A New Hand on the Chain (Nickolas Imura)

[Morgana Forceborn]

The ship was dark and cramped. Some of the slaves who were sitting around on the floor had to bundle next to each other given hold cold it was. Others were forced into cages nearby where they only had themselves for comfort. They’d been traveling for what seemed like days, barley getting a decent meal and water during the whole time. And where were they off to? Coruscant. The new home of the Sith.

Aida was sleeping in one of the cages, cringed into one of the corners to try and keep as warm as possible. Given the fact she was a clawdite it made sense why, less chance of her trying to pose as one of the other slaves in some attempt to escape. As she slept her true, reptilian-humanoid form was revealed, but given how dark it was no one could really tell. Nor did anyone really care.

As her dreams were muddled with memories of how she got here it only made Aida all the angrier for it. All because she’d wanted to get away from being a dancer to a selfish, uncaring rodian employer. He didn’t like the idea of losing such a valuable girl as Aida, especially when it meant she could be as many different girls as needed while he would only have to pay one. Meant more money for him after all. So instead of being nice about it he instead throws her to the wolves, apparently if a “respectable gentlemen” like he couldn’t have her then the dredges and slavers would.

After a long while the ship had begun to land, everyone waking from the sound of it. Light began to crack through the small windows of the holding hull where the slaves were. Aida, waking, had quickly reverted to her “preferred form” of a young, raven hair, emerald eyed girl. Being a clawdite meant only her physical appearance changed and not the slave uniform she’d been forced into.

Once the main doors open the slavers were all set and ready to start hauling everyone out. Men, women, children. All ranging from human to twi’lek to even a wookie and togorian. While the others were all kept together with leashed wrapped around their necks when it came to those in the cages like Aida the slavers were a little more careful.

They opened hers and put a pair of cuffs on her ankles and wrists. They were lose enough to where she could walk fine but obviously it was a means of keeping her from making a run for it. They had an odd device as well that apparently had to go with a spate shackle, something they said they would save for whoever owned her by the end of the day. After that they dragged her out into the daylight alone with the others.

After her eyes adjusted to the light of the day, Aida realizing they were on Coruscant, it was clear they were on one of the more busy streets above. With the Sith having gained control a lot more liberties and the like had been taken to where once illegal crime was perfectly fine here. All the slaves had been kept in line while a crowd was starting to gather. Aida was among the last in line but she kept looking at the broken and sad faces of the others.

The lead slaver, a zyggerian, had stepped forward once everything was ready and declared “Welcome ladies, gentlemen, and all other fine guests. I don’t think we want to waste any more time, so let’s start the biddings.”

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

 

[Garza]

I needed women. Easy to get, nothing to pay, and willing to work.

While I didn't like the whole idea of beating the feth out of slaves, That doesn't mean I wouldn't use them, or beat them. I just wouldn't beat them within an inch of their life. Standing here on Courscant, A contact of mine was hosting a Slave trade. A ring would be coming and selling off slaves. While this was actually done in secret since the Sith were trying to act more like the Good guys on Courscant, ruling with an iron fist, I stood in the crowd watching as one after another slave walked out. Chained up.

Reaching in my pocket, I took out, and lit a cigarette. My contact, Harkem, elbowed me in the side. pointing to a woman near the very end of the line.

"Look at that purty bit rite der! She's looking to be a feisty one!" There was a pause as each one after another was sold. I bought a few, I really only needed six or seven. Thinking that Seven would do the trick, Harkem telling me he would win the bid for the girl with really dark hair, and a very nice and almost clean looking body. The rags barely covering her up. I shook my head. Knowing something was different about this girl. Something that would mean the difference between life for myself, and her later on. I had to have her.

The bidding was coming up. Soon I would spend all that I could to get the last slave that I needed.

The girl in the dark hair.

[member="Aida"],

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

The zygerrian slave master had begun selling them off one-by-one. Slavers had been bought as quick and easily some had even been bought together. Those that remained watch in a growing horror until they were to be brought up next.​

​

The whole time Aida had a more defiant look towards the slavers. She was obviously angry at them but couldn’t do a thing. Bound as she was she had no choice but to wait. It wasn’t until they were down to the last few, however, that things were changed.​

​

[SIZE=11pt]The zygerrian, feeing lucky, had skipped a few slaves and pulled Aida up, saying “Now how about this one, folks? A real treat. A young girl. Still in her young and prime. And what’s better is that this girl’s not just a human. This little beauty is a clawdite.” Pushing her a little he’d said “Show them, my dear.” Not going into a great demonstration she’d only changed her hair color from black to blonde and then back again. Haring everyone gasp at this the slaver said “Do I lie, ladies and gentlemen? Stat the bidding at 1,000 creditd…. Good, sir. 1,000…. 2! I heard 2… 5,000 credits[/SIZE]!?!"

