Ask Bad Girls Do It Well

[Param Vour]

It'd been a while since Param had visited Nar Shaddaa. Despite the high-way robbery that was Master Thel taking his cut of her profits, the tea shop was doing quite well. Thankfully, it was situated right outside the starport back on Troiken which was enough of a high-traffic area to bring in quite a bit of credits. Of course, she'd make an absolute killing if she opened a branch here on Nar Shaddaa. Enticing as the thought was, that wasn't why she was here.

She needed bodies. More specifically, strapping young bodies that could do her heavy lifting for her. There was a lot of influence playing a part in her decision to spread her influence away from the Sith Order. Her fascination with how Kodi managed to do all the things he did time and time again, Master Thel's ability to aggressively acquire assets without them ever knowing they were run by the Sith. Param wanted a piece of that action, but to do that, she needed muscle and product.

Product she had. It would start with tea, branch out into other areas. Eventually she could get into all manner of things, but for now, tea and services would be the product. Working in her favor, she'd been a little snoopy about Master Thel's business transactions and files. A particular file mentioned a woman that seemed like she would know her way around the arena Param wanted to enter quite well. A couple of messages later, and here Param was waiting for her to arrive.

Param was quite inconspicuous, sitting at a stir fry kiosk in a black crop hoodie and grey joggers. The hood was up and over her head, only allowing a little of her long silver hair to spill out onto her chest. The only items on her a vibro-knife in her hoodie pocket, and her EZPhone in her joggers. To every one, she was just a normal echani girl eating some stir fry, watching a huttball match on the holo above the kiosk. She always got hooked on things Kodi introduced to her, without fail.

The area around the kiosk was a platform of sorts. The main through-way being a large circle surrounding a mall like building internally. Kiosks lined the outside edge of various trinkets and foods. Mostly stores that couldn't cut a spot inside the building. Kiosk she sat at currently was run by a Duros with a bit of a temper. Talking to him outside of ordering was... problematic, as Param had found out when a particularly chatty group of Rodian kids came up. She'd never seen a more threatening spatula wave in her life.

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

Nar Shaddaa. A place stuffed with all kinds of criminal scum and scoundrels might have been just the right place for her, some might assume, yet Maeve usually stayed cleared of such territory simply because she knew people ticked differently over here. Nar Shaddaa was a place where it was even more important to keep a low profile or prying eyes would follow.

If that was exactly what you were looking for (or the blatantly get robbed or even worse), you were usually just in the right place, otherwise it usually needed a functioning criminal mind to navigate your way around without many issues. Good thing she had that exactly, yet Maeve didn't even know the exact reason behind her inner aversion.

What surely spoke for the planet was that here, it would take years until people would remember her face. There was simply too much going on and all the usual minor crimes she committed weren't even tracked, but pulling off major things here was difficult and at first she hadn't been sure what exactly she had been hired for...

A message of a girl called Param had reached her and it had been the reason why Maeve had started her journey after all. She had spoken about how she needed assistance and somehow, she knew of her skills, whether that was a good thing or a bad thing still remained to be seen though...

She was dressed rather inconspicuously, a black leather jacket, a tight fitting black leggins and a dark crop top on, her hands casually curried in her pockets. She had knives and darts on her, as usual, along with a small assortment of chems and substances. Her main stuff was in a hotel nearby, ready to be retrieved if the job called for it.

Once she reached street Param had mentioned, she checked her phone once again, comparing the coordinates before she found the kiosk and soon her ocean eyes rested on a hooded silhouette. A slender, female frame and the few strands gave her away, and as Maeve approached, the warm smirk on her lips was quite a contrast to the dark outfit. "Ever since Raging Bull stopped playing, the game lost its spice for me". She let out a sigh as she slid into the seat next to the woman, briefly checking on the match before she met her gaze. "I'm Alice".

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

One of the reasons Param loved Nar Shaddaa was all the noise. Not just in the audible range, but in the Force. There were so many things to hear and feel that it made it almost impossible to find someone in the Force. It was safer for her like that, both from a bounty stand point and a fellow Force user stand point. She was free from the Sith here, but could operate as if she weren't a Sith herself. Not that she did much fighting on Nar Shaddaa anyway. She mostly spent her time at Mel's plant shop buying seeds and gardening supplies.

