -like you- with my father; he was a political artist who made his distain for the Brotherhood abundantly clear. As you may expect, they had him assassinated; I wasn't too thrilled with that." A flicker of sadness graces her expression - her father was a real wild card. Took her all across the galaxy with his travels. He was more a friend than a father - his death had hit her hard. But never one to dwell on the past, the Zeltron moved swiftly on. "When I was an entertainer back on Zeltros, I met a stellar guy with great eyes and an even better body - and wouldn't you know, he was part of this resistance against the Brotherhood and they were looking for recruits. I thought what the Hoth, it sounded like fun. From the age of 18, I became what some narrow minded nerfherders would consider a terrorist. Not the most glamourous label, I know. We struck Brotherhood supply routes, disabled their star ships and outright attacked their outposts; guerrilla warfare and all that jazz, really gets the blood pumping. And for a time, we were quite successful; we were a small collective of people, easy to disband and regroup in quick succession. I like to think we really stuck the proverbial middle finger up to them...and literal one too on some occasions."

A saucy smile broke across the Zeltron's lips, obviously remembering her crimes with abundant fondness. They operated like shadows in night, in and out before the Brotherhood even knew what hit them. After all, who would have expected a rag tag collective of individuals could cause so much damage? They weren't uniformed but they were unified by a singular desire to cause mayhem. That was enough... at the time. With a heavy sigh, Devika twirled a lock of hair in bemusement "But even the sun sets in paradise. On one big operation, the plan went south; I don't know how or who gossiped, but the Brotherhood were waiting for us. Some of us got caught in the ambush, some of us didn't. Unfortunately for me, I was one of the unlucky ones. They hauled my ass into one of their deep space prison colony and left me to rot. There I met an utterly vile Chiss warden who made the next five years of my life dreadfully…unpleasant. He took sadistic joy in his job, starting with the soft blows. You know, withholding food, shaving my head and solitary confinement. As time went on, he upped the stakes. Torture, weird ass experiments, even exposure to hallucinogenic drugs - which were actually weren't too bad, quite trippy. Kind of like Mon Calamari ballet but upside down. Go figure...”

Just the thought of the Warden's red eyes made Devika frown. The glass in her hand whined in protest as the pressure of her grip increased. Though her hatred for the Brotherhood was clear, the raging inferno of fury inside of her was utterly reserved for Evik. He escaped before Devika could settle the score between them. Typical male...She snorted Starting something he can't finish...

Moving swiftly on, Devika began to draw her tale to a close, feeling she had rambling on long enough. “But, Lady Luck favours some of her children more than others. A scaly swag group of pirates attacked the prison and feed all the prisoners. And well, the rest is history." Her eyes cantered over to Apophe, seeming curious for a moment. She had mentioned the Void Serpents raided prisons in the past in order to obtain retainers...could they have possibly...? Devika smiled, letting the thought hang in the air before finally ready to ask the next question. "Got a fella in your life, big beauty? You don't seem like the type to be easily...tied down."

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

Per the rules of the game, Apophe took her shot. The answer she had received satisfied most of her curiosity about the subject and then some. So it was over a man? How often these big things started over something so very, very small. Yet the Zeltron had taken to the role of terrorist with gusto, something that Apophe admired. It was one thing to get swept up into such a role for love, but it was another thing entirely to embrace it.

Devika's question, though, caught Apophe a little off-guard. She was expecting something a little more serious than that. She chuckled.

"Oh, uh..." she said as her head quirked to the left, and her smile became silly and slightly embarrassed. "No. I mean, I keep meaning to find somebody, but then more work comes up and it becomes a lot harder. You know how it is."

Was she blushing? A little bit. Apophe, for as many airs as she put on, was still a young woman and still cared about things like love and families. She was only human, after all. She wasn't used to people outside of her family asking about things like that. Maybe she needed to spend more time outside of the palace. Was she starting to feel the shots? That might explain things.