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

 

[Garza]

Wow, come out with the good stuff right up front. Looks like this guy was proud of it, and so was I. My buddy was going into the bidding. Raising his hands up, I kept seeing how people were bidding. Waiting my time. Harkem kept raising his hand to raise the price a good thousand credits every time. I just watched and shook my head as he kept going. Smiling as though he was gonna win. Taking a second to look around. I could see the amount of hands dwindling down and down. Yet the price was raising up to the good hundreds of thousands. Pulling out my datapad, I searched the recent pocket change I had with me. Smiling as I would have to blow these guys out of the water to even get at this woman.

"250 thousand, Yes I have a 25- 300 thousand. Bid at 300 thousand...." On he went. The speaker smiling brighter and brighter. Standing up slowly, I smiled as I raised my hand. A golden gauntlet, clawed and rather daunting to some, I spoke, my deep voice ringing out like thunder after a strike of lightning.

"2 million credits."

And the place fell silent. With a dark smile that even the devil himself couldn't make.

[member="Aida"],

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

With the dead silence came everyone’s gaze going towards the one who’d aid it, Aida’s especially. Everyone could see the tall, dark and mysterious looking man with the golden gauntlet hand. Upon seeing him herself Aida felt something sink in her gut. This man was likely going to own her now and that meant she was his to do with what he wanted. And given his look she was afraid of what he wanted.

Without taking any more bids the slaver had cried “Sold!” As the handlers dealt with taking off Aida’s cuffs he said “Thank you very much, Mr. Imura.”

Aida kept her fear sunken eyes on the man as the guards undid the cuffs to her wrists and ankles. When they’d taken them off, however, Aida felt another one being clipped onto her right ankle. Looking down she could see this one wasn’t part of any chain but one of the handlers had a device in his arm that seemed to match. He took her by the shoulder and “escorted” her over to the waiting buyer, who was now her new owner.

Once they both arrived the handler gave the device in his hand to [member="Nickolas Imura"] and explained “Special tracker. Girl’s a changeling after all. This’ll help you know who she is and where she is. And if she gets out of hand the little button in the middle will solve that.”

It was clear he was explaining it both to Imura and to Aida. She looked at it before glancing down at the shackle on her ankle now. It was just another fancy collar for them to keep her in line. She shot the handler a dirty look before he walked off, het attention now going to Imura. She looked up to his eyes before instantly bringing them back down, he being such an imposing man too hard to look at.

 

[Garza]

My hand lowered after I spoke. The smile only widened when the Spokesperson exclaimed Sold. I dipped my head to Harkem and smiled as his face was bewildered. Stealing the slave out from under his nose. I gave him an half assed salute as the guard walked up to me. "Better luck next time tiger." Turning back to the woman, about half or more than half a foot shorter than me, She was hooked up to some anklet. I smiled as the guard handed me the device. Looking at it, I shook my head.

"Take it off."
"But si-"
"I said, Take. It. Off."

My eyes directly turned to him, and I could see his demeanor become squished as he could see that even though I may not look all much now, I was becoming one of the most powerful Pyrokenesis users in the Galaxy. If not, I was close to overcoming my brother in power by sheer strength and ingenuity alone. The man did as I told him. Still dumbfounded, I flicked my wrist and in a second, the anklet became his personal bracelet. using the force I had simply turned it over in his hand, and attached it to his wrist.

"Enjoy."

Pressing down on the middle button, it gave the man the shock of his life. Reaching out with my left hand, The golden gauntlet grabbed onto the girls arm, and pulled her towards myself so the guard wouldn't touch her in his flailing bout of spasms. I dropped the device after crushing it in my hand. So the volts in the bracelet would continue to run over and over. Until one of them died. With my right, I reached behind and grabbed a set of leather bracelets. Placing one on her left hand, and one on my right, I cuffed both of us together. Even if she had the damn anklet, She couldn't escape from these cuffs without the keys. And well, I didn't have them with me. They were back at my ship.

I indicated for us to walk together, and spoke two words. Enough to show that I had the authority, and the attitude to harm her if I wanted. Very easily.

"Shall we?"