Param glanced at the woman that had sat next to her and smiled. "I'm still figuring out the team names. I just kind of root for whatever colors I like," she said. On instinct, Param latched onto the woman in the Force, drowning out everything else. She didn't invade or pry, but kept it up to be able to sense intent. A murderer could hide their intent for decades, but the moment before murder they'd show it.

"Param," she said. "You had some business with my dad." It wasn't a lie; Master Thel was the closest thing she had to a father. In many ways, he might as well have been her dad. "He said you were good at what you do, and I thought you could help me out a little."

Showing her echani grace in almost every movement, Param slid off the stool. "But not here." She started walking, hands stuffed in her jogger pockets down the wide through-way. People would be scarce here, though they'd still have to keep their voices low.

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

Her dad? She looked her up and down for a moment, not even seeing the slightest resemblance. Ohhh her daaad, she mentally corrected herself, however then realized that she didn't strike her as someone like that. Adoption? Possible. Perhaps just a cover, but it mattered little, a job was a job and a contractor a contractor.

She was admittedly cute, had shiny silver hairs and there was something adorable about her, but if she was related to Thel and had business on Nar Shaddaa, she knew better than to underestimate her or by deceived by her innocent looks. "That's an interesting name..", she remarked and she meant it. She was curious about the other woman and this job, so the smile that tugged at her lips grew more genuine.

"I have quite a few talents", there was a mysterious glint in her eyes as she answered. It wasn't a lie, but Maeve had to know which one was needed here. The other one was clever enough not to enlighten her right here. She immediately followed, her gaze (despite seeming relatively passive) intently studying their surroundings. She wondered whether she had a safe place to talk or whether the next seemingly emptied alleyway would do the charm.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

"It's Echani," she said, making her way around the through-way until there was a closed kiosk without an owner. Param made her way behind it, motioning for Alice to sit on one of the stools. Her silver eyes looked the woman up and down, taking in everything she offered. Their clothing choices weren't all that different, though Alice certainly had more of a city streets look going for her. Param didn't quite worry about that sort detail, really. You could find all sorts of fashion choices in a city like Nar Shaddaa.

The moment Alice would sit down, Param gushed. "Okay so first, I love that outfit." Param was never quite able to contain herself when she thought something was cute. Alice would learn that real quick. She would also learn that she was nothing like Master Thel. He was reserved, stoic, and grumpy, while she was bubbly and fun. Her smile widened.

"What I called you hear for," she started, her voice getting considerably more hushed. "is that I want to get into the underworld stuff, but I don't quite know how to start. I was hoping you could help me?" She was completely honest the woman. So honest in fact, that her cheeks flushed a little with embarrassment. She had slain countless people in her time as a Sith, braved blasters and rockets, fought other Acolytes on a Master's whim, yet not knowing how to be a crook was embarrassing.

Though, in Param's defense, she wasn't just trying to be a crook. She was trying to be a boss of crooks. Assets and influence were the name of the game, she knew that, but she didn't know the first thing about acquiring them. The idea of going back to Vaynai and replacing the crime lords there ever present in her mind.

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

Maeve was sure no one followed them, but they did receive a few glances from thirsty, drugged and shady strangers every now and then. Maeve paid them no attention, knowing they had business to attend to and weren't here to rob high strangers along the way. Not yet.

Echani. Yeah, that wasn't hard to tell, but it still had a mysteriously sublime ring to it. "Aww thank you! I love that hoddie of yours", Maeve reciprocated her smile, genuinely surprised about the sudden bubblieness that went from 0 to 100 and yet she was indeed easy on the eyes as well. If she was related to Thel, she was already everything he wasn't, but Maeve kept reminding herself on how she could as well simply play a role, regardless of how genuine her intentions seemed so far.

The woman didn't hesitate to elaborate soon after, however as she did confront her with her idea, for a moment Maeve wasn't sure whether she was being serious. She stared at her and blinked twice, before a soft chuckle escaped her. "What...about your dad? Doesn't he have his contacts? Or wait...are you trying to keep him out of that?", she bluntly asked, another smirk crossing her lips.

