Shadow In Alderaan

[Spectre (Old)]

Aldera, Alderaan

Spectre has been to Alderaan quite a bit lately on Cartel business, and once more he finds himself back on the prestigious Core World. This isn't on slicer business though. So, the new Queen for Alderaan has been elected with the assistance of Cartel Basadi aiding her. Their efforts paid off and Lucille is due to sit on the Alderaan throne in short order. The Vigo-Slicer is here on his own accord, he has got in contact with the Queen-Elect and has agreed to meet him. Normally Lucille probably wouldn't meet with just any body from the Cartel, but Jack Lawson isn't just anyone, he's a legitimate Cartel Vigo. This is purely Spectre's own initiative, his intentions are to establish a relationship with the Queen-elect. She has thrown her lot with the Cartel and such a presence in the Core Worlds is something that's a no-brainer to capitalize on. A good working relationship between him and Lucille is the goal here. And the Vigo being the first among the Cartel to congratulate her on her victory could prove to be a good first step.

Spectre isn't coming alone either, he is bringing a guest along with. His name would be Parvis. He is a Bauboka, or an Enforcer in basic. But not just any Cartel Enforcer though, this one happens to be a man of many talents according to his dossier. Many Cartel Enforcers are the typical brainless brutes, but not this one. He was contacted by the Vigo, agreed to this task, and was briefed beforehand. Spectre also made sure to learn more about Lucille, doing his homework before stepping foot on Alderaan.

Spectre would right now be with Parvis inside the halls of Queen-Elect's own estate, having arrived not too long ago. They would be shown the way by a member of Lucille's security, the latter of which would be guiding the two Cartel members further inside, they would eventually see a security check point up ahead. Spectre would be a fool to bring anything suspicious inside. He would be wearing his normal classy black suit, but he wouldn't have any of his armor, weapons, gadgets, slicer gear. That stuff wouldn't make it past security. The only thing notable he would be carrying on him would be his datapad, a ordinary datapad. If they had any weapons or anything, they would have to be left behind.

As they would be guided closer and closer to the checkpoint, him and Parvis would have some time for a little-chit chat. "You ready for this, Parvis?" the Cartel Vigo would ask the Basadi as the Vigo had a smirk on his face. Spectre is ready for this however.

@Nefieslab @Deviant

 

[Parvis]

Was he ready for this? What an odd question.

Parvis smiled a little bit at Spectre, the Vigo who had actually taken the time to look at what he had to offer the Cartel and select him personally for this mission, as he adjusted how his suit sat on his frame. He tugged his shirt cuffs a little to bring them to a uniform length beyond the ends of his suit jacket's arms. He nodded to Spectre, even as he allowed himself to be patted down for any weapons by the security. He had left his rifle on the ship and he had already declared his pistol and handed it over to the guards with no complaint and utmost professionalism and courtesy.

The guards would probably have been more suspicious if he hadn't actually had anything on him if he was being honest with himself - he was a member of the Cartel and unlike Spectre he was an enforcer and he was here to assist Spectre rather than further himself so it made sense for him to be armed and it made perfect sense for him to have immediately advised the security of this and left his weapon in their care.

"Ready as I'll ever be." he declared as the guards allowed him through security once they had found nothing else on his person, "Though I don't suppose someone like myself can ever really be ready to meet with royalty."

As they stepped through the security checkpoint, he gestured for Spectre to go ahead of him before falling into step to the right of the other man, slightly behind him to show that Spectre was in charge but still within easy line of sight so he wouldn't need to look away from whatever was in front of him to speak to Parvis,

"I'm excited for this opportunity." he admitted with a small smile, "And I won't forget who gave me a chance, sir."

The 'sir' part was probably not really needed but he was looking forward to potentially moving into this side of the Cartel, offering protection and services to those higher ranked than himself. Who knows? Maybe it would catch on?

@Deviant @Faster Than Light
Suit and coat

 

[Lucille Antilles]

The two men were quickly ushered through the security checkpoint and down a great corridor of Lucille’s manor. Paintings from across the galaxy hanged from fixtures on each side. Statues armed with the ancient weapons of old Alderaan loomed high, engraved in various pillars. An elaborate chandelier dangled off the ceiling every few meters, a testament to Lucille’s own personal wealth. A wealth that was growing with every passing day now that she was appointed to become the Queen of Alderaan. The Hutt Cartel had kept its word, funneling information and credits to her on a near daily basis. All she needed to do was keep her word too, something she found seldom difficult. For now, Lucille wanted to relish in the glory and grandeur of her newfound power as Queen.