[member="Aida"]

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

Much to Aida’s surprise she watched as the handler soon had the tables turned on him as the anklet bracelet was used against him. It had been one thing when he’d ordered it be taken off, she wondering if it was a matter of trust or power, but then to see him use it in such a way had made Aida very nervous about this man.

When his hand reached out she gave a little discomforting noise before she watched him whip out the leather bracelets he soon strapped on her. While the other slavers tried to help their friend she’d seen the device destroyed and he putting the other end of the link on himself, meaning she really had nowhere to go.

As his gesture to walk it was clear Aida didn’t have a choice. Even if she could run there was a fear that he was the type to hunt her down and deal out a harsh punishment for it; likely breaking her legs so she wouldn’t again. Without a word she followed with him as they walked, keeping her eyes down and her hands folded together to try and look as innocent as possible. She didn’t want to do anything that might trigger a sudden slap to the face.

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

 

[Garza]

Scared.

I could feel it, almost smell it off of her. Not quite the fear of death, but the fear of pain. Walking away, I would have the other slaves transported later on to my ship where they will be acquainted with the rest of the crew. This one however, would stay with me. There was something about her. Something that showed there was much more hidden under the rags and the changing of form. As we walked, she tried to keep her head down, and walking behind me. A sign that she was a subordinate. In truth she was. Pulling my arm slowly forward, I attempted to pull her to walk with me not behind me. As I did so, I kept looking away from her. Up ahead simply because I knew what it was like to have awkward eye contact.

"My name is Nickolas Imura. You can call me anything you wish."

There was a pause as I continued to walk so we could exit the building. "I would like to know your name. I, as much as you do, want to call you by something other than a queen or a whore." I may be a Sith. I may be a prick and a pain in the ass, but there was a hidden life I lived. While I knew there was no way to get rid of the Slave taint, I could lessen the pain that she would be treated with. I was once one in a way. And I hated every second of it.

[member="Aida"],

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

As Aida tried keeping her head down, she could almost feel his eyes burning through her. Power was almost seeping from this man with every breath he took. Of course it scared her. He was likely a Force User, and that meant a Sith for sure. They were the ones who owned Coruscant after all when they took it from the Jedi and the Reoublic. And if they could do that then obviously one wouldn’t have trouble breaking someone like Aida down in a second.

The sudden tug on the bracelet made her gasp a little before she was next to him. It wasn’t clear until he started talking that he wanted her there. He wanted to speak with her and obviously it wouldn’t be right with her behind him. He introduced himself as [member="Nickolas Imura"] while saying she was free to call him whatever she wanted. She had a few words to give him but she knew they’d get a slap in the face for it. Instead she’d stick to something short but respectful enough.

When he asked hers she only gave a quick and simple “Aida, sir.”

 

[Garza]

She kept low. Silent. She knew I had the strength to break her, but I had no reason to. She was acting mature for the moment. Her answer was enough to be heard, but it was almost to the point of being strained. And it was short. Aiba? or Aida? No clue. Either way, I kept looking ahead. Not saying a word, just making a humph sound at her answer. Deciding that it was best to know how she was treated.

Quickly, I stopped, my right hand turned her around with the cuffs linking us, and with my left hand came up to slap her across the face with my hand, However at the very last second, I would stop. Not even inches from her face. Seeing to how she would react. by the actions of one in the face of danger, pain, or peril, you can find out who someone's true colors were.

I wanted to see hers. Now.

[member="Aida"]

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

As Aida had feared she could see as Imura’s hand was coming up for a slap. She closed her eyes and flinched her head a little to the opposite side in the hopes of not taking too much pain to the cheek once it made contact. In those brief seconds she wondered in her mind what she’d done already to offend him. Maybe it was the answer. Perhaps he planned to break her spirit so she’d be given some slave name or only be referred to as a “whore” or “queen”. A second later, however, she opned her eyes and realized how close his hand had been before stopping. So close and yet it was so still. He was quick with stopping his actions as easily as starting them. She followed her eyes up his arm until looking to his face, trying to understand what that had been for.

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

 

[Garza]

Face clean. No emotions were visible. Much like staring at a wall. my hand still so close to her face, her flinch was that fear of pain. She had been hit often. So she was silent not because of fearing me as a person more so, fearing me and my actions towards her. Letting my hand drop. I then stood straight towards her. Not saying a word. Just looking at her. Knowing that she might look away, however I tried with my mind to compel her to keep looking at me.

