Angels We Have Heard On High

[Dmitri]

Darth Vereor was one of the most feared Barabels in the galaxy. He was a master of the Force, swordsmanship, and military tactics. He had managed to climb to the rank of Warmaster. He was to control the war effort at the beginning of the war.

Howeve, it didn't happen. A malfunction on his ship caused it to crash on an isolated planet plagued by wraiths. Eventually, he would pull his way back to the New Sith Imperium.

Vereor's survival made Geist Weiss doubt the investigation Darth Carnaj carried out when looking into the Sith Lord's disappearance. The alchemist suspected the Carnaj had not tried, as he had tried to fill Vereor's empty seat. Luckily the Dark Lord had revoked Carnaj's title for his incompetent investigation.

Now was the time to renew that investigation. Geist himself would have done the work personally, but he was due at a battlefield soon. Instead, he called forth two promising acolytes. He summoned them to his Star Destroyer, Redemption. It was flying towards the Core, coming close to patrolling Star Destroyer Aevum, headed by the xenophobic captain, Barrel Antilles. Aevum had been where Vereor had last visited before he crashed. They were to determine if Antilles was involved in Vereor's 'trip'.

Geist Weiss, in his usual attire and hidden equipment, awaited the two Sith's arrival at the observation deck, where he was tinkering with a droid. It was known as T3-D9, and with the secret time-released transmitter hidden inside, it could help locate the Sith if they got in trouble.

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

As Caden strode into the turbolift leading up towards the Redemption's observation deck, the hybrid could not help but to tense his jaw. He had been summoned by name to the ship, which of itself was odd. Had he made that much of an impression that the Lords knew him as more than just an acolyte? Perhaps his was the first name on a list by some fluke... However, Caden chose not to believe that such things were mere coincidence. Truly the force had blessed him with this opportunity, another in a long string of events. He was, and would ever be, Sith.

With a whoosh the turbolift doors clicked shut around him and the lift began its silent ascent to the observation deck. Delicately smoothing out his robes and adjusting the voice modulator in his mask, Caden took one last deep breath of air without the mask's mechanical smell. He traveled light, as always. His Lightsaber, his mask, and most importantly his considerable intellect were all he brought with him. As the Turbolift opened the only thing that would be felt from him was a sort of calm calculation. It wasn’t every day, after all, that one such as him was tapped for something important. After all, Whatever it was must be very important if someone went to the trouble to get him personally involved.

Striding out of the lift and towards Weiss’ location, the Acolyte hybrid quietly lowered himself to one knee and placed a fist on the floor. Usually he would never show anyone such a sign of respect. However, every move had to be calculated just so. For effect…

“My Lord… I have come, as you called. You have need of my services?” His voice carries its usual deep mechanical rumble and timbre, and his yellow eyes lock themselves on the floor.

 

[Mistress]

Xotomi was briefed on this Mission by her Master, Xanthus, to investigate the events which lead up to the disappearance of a long time missing and highly notorious Sith Lord. Foul-play was suspected of his own Captain. It was most treacherous. The Sith Lord had been recovered, but she supposed that he's probably busy plotting his sweet revenge, rather than eager to face the guilty. Afterall, it is most bittersweet to surprise the one who crossed you, who suspects you for dead, only within seconds of striking him down. She had many questions, herself, which stirred her sleep during the night. It would be a great success for her, to find the Captain guilty at all cost!

Xotomi is a very intuitive young woman, so much so even objects tell stories. She knows that the answers they seek will make themselves known, somewhere along the way. She's never worked with Master Weiss before, nor the other Acolyte supposed to be joining them, but she isn't big on the friendship deal as it is. But it has never held her back.

The Acolyte conceals her Lightsaber under her cloak, and carries a lighter-weight Mandalorian Beskad, -much appreciated as it can be messy as is sometimes the preference,- and a small blaster.

Upon approaching Master Weiss she bows low in respect. "Master Weiss. I am called Xotomi, sent by my Master Xanthus." And she stood erect after she finished her introduction, waiting to be introduced to the other member of their party.

 

[Dmitri]

While working on the droid, which there were other copies of it elsewhere, Geist contemplated his request. As he thought about it, he noted that people he hired for operations tended to be in pairs. During Project Saligia, recruits were obtained by Sia Zle'tey and his brother Isa Zle'tey. At Sacul, his two main agents he had running the operation there for him were Reichtum and Eber. At Lacrima, there had been...