At the end of the hall, several guards awaited at a set of doors. Pausing for a moment to eye each man, the guards eventually slid the entrance open. Daylight poured through, and soon, a variety of colors came surging forward. Red roses, white tulips, violet berries, winding mahogany trees that towered over thin, blue streams of water. It was the manor’s garden, but to common folk, it was paradise. The plants and flowers speckled throughout the garden had come from countless different worlds, and as Lucille’s personal collection, thrived and prospered under her care. Even now, the Queen-elect stood beside a terrace overlooking a vast lake, talking with one of her handmaidens and gardeners. It was here she spent most of her time, discussing her many plans while tending to her collection.

She had always been more of an indoors type of woman. Fingers clicking on a holographic computer, slicing through innumerable files, registers and information. And damn, she was good at it. But with the responsibility as Queen now shifting toward her and with the Cartel acting as her newfound backbone, her days of slicing was coming to an end. Her true focus instead lied on maintaining control and tightening her power across the Kingdom. Weeding out political opponents, destroying rival nobles. You know, the usual— especially for Lucille Antilles.

Her eyes drifted away from her handmaiden, gazing over her shoulder to catch the two men slowly approaching her. With a subtle nod, the Queen beckoned the other woman to leave. Once she did, and the pair of men had reached the terrace, Lucille clapped her hands together and smiled. “Gentlemen! Welcome, welcome.” Her attention roamed between the bearded man (@Nefieslab) and the thinner but sharper one (@Faster Than Light), a man she initially found hard to tear away from. “Please, come— sit down.” She motioned toward a small table under the shade of the patio. Several cups of tea sat waiting. “That’ll be all.” Lucille added, glancing toward the guards, who now quickly marched off.

She knew in times such as these, she would need constant security. But in her manor, in these gardens, she felt safe enough. It wasn’t like she walked around unarmed either. And as much as her advisors stressed that she stay under surveillance, Lucille did not want to risk exposing her dealings with the Cartel. A scandal might do little to hurt her chances of becoming Queen, but it would hurt her reputation. Something she preferred to avoid. Regardless, Lucille gracefully sat across from the two men and smiled again. “Now— to what do I owe the pleasure of your company, gentlemen?” Of course, she knew exactly what they were here for, and what they needed to do. But as Queen, she just had to be one for pleasantries. For now.

 

[Spectre (Old)]

"Alright then" He would glance back at at the basadi beside him, he would nod and smile before turning his attention forward as they would be getting through the security check point. Seems everything is in order. As the two would go down the halls, it would become even more apparent that Queen-Elect clearly had taste and sophistication, and it showed as while the Vigo and Parvis were still being escorted, they could see the grand paintings on the walls, masterpieces from many different painter. Everything else through the manor's halls is unlike anything he's seen before. Jack Lawson would be lying if he said 10 years ago he thought he would be walking in the footsteps of royalty. The Vigo smirked as he was moving forward. He never thought he would be a boss with the Cartel back then, and never thought in the Nine Corellian Hells he would he'd be where he is now. Moving on, the Hutt Palaces were pretty extravagant, but they lacked the class and sophistication of Alderaan's royals. Spectre didn't expect anything less from the Queen-Elect through. Eventually, Spectre with his partner would see the light of day again as they came across Lucille's beautiful, majestic. Once he stepped into the sunlight, he would psyche himself up, a last minute check to make sure he is mentally readied to talk to the Lucille.

Once Spectre had walked into the terrace and was welcomed by the Queen, Spectre would stand in place, politely smiling, he would bow his head towards her. "Thank you. Thank you for seeing us, your Majesty." he would continue with his smiling expression. He isn't trying to brown nose, but give the Queen the respect that is expected of a soon-to-be reigning monarch."Spectre." he introduced himself, nodding his head once, and "This is my associate Parvis." If the Queen didn't know who they are, they wouldn't be here, but he thought it would be courteous to introuce themselves since they are meeting in person. The Queen doesn't need to introduce herself. Once Lucille invited the two to sit down, he would do so. "Gladly", but not before nodding his head. There were cups of tea on the table they sat at. Hot tea it is. Spectre would grab the handle on his and place it on his side of the table. He would still be gripping it as Lucille wanted to know what was on the agenda for this meeting. He would look around make sure that there were no onlookers around before speaking. The Cartel Vigo then started. "Well your Majesty, we just wanted to be the first among the Hutt Cartel to congratulate on your victory in the election in-the-flesh. I am sure that it took quite a bit of convincing for you to throw your lot with us. But, you won't regret your choice. Now, I come to you as a Cartel Vigo looking to establish a personal connection between us, a long lasting friendship. If you are looking for contacts and allies in the Cartel, I'm right here." Spectre would then take a sip of his tea. "So, if there is anything you need your Majesty, do let us know. Hoping you are able to get settled in good and everything." he would end on that note as he smiled and nodded in approval of his own words.

