Private Deceit and Debauchery

[Kino Khath]

Music:

Spoiler

CLUB RAPTURE, SLEHEYRON
LATE


​

The city centre of Sleheyron's thriving capital was engulfed in a wash of luminescent neon and the cacophonous commotion of street marketeers, urban recreationists, sleazy dealers, comfort peddlers and vagrant gamblers. Around every corner, blinding lights, sounds and scents from club-goers, street food stalls and everything else in-between attacked the senses endlessly. It was intoxicating to those who had the stomach for it, and dizzying for everyone else. Questionable deals and shady exchanges took place openly everywhere on the street here, in this utterly lawless land governed only by the strong and those with enough money to hire a private battalion of mercs. As such, it also proved to be a battleground for those wishing to dominate and carve their own kingdom of crime out across the planet.

One such individual was Kino Khath, the self-proclaimed 'Provider of Pleasures', whose cunning and cruelty had allowed him to establish the foundations of something great. Shining like a beacon of ecstasy amidst a land of despair, struggle and scum, stood Club Rapture, a testament to Kino's two years of hard work in the city, and then some. It dominated the downtown landscape, with bright lights and echoing music thrumming outward from beyond its large neon entranceway and spilling into the high street upon which it so resolutely stood. Elegant and modern, the building that was refurbished from an abandoned opera house exuded its message of pleasurable recreation.

If one were to venture in - assuming, of course, they were on the exclusive guest list - one would find themselves engulfed in a space utterly removed from the urban storm outside, and immersed in a world of heightened sense. Sensuous purple lights, scantily-clad dancers of all genders and species for all tastes, and the finest original cocktails available in the Outer Rim. The place was undeniably clean for a nightclub, diligently kept in order under instruction by its stern proprietor. As one entered the main central area of the club, they would see the masked silhouette of a DJ providing thumping rhythms and atmospheres that echoed around the building to produce endless euphoria to the attendees. Flanking all around the DJ station on all floors were even more lovely dancers, whilst the outer perimeter of the room was a single, looping bar manned by over a dozen staff manically attending to thirsty patrons. If one venture up to the third floor, one could even indulge in the highest quality designer narco-spice variants this side of Alliance space, whilst enjoying a dance from one of the many available beauties in one of the club's private booths (under the close scrutiny of club security, of course).

It was on this third floor within a darker, quieter corner reserved only for VIPs, cordoned off and guarded stoically by a goon with muscles that were far too large, sat a scarlet-skinned Pureblood Sith, armed resting on the back of the sofa upon which he sat. He was muscular, bald and possessed an impressive beard of tendrils expected of his rare species. Sitting closely against him on either side, two young, slender Twi'leks - one male and one female - whispered sweet things in his ears, tracing their fingers along his body. In return, his fierce crimson eyes revealed nothing, but watched closely as his guest sat across the table that held their drinks.

The Duros was shaking as he could feel the pressure mounting up around him.
"I told you, Khath," he nervously said in his own tongue. "The Syndicate will up its export tariffs if you don't settle down. This won't do you any good."
"Fuck the Syndicate," he said with a stern ferocity that cut through the air, his eyes burning with hate. "If your people really want me out of their hair, tell your boss to come get me himself, instead of sending his little disposable pups every time." The Duros stood up in outrage.
"You won't get away with this, you sack of-" He was abruptly interrupted by a durasteel blade swinging through the air and landing delicately against his neck. Kino's personal guard Hark, a huge beast of a man who had been sitting silently just out of view, emerged from the darkness brandishing his blade against the guest. Kino leaned forward.
"No, I think I will," he told him with full authority. He stood, moving his face up to the Duros', and his voice whispered in gritty tones. "If you, or any of your people come here again, Duros, or if you even attempt to increase tariffs, you will have a war, and it will be a war you will lose. In fact, I may just rip your boss apart with my bare hands. Tell him that, will you?" The Duros was shaking.
"S-sure, Kino. Y-you got it, man. I will. I will." He was on the verge of crying.
"Better not see you here again. Get out." The Duros fled out of sight before anyone could scarcely breath. "Fucking amateurs," he said under his breath as he returned to his warmed seat. "Get me another," he told Hark, raising his glass. Hark dutifully took his glass and hurried to the closest bar on the floor, as Kino settled back into the attentions of the two scantily clad beauties that flanked him, awaiting his next appointment.