So she didn't have a plan, but she expected Maeve to introduce her to Nar Shaddaa's underworld? "Uhm well...do you need help with gathering contacts then? Or is this about a potential business?". As an occasional drug dealer, Maeve knew her stuff regardless, but she was a little confused about the request after all.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

The elated feelings of being complimented on her clothing of choice didn't last very long. Alice was asking questions, and Param didn't know how to explain what she needed. Not without giving up her ideas. Being shady was so frustrating, and time consuming. "Um..." she hummed, searching for the right words. "He has his own things and doesn't like anyone interfering. This would be separate and my own."

Param closed her eyes and took a deep breath. What would Master Thel do? What would Cyu do? Exhaling her nerves. "I need your help in learning the trade, most of all," she said. "I can fight and blend in, but I need to get people I can count on to work for and with me long term, if that makes sense." She paused, biting her lip. It was certainly vague, but she didn't want to outright say she was plotting to usurp an entire planet's crime-lord government. It was a bit ambitious for someone just starting out, and she didn't quite want to reveal that she was in fact, a Sith.

Perhaps it was that very fact that made it so hard to ask her for help? Param could snap a neck with a thought, but the idea of getting someone to like enough for blind loyalty was new and frustratingly complex to her. "How do you..." she motioned with her hands as if trying to imply a word that simply wasn't there. "you know, get people to follow you?" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

There it was. Perhaps she didn't want to go against him behind his back, but it made sense that she had used one of his older contacts for help, even though Maeve still wasn't fully sure about whether Maeve's services were what she needed.

She looked around again, scanning the environment, but despite the city's backdrop, it seemed calm enough so that Maeve was confident no one was eavesdropping just yet. Param outlined her plans more closely soon after and that was when an intrigued smile crossed her lips.

"Oh...the trade", she noticed her nervousity, perhaps even the hint of embarrassment that made her wonder whether she'd blindly but her trust into Alice, another stranger she had just met, but her intentions still seemed genuine. "With that I can help", she finally told her, leaning in a little closer and carefully keeping her voice low.

"Okay then...rule number one, people don't blindly follow. You have to create some kind of dependent relationship. What are you looking for, clients, wit or muscle?", it literally depended on the kinds of people she was looking for, but if she intended to pay her well, she was open to sharing some of her tricks.

Regardless of her answer, she'd reach of her hoodie, letting the soft fabric run through her fingers. "Rule number two, capitalize on what you already have to offer". Param seemed to share one important prerequisite- her beautiful face and innocent demeanor. She was willing to elaborate further, but her answers were dependent on her request.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

Param couldn't shake the nervousness around Alice. It was her eyes. Alice could smile warmly, but the moment Param met her eyes she found the resolve of a woman that almost always got what she wanted, and didn't mind getting a little dirty to do it. It was more intimidating than most Sith she'd met, and Param envied her for it. The kind of woman that didn't need words to command a room.

"Dependent relationship..." she repeated. Thinking about it, Param needed muscle and client more than wit. People to move the product and people to move the product to. "Clients and muscle," she answered, more firmly. "I don't think tea is going to cut it as a movable product, so I need people to help me get product and then people to move it to." Even if she only started with a small group of two or three, they'd be able to help her get going and grow.

When Alice reached for her hoodie, Param stiffened. She was gentle, so Param let it happen, wary of where exactly Alice's hand was in relation to the vibro-blade in her pocket. She'd already gone through Kodi putting his hands on her weapons before, and guarded against it now. If Alice decided to try to slip her hand lower than Param's chest, she'd react immediately. Param didn't let it show, tilting her head slightly.

"What I already have to offer? I can fight pretty well." Param almost wanted to say she could sway minds but stopped herself. That would out both her and Master Thel as Sith. If she was going to find out, it would be because something went wrong. Like the first time Param tried to take Vaynai in a more peaceful manner.

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

The color in her cheek, the slightly dilated pupils, the subtly more hushed breath - Maeve knew nervousity when she saw it and while she often willingly had this effect on people, here, she hadn't even intended to fluster her. It happened natural and while it usually made her feel strong, here, it amused her a little.