@Nefieslab! @Deviant

 

[Parvis]

Okay Parvis... don't ogle the Queen Elect of a major political and military power in the middle of her own palace while unarmed and entirely at her mercy. Don't ogle her handmaiden, even - No! - especially considering she had made those flirty eyes! Don't react like you're staring at an amazingly beautiful woman. Don't act like you want to ask her on a date - she is the sovereign of a nation planet and she can, and will, have you kriffed the hell up for just looking at her weird! Get your Schutta together man!

All of this ran through his mind in an instant as he and Jack entered the same chamber as the Queen and her attendants. Despite his internal issues, Parvis was still able to smile easily in greeting to the handmaiden and nod respectfully to her. He was a lowly man in the Cartel - she was likely the daughter of some noble house, so even the handmaiden was very much above him in terms of station alone.

He honestly didn't think it was good for him to sit down with both Spectre and the soon-to-be Queen considering his station but when the Queen Elect offered you a seat, you did as he actually did instead of refusing; he bowed his head noticably deeper than he had bowed his head to the handmaiden before smiling and announcing,

"Thank you, your Grace." he spoke quietly as he moved to sit as directed, "It is an unexpected, great, pleasure to meet someone such as yourself."

Once sat, he took the offered tea and busied himself with adding a sugar cube and milk to his liking. Thankfully his mother had gone through a phase, when they still lived on Coruscant, of hosting tea parties for her friends and Parvis, being the cute child he was at the time, had been dragged along on multiple occasions so he knew well enough how to make tea as if he had been trained in a tea shop to do so. It probably would be a bit surprising to others if they knew he had such a touch of refinement to him,

Once he had poured for himself, he made to offer to pour for the others because pausing. He was offering to pour a cup of tea to his boss and a Queen Elect. The kriff was his life right now?

@Deviant @Faster Than Light

 

[Lucille Antilles]

“Your Majesty. Your Grace.” She said, repeating each man’s words as she stared into her own steaming tea. One finger traced along its cusp, circling around its edge, before she faced the pair and smiled. “I’ve been waiting to be Queen all my life. I was trained, groomed, primed to take my mother’s place. But even now, it’s strange hearing all these new titles and honorifics.” Her hand retreated from her own cup and clasped her other hand. “Spectre, Parvis. Unique names for unique guests.” A pause. “But please, you’re more than welcome to refer to me as just Lucille.” She offered that same classic smile. “We’re all friends here.”

Of course, Lucille’s compassion was also strange and unique. She had always been the type to be upfront, forthright. She despised pleasantries, hated unnecessary welcomes, and avoided personal conversations like the plague. But now, the Queen seemed to welcome these two men like a whole other person. Why she did, there was little idea. Perhaps it was because she found the company of these bounty hunters fascinating, or perhaps she caught the latter man eying her like candy and welcomed it. Whatever it was, that was up for them to decide. Lucille had always been an unpredictable woman. For now, however, her good intentions seemed just that: good intentions.

She brought her hand over her own glass cup as Parvis offered to pour her some. “I’m quite fine, but thank you.” She nodded her head sagely, allowing a semi-awkward silence to settle in between them. Then, with the curl of her lips, she continued. “But yes, there is much I need to do, and much for you to do too.” Her fingers tapped against the mahogany table. Lucille was eager to present her plans to each man, having kept it confined to herself since she first drummed up the idea of becoming Queen, and she was eager to see how the pair might handle it.

“As Queen, I am the center of a thousand different threads, woven together to form a web that encompasses my control and power over Alderaan. But some threads aren’t always practical. Some strings need to be cut.” Her serious tone suddenly shifted back to its typically sweet pitch. “There’s a lesser House that I had reached out before I joined the running as heir to the throne. They proved useful, but now that I am Queen, they are insistent on undermining my rule. Fortunately, it seems I have you two now.”

@Faster Than Light @Nefieslab

 

[Parvis]

Parvis tried his best not to follow her finger around the rim of her cup - such an action should not be as distracting as it was, but when it was done by a woman such as this, he supposed almost any action could become distracting. Thankfully he managed to not stare because that was just stupid. The idea that he was to call a Queen by her given name was... strange, to say the least. He didn't want to if he was honest - it would lead to a familiarity and that would lead to him lowering his guard slightly and that would lead to him flirting and probably being executed.

But he was probably just over-thinking things.

"As you wish... Lucille." he declared, enjoying how her name sounded when he said it and tasting how it felt to roll off the tongue, "I think I speak for myself, and Spectre, when I say that we hope to become the best of friends in the fact of whatever trying times are to come."