Geist's train of thought was interrupted by the arrival of the first individual. Of the two Sith, Geist knew the boy the least. His name was Caden Hec. Geist only choose Caden because he was in the area and alone, so if anything happened to him, there wouldn't be too many answers. He also had never been in contact with Barrel Antilles or Darth Carnaj.

Geist replied in greeting to Caden's address. "Welcome to Redemption, Caden Hec." He wondered if the words would ring different meaning to the boy. "Indeed, I have a task for you. Let us wait for your companion to arrive...." The door opened again and Xotomi entered. "Splendid. You're both here."

Geist Weiss stood up to address the acolytes. Though it could not be seen due to his illusion, Geist glanced from Caden to Xotomi. Xotomi he had known only through secondhand knowledge. Her first master had been a former employee of his: Isa Zle'tey. Master Xanthus had later slain Zle'tey and replaced Xotomi as her teacher. However, before Zle'tey's passing, he had spoken of her potential. Initially the Twi'lek had done so to recommend her to be placed into Project Saligia for experimentation. However, Geist had declined, not seeing her suitable for subjection. Now here she was to prove that she was strong. He wondered if Zle'tey would be proud. It didn't matter anyway though.

"As you may have heard, Darth Vereor recently returned to the Imperium after a long hiatus," said Geist. "What you may not know is that he was stranded after his ship was sabotaged. When he first vanished, Darth Carnaj had been tasked with investigating the disappearance and found no evidence and the trail ran cold. However, I suspect he had a conflict of interest since he wanted to replace Vereor and as such did not do a competent job in his investigation. That's where you two come in. You two will board the Aevum, a patrol ship, which was Vereor's last stop before he crashed. You will try to find out if the sabotage was done aboard that ship and whom is involved in this conspiracy.

"A likely candidate is the ship's captain, Barrel Antilles. He's a known xenophobe. As such, I've already passed on paperwork explaining your presence on his ship as to assist in weeding out pirates in the area using the Force. Xotomi, you likely will have the advantage over Antilles, as you are humanoid. Caden Hec, due to your Arkanian blood, Antilles I'm afraid will despise you and will ignore you. Use that to your advantage. Use teamwork. Xotomi can probably get close to the captain while you, Caden, can probably sneak into the computer database and look for anything suspicious. Keep a look out for anything suspicious. While I suspect Barrel Antilles, he may not be our man. Any questions?"

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

As Weiss addressed him, Caden stood once more to his full height and clasped his hands behind his back. “Thank you, My Lord… It is most gracious of you to have me here… I thought I would never live to see it…” The hybrid smiled a little at his play on words. His face remained eerily calm through the mention of a partner, although he was less than pleased with the prospect. He hated to be slowed down, and other beings just slowed his train of thought. It could not be avoided however. Turning his sulfurous eyes towards Xotomi, the hybrid tilted his head a little and began to assess her. Human most likely, Young adult. Tattoo on one hand, Perhaps some kind of clan or familial marking? Her short stature and thin build suggested more lithe and acrobatic combat. Her eyes were blue, not the sulfurous yellow of a powerful connection to the dark side.

His attention returned quickly to Weiss as the being began to detail the mission laid out before them. He could sort out his partner on their trip over to the Aevum, size her up as a potential ally and that nonsense. Perhaps he would even get a good game out of it. The mention of being ignored for his heritage, which he consider superior to any human, made him bristle visibly. However, the emotion passed as cold logic took over. Going unnoticed would be advantageous in this mission, especially if his partner could keep the Captain busy. It would let him speak to the crew, and someone always talked. Especially when you gave the right… Persuasion. And he could always confront the Captain directly once he had evidence… He did so love breaking proud men.

“No, My lord… I will see to it personally that the responsible party is brought to light… That Lord Vereor might do with him what he deems fit. By your leave then…?”

 

[Mistress]

Xotomi finds nothing creepier than men who never show their faces. Its one thing, she feels, as a necessity on the battlefield, but in the company of comrades, it puts her on edge. She has no idea why Sith men prefer such total anonymity. And in order to read them, she relies on her intuition through the Force. She could sense these two possibly sizing her up, and raised her left brow. It didn't matter; she would make Master Xanthus proud. She liked the man, as opposed to her previous and thankfully Late Master, and Xanthus' actions and achievements were never less than respectable.

At the mere suggestion of Master Weiss, that she make the acquaintance of their target alone, she focuses solely on the glory of a successful mission. The reward and recognition had better be worth whatever the hell she might have to put up with. Lord only knows what he's like! 'Joy,' she thought.