"Alright, my question," she said, eager to move on from the thoughts she was having. "How about you? You with anyone?'

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

Devika openly chuckle, the cheeky grin spreading across her lips in obvious mirth. The playful Zeltron revelled in taking people by surprise, especially those in Apophe's position of power. No harm was intended, Devika simply liked watching people's reactions, gauging the emotions that emanated outwards; it was simply nice to know her employer was still human. "All work and no play makes for poor pleasure. What's the point of power if you can't have a bit of fun with it?" Keeping with the good humour, Devika took Apophe's counter question in her stride. With a half hearted shrug, the rose kissed humanoid reminisced about her varied loved life. "Monogamy isn't exactly in a Zeltron's vocabulary. After Vex, my rebel beau, many lovers have come and gone." Zeltrons were notorious for their promiscuity - it was not uncommon for them to have multiple partners and relationships. But they were fickle, their affections easily given to some as well as taken away. Devika had no shame in that. Why fight what is ultimately her biological nature?

But natural instincts was a double sided sword. They flared with the threat of danger as well with the promise of attractions; it crawl and crept up Devika's spine like a dull draft. Her smile dropped and her eyes narrowed. Something, or someone was approaching with ill intentions - their growing aggression tasted like sour fragments stinging the tip of her tongue. A hand glided under the table, coming to rest on a blaster holstered on her thigh.

Devika saw them before Apophe - they were purposefully approaching from the giantess's blind spot- a trio of them. A Zabrak and two Nikto; they broadcasted their intent like a holonet news bulletin. It was clear they were more focused on Apohpe than Devika. Her best bet? They were some crime lord's enforcers trying to push their luck. "Don't look now, Sugar..." Devika necked her shot, reclining back on the lounger ready, "But seems like we've got company."

Attempting to divert some attention away from Apophe -for now-. She practically tittered with anciptation. "Gentlemen..." She raised a refilled shot glass at them, "Can I help you with something?"

The Zabrak's eyes briefly flickered from the back of Apophe's head to Devika "Not you, sweet thing..." His lecherous, orange eyes briefly preened over her pink form before finally darting back to the human. "But we've got business with the big one."

With that, a vibroblade was pulled out and blaster shot rang out.

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

The expression on Apophe's face hardened as the men approached. Her suspicions were confirmed very quickly, and Apophe couldn't help but feel fairly bitter about it all. People just couldn't leave her alone, could they? Everyone wanted a piece of her these days and it was becoming incredibly tedious. Especially when they referred to her as 'the big one'. She had a name. They would learn it soon enough.

The moment the blaster fire began, knocking down one of the Nikto, Apophe jerked around, rising to her full, monstrous height. If they wanted the big one, they would have her. She began thrashing her claws with mad abandon, drawing blood where she could and blocking stabs and breaking bones when she had to. She threw back the remaining Nikto into a wall, leaving her to focus on the lone Zabrak whose belly her claws had embedded themselves into his bellow and were now being used to agonizingly lift him off of the floor.

"My name, little man..." she said as she drew him in close. "Is Apophe KeYahm, Imperatrix of the Void Serpents. Not the 'big one'. And I was having a conversation that you have very rudely interrupted."

Any silliness or cuteness that had been in Apophe's voice and face had completely disappeared, and what was left was something cold and reptilian. Her grey eyes were dead of any emotion save a tranquil, hateful sort of fury that burned deep into her captive as she started to twist her claws slightly in his gut.

"Now... what is it that you want?" she asked, her eyes wandering over to the Nikto she had thrown so easily, silently daring him to do something, anything, other than waiting patiently for her to finish her talk with his friend.

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

Truthfully, Devika had only fired the blaster round trough the table to act more as a distraction. But her aim was true and on point. Perhaps her twitchy nerves got the better of her. Or perhaps she was just itching for bloodshed. Besides three against two was not a promising encounter, so why not even the odds? Literally. Patrons of the bar looked on a mixture of horror and fear at Apophe's vicious frenzy; yet Devika looked on, absently whistling at the carnage. Those clawed gauntlets weren't for show that was for sure.