It was weird to be meeting with someone with so much power and find her to be a (seemingly) genuinely lovely person with some compassion and forthrightness to her. Still, he hoped that she didn't notice how his appreciation of her seemed to grow a little bit more interested as she displayed that she was far more than just her, admittedly, amazing looks. He chuckled, a touch awkwardly, at her polite refusal of more tea and set the pot down carefully. He settled back slightly in his chair, relaxed but still managing to look attentive as she commanded his attention,

"Indeed, it seems that these friends of your feel like they are entitled to something they are not." he glanced at Spectre before nodding, "I'll let Spectre lead the specifics, as is proper, but I can assure you that we shall be expedient, professional and discrete in making sure you find yourself amongst only the highest quality allies, Lucille."

He hoped that didn't sound like he had tried to usurp control of this meeting from either Lucille or Spectre - Parvis was well aware that he was the muscle and the smile on this mission and not much else.

@Faster Than Light @Deviant

 

[Spectre (Old)]

The Hutt Cartel Vigo heard the Queen out as she spoke. She doesn't mind being referred to as Lucille. The Vigo-Slicer gets the vibe from her that she isn't the kind of person who is fond of formalities and doesn't like to beat around the bush in addition to being powerful. Those are commendable traits. Spectre was having a sip of his tea as Parvis addressed Lucille, with Spectre sitting his cup back down. He didn't mind Parvis speaking to the Queen, in fact he glanced over at Parvis nodding his head smiling after he was done. Spectre didn't just bring him around purely as a gun for hire, otherwise he could have just picked any axe-wielding gamorrean off the streets of Nar Shaddaa to act as dumb muscle, but that isn't want he wanted. He specifically brought Parvis to Alderaan with him specifically because of what he brings to the table, like initiative, just as he demonstrated here.

The Vigo would let go of the cup in his hand and then clasp both of his hands together while leaning slightly in his seat as he addressed the Queen as well."Indeed." he would stop leaning in the seat. "We're ready to help you out with your problem as you see fit, Lucille." Referring to her by the name that she preferred to be addressed as. "You need not stain your hands. And as my associate said, we will expedient, professional and discrete while handling this pest problem of yours. Whatever you have us do, it will be dealt with effectively and it won't be traced back to you." he would nod his head once towards Lucille, assuring him that Lucille wouldn't be regretting her choice if she gives the task to the two Hutt Cartel members. Now, Spectre would have his right hand gripping his cup fo tea again, as he would be waiting for the Queen's response. Spectre is ready to help the Queen with her problem and he can tell that Parvis is as well. The two style themselves as professionals so should come of no surprise really.

@Deviant
@Nefieslab!

 

[Lucille Antilles]

Lucille glanced up as Parvis chuckled, and for the briefest moment, their eyes locked together. She could not deny either man were remarkably attractive, but there was a strange charm to the second man settled before her. Still, she shrugged the thought off and turned away to face the view from the terrace. Thin trails of white across an ocean of blue, mountains that seemed to reach for the stars, a lake that shimmered beneath the unblinking eye of the sun. It was a gorgeous view, almost enough to sidetrack her from the meeting unfolding in front of her. She turned back, attention now fixated onto the sharper fellow, Spectre, as he offered up his services and willingness once more. Something that brought a soft-spoken smile to her face.

“I’m very glad you say that, Spectre. But what guarantee is there that you can do what I ask successfully? Or, actually, how do I know if I can trust you two?” She said as her fingers continued to trace around the cusp of her drink, a likely testament to her growing unease. Lucille had received word from the Cartel since she made her proposed deal with Tage Mak during the gala all those weeks prior. They promised to support her, to aid her in all of her endeavors so long as she did the same for them. But that was all that it was— a promise. And the Hutt Cartel were not exactly known for their word, or their promises, as Lucille knew. She might have been cooped up on Alderaan for all her life, but she was not oblivious to the two-timing, back-stabbing nature of the Cartel. Their power and influence were built upon lies and intimidation, after all.

Her eyes flickered between the pair of men, curious as to what they might say now that she questioned their loyalty and honor. The Queen was not looking for either to cut open their hands and swear a blood oath or something, of course. Rather, she was interested on what they might say. Lucille figured she could place some of her trust in them, even if they had just met, but she wanted to be absolutely sure before she placed all of her trust.

@Faster Than Light @Nefieslab

 

[Parvis]

Okay... holding eye contact like that with the Queen of Alderaan was two things; slightly terrifying and more than slightly arousing. The two, it seemed, were not mutually exclusive. In fact, he was rather certain it was something that people found happening rather a lot when they were spending time around the Queen. She had the amazing ability to be both the absolute picture of a composed royal and a beautiful woman who, he imagined, probably had a mischievous streak to her.

And that was him cutting that line of thought off quickly before it got carried away!