"Antilles, is he force sensitive?" She supposed, but would rather ask flat out. Otherwise why they just don't drag him into a cell until he breaks, she has no idea...except maybe..."Whose diplomacy are we respecting here, if I may ask?" It would be helpful to know if push came to shove just how much diplomacy will be mandatory.

"Also," she added, her countenance contemplative, "I'd like your most minute recording device. I'd hate to miss out on my chance at missing a possible confession." Not that she is overconfident, but prefers to go in prepared.

 

[Dmitri]

Caden reminded Geist a little of Reichtum when they had first met. Reichtum had been shown to be eager to please his Sith masters, a bit like even Geist had been. However, Reichtum's motives had been ambitious, to suck up to his superiors to curry favor. Caden was more prideful. He wanted to show himself. He made a mental note to check if Caden had a master yet; if he didn't, Geist might be willing to take on the boy as an apprentice.

Xotomi went straight to the point, ignoring formalities. Just as Zle'tey had described. It appeared she had not changed since changing masters. Her concerns were commendable, though. "Yes and no. Barrel Antilles has some Force sensitivity. However, it is barely recognizable and not powerful. He cannot levitate or read minds. As he did not have the potential, a Miraluka Sith Lady disqualified him from joining the Sith; this may be why he dislikes non-humans, especially Sith Lord ones. He may not be able to sense danger, but he has been trained to ward him mind from mental attacks. You'll have to catch him off guard or make it that he's only thinking of one thing, such as base desires. I'd recommend pain if need be." He made sure to look at Xotomi. "Note that there is a no tolerance policy towards sexual harassment. If he makes a move on you, you're in the right to 'defend yourself'. I would recommend cutting something off. That tends to hurt a lot."

He answered Xotomi's second question as he dug into his suit's pocket. "Recently, Antilles did well in fending off pirates. There's rumors that he may be promoted soon. As such, the media's looking at him. While such incident could ruin his career, normally that would not bother me. However, we do not know who his accomplices are, if they exist or if he's even involved. I'd rather not tip anyone off that we're investigating. It's why you two have been selected, since neither of you have connections to Darth Vereor nor are either of you one of my typical agents." Finally, Geist's hands found what he was looking for. "Ah, here it is." Geist pulled out a ring. It had the imperial emblem on it. "This should suffice. I was originally going to give this to a Moff, so that I could keep tabs on her activities. It is a bug, and can transmit to any datapad as long as you have the necessary frequency. I'll have the special datapad sent to your ship." He handed it to Xotomi. "If there are no further questions, you're free to head out anytime."

OOC: Note, I'd like you two to explore your NPC skills. I will leave NPCing of Barrel Antilles and the crew to you. As such, I will not be posting anymore until you've returned to Redemption or you request that I post. Have fun!

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

Caden gave a gracious bow to Weiss and smiled under his mask. Appearances were everything and, regardless of his feelings about having a partner for his mission he would do what needed to be done. Straightening up and turning to his temporary comrade, the Hybrid gave a sweeping gesture towards the door. “If there is nothing else, Let us be off to the Hanger Bay. From there we can take a shuttle over. It should make for a more… Intimidating… Entrance. Perhaps we can play good law officer, bad law officer. The more he hates me, the more likely he will find you… Amenable.” Without waiting for a response and stepping swiftly past her into the Turbolift, Caden does an about face and stares through at Weiss.

Once Xotomi is in the lift and the doors begin to close Caden gives Weiss one last salute, more out of habit than anything else. The trip to the Hanger would be relatively short, But it would give him some time to size up his partner. “I don’t usually work with anyone. In fact, It’s unusual for me to be tapped by such a high ranking lord. I am Caden Hec, son of Datak Hec of Arkania. So tell me, what is the significance of the Tattoo on your hand. It looks to me like the familial or Tribal tattoo’s used by some mid rim cultures.”

 

[Mistress]

Xotomi tilted her head back and laughed heartily when given the permission to torture, "Oh! Thank God!" and she was quite relieved! But landing in the spotlight and possibly being traced across the galaxy was not something on her agenda.

She accepted the ring and fit it upon her finger, nodding upon its acceptance. "Thank you for the information, Master Weiss."

Xotomi followed Caden's lead. At his mention of playing law officer she stated, "That's pirate hunter." Besides she didn't think she needed any help to be found amenable. Seeing Caden's swift boarding of the lift, she hoped he isn't one to be found jumpy when he ought be still, and hopes he can become jumpy when it is actually necessary. As the young man saluted the Master, Xotomi only looked straight ahead.