Ducking low to avoid the Nikto as he was sent flying, Devika let out a delighted chuckle. Apophe certainly knew how to party. The woman wasn't all talk; there were some moves to go with that muscle. Keeping her blaster trained on the remaining Nikto for good measure, the Zeltron eagerly watched the scene unfold. She didn't even wince when the Zabrak let out an agonizing screech, finding Apophe's claws pierced deeply into his gut.

The Zabrak squirmed for a moment, like a worm hooked like bait. But it only painfully hooked the talons in his flesh deeper. Pain -and natural preservation- forced him to go still. Anything to ease the agony burning throughout his stomach. His breath was shadow, blood pooling from the wound, staining his clothes as it dripped onto the floor.

"Your damn pirates..." He growled, gritting his teeth in an attempt to labour his suffering "You s-stole an important shipment on route t-to the Hutt C-cartel...You'd be wise to r-return it, if you don't want s-serious trouble." His gripped Apophe's wrist, attempting to lessen the pressure of her claws as she slowly began to raise him higher. He cough, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. "Y-your Void Serpents...w-would be stupid...to c-challenge the Hutts."

Devika let out another chuckle, seeming utterly thrilled with the promise of a challenge.

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

Apophe leaned in, her breath hot on the Zabrak's face. That Hutts had sent him was not a real surprise, given that they were one of the few forces left in the Galaxy with enough bravado to send an attack on a head of state. Though which family in particular would have targeted here was a more pressing question indeed. She was allies with Nor'baal, after all, so it made very little sense that it would be him behind it. Oh well. All in due time, she supposed.

"Hmn, well," Apophe said. "I don't think your employers entirely grasp who we are. We're not just pirates, sweetie. We're an empire and we're not going to kowtow to anyone, and if your bosses have really that much of a problem with us..."

She lowered the man to the ground, keeping her claws still in him. "You can tell them they can buy what we took from them in a reasonable price," she said with a maddened look. "And if they think they can threaten me to get what they want, well, you can tell them they're welcome to try, but they should know that if they make me mad enough, well... I hear Hutts in garlic butter tastes very, very good and I've been dying to try them."

"Now, I'm going to pull my claws out of you," she said softly, as though she were a mother talking to her particularly slow child. "You're going to want to get medical attention very quickly or you're going to start bleeding out. Chop chop!"

She yanked her claws out of the man, smiling as she turned back to Devika. "Sorry about that! Where were we?" The crazy in her eyes had disappeared, and she began to wipe the blood off of her claws as if she hadn't just threatened to eat a crime family. She was keeping an eye on the little man through her peripheral vision, though she didn't expect he'd be able to do much without making his life end that much quicker.

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

The Zabrak squirmed further, looking visibly pale as blood continued to pool on the floor. He couldn't believe the gall of this woman, this she-beast. Sure, he had heard the vicious rumours and sordid gossip but he never once considered it was well founded. The mission had seemed so simple, corner the leader of the Void Serpents and exercise a bit of intimidation. Whilst Nor'baal may have allied himself with these renegades, not all under his quarry shared the sentiments. If the Zabrak survived this encounter, he'd have to report back to his superior quickly before word got out. When faced with such a fearsome predator, the prey's best option is to flee. Attempting to pacify Apophe, the Zabrak nodded profusely, certain his voice would fail him as it was drowned in the growing amount of blood bubbling in his throat. Finally, when she tore her claws him his gut, his hands flew to the wounds, attempting to apply pressure to the punctures and quickly stumble away, out of the establishment.

With the conflict over, Devika dismissed the living Nikto, gesturing with her blaster for him to flee as well. Once certain the threat had passed, she regarding Apophe with a delighted smile, "Well...that was fun." She even offered the giantess a small clap at the gruesome performance. Her gaze then scanned over the silent patrons and gawking onlookers. "Hate to say it, Sugar, but looks like the mood died with him and cronies" She toed the Nikto's lifelessly form, her shot having hit him square in the forehead.