There was still business to be attended to and any daydreams about what the Queen may, or may not, be like as a woman without her royalty would have to wait until they were far, far, away from here. He raised an eyebrow slightly when she asked about both their efficiency and their trustworthiness. Glancing at Spectre to make sure he was overstepping some invisible boundaries with his superior here, Parvis decided to speak up again,

"Being a member of the Cartel is, perhaps surprisingly, all about respect and honouring your word, Lucille. An odd thought, I know." he allowed with a small smirk before continuing, "But a Cartel member can only get anywhere in this business if their word is their bond. We don't often have the luxury of people assuming they can trust us - so we have to be able to show that others have trusted us and their trust was well founded. Spectre? He is a Vigo, which means he has proven himself to be capable, trustworthy and discrete. Someone who can get the job done and keep it from reflecting poorly on those above him - things that you're looking for."

He turned slightly to Spectre to give the man a respectful nod,

"I'm here because I respect Spectre's reputation and trust him because of it. As for me?" he smiled a little bit at Lucille, "I'm not well known. I don't have a body of work to point to, yet, and say that you can trust me as others have. All I can do is try and facilitate trust in other ways, before proving myself worthy of it. And I'll do that by trusting you with something..."

Parvis stared her in the eyes as he took out a small business card and pen, jotting down both a location and a com number. He put the pen away and held the card between two fingers as he looked at her,

"On this card is the location and com number of my mother." he declared honestly, "I am that confident that you will find me to be professional, efficient and trustworthy so I would have absolutely no problem with handing you the information that would allow you to target my last family member should I fail to do so."

Grand gestures were needed when you had no other evidence to call on.

@Faster Than Light @Deviant

 

[Spectre (Old)]

When Parvis was glancing to make sure that there were no invisible barriers between then when he wanted to spoke, Spectre nodded his head very slightly to make sure he is in the clear. The Cartel Vigo heard what Parvis had to say to the Queen, and his gesture was really profound. He was surprised that Parvis would go this far, and inside he feels proud that Parvis would go this far for the Cartel Vigo even though this is the first time they met face to face. The dossier about Parvis being a professional really was accurate. The Slicer glanced at Parvis with a smile, and shot a nod at him, approving of everything he's said and his gesture to prove the to the Queen he is right to the job. Then it would be Spectre's turn to attempt to gain the trust of the Queen-Elect. He stop clasping his hand as he would respond to Lucille. "I fully understand your caution Lucille." he would have a stern expression on his face. He is with the Hutt Cartel, he knows that the organization isn't one-hundred percent trust-worthy as a whole, but Spectre holds himself to a higher standard and it would reflect in what he says and his gestures. "I could tell you what I done to earn my post as a Vigo, but here. Let me just show you..." If Lucille would allow, Spectre would pull out a datapad. After going past a few screens,

Spectre would then slide the datapad over to Luccile through the mahogany surface, it was a close distance but it slid seamlessly. If Lucille would pick up the datapad, she would be seeing Specre's full dossier profile, which is normally protected. It would have everything about him. His real name, information abut pre-Cartel life on Corellia, activities he's been involved with in the Cartel. The Vigo would speak softly, as usual. "As you can see, my real name is Jack Lawson, and you can call me that for now on if you want Lucille" he didn't mind sharing it with Parvis in here. "And there is everything there is to know about me. No secrets or anything. It's all right there" He would nod his head in approval of his own words. Even though Spectre uses a codename and works for an organization like the Hutt Cartel, he is a pretty honest person even if he is a criminal. He's isn't like typical Cartel scum and that would be clear through his profile. Plus, Lawson knows that she is a slicer, and every slicer (should) know that infomation is power.

@Deviant @Nefieslab!

 

[Lucille Antilles]

Each man presented their case of trust and loyalty before her. Good cases, to her surprise. She had simply asked them to see how they might react and gauge their individual responses, but what she got was something far better. The strange, though comforting revelation of Parvis’ still living mother and her whereabouts, leverage no man might have ever given out under any circumstance. The dossier which revealed an array of accomplishments and personal details of Spectre— or Jack Lawson. In an instant, the pair won Lucille’s complete trust. There was no denying their full dedication and discretion when it came to the mission at hand. Still, their flattering words or aimless notes could not prove they could handle the operation without a hitch. She needed proof. A test.

A smile crept along the edges of her lips. “Marvelous, then. My trust is yours.” Her tone suddenly shifted. “But can I trust you to prevail?” Her seemingly nervous demeanor vanished. Lucille retracted her hands from her own tea and shifted comfortably in her seat. “Here— how about we put your skills to the test? Just so I’m absolutely sure you two are ready for what I have in store for you.” Her smile remained, this time with cunning. “The tea so neatly set before you to is poisoned. The antidote is somewhere in these gardens. Find it, or die.” She leaned to the side, eyes taking a good look at Jack, the only one to have actually partaken of the tea. A thin trail of blood would, slowly, gather at his nostrils. “You should hurry, though. I really do enjoy your company, and I’d hate for it to end like this.”