TAG: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery entered Club Rapture with the grace of a predator and the allure of a star descending into a galaxy of neon and chaos. Her white blouse was fitted, yet modestly undone just enough to draw eyes without giving too much away. It was tucked neatly into her leather-like brown pants, which hugged her form in all the right places, accentuated further by the straps and buckles that added a tactical edge to her otherwise charming outfit. Her knee-high boots clicked softly against the polished floor, a subtle rhythm drowned in the pulsating music that flooded the club.

Her hair was tied back into a high ponytail, cascading down her shoulders and back, a practical yet undeniably attractive look that left her face fully exposed. Her glowing amber eyes, framed by faint scars that spoke of battles past, swept across the room with calculated purpose. The vibrant lights of the club reflected in her gaze, giving her an almost ethereal quality as she moved deeper into the sea of dancers and patrons.

She ignored the whispers and lingering stares from various club-goers as she approached the bar, her presence commanding without needing to try. She ordered a drink she had no intention of finishing and leaned casually against the bar, her posture relaxed but her senses keen. The club was an intricate maze of sound and sensation, but Valery wasn't here to be swept away by it — she was here for Kino Khath.

Through the chaos, her sharp eyes found him on the third floor, seated in the VIP section and flanked by his Twi'lek companions. Even from this distance, the air of authority and danger surrounding him was palpable. Valery adjusted her blouse slightly, ensuring she struck just the right balance between approachable and enigmatic, then made her way toward the guarded staircase leading up to his private corner.

As she approached the oversized goon stationed at the base of the stairs, she smiled warmly, her voice honeyed but firm. "I'd love an audience with Mr. Khath." She smiled in a way that was hard to resist, and hoped this guard would not stand in her way. If he did, she'd have to find an alternative way to draw his boss' attention.

Not that she'd have any trouble doing that.

Kino Khath ​

 

[Kino Khath]

Music:

Spoiler

​

Cheering came from the first floor as a female announcer hyped up the crowd below. DJ Syn brought the music into a darker and more atmospheric tone, before dropping in heavy basslines and savage drums. The crowd became feral, moving relentlessly to the new music. Some of the guests from the second and third floor leant over the balcony to get a better view of the evolving accompanying visualisations, whilst others simply gawked at the dancers some more.

Someone was coming, the buxom figure of a stranger was peeking past the burly guard into his booth. Despite the cacophanous noise of the club, her voice cut through even from several feet away. Something was strange about her, but he couldn't place what, and his fierce eyes rested on her in curiosity. Nevertheless, he said nothing, did nothing, and allowed his men to take care of it.

The large, dark-skinned human guard loomed over the newcomer, emotionless and still. Despite being inside, he wore dark glasses that obscured his eyes. A black vest barely kept itself latched to his intense muscular frame, but the black leather coat that hung over him offered more than enough breathing space, plus plenty of room to hide all manner of gadgets and weapons entirely concealed. He raised a flat, gloved hand towards the woman, a firm gesture to keep her distance and not to even think about trying anything funny.

"Name?" he grunted, as if it was the only word he knew. Kino watched keenly in silence.





TAG: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's amber eyes sparkled with faint amusement as she let her gaze linger on the guard. The sheer size of him, the dark glasses hiding his eyes, and the strained fabric of his vest all painted the picture of someone formidable — someone not to be trifled with. Yet, there was something about him that made her smirk, a flicker of appreciation crossing her face before she tilted her head, her ponytail shifting slightly with the movement.

"Name?" he grunted, his deep voice cutting through the music.