"Tea?", was that...code for something? No, from what she had already learned she knew the woman was open and naive both and thus she believed her, however it only what she had gained of her first, adorable impression of her. "Okay, so hired muscles who simply don't think too much", she concluded as that narrowed it down perfectly.

They could simple 'hire' people, it was no job that required much thinking, so Maeve was thinking either the poor, who'd be reliable in general, or simple goons that could be conned with the right words. "And reliable clients who like tea...are we talking about Nar Shaddaa? Because then special infused teas might spike more interest", she mused, her criminal brain triggered. They could even add addictive substances to the tea that the clients would literally need more of it - but she was getting ahead of herself. Who didn't like tea in general though? They'd surely find willing buyers.

She soom revealed that she could fight after all, so Maeve found her assumption confirmed, but she was surprised by how openly she shared it. However, she thus seemed to overlook another important detail. With her hand still gently lingering on her, she added, "I'm talking about that pretty face and your cute demeanor. Look into those eyes...who could resist?", she softly said as she held her gaze, another smirk tugging at her lips.

"We can work with that for sure", her hand gently wandered towards her shoulder and down her arm before she withdrew it. "So do you want me to work for you, with you, or teach you?". She elegantly moved her hand under her chin, so that her head was resting on it then. She also wondered whether she'd want to get going right away.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

"Yeah!" Param said, excitement rising in her again. "I own a tea shop." Instead of naming it, Param pulled out her EZPhone, navigating to the gallery and showed Alice a picture of the small shop on Troiken. "Best tea in the sector!" she claimed proudly, a beaming smile plastered on her face. The mention of spiked tea caught her attention, and it just so happened to fit into her plan to return to Vaynai one day.

"I know a place that grows medicinal hallucinogens that I could mix into some tea," she said. "I'd need a lot of muscle for that though. It's already claimed, and the last time I tried to get anywhere on that front didn't go so well." It was wildly more information than Alice needed to know, but just vague enough that it wouldn't hurt Param. Even if she returned to Vaynai with plenty of muscle, it would take a while to even secure the first island. The crime-bosses there had deep roots, but those roots suppressed the voices of the thousands of poor workers in the catacombs beneath.

Alice's touch, and the excitement of getting to talk about her tea shop, mixed in a dangerous combination. Instead of stiffening to the wandering hand, Param let it wander. Part of her even enjoyed it. Her cheeks flushed again, memories of Cyu coming to the for front of her mind. There was a pang of sadness, but she didn't let it show. Alice's words illicited very different memories; memories of all the men she had met and how most of them had their eyes linger just a little too long in areas they shouldn't have been looking. Param had never thought of using that to her advantage though. If only Kodi couldn't resist.

"You'd be surprised," she said, her blush deepening. "Well, I'll learn if I work with you anyway, so let's work together. Deal?"

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

"Ooh that's so cute!", Maeve immediately replied as Paran scrolled through some pictures of her shop. A tea shop as a business start? Interesting, but perhaps it was so unconventional that it would work just perfectly. She couldn't help but chuckle softly at her bold claim. "You'll have to convince me with a sample", she gave her a playful wink, before her brain focused on business again.

Despite not knowing which place she was talking about, she nodded. "Nar Shaddaa is also a fine place to start otherwise as well", she was thinking of all the Void that was produced here and as she had a few sources, there was no doubt she'd get her fingers onto more. But it seemed like they already had a few idea, now the actual drafting just had to begin.

She didn't miss how her touch made her nervous and obviously, that was exactly why she did it. Perhaps she'd pick it up already, as it was yet another free lesson. "Sounds good to me. We'll need to discuss share ratios at some point then", despite the sweet chuckle that followed, Maeve was a business woman after all and she wouldn't just work with her because she was hot.

"So let's go for muscle first", she checked the time on her phone, mischief already glistening in her eyes. Street hobos wouldn't do, as they were notoriously unreliable and not in the best physical conditions, so she had something else in mind. "We have to go change first. There are a few shops around that are always open, so let's do that first". With an inviting glance and a mischievous smirk on her lips, she reached for her hand, intending to lead her towards their first stop.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

Param gave Alice an excited nod at the prospect of giving her a sample. She'd worked so hard and long on perfecting her tea. It would be a shame if Alice didn't end up liking. Everyone she's ever had taste it ended up hooked on it. And that's even before it gets laced with all sorts of things. Param thought about all the things she could hide in little tea bags amongst the tea. Hallucinogens, spice, any number of drugs. It didn't didn't matter what it was, she could find the plants to create the flavors to make it delicious.