After holstering her blaster, she placed her hands on her hips, cantering her head at Apophe with a look akin to deviant expectation. "The night is still young. Any thoughts, my infamous Imperatrix? Your wish is my command."

 

[Retroboy]

Apophe looked around at the room, noticing the alarmed gazes of the people around her. Silently, she cursed the fact that people couldn't just leave her alone. Everybody wanted something from her. It was immensely frustrating, and she couldn't help but feel a bit wronged by it all. Oh well. She was a monarch, stuff like this was bound to happen, wasn't it? No rest for the wicked and all.

"I, uh," Apophe said, her gaze still on the room. "There's like, a gastro-pub near here that does like, little shrimps cooked in lime."

Her eyes shifted back over to Devika. She smiled. Apophe had many loves, and one of them was food. And, given her size, she had to eat a lot of it. Someone had once told her it was unladylike to eat as much as she did, but they had no idea how taxing it was to just be her. So what that she could be a little gluttonous? She needed it to survive! Everyone did. Right?

"If you wanna eat, that is," she said with a shrug of her shoulders. "Otherwise, maybe we could just walk and talk. Whatever you like."

@Esther Nyx

 

[Pam0wl]

"Ohhh..."

Devika eyes twinkled at the promise of food. "Sounds positively decadent. I knew you had good taste. Any Zeltron can appreciate a good meal." After all, the pink skinned humanoids were known for their overactive metabolism - they ate food as quickly as they burnt it off. Linking her arms with the self made queen, Devika lead them out of the dive bar, as if they were nothing other than best friends. She seemed unbothered by the violence that had just taken place. She even seemed to revel in it; an expression of euphoria kissed on her features. But it soon faded with each step she took; it was fleeting. Much like everything. With a heavy sigh, Devika breathed in the night time smog laced in the air. The streets were somewhat busy but by now it was the early hours. Neon lights buzzed and flickered, mounted outside establishments. Beggars dotted street corners and late night vendors attempted to sell their wares. Devika ignored them all - they were like annoying little insects, buzzing around in the distant. Only the flame held her attention - Apophe.

Even now she still surveyed the great statured woman. "Quite an unusual fighting style you have there." The Zeltron, without fear, absently tapped the sharp talons of Apophe's gauntlets -even with the blood beginning to dry on them-. "Not many fight with own brute strength anymore. It's a dying art, truly. I find it rather intimate actually, battling life and death with nothing but your bare hands...so to speak." She smiled again, looking at the sharp tipped claws. "Such craftsmanship. They suit you."

During their time together, not once had Devika referred to Apophe as a savage or barbarian. But then again, she had been locked in one of the seediest, brutal prisons in Sith space. It took a lot to surprise the Zeltron try. Shock was sparse emotion to savour. But Apophe had created more sensations than most for Devika to internalise. Even now, she could feel the Imperatrix's slight vexation and duty bound frustration; with her position came power but also near constant threat. There was always someone trying to dethrone head, always someone who thought they could things better.

And yet, Devika paused. "Tell me something...why would the all powerful-" she whispered, for discretion's sake "- Imperatrix of the Void Serpents, personally come to recruit fresh meat? I'm surprised you didn't send one of your retainers. Either my reputation proceeds me or you were looking for a bit of escape."

@Retroboy

 

[Retroboy]

Apophe looked down at the Zeltron, looking pleased as punch at the question.

"Little of column A," she said with an easy shrug. "Little of column B.'

She knew that wouldn't be an entirely sufficient answer, so she prepared to go on a shpiel. It was not like her to be so forward with someone she had just met, but she could tell that she liked Devika enough that she could trust her to respect her less than grandiose reasons for doing something like this.