Her smirk widened into a charming smile as she took a slow step closer, the sound of her boots barely audible over the pounding bass. She deliberately allowed her gaze to drift up his broad chest, the gloved hand he'd raised, and finally to the shadowed edges of his face.

"Aria," she purred softly, offering a fake but believable name. Her tone was smooth, warm, and inviting — an artful balance of confidence and allure. "I have business with Mr. Khath."

As she spoke, she lifted a delicate hand and lightly ran her fingertip up the center of his chest, the gesture subtle but deliberate. The leather of his coat felt cool beneath her touch, but the strength of the man beneath it radiated heat. "You look like you’re good at your job," she added, her voice honeyed but laced with subtle admiration. "I’m sure you know who to let through."

For a moment, Valery let her hand linger, her glowing eyes meeting his hidden ones as she gently tapped into the Force. Her words carried just the faintest touch of influence, a Jedi trick that whispered into his mind and nudged him toward compliance.

"You’ll let me through," she said, her voice calm and almost melodic, the suggestion woven into her words like silk. "I promise, I won’t be any trouble."

Her smile softened, her hand falling away as she stepped back slightly, giving him the space to consider her request. She didn’t doubt her charms or her subtle use of the Force, but she still kept her stance poised, ready to adapt if he proved more resistant than expected. After all, nothing about Club Rapture had suggested an easy night, and these people often made their own demands in return.

Kino Khath ​

 

[Kino Khath]

The hulking mass of muscle eyed her closely, thoroughly emotionless and impossible to read, as he stood like a slab at the entrance. He did not respond to the minor advances, for he appeared to lack the capacity to feel any such sensations she sought to inspire in him. Nevertheless, something did stir in him at the words "You'll let me through." His brow furrowed for all but a second, as if he was forming his first ever brain cell much to his own surprise, as a soft waft of allure seemed to glide from her to him. It was almost dizzying for the hefty fellow. His eyes flitted down her figure once, as a slight heat ran up his spine. He looked closer at her in a state of minor inconvenience and confusion, squinting, and all was still for a moment between them.

His bulky head turned and he looked into the room.
"Boss," came a deep rumble, breaking that momentary stillness between them. "Guest. Has business." Two words in one sentence was clearly the hardest for him to formulate, but with the sudden first surge of inspiration he had ever experienced in his life backing him up, he was just about able to speak it.

"Someone's desperate for your attention, baby," whispered the female Twi'lek into Kino's ear, her voice dripping with desire.
"Should we start feeling jealous?" added the male teasingly. Kino's face twisted in a way that could almost be considered a smirk. His dark eyes scanned her lazily, resting at her boots and working their way back up slowly to her face. With both arms outstretched, he signalled silently with his hands in a single gesture and both of his companions stood up and drifted towards one of the booth's corners. The malformed smirk was stretched a moment longer across his eyes before falling away, but his eyes betrayed any attempts to feign any other emotion, as they maintained a fierce glare.

"I'm popular today," he exclaimed, any space for humour filled only with the vague sense of perpetual distaste. "Aria, was it?" As the guard stepped aside for her, Kino's eyes lingered on her figure for a moment. He gestured her to take a seat on the long sofa that encircled the booth. "Not many have the wit and wisdom to get past Anders here. An idiot with half a brain cell, but can take a round of blaster fire like nothing..." He watched her hungrily, smacking his lips. "What have I done to warrant such a tasty Tarchalian gazelle venturing so blindly into my den?" He bared his yellow-white fangs in satisfaction. In truth, he was deeply curious about whoever this one was. Something about her was strange. She wasn't just flesh on legs like the rest of them, that much was clear to him. But he couldn't place it. One thing was certain, however; she certainly seemed like a tasty snack regardless of who she was.





TAG: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's lips curled into a faint, amused smirk as she slipped past the hulking guard, giving him a sidelong glance. She winked playfully before turning her attention forward, her boots clicking softly against the polished floor as she approached Kino's booth with an air of confidence.