"Would half work?" Param asked. While she did make decent enough money from her tea shop to pay back Master Thel and buy herself things, she would still need a sizable portion of the profits to cover paying the muscle. Though she couldn't probably even give the lion's share to Alice and still be okay in that regard. "At least for the jobs we work together on. You'll always get a fair share."

With only a split second of hesitation, Param took Alice's hand to be lead to a shop. She wondered exactly what the woman had in mind. What was wrong with the clothes they were wearing? She would find out soon enough, anyway. Param was cautious, but trusting. There was no reason for her to not trust Alice, at least not yet. "What's your plan?"

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

Despite not knowing a lot about her business, she felt like half was a fair share. They'd find other ways to make even more profit and if not - Alice knew how you help herself. "Sounds fair", she thus replied with a sweet smile, their words sealing the deal. She still wondered whether Param had ties to anyone else she didn't yet know off, but perhaps they'd figure that out later.

She led her onwards eagerly, her grasp soft, yet determined enough not to let her delicate hands slip out. She had just the right shop in mind and was leading her through the back-alleys to avoid raising any unwanted attention. "We're hitting the night life", she explained, a mischievous smirk spreading over her lips.

A few twists and turns later, they'd reach said store and Maeve slipped in with her right away, approaching the party section which offered a whole lot of dresses. Next to classic, more sparkly and tight cut-out dresses they even offered some goth-inspired ones, so it was likely both women would be satisfied. They were all alone, the droid shop attendant just minded its business at the counter for now. "I was thinking we could take a look around already tonight".

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

Param was no stranger to dresses. Of course, she'd never been one to participate in the night life; it wasn't something many Sith had time to do. The closest she got was relatively large parties and going out to bars with some of the Xextos on Troiken. The moment Alice lead her to the party dresses, Param's face lit up. Dresses were one thing she absolutely adored. She decided to keep this one simple, though, and picked out black, short lace cocktail dress.

"Will this do?" she asked, holding the dress up in front of her as she turned to Alice. "I've only ever worn long dresses; I don't know how to dress for clubs and stuff." If she did wear this dress, she'd need to get a purse or clutch to go with it. The dress had little to no room outside of having Param in it, and left little to the imagination, so carrying a vibro-blade and EZPhone were going to be options in it.

 

[Maeve]

Maeve had literally learned to enjoy shopping over the years. Throughout her whole childhood, she had never really managed to do so, and so as she had built her little multi-facetted business, she had worked her way up to afford such small pleasantries every now and then.

If she was being honest, ther were still many outfits in her closet that had been sponsored by men she had conned, but she was proud of the pretty dresses she had bought (or well, acquired) by herself as they usually proved themselves valueable in her hunt for more men to con. It was a circle, but for once not a vicious one.

As her fingers traced along a set of dresses hanging from a clothes rail, she wasn't entirely sure what to take, but her gaze finally settled on one. It was an elegant, short yet professional enough dress that wasnt simply one to hunt men down, but to be classy enough to convey the impression of actual business that would be offered.

She happily snatched it off the hook and turn around to face Param, a smirk then immediately tugged at her lips. "You'll look absolutely stunning...your silvery hair offers an awesome contrast", the compliment was genuine and she was curious to see her in it, so she nodded her head towards the changing rooms. As there was no one else in the shop, Maeve didn't even bother pulling the curtain shut behind her, knowing the quicker they got going, the better.

@TheDudeMike

 

[Param Vour]

"Thank you," she said with a smile. Param followed Alice to the changing rooms, choosing the one next door to enter. She, however, did close the curtain. She emptied her pockets onto the bench and stripped down to her underwear. For a moment, she stood in front of the mirror staring at her reflection. Her smooth, pale skin, long silver hair falling over her shoulders. Natural, vulnerable, and missing the warmth of being in his arms. She wasn't going to be of use to anyone if she didn't go through with this. Just a girl stuck in an order that was a part of the problem.