Inside the lift at Caden's introduction she nodded politely, fully aware that he had already caught her name. She had no idea who his parents were, as he seemed so intent on stating them for some significance she supposed he wanted her to remark about. At his inquiry regarding to her tattoo, she merely looked at him, and raising her other hand over it, caused it to appear as it is living and moving. "It's a deadly creature in my system, kills as many unsuspecting people as the sword. I have it for the intimidation effect, as does my identical twin."

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

Caden simply nods coolly as she explains away the tattoo, filing the information away for later. Patiently awaiting the lift’s touchdown on the Hanger Level of the Star Destroyer, the Hybrid reached up and removed his Mask to take a long breath of air. Under the black metal mask, his scars extended from over his eye down across his mouth and jaw. Other than that, his skin was flawless and tanned in stark contrast to his pale eyes and white hair. Speaking without the modulator in place, his voice takes on a more even cadence. Mild and average.

“Usually I wouldn’t bother with Pleasantries, but seeing as we are going to be working together we may as well be civil. Don’t misunderstand me. Most of what I tell you will be lies. However, if we are to finish this mission… We may need to know more than just each others names.” The Turbolift slides open and Caden steps through, continuing towards the Shuttle at a brisk pace and working his jaw. “You must act as though you despise working with me because of what I am. Put yourself on common ground with him. Hate me. That shouldn’t be hard, You are after all a sith.” The last sentence is spoken almost as a Question, with one of his eyebrows raised. However, he doesn’t press the point. Instead, he simply stops outside the Hanger and gestures her in first.

“After you… Partner.”

 

[Mistress]

'Lies... Most of what I tell YOU will be lies...' Xotomi chuckled to herself as she stepped into the hanger before him. Then she abruptly turned and extended both her arms upon the frame as she faced him, forbidding him passage. Her tone was serious, "Now you listen here, shortstop. Unless I'm mistaken by what you meant just now...there won't be any lying to me about anything regarding what you uncover. You got that?" She didn't like the idea of lifting off with someone she doesn't trust. And she'll keep an strict vigilance on that data pad that'll be passed to her; if Caden does lie to her to steal all the glory for himself, she'll bury him with it.

"And yes, shortstop, I am 100% Sith woman." And she turned away from him finally. She determined that it might not be acting afterall to completely despise him. What else was there to know?

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

In the seemingly stunned silence that followed her outburst at Caden, A bomb could have gone off and noone would have noticed. The Hybrid’s jaw was set and his eyes bored into her. Suddenly, he began to chuckle coldly. “Of Course, partner. The mission is the one thing. Im something entirely different. I will make no attempt to backstab you, at least not until the Lords have the evidence and we have both received due credit. Besides, it would gain me nothing. And Im not one to work for free.”

Stepping after her and placing his lower face mask back into place, Caden boards the Shuttle and addresses the pilot. “Gear up. Bring us to the other ship and await further orders. Ill com you when I need something.” Ducking back into the main hold of the Shuttle, Caden takes a seat and glances towards Xotomi with a look of curious amusement. “Tell me about your Sister.” The Abrupt change in tact was surprising even to Caden, who continued to sit there with a bemused smile.

 

[Mistress]

That she effected him, was proven by his silence as they walked on, and she was splendidly satisfied with it. Considering his additional remark, any sort of trust between them was absolutely not to be had. 'It could be a long trip.' Master Weiss probably would have hurled the both of them out on their arses had he sensed such opposition as this from them to start.

He asked another personal question the moment he sat. "Identical twin," she repeated. It was a fact she had stated before. And that information was all she would offer on the matter. Xotomi sat close to the exit. She wanted to be off the vessel as quickly as possible.

Approaching the Destroyer, Xotomi wondered how many members of her crew would be tagging along for the ride. Her firepower was massive. She suddenly became aware, that they were never briefed on just what sorts of pirates they were supposed to pretend to be defending against. She hoped they wouldn't be insanely barbaric in nature.

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

Caden could not help but to sigh a little, his voice respirator masking the sound for the most part. It was a solitary thing, to be a sith. So many like you all around, yet no one you could truly trust. Not that he trusted anyone in the first place, but his point remained. He had done his job and made her uncomfortable. He could smooth things over later if and when he chose to. Her frustration and anger towards him would not be purely faked, which he hoped would be enough to catch the Captain’s attention. All he would have to do is find a nice quiet terminal to check some facts on.