The Twi'leks had melted away to the corners, leaving Kino in his self-imposed throne of power, his sharp gaze watching her every move. Valery didn't falter under the weight of his stare; instead, she matched it with her own, her glowing amber eyes shimmering with faint amusement as she slipped gracefully onto the offered seat.

"Aria, yes," she confirmed, leaning back slightly against the luxurious cushions, her posture relaxed but purposeful. Her smirk lingered, playful and enigmatic, as she allowed her gaze to briefly sweep the booth before returning to him. "And you've trained Anders well. I'd say he's more than just half a brain cell — he has a certain… charm. He was quite fun."

Her tone was light and teasing, but she let it taper off deliberately, leaving space for Kino to chew on the remark however he pleased. She wasn't here to flatter his staff, after all.

Her focus sharpened as she leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting lightly on her knees, and her voice dropped into something silkier, more conspiratorial. "As for why I'm here…" She tilted her head, letting her ponytail shift slightly over her shoulder. "You have something I want, Mr. Khath."

She allowed the words to hang in the air for a beat, her amber gaze locked on his. She could already see the faint flicker of interest in his expression — that subtle spark men like him couldn't hide when they thought a woman wanted something only they could provide. It gave them a sense of power, of control, and Valery was more than willing to let him believe it for now.

"I'm willing to pay for it, of course," she continued, her smirk deepening as her tone remained honeyed but edged with purpose. "Whatever it takes to make it worth your while."

She let her words settle, her demeanor a delicate balance of charm and confidence. Valery knew exactly what kind of man she was dealing with, and she wasn't about to give him more than she had to — but she'd give just enough to keep him intrigued.

Kino Khath ​

 

[Kino Khath]

Kino's ears perked up with fresh curiosity. A flower in need of a saviour, he thought, and he was the one with the ability to offer that helping hand, for whatever price he would name. His eyes betrayed his stoic demeanour as they flitted along her figure curiously, hanging for all of an extra nanosecond across her more... revealing areas. Maintaining a still manner, a voice struck him in the back of his head as if to chastise himself, and he drew in a deep, controlled breath. This one is more than just a flower, he reminded himself, his eyes suddenly locking with hers. There was more to her than meets the eye.

"Drink?"
His upturned his hand in offer, gesturing towards a small rack attached to the wall beside him that held a carefully curated selection of exquisite liqueurs. "What's your poison, Ms. 'Aria'?" His fang-bearing grin returned, unconsciously attempting to reconcile any lapse - no matter how minute and brief - of calculated forbearance that he would never admit to himself. "You can't come to the greatest hive of indulgence this side of the Alliance, and sit with the oh-so-infamous Provider of Pleasures himself, without trying the fruits of his own personal collection. What an honour!" He roared in a single eruption of laughter that subsided immediately. He was over-compensating and he knew it, beating his chest to show off in front of people he already knew would never speak out of line.
"An honour!" mimicked the Twi'lek girl fanatically from the corner in a half-whisper, whose bright young eyes had never broken from her adoring stare towards her employer. Kino's eyes shrunk and darted across to her, and she immediately looked away, slinking back into the dark in ashamed silence.
"So," he continued, returning his gaze back to his guest. "What exactly do I have that you so desperately need? I'm dying to know." She was a smart one, it was obvious, but she was in his domain, and he would do well to ensure she didn't forget that anytime soon.



TAG: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery caught the subtle flicker in Kino's gaze, the brief pause as his eyes trailed across her figure. She knew the power she held, and she wasn't shy about using it. Her smirk deepened, and with a small, deliberate motion, she adjusted the neckline of her shirt, just enough to let the soft fabric dip lower and accentuate her curves. Her glowing amber eyes never left his, silently daring him to look again.

"A drink sounds perfect," she replied, her voice velvety smooth as she leaned back, crossing her legs with practiced elegance. Her posture remained relaxed but carried a deliberate confidence, a signal that she was no damsel at his mercy, even in his domain. As Kino gestured toward his collection, she gestured toward a deep amber liqueur, the choice both refined and sensual.