She crossed one leg over the other. Beneath the table, her own weapon would be ready for her should either man lash out against her. Lucille was a sweet woman, always welcome for help and always looking for new friends. But compassion did not give her the throne of Alderaan. It took manipulation, ruthlessness, and every assurance she could get. She hated having to start such a rocky relationship with both men, but she couldn’t risk sending two bounty hunters into something that might require more than just shooting up random noble houses. It required caution, thought, and cunning. After all, she was not there to impress them— they were there to impress her. And now was their chance to shine.

@Faster Than Light @Nefieslab

 

[Parvis]

It seemed that Lucille had taken their displays as proof that she could trust her - which was good. Trust from your employer meant that you would get the job in the first place after all, something that they were still trying to get right now. He had been about to taste his own tea when she revealed her deception, causing him to slowly lower his teacup back down to it's saucer without taking a sip.

He glanced down at the tea for a moment - he supposed this explained why she hadn't taken him up on his offer to top up her cup earlier, though he wouldn't put it past her to be the type to have deliberately built up an immunity to a poison she intended to use just so no one would think it odd that she didn't ingest the same food and drink.

Looking to Spectre, Parvis drew his monogrammed handkerchief from the breast pocket of his suit, handing it to Spectre to stop the bleeding.

"Lucille..." he paused before chuckling a little bit as he rose from his chair, "And I had worried this meeting may be dull."

Patting Spectre on the back briefly, Parvis strode forwards into the gardens proper. He looked around, making certain to look for evidence that the flowers and shrubberies had been disturbed. To put the antidote somewhere, someone would have had to move through the plant-life or else left it within the first row of plant. As he doubted they would make it as easy as being in the first row, Parvis would be looking for signs that someone had moved deeper into the plant-life, walking around briskly to check on multiple areas of the garden, methodically ticking them off when he saw no evidence of someone walking through them.

If he found evidence that someone had walked through them, he would follow the trail himself to find out if his hunch had been correct and the antidote had been hidden deeper into the floral displays, rather than being left on the edges. At the same time though, a secondary option always helped,

"Spectre - can you slice into the camera feeds?" he asked his partner, "Might give us more direction and show us what the antidote looks like. Right now it could be anything from a vial to an injector to a flower."

@Deviant @Faster Than Light

 

[Spectre (Old)]

Well, Spectre was visibly surprised when the Queen revealed that she had poisoned the tea. And not long after that some blood started slowly going down his nostrils. He shouldn't have been surprised, but he is. Maybe it's because he isn't cutthroat like Lucille is that he might have been a little to naive. Well, if...no when he gets out of his predicament, he will take this as a lesson going forward, that if he goes and see someone sand they have already arranged for drinks and/or food, politely decline. It seems that Parvis was already ahead of him in this department and never took her up, so he is safe. So, now Spectre is given the task of finding the antidote, or dying apparently. He isn't really for sure if he is in lethal danger, he can't tell if the Queen is bluffing even if he did get a nosebleed, or if he actually drank enough (he only recalls taking two sips of the tea) to have a lethal enough dose of the poison. "Thank you" he said softly as Parvis came in with the safe with his monogrammed handkerchief. He froze up for a second. Despite his skepticism and worries with getting poisoned, he takes a deep breath as he is prepared to take action. Dying isn't on the agenda. "Very well then" the Hutt Cartel Vigo calmly said to the Queen as he nodded her head to her. Lawson could have elected to call her out for putting him in danger for some test, tell her that there would be consequences, or ask why he should even believe or trust her in return; but that won't help the situation and time is limite d here


Parvis, like a good agent, already took initiative once again and started looking clues on his own. Inititve is something lacking these days and Lawson feels pride and comfort bringing him along with him. Spectre turned around in his seat to face the Cartel basadi when Parvis shot the idea of slicing into the camera feeds to see if any light would be shed on this antidote,

Lawson would turn back to Lucille and he would clearly state his intent to take back his datapad back, then slowly reaching his hand for it. He would then take into his hands and shuffle out of his seat to follow up on Parvis' idea. As blood would surely continue to flow down through his nose, would keep Parvis' handkerchief on him to stop the flow periodically. He would look around for a camera after getting out of his seat. He would see one right above the door. He should be able to slice it, and extract footage from it using his datapad. He would grab the seat at the table he was sitting in as he would position it below the camera. He would stand on it for the extra height he would need to reach it and be able to work his slicer skills on it. As he works on it, he would eventually be to cross a wire-from it crudely in his datapad. He specializes in security systems, he should be able to do that handidly. If that works, he would start rewinding the footage from the time before he arrived and going backwards in faster motion. He knows that the Queen has handmaidens and gardeners, but he would be looking anyone that stands out. And if he happens to get blood on the seat and/or the ground... not his fault.