"Aida, as a slave, you work for me. You do what I tell you. However, you are not my punching back or dummy for me to train on."

Indicating that we should continue walking on so we could get to my ship, I continued to speak as well.

"You may find this surprising, but once I was a slave to a man. I was broken down and treated worse than you probably ever will be. Know now, that I will not treat you as a slave, but more so an employee that does not get paid in money or honor. You will get paid in necessities. You want clothes? You will be paid that way. You want food? you only get as much as you earn by working. Understood?"

Slaves were treated like shit to begin with. There was no point in forcing them to work, and then beating them for it because you have sand in your jockstrap. I may be evil, and mean, but I had a method to my madness.

[member="Aida"]

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

As he relaxed his hand Aida relaxed all of herself. This was some sort of sick way of probing her to see what she’d do. If it had been just to see if she would flinch or not she couldn’t see how that would be the case. Apparently it wasn’t though. Perhaps he just wanted to know what she was afraid of more. Him or being hit. At this point even Aida didn’t know.

As he spoke while they walked it surprised Aida to know that [member="Nickolas Imura"] was once a slave as well. And yet here he was buying one and saying how she was going to be treated more like an “employee” but without being paid in the regular consent of the word. At the very least it was a consolation to know that if she wanted something in particular that he’d provide as long as she did her job. Obviously being smart and asking for her freedom wasn’t on the table though.

After he’d finished Aida nodded and said “I understand.” Only to follow up with the question of “What…exactly would I be doing for you?”

 

[Garza]

As we walked, She was slowly warming up to me. While I was not a working slave, I was a Lab rat. An experiment. Anything I did wrong, or if he messed up, I was beaten for. Her comprehending of my little come to god moment was well needed. Taking that, and listening to her question, I tilted my head from side to side as I thought about it. Finally answering.

"Not too sure. At first, you will be doing menial labor. House chores in essence. However, I believe there is something else that you may have a talent for. So until I find it, and exploit it, you will be generally doing whatever I ask."

I had a feeling that she was hardy, and if I could break her down enough, in ways that she didn't understand, then build her up again, I could forge her into something she would never have dreamed of becoming. She herself would become the Nightmare that I had.

"First off, In public, I am called Master, or Sir. When in private company, I do not care what you call me. Second, Do as I ask. If you do not understand, or don't know how, let me know. Third, if you want anything, ask. However, only when appropriate. I don't want you asking for more clothes or food when I am in a meeting or training. Fourth, You are mine. Any of my crew give you a hard time, or even look at you wrong. Let me know. Because they will try their best to take advantage of you. Be a Free male without a companion for years at a time, they want something, or someone to play with. The prettier, the more they want it. Fifth and final thing, Do not argue with me. I am your God. I dictate when you live and when you die. My word is Law. Understood?"

Simple. Five rules that I wanted. Some were harder, others were very easy. If she was up to the task, she would live. Falling behind meant death. Not only for her, but for my own crew men as well.

Survival of the finest is one bitching way to live.

[member="Aida"],

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

It had seemed simple enough at first. Aida listened at his first remarks about having her do basic things around the house or ship and the like. His little comment about finding something else about her she didn’t fully understand. Perhaps he meant the fact of her actually being a calwdite. With a changeling at his side there was, of course, plenty of opportunity there. And even if she wasn’t said for it she was still given things she’d need anyway as compensation, so really nothing to argue about.

As he went on to explain the rules, however, that was where it became clearer how she needed to stay in line as much as possible. The first rule about calling him sir and/or master in public was an obvious one. At least in private if she ever wanted to, she could call him by name. Though Aida felt that wouldn’t be for a while. He still her “owner” and her demeanor towards that meant it would be a while before she’d actually cuddle up enough towards him to call him “Nickolas”. The second about needing to ask about something was clear enough. The third rule about asking seemed appropriate as well. No one would want someone to barge in and ask for something while in the middle of something more important; especially if that someone was your slave.

When it came to the last two she had felt a little more nervous. Aida was about to be brought into a den of starving men who at any other time would’ve taken her as their plaything, as [member="Nickolas Imura"] had put it, and used her until there was nothing left. At least knowing that he was there as protector meant she’d be better cared for. The last rule was obviously the biggest one, how he was to be her god of rules and demands and orders she would have to follow to a tee. As much as she wanted to make an argument then and there Aida knew there was no point. He had full control over her in one sense or another. Nothing else for it. For now…

She sighed and answered “Yes…sir.”