Kino poured the drink with exaggerated care, his grin returning in full force as he handed her the glass. Valery accepted it with a graceful nod, her fingers brushing his for the briefest moment before she brought the rim of the glass to her lips. As the liquid touched her tongue, she let the Force subtly flush her system, purging any trace of alcohol or potential toxins. Her expression, however, betrayed nothing but delight.

"Exquisite," she murmured, her tone low and alluring. She let her eyes linger on him for a moment before setting the glass down on the table between them, her fingers idly tracing the rim.

"You've built quite the empire here, Mr. Khath," she continued, her voice carrying a tone of admiration laced with intrigue. "A place where secrets are whispered and deals are made." She leaned in slightly, her eyes locking onto his with a knowing glint. "And that's precisely why I'm here."

Her smile turned playful but carried an undercurrent of seriousness. "I'm looking for information on one of your former clients. Confidential, I know," she added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as she leaned just a bit closer, giving him an even more tantalizing view. "But I'm sure we can make a… deal. Something that benefits us both."

Valery's fingers slid slowly along the edge of her glass, her gaze never wavering from Kino's. "What do you say, Mr. Khath? Shall we talk business?"

Kino Khath ​

 

[Kino Khath]

When their fingers brushed, Kino noted the softness of her hand as the slightest tingle murmured along his skin up his arm. Delightful, he thought with swelling satisfaction. He watched closely as she took the drink. He, in turn, reached for his own and sipped slowly with her. His eyes, peering over his cup, lingered on her lips as she brought her drink to them, and an empty smile refracted through the glass.

She spoke with a fresh firmness - subtle and smoky - that both impressed and stirred him from the ennui that had gripped him all night. Kino could see she knew what she was doing, and the air of seriousness about her was deeply intriguing. But there was something else about her that had persisted since her arrival. It was a strange, compelling element to her that he frustratingly could not place. His eyes narrowed as she started talking about a former client. Confidentiality and secrecy was a currency on this planet and for all of the dubious acts he had committed since arriving, there was a certain unwritten code that could only be summed up as 'rats get killed'.

But that said... For the right price, anything can be sold.

He glanced around the room and signalled once with this hands. At once, everyone in the room promptly stood and slinked out into the floor's main area, melting into the crowds beyond. Kino watched as they finally disappeared out of sight, and with otherwise perfect stillness his eyes flitted back to Aria. He took another sip of his drink and and leaned forward.
"Sharing confidential information on my clientele comes with a high price. You understand that, I'm sure. But the question is... Who are you after, Ms. Aria, and what information are you looking for? Some of my clients are rather high-profile. I hope you haven't come here expecting a discount."





TAG: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's smirk softened into a knowing smile as Kino dismissed the others from the room, leaving the two of them enveloped in a tense situation. She let the silence hang for a moment, her glowing amber eyes studying him with a calculated intensity. She understood his hesitation, the weight of trust and currency in a business built on secrets. But she also knew exactly how to play this game.

"Of course, I understand," Valery said smoothly, her voice low and rich. "Confidentiality is a delicate thing, and I wouldn't dream of disrespecting its value." She leaned back slightly, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of her shirt as if to adjust it, but the motion was deliberate, drawing attention as she reached within to retrieve a slim datapad.

With a flick of her wrist, she held it up between them, the dim glow of its interface catching the ambient light. "I didn't come here for a discount," she assured him, her tone carrying a faint note of amusement. "I came prepared to pay what it takes."

Valery set the datapad on the table between them and slid it forward with two fingers, her nails barely touching the surface as it glided smoothly across. The device stopped just short of him, and she leaned in slightly, her eyes locking onto his.

"This is a client of yours," she began, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. "He purchased weapons through you, high-grade equipment with serial numbers that were erased before the transaction was even finalized. I've traced the shipments to certain sectors, but I need more."