“Just remember one thing before we arrive. If and when you need my assistance, I am just a comlink away. And I wont hesitate to help. The Mission comes before petty power plays. Good Luck.” The Gesture was sincere, not because he cared if she did something stupid and got vaporized, but because he wanted to illicit a response.

 

[Dmitri]

The pilot, a Chiss named Cub'arre'lia, nodded in acknowledgement to Xotomi's comment. He began prepping the ship. He then left the rest of the work to his co. pilot as he exited the cockpit to locate Xotomi and Caden.

"Pardon the intrusion, masters, but I was to give you this for your reading pleasure on the trip," said Cub'arre'lia. He placed a datapad on a table. "It details the pirates that Barrel Antilles and the Aevum have been hunting."

OOC: You two are free to create the pirates and their story to your pleasure.

 

[Mistress]

Xotomi did not turn her head even so much as an inch. 'I do not require such a thing,' she sent him Telepathically. 'As will I be available for you. The last thing I need is to be shamed for deserting someone called to assist a Sith Lord and a Barabel at that!' she wasn't kidding. And Xotomi is not the type to easily break her promises. She hoped Caden was as terrified of The Lord as she was. He was afterall close to her in age. She hasn't even met the Barabel, but he was a notorious warrior. Likely she would commit some minor infraction in His presence and be slaughtered for it. She never even met a Sith Lord before face to face but the stories of them always revolve around scenarios of inescapable death.

The Datapad arrived much sooner than she planned. She nodded to receiving it. Xotomi checked with the mic she was passed prior and made sure the frequency was set to match the recorder. It had already been doing so, every word. She just hoped their signals would be undetectable on the ship they are intending to infiltrate. Persons guilty of espionage tend to be justly paranoid. She already plans what she will tell them, if it is discovered.

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

As his partner fussed over the datapad, no doubt double checking its frequency, Caden simply sat back with a sigh. The shuttle thrummed and took off a few moments later and began its trip through the void across to the Aevum. As they crossed the gap, Caden didn’t even bother to look out the Viewport. Once you had seen one star destroyer, you had seen them all. All of them were the same kind of stock intimidating. That said, not a one of them was really unique enough to be considered truly impressive. Not in his eyes, at least. Sliding his Comlink into its place at his belt and activating it, the Sith Acolyte takes one last breath to prepare him mentally for what he considered to be the greatest opportunity he had even been gifted with.

With a whirr and soft rumbling, the shuttle sets down inside the hanger of the Aevum and the entry ramp slides into place. “Show time.” Slipping from his seat, Caden heads towards the exit ramp and walks down into the hanger to meet the good captain. Sure enough the good Captain stands proud in the middle of the Hanger, surrounded by a small contingent of soldiers. His face is a mix of haughty superiority and professional distance. The man was the kind to make Caden’s stomach turn. An insect so convinced of his own superiority that he looks down on beings higher than him. Pathetic.

Caden kept his face a careful mask, his eyebrows furrowed in mock disappoint. Now for the greatest acting challenge of his life… “Captain Antilles. I am surprised you could spare so many troops to welcome us. You must have a surplus of time on your hands… However, I am not here to engage in pleasantries. I am here to do a Job. You will deal with my Partner here and I will do the real work.” The man’s jaw worked reflexively, as if to bite back a retort, and Caden simply raised an eyebrow. “Do not Question my Methods. We are here because you failed to deal with your Pirate problem alone. Do not fear though, Captain, For you are not to blame. After all… You are only Human.”

“As you wish… My lord…” Feeling the man’s anger and frustration rolling off of him in waves, Caden knew his part of the performance was drawing to a close. Stepping past the Captain and intentionally bumping into his shoulder, Caden gestures towards the troopers around him. “With me, Men. Escort me to my quarters and then to your barracks. I wish to address your squad in thanks for your… Assistance.” Stalking off into the bowels of the star destroyer, Caden didn’t even look back at Xotomi. The rest was up to her…

 

[Mistress]

Xotomi exited with far less enthusiasm, all of which was inspired of her by her counterpart. As soon as she stepped foot upon the Destroyer she was immediately [st]redirected[/st] held hostage by the Captain. "Leave the work to the...men, my dear," he said, taking note of her natural beauty and grace, she certainly didn't look threatening. 'And the drama begins,' she thought. "Captain Barrel Antilles, at your service, Mistress." Xotomi closed her eyes in brief contempt, as her hand was uninvitedly taken hold of by his grasp. "Forgive me. It has been a long time since such beauty has graced these halls. I will show you to your quarters personally." 'And then what? Move in with me?' "You will accept my request to dine at my table tonight." Even had she known the man, her head would have been spinning. She hadn't even reciprocated her name! 'Son of a b!t€#!' She tried to think if she even discussed her payment yet. This wasn't just all for some crap like the glory of it all; was it? There is no way glory is going to suffice!