 

[Garza]

After speaking, there was a slight pause. Thinking of what I had told her. Going over the five rules that I had set. Each one simple in demand, however, doing them was a different manner. Her sigh told me everything that I needed to know, And the attitude in which she acted was not one that I wanted to encourage. Therefore.....

*Snap*

A black bladed lightsaber had sprung to life in my left hand. Held down at my side and was very evident that she was going to accept these rules. If she wanted to play the Parent child game where the child rolls their eyes, then two can play at that game. And I don't lose.

"If you wish, I can treat you like all the others before me. I give you leeway because I see potential in you. Now, answer me, Would you rather have some freedoms and room to move or would you like me to beat you to a bloody pulp here and now?"

I was dead serious. Even with all the people who happened to be in the Lobby, the snap of the lightsaber, and the booming sound of my voice carried and echoed. I did not give anything for how others thought of me. Them and all their opinions can go to hell. if I need to teach a lesson to this woman, I will do it in front of all these people if necessary. I can break every bone in her body. I can cut her open, and skin her alive if I so wished to.

however, today I really didn't feel like wasting two million credits over a dead body, and a bloody jacket.

[member="Aida"],

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

The sudden snap of the lightsaber had startled Aida to where she tried to back away. She obviously didn’t get very far, given she was still cuffed to Imura, but she’d gone as far back as she could while looking at the threatening weapon. As he spoke about not wanting an attitude from her she kept glancing between him and the saber, he making it clear as crystal.

When asked she shook her head and answered “N-No. No, Sir. Freedoms. I’d want freedoms and room, sir.” As quick and clear as possible.

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

 

[Garza]

While I could feel the fear of the blade reaching her skin, I was calm. An eerie calm that leaked an aura of pure danger. Turning off the saber with a pop, I clipped it back onto my belt. With my left hand, I reached up and grabbed her by the back of her head. Lifing her vision up to look at me. Grabbing a fistful of hair. I looked into her eyes with my red ones. At this close, she would see that they could glow. Almost as though a fire was behind the lenses of my eyes. A hatred building up to where it might blow.

Slowly I whispered to her,

"I am God. I dictate your life. That saber, these cuffs, and the special set of skills that I have give me the power and authority over anything and everything you do. You will only die with my permission. You will live until I find no more use of you. That is your purpose. To serve those who have purchased you."

I leaned closer so my lips were close to her ears, making sure she heard me clearly,

"If you want freedom, you must earn it. Fight for it, but until you earn it, you are my queen."

Leaning up, I let go of her hair. Looking down on her. My face through the entire ordeal unchanged. Emotionless. I wasn't called the Demon for nothing. I wasn't called Blackheart because I was lively. I had earned my place in this Galaxy. Now it was time for her to learn of where she was, and how to advance. If she didn't she will die as a my personal queen.

[member="Aida"],

 

[Morgana Forceborn]

As [member="Nickolas Imura"] put the saber away Aida had a breath of relief. It didn’t last, however, before he grabbed her hair and forced her to look him in the eyes. She gave a little yelp of pain before seeing those crimson eyes looking into hers. She felt the burning sensation of his gaze looking right through her. It felt like looking into a fire without any protection over her face. She wouldn’t help but feel herself cracking.

His words had seeped into her with every syllable. She shook and shivered, fearing if he’d do anything else while he spoke. It was clear she was being put in her place before she even had the opportunity to break from it. The fear of making one little mistake would keep Aida from making any.

When he let go of her she nodded while saying “Yes, sir.” As respectable as possible.

Deep down Aida was shivering like a kitten facing against a wolf. She now understood what sort of man she was dealing with and didn’t want to come anywhere near his bad side.

 

[Garza]

I had broken a part of her. I showed her my dark colors. How much of an ass I could be. She now understood that I was a God to her eyes. She would obey, or die. Only choice, and no second chances. Being very forcefull now, I threw my right hand forwards to start her walking after she said yes sir. Walking then while all the eyes were on me. Watching my actions. A few whispered, others had saucers for eyes. Each one of them had at least a sliver of fear that I may do something to them. However, I pushed open the door and walked through. As the doors closed behind us, A luxury speeder zoomed up to the side of the building. The door opening to get in.

Flinging my hand forward again, I thrust her inside to sit down. While I was not really mad at her, nor angry, I acted as such to prove a point. And it worked.

Closing the door with a wave of my hand, I spoke to the driver.

"Docking bay 38-C in level 8. Fastest possible."

A short nod and we were off.

[member="Aida"]