"I love being Imperatrix," she said. "I really do. But it's all very claustrophobic. I'm always leading armies, or holding court, or attending some social event for one of the tribes, where people will try and get me to do a job for them or favour them in how I interpret a law. I don't really get very many off-hours, I'm always expected to be doing something. Not that I mind, most of the time. It keeps me busy and I like being busy."

She sighed.

"But every one, even the Imperatrix, gets sick of it all sometimes," she said. "When I heard about you, I decided two things - the first is that I had to have you. The second is that I would handle this personally. Why leave it to a vassal when I can get off planet for a while. You're a very interesting person, someone I wanted to meet as quick as I could, too."

She grinned. "Does that answer your question?"

 

[Pam0wl]

The Zeltron nodded in understanding, seeming more insightful than most. Perhaps it was her innate empathy, but she could sense Apophe's vexation at her own compromising position. It was power she had fought and won for but at the same time, it burdened her. Such was the fate of all leaders. Nevertheless, Devika patted the giantess's gauntlet clad hand, like a girlfriend consoling a close friend. "Makes sense. Can't tame a wild Nexu. Certainly can't put a pretty pink bow on it and expect a lap cat." The conversation died as they entered the restaurant. Patrons paused in the consumption of their meals to yet again stared at the odd pair. Yet once glance at Apophe quickly refocused their attention back onto their own meals. An green skinned Twi'Lek attendant came to them, offering a polite but apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, ladies, but we have no available tables tonight."

"Oh, nerfs. Isn't that kriff luck..." Devika pouted somewhat; the promise of food had made her ravenous. She certainly would not be denied. Already, her keen eyes began to scan the eatery, settling on a corner table which was currently vacant. She stepped forward, her finger dancing the table's direction whilst she dazzled the Twi'Lek with a disarming smile, "What about that one?"

The attendant was barely a young man, and was easily becoming flustered with Devika's flirty nature. Bless him, he tried admirably to remain steadfast, "That is specially reserved for a later cli-"

"They'll just have to wait, won't they?" Devika purred, tugging the now blushing Twi'Lek closer as she finger the boy's collar, "That table is reserved for us now, right?" She smiled knowingly, her body beginning to release a perfumed chemical.

The poor young Twi'Lek stood no chance against Devika's potent, yet fleeting pheromones. The pleasant scent was like persuasive tendrils lacing their way into the male's mind, making him as agreeable as affectionate puppy, much to Devika's amusement. Twiddling the ends of his lekku certainly didn't help but the Zeltron seemed unashamed with her actions and she was certainly never going excuse her nature. Her flirtatious labours often bared delicious fruit.
Such as the Twi'lek's compliance. "Y-yes, yes. Of course, please, follow me." A pleasured smile plastered itself on the young man's face, a hazy delirium seeming to cloud his expression. The poor thing looked almost drunk, staggering through the restaurant in an uncertain manner, eliciting further amusement from the Zeltron.

"Good boy..." Devika sent Apophe a cheeky smile before following the Twi'lek's lead. Taking a seat, the Zeltron ordered copious amounts of food, licking her lips in eager contemplation when the order was finally delivered. Apophe may be surprised with the Devika's appetite, given her slender frame. But the pink skinned species possessed high metabolism; vast amounts of proteins and sugars could be broken down and internalised, leaving little to no fat on the diva's luscious figure. Pacified with nourishment, Devika returned back to the conversation at hand. Apophe's power predicament. Absently, the Zeltron recalled an interesting proverb, "You know, a Zabrak once told me only those with true power have the ability to relinquish it, even if only temporary. I understand sometimes wanting to have a bit of freedom, but that should never come with sacrifice." She then trailled off, as if in thought. Then she gasped, looking at Apophe as if she had been struck with electrifying elation. "Why don't we play truant? Go on a little adventure? If anyone asks, just say we're doing some errands. Do you have any missions, assignments or whatever you call your business requests?"

The Zeltron could picture it now, going off on their own little escapade, maybe even relax on the infamous planet Zeltros for some much needed rest and relaxation.

What could possibly go wrong?

@Retroboy