 

[Lucille Antilles]

Lucille watched as each man began to scurry about, desperate to search for the antidote she had so cleverly hid. Although Parvis seemed rather amused at this new side of her, it was clear Jack was not so up for the idea of being poisoned. As she expected, though. She had placed the life of a prominent Vigo on the line, all for a silly challenge and experiment on her own part. Not that she was afraid of retaliation from the Cartel. Both sides essentially needed one another, and the loss of a single Vigo was nothing compared to the loss of an entire Kingdom. Whatever leverage the man had was out the window, leaving him nothing but to solve the mystery. Something he quietly accepted, to her surprise, as he took his data pad back and began slicing into the garden surveillance cameras.

Once open, the footage he would find would reveal several clues. Less than an hour ago, Lucille could be seen tending to a set of multicolored flowers thriving along a mahogany trellis. Covered in a blend of deep red and bright orange and pink, the particular flowers could be easily spotted among the gardens. But that clue was only followed by another. For fifteen minutes later, Lucille was discussing with the handmaiden from earlier on the terrace. And if one looked close enough, it was clear they were exchanging something more than just words. Although at the same time, the Queen-elect was preparing her own tea, taking sips from her own cup freely as if there was nothing to fear.

The clues were there, but which one was the right one to follow was up to the pair of men. Already, Lucille was just dying to tell them, knowing that they were so close to an answer yet so far. Of course, then there was Jack, just dying to know— literally. The poison would slowly start to make its way farther inside his system, taking the man that much closer to an unfortunate end. But as they say: fortune favors the bold, and all either man needed to do was take a chance and follow through. Of course, not every situation was always so black and white. And that was precisely what Lucille was looking for. Not just whether or not they could emerge from this whole fiasco alive, but how they would.

@Nefieslab @Faster Than Light

 

[Parvis]

She really was a devious person, wasn't she?

Searching through the garden was rather difficult but there was nothing else for it. He needed to make sure that he found the antidote because he really didn't want Spectre to die. Not only was he something of a friend but it would look incredibly bad for all of his future employment with the Cartel if he let one of their Vigo's die because he wasn't willing to completely throw himself into the task of searching for an antidote in a garden.

It wasn't even like it was a needle in a haystack - not really. Surely the antidote would have to be some kind of vial of the substance? If it was one of the flowers then that was all well and good but it would take too long to prepare a mixture from them to cure Spectre before he died so it made logical sense that it would be pre-processed and ready to go.

"Anything else, Spectre?" he called out as he followed the clues in the garden, "I don't mean to rush you but I'm afraid I wouldn't be the one to come off worst if we do not complete this challenge unless... Lucille, would I be killed if we fail this as well? Just out of curiosity since I'm confident we won't fail."

Project confidence!

Following some light disturbances in how the garden sat, how some of the plants had been touched and others not, Parvis found himself in front of a trellis with a lovely set of multicoloured flowers that seemed to have been benefiting from some extra care and attention. He began to look everywhere he could around the trellis, checking if the flowers themselves were hiding anything before following the trellis down and checking along the back and along the base.

If there was something to be found here he would find it with the level of scrutiny he was giving this particular set of flowers.

@Faster Than Light @Deviant

 

[Spectre (Old)]

The Hutt Cartel Vigo/Slicer saw he needed to see on the datapad of his, afterwards he would disconnect the crude wiring from the datapad and then step off. As he does so though, he is feeling noticeably more weak and lightheaded as the poison seeps further and further. He is just getting worse as worse from the noxious tea, but he can't let that get in his way of survival. Lawson would turn his head was, to find out where Parvis is so he could relay the infomation real quick, but he was off at the same trellis where Spectre saw Lucille at in the footage. So if the cure happens to be there, Parvis will be able to find it, hopefully. There was only one more sighifcant lead that the footage revealed, Lucille and her handmaiden, who were exchanging something. Either Lucille might have the cure on her or with her, or the handmaiden took out side the garden, and probably who knows where inside the manor, even if Lucille said the cure was inside the garden.

Spectre would be heading up the terrace again, even if he is getting all woofy and lightheaded, he can still walk in a straight line, kinda. He would then take a seat, where Parvis was sitting at the table. He would then speak to the Queen, with a smile and a soft tone in his voice as his head is can't seem to stay in one place, wobbling a little bit. "So, my associate is searching the trellis over there. If he doesn't see it there, then either you most likely have the antidote somewhere with you." Lawson would then look back towards the exit where the handmaiden is. "Or you passed it off to the handmaiden who went past those doors." he would turn back to the Queen-Elect. Spectre would be looking at the tea that the Queen was sipping previously, from the video. If the Queen does't have a vial or injection of it on her, maybe the cure would be the tea itself. It obviously wouldn't be poisoned, but it could be an option. Or maybe he is gettng desperate and neverous. "Do I get any points for either one of those answers?" he wold as with a delirious smile.