And there they were right away, the cameras. 'OH! HELL NO!' boomed inside of her head, but she casually smiled regardless. This is not something she wanted at all! She wanted to slaughter the lot of these intrusive beings RIGHT NOW!

And then she felt it. And it pleased her greatly to have caught it, as much as that it was there. Xotomi's eyes beamed with satisfaction, for this Captain truly did actually fear her, and he was putting on his show...

 

[Sterling Malory Archer]

After a brief stop by the quarters he had been given, which happened to be right near a garbage chute, Caden headed down to the squad barracks. He made a mental note to ‘thank’ the captain for his accommodations. Oh well, he would have his chance soon enough. For the moment, he had a much more important job to do. As he entered the Barracks, he was greeted by the familiar sound of troopers scrambling to attention. There were perks to the sith leadership of the military after all. “At ease Troopers. I just wanted to have a quick word… Go ahead and take a seat.” Perhaps he could take up a career as an actor on the side, as this was most entertaining.

As the Troopers either sat or kneeled around, Caden slowly took off his mask. Appearences are everything after all, and he needed to address the men as a fellow mortal. Not a faceless sith. “Im not much of a speaker, and Im not going to pretend to be one of you. Im Sith, and higher than all. However, that does not mean I don’t respect you. You who would wade into battle without a lightsaber or the power of the force… It will be an honor to work with you. If you have any Questions to ask of me, or require my assistance, Don’t hesitate to com. Now then, before I go about my business… Tell me what you know so far.”

One of the troopers, an older human male with short cut hair, stepped forwards to stand near a holotable. “Yes sir, if youll direct your attention to the Holo.” Caden stepped forwards to stand by the table, his arms crossed in front of his chest and his face set in a scowl. The Trooper pressed a few buttons and a map of the sector blossomed to life. “Our patrol is outlined in green, and so far its been quiet. No sign of the Pirates...” The Hybrid simply tilted his head, examining the Holo. Finally, he moved forwards and expanded the north eastern section of the hologram. “What is this blue area?” The Trooper frowns a little, looking closer. “Its just Sensor Fog, sir. Probably from the nebula.”

Caden continues to frown, rotating the image and zooming in further. “That close to those asteroids? And with no Echo? Not likely. I don’t like it… Get a message to the bridge. I want our course changed right away. Bring us by that fog for a close range sensor sweep. Com me when we have visual on that Asteroid Field. You’ve done well, Trooper. What’s your name?” The Soldier leaps to attention and gives a quick salute, no doubt out of habit. “Sergeant Pitra sir.” Caden reached out and gave the good sergeant a pat on the shoulder. “I want you to ready your troops in case we find something… That will be all.” Caden turns and walks out as the Troopers hop to it, absently wondering how his partner was doing.

 

[Mistress]

"I will give you the grand tour of my ship along the way," the Captain offered. Xotomi would love to know where the nearest soundproof room was, short of jumping overboard to first scream, then to kill him. "Let me start with the garden," he continued. Xotomi's eyes widened with delight and she gazed upon him with great enthusiasm, in utter contrast to her repugnance felt just a moment before, much like a wolf in disguise. "Why Captain, that would be to die for," said the Alchemist. Granting her access to the medicinal properties of plants is better than him holding his own sword over his heart and begging her to plunge it through his heart. It is the best way to fulfill her obligation as Master Weiss had instructed with as little publicity as possible. Plunging a knife into the Captain's heart would draw unwanted attention of the media and speculations would be drawn, whereas drugging him and causing him to hand over his own arse on a platter...now that's awesome to this Sith!

And just as suspected, he lead her around an Alchemist's dream surplus. She could mix an ample concoction out of what he himself provides her. He grasped fistfuls of one flower after the other for their beauty and their fragrance, offering to arrange them for her to take back to her room. All she saw was Chemistry! A genuine smile etched across her face. 'Caden...' she reached out specifically to her counterpart Telepathically, 'I have POISON to be unleashed during our dinner party! And I only require minimal prep time. I hope your present company is equally lacking in intellect as is this Captain.'

She planned to inform the Captain that she requires a rest before the hour, and prepare. But until then, she will begrudgingly listen to him pridefully ramble on about the ship, his stature, and about whatever else he believes is going through his mind regarding her presence here.