Her fingers drummed lightly on the table, the motion precise and rhythmic. "Everything you have on him — transaction records, shipping manifests, communications. I'm willing to make it worth your while."

She sat back slightly, her fingers curling lightly around her glass as her smirk returned. "And I trust you'll keep this conversation between us. After all, a man like you knows the value of discretion as much as I do."

Her gaze remained steady, unyielding but enticing, as she awaited his response.

Kino Khath ​

 

[Kino Khath]

"Discretion is currency here," he told her in half-assurance, knowing that he would indeed maintain secrecy about any deal that may occur between them, but understanding full well that if the right buyer happened to come asking about this, that secrecy could be sold on yet again.

He leaned forward, his pupils shrinking against the blue light as it leaked into the dim booth. Kino squinted briefly as his eyes adjusted in the seconds that followed, and then darted around the screen to absorb the information it held. The information cited, and the images of the weapons in question, all brought to mind one person he remembered well: Kenth Taray, some backwater upstart who made the right friends far too quickly for anyone's liking, but someone Kino himself had taken a special interest in for that very reason. He relished playing an enabler of chaos when he could, and this one was a perfect opportunity for him to slip into that role once again. Taray had very specific requirements, he remembered, and Kino had the means to get them for him. He didn't ask any questions - it wasn't good practice in the weapons market - but he'd never forget that eager and overly-ambitious grin that seemed permanently melted onto his rat-like face. Kino couldn't help but smile as he thought about how utterly insufferable he was when dealing with him, recalling how ever at the time he just knew his brazen ambition would sooner or later catch up with him.

"Yes," he finally said, leaning back again and eyes drifting back up to her. He was cool and collected, thoroughly relaxed with the assurance that he knew exactly what it was she wanted, and he held all the cards. "I know your man, and I can get you the information you need." He allowed the silence to linger between them a moment, as his eyes did the same on her. "But that's a big order, and there would be a lot at stake if I were to just give such sensitive information up like that. What assurances do you offer? What exactly do you propose you can offer me in return?" His sharp eyes watched her closely, taking a moment to savour the outfit she had so strategically chosen to wear tonight. But still, his mind lingered on that certain something about her that endlessly alluded his understanding.




TAG: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's amber gaze lingered on Kino as he leaned back, cool and composed, with that smug air of someone who thought they held all the cards. She met it with a smirk, equal parts amused and challenging, a flicker of intrigue dancing in her glowing eyes. For all his charm and swagger, she could see he was trying to figure her out — trying to pinpoint that something about her that didn't quite add up. It was a dangerous game, but she enjoyed playing it.

"You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Khath," Valery said, her voice low, silky, and just a little too close to a purr. She leaned forward again, elbows resting on the edge of the table, her fingers delicately clasping her glass. The subtle shift brought her just close enough for him to catch the faint scent of her perfume, something soft and floral, a stark contrast to the dangerous edge in her demeanor.

"But I'm not here to waste your time." Her fingers traced the rim of the glass idly, her movements deliberate as she tilted her head ever so slightly, like she was sizing him up. "What do I propose in return?" Her smirk deepened, her tone dropping just enough to draw his full attention. "Let's not pretend men like you don't enjoy being needed."

Valery pushed the glass aside, freeing her hands to gesture slowly as she spoke, the motion punctuating every word. "You get to hold the strings in a transaction like this. I come to you, I ask you for what I need, and you set the terms. For a man with as many resources and secrets as you, I'd say that's worth quite a bit already."

Her voice turned even softer, her words laced with a dangerous edge of honeyed charm.

Valery rose to her feet in a single fluid motion, moving around the small table to close the space between them. She stopped just shy of him in front of his legs, standing tall, one hand resting lightly on her hip while the other gestured to the datapad still sitting between them. "I'm sure I can offer something worthy of your time." Her words hung in the air like smoke, lingering as she straightened back up, deliberately slow, and crossed her arms under her chest, her posture strong but enticing.

Kino Khath ​