@Deviant
@Nefieslab

 

[Lucille Antilles]

“Curiosity is a dangerous thing.” She answered Parvis as he retreated farther into the garden, roaming around in search for a clue or a chance at an antidote. She smiled softly, innocently, as she watched the pair of men scramble. Lucille offered no trace of concern or clue for either man to follow when Parvis approached the trellis she had been tending to earlier. How he could have figured out its potential significance so quickly, she had no idea, but it was clear he was taking many steps ahead. Or just too many. Although the flowers on the trellis were important, how they were or how they might act to help Jack virtually unanswerable. If anything, the man was only on a wild goose chase, searching for something that was already just within reach.

Lucille faced Jack, who was still settled in his seat rather than beside Parvis in his pursuit for a cure. Slowly but surely, the other man was instead trying to piece things together. As her fingers grazed the bottom of her tea cup, she eyed Jack and smiled. “Now, it wouldn’t be much of a challenge if I just gave you the answer now, would it?” She shrugged. “But who knows. Maybe it is on the trellis, maybe the handmaiden took it, maybe its something more. Just know that sometimes, the answer can be right in front of you and you just don’t see it.” The Queen slumped into her seat, legs crossed, and looked out to the view from her terrace once more. “Sometimes you don’t need to run around or leap into action without first thinking.”

She barely glanced back to Jack again, her eyes roaming him up and down. He was a lot smarter than he looked, which was exactly what Lucille was looking for in this mission. Not a man who would desperately scramble around when under the threat of death. Jack maintained a sense of control, even when his life was clearly on the line, and handled the whole situation with a calm head. Had she poisoned any other member of the Cartel, she wouldn’t have been surprised if they attempted to kill her for the apparent betrayal. But Parvis’ and Jack’s quick thinking? Now that was a surprise.

@Nefieslab @Faster Than Light

 

[Parvis]

Curiosity was a dangerous thing?

Oh she was a bit of a tease now wasn't she? She couldn't just come out and say that she would have him killed now could she? Oh well, he could deal with a little bit of mystery in his life. Especially mystery from someone as lovely as the Queen Antilles. And he was doing it again!

He needed to stop thinking about her as a woman and remind himself that she was less of a woman than she was a Queen. And while a Queen could be a strikingly beautiful woman, she would always be a Queen at the end of the day and would always be so embroiled in the Grand Game that there wasn't anything he could do to change it. Indeed, he just chuckled a little bit at the very idea of the woman being anything less than a consummate professional at the Game.

Taking a few of the flowers from the trellis, making sure they were from the edge of the arrangement so it didn't disturb the whole arrangement, Parvis wandered on back to the table. He presented one of the flowers to Lucille with a little flourish before handing the other to Spectre as he sat down quietly,

"Your garden is lovely." he complimented Lucille before tapping the one beside Spectre, "But, if memory serves... this isn't exactly a lovely flower to have in your garden. I seem to recall from my lessons at school that this is poisonous. But I admit I'm a little rusty on my poisons and antidotes."

He nodded to Spectre,

"I do still recall rule number one of poisoning someone - always have the antidote close at hand in case you take some yourself. Think we got enough to save your life, Spectre?"

 

[Spectre (Old)]

Even as the Queen spoke, even as Lawson's head was becoming more wobbly, and even as his life fades bit by bit, he was still calm and certain that he was on the right track. "Of course Lucille" he would continue smiling at the Queen-Elect. The key, or at least a vital piece of the puzzle this lied right in front of him he was certain of it. The Queen was unaffected drinking her tea, she obviously wouldn't be poisoning herself. That is probably it right there. And then Parvis came back to his side not long after. Spectre had his arms tight on the table so that he can stay upright, gritting his teeth as he was holding up a bit of a smile as he heard the man out. Lawson is quite a bit of things, a computer nerd, tech expert, crimelord, slicer, security expert, but a botanist he is not. But what he does know though, is that he can trust his subordinate Parvis and defer to him. What is saying makes sense (given his own's state anyway), so sure why not? And what Parvis said more-or-less confirms his suspicions anyway, the vital piece of the puzzle being in plain sight this whole time. Now with his head focused on Lucille and his hands clasped together he would ask confidently while a smile on his face. "Well. Lucille, mind if I have your cup of tea?" pointing to the Queen's own tea. Sure Spectre's clock might be running short soon, but Spectre is still courestous enough to ask a sovereign of a prestigious world if he can have her cup of tea.

@Deviant
@Nefieslab!