Corax was right, Zira did fear angering them. Not because they had actually harmed her but because of the power they commanded. A power that she didn’t and couldn’t understand. A power that Corax wielded as well.“Of course she fears me, the same way the galaxy fears us.” They replied. “We are the boogeymen people tell stories about after all.” Iymril pointed out. “On top of that, Zira has been conditioned by previous owners to fear them.” They continued. “Combine the conditioning, the fact she knows what we are, and the power we wield…” Their voice trailed off and they rolled their wrist, a gesture to fill in the blank.
“It isn’t hard to see why she wouldn’t want to upset me.” They clarified. “Despite me not harming her.”
Then came the response to their question about love. Iymril gazed impassively at Corax as they explained and then directly replied. He was being open and honest, good.
“No, you do not.” They stated simply. Iymril’s ears twitched as they thought. They began to walk again when Corax turned and continued. It caused an eyebrow to reflexively quirk on Iymril’s face.
“Do you know why I purchased a pleasure slave?” They asked. “It wasn’t to sleep with her.” Iymril clarified. “Knowledge is power within our lines of work. The more you know, the more you can prepare yourself for.” They explained. “Pleasure slaves are trained to do many of the same tasks agents and operatives are.” Iymril continued. “They are charming, they seduce targets with no hesitation, which allows for many opportunities to gather intelligence or eliminate potential threats.” It was the truth, mostly.
“Unlike her previous owners I do not force her to sleep with anyone. The conditioning makes the realization that she has a choice difficult.” They continued, again a partial truth. “But she does work for me, she is a part of my powerbase, and I will protect what is within it.” It wasn’t a threat, just a simple truth. “I might not be pleasant either but I am fair.”
Iymril thought back to Drezzi with Darth Arcanos. The Sith Lord had pointed out a way of earning the people’s adoration. A way of gaining more permanent favor and sway over them. Perhaps, this was a similar scenario?
“So you enjoy her company and wish to spend more time with her I assume?” They asked. “I am willing to allow her time to spend with you.” They stated slowly, as if thinking over the idea. “If you are willing to aid me in certain favors every once in a while.” A harmless enough offer. “She gets a day to herself to spend with you doing whatever you choose. In addition, I’ll allow you to aid her in missions I send her on if you want. And in exchange, when I need your skill and services, you oblige.” They reiterated. “Do we have a deal?”
@Phoenix
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