Sighing, Param grabbed the cocktail dress, and slid into it, adjusting it so that it sat perfectly on her chest and along her upper thighs. A small spin in the mirror later, and she was ready. Albeit, she still needed a handbag to put her vibro-blade, phone, and credit chip. Carrying them in one hand, she made her way out of the dressing room to the handbags and grabbed one along with a pair of black heels, staying out of sight of the droid attendant.

Returning to the dressing rooms, Param caught a glimpse of Alice changing. She turned away quickly, cheeks flushing with color. Shoving her belongings into the handbag, and sliding her feet into the heels helped. "Are you ready?" Param asked, sliding an arm through the long strap clipped to the handbag. She didn't want to rush Alice, but the dress Param was wearing really did leave little to the imagination. It was a good thing she had started wearing lacy underwear, because there was a good chance they'd be on display at least a little bit on accident.

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

Maeve quickly stripped of her clothes and carelessly tossed them into her oversized back. She'd have to store this one anywhere and sneak in a clutch with her essentials, she thought, already planning while changing. She adjusted the tight black fabric one by one and slipped into matching black heels before she met Param outside.

"Daaamn, look at you", she gave her a smirk as she looked her up and down, not denying she looked hot. The Echani had literally gone from an adorns look in her hoody to a hot predator, however neither of them looked their part too obviously, which as just perfect. "We're ready I'd said", she then confirmed, jutting her chin towards the counter.

Maeve was tempted to just run with the dresses, but they didn't need trouble just yet, so she used one of the stolen credit cards to pay before the two were already headed outside. "Okay so I know just the right place where we-" as Maeve's gaze darted to the right, it suddenly met a very familiar fanged smirk. "Oh I'll be damned".

She couldn't help but to chuckle as she said, "gimme one minute". She then jogged over to the wanted for theft poster and immediately rummaged through her bag for a pen. She found a sharpie and immediately started scribbling, quickly erasing the fox's signature look by a simple ttrick. Of course she had to save his fluffy ass again. "Alright let's go".

@TheDudeMike @Sreeya

 

[Param Vour]

Param blushed at Alice's compliments. "You look great," she said. The attention being on her was apart of the lesson, she knew that, but it was still hard to get used to. There was only one person she really wanted attention from, and he wasn't here. She took a deep breath, clearing her mind, and followed Alice. Her curiosity piquing when she asked for a minute.

Following her, she found... Kai? Of course it was a wanted poster. She watched as Alice drew a second eye patch on him. Did... did she know him? Her felt her heart sinking a little, but caught it. Knowing someone didn't mean anything, and it wasn't like they were exclusive or anything. Maybe she was just over thinking it? Yeah. She most certainly was. When Alice was done with her handy work and started moving away, Param stepped up to the poster.

She couldn't help a small smile, even if all she could see of him now were his ears, and that fanged grin. That grin that she adored to no end. She missed him. Param looked around, seeing the droid behind the counter not paying attention to them, and no one else in the store. They wouldn't miss a wanted poster, not on Nar Shaddaa. Probably wouldn't even realize it's gone.

Reaching up, she took the poster off the wall, folding it as she quickly trotted to catch up to Alice. She stuffed the folded poster into her new handbag and zipped it shut. "Do..." she started, pausing as her eyes faced forward. "Do you know him?" Curiosity wouldn't let it be.

@LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

Once her job was done, Maeve carried on, however she soon realized that it was Param who was now still stuck at the poster. Did she...know, that couldn't be. She suddenly rolled the poster up and jogged to catch up with her, which left Maeve to rise a brow.

"I didn't know he had fans", she amusedly replied, a wide smirk on her lips. Param, however, seemed just as confused as her and as she suddenly asked whether she knew him, she stopped. "I...do. He's made himself quite a name in the scene", she replied, obviouslt not giving away how well she knew him. "You've met him too?", oh kriff, had he screwed the poor girl over?

She was conviced he had stolen from her (little did she know it was poor Param's heart), but she expected an honest reply anyway, as she hadn't given her anything else so far. Maeve started moving again as their admittedly interesting conversation continued, heading straight for the nearest night club.

@TheDudeMike