Every woman needs clothes to dance

[Garza]

L I A N N A
DANCE STUDIO

Standing outside the studio, I was dressed as a bodyguard. A light yet militaristic uniform. Simple Tir blaster, and a lightsaber. Just enough to show I was clearly here as a guard for the new face of Cerberus Enterprises. It was once a company purely based on gathering materials, and making unique gear for those who worked with Nickolas Imura. Now that is he gone, I took over as CEO. With my apprentice, Thalia as the representative and the face of the company.

Hence why she made a meeting with one [member="Joza Perl"] about her own dance studio. One that Thalia took in interest to. Thalia was always trying to be a healthy young woman. One who did things such as Kata, and Yoga, and general exercise to keep herself in shape for training, and to keep her body and mind healthy. I was okay with her learning how to dance, as long as we didn't end up having a cage or a pole installed in the ship. Honestly, I was fine with it. Not as a perverted mind, but as a teaching mind. She needed to open up herself to different cultures. If this meant dancing, then so be it.

Turning to me, she smiled in her own little get up. Hair pulled back in a ponytail, that was folded in on itself to look like a cross between a bun, and a tail. It looked professional, yet laid back. For her being as young as she was, it looked good on her.

"Anything else before we enter?"
"No."

Shaking my head as I spoke, I opened the door for her as though I really was playing the part. Letting her into the studio. The "lobby", as small as it was, remained empty. Off hours, or just no active sessions at the moment, Thalia made her way to the back. The Dance Floor echoed from my heavier footfalls that almost drowned out the soft pads of Thalia's feet. Stopping at the edge, She rapped her knuckles on the wall.

"Hello, Miss Perl, are you here?"

 

[Joza Perl]

Seeing as how she technically wasn’t allowed out onto the battlefield and going after slavers would be in poor taste due to her current condition, Joza put more of her energy into Heartbeat House’s growth. The effort showed, as the Zeltron was seeing a surge in requests for dancers, lessons and the like. Her little dance studio was taking off, and it brought a sense of pride back to the woman.

She’d stepped out for a couple of minute to pick up some groceries, returning through the back entrance of the studio to find her pair of guests waiting. A curious look spread across her face as she set the plastic bag down to the floor, followed by a warm smile. “Yes, I’m Miss Perl. What can I do for you two?”

While there was nothing inherently hostile about the dancer—she was all softened features and smiles—her warrior instincts took note of the large man. He was armed, though not heavily. Perhaps he was serving as some sort of muscle for the young woman? Wouldn’t be the first time, and she tilted her head towards him. “Sir? I’m going to have to ask you to remove your shoes. Can’t have you scuffing up my floor.” She flashed him a bright grin, not intending to sound rude, but firm.

[member="Atheus"]

 

[Garza]

The woman was dressed semi-casual. With the bags of groceries I could gather she just came back or was needing help with getting the rest of the stuff in. However, With how much she was carrying, it looked to be she was fine. She was powerful in the force. She could likely feel the darker taint of myself, and the neutral or even light hearted complexion of Thalia. She was a smart lady. And likely could put two and two together. However, I wouldn't answer that question that could come up.

"Yes Ma'am. We came to talk to you about your dancers. We know that some people who come here are not from the greatest of backgrounds, or find this studio as a place of solstice. We want to help with that."

Thalia did well. Her voice was formal, but not commanding nor anywhere near close to authoritative. To me she seemed a little passive. But that's me. A force user who uses Battlemind, Force Rage and Djem-So. Highly aggressive. Taking this into account, I looked to the woman as she mentioned for me to take off my boots. Realizing I was standing on a surface that was meant to stay smooth, I bowed apologetically.

"Forgive me, My guard can be quite forgetful at times. He will accommodate your requests. Is there anywhere we can speak other than the studio floor?"

As Thalia was speaking, I stepped backwards towards the sectioned off lobby and sat down on a chair still facing into the studio to take off my boots. Taking off the layer of cover of the straps, and then untying them. Removing them revealed a rather thick pair of socks that were actually quite clean. Taking my combat boots, I picked them up and carried them to be resting behind the lobby table. Leaving them there, I moved back into the studio. Feeling a little naked dressed in all my gear, but not wearing boots?

"Ma'am, if you still have groceries, I can gather them for you. Just tell me where they should be kept."

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza tilted her head as the young woman spoke, taking in everything about her—tone, posture, even the feelings that radiated from her, the reading of which came naturally to her. Sometimes built-in empathy came in handy, enhanced by Force training. But she stayed out of this girl’s mind, figuring that there was no need to pry…and that it would be rude.

“You want to help with the source of my clientele?” Her tone was not accusatory, though firm—though she was careful not to close herself off. Dance instructors were supposed to be open and smiley, right? When the guard complied with her request, she gave a short nod of approval. “Thank you, but this is all I have with me. If you’d like, you’re more than welcome to put these in the pantry through there.” Holding up the bag with one hand, she pointed to a small side-door with the other. It wasn’t much, just a few items to likely supplement meals between larger grocery trips. Some cans, a few vegetables and a loaf of bread. “It’s not required though. You don’t have to.” She gave him an apologetic smile before turning back towards the woman who addressed her.

“I myself happen to come from a not so great background. Now I’m curious, what is it that you’re here for, Miss…?” Trailing off, her gaze slid from the woman to her body guard, implying that she didn’t know the name of either of them.

[member="Atheus"]

 

[Garza]

"Correct, but sometimes, everyone needs a hand."

As with the semi-okay of the woman, I moved towards her to relieve her of the bags she carried. I bowed my head slightly as a sign that I would take care of it. As much as this was a "Man's Galaxy" we men had to treat women with respect. They are the ones who gave birth to us, who fed us when we were children, and as adults. Everyone has a purpose. No need to treat people poorly just because of where they came from. I knew all to much on that. Either way, I finished by grabbing the items as Thalia began to speak once more.

"Apologies, I am Thalia, and my guard is Atheus. I am the spokesperson for Cerberus Enterprises, and we might have an idea for your employees."

I began to go to the cupboard in which the food was stored. Even before I put away anything, I made sure to find where the correct items were. Putting the bread on top with the cracker, and other wheat items, can goods together. and the veggies kept in their separate bags to resist pests from getting them, or getting moldy quite as fast. Placing them with the others as well. Once again, Thalia spoke. I had a feeling she might be a great orator at some point. No doubt with her background.

"As any girl may like, she likes clothes. Ones that fit her style, and fit for what she needs. First off, We want to donate some credits to your operations to help those in need. Be it clothes, food, or other necessities. Secondly, we ourselves want to make a clothing line for you. One that would be... different from your average looking clothes."

Thalia seemed in her element. She was genuinely excited to be speaking with Joza. While she had only given our first names out as of now, it was because we never really used last names. Considering both of us were Hellyni, we looked a lot alike, aside from my face being hidden. I wasn't sure if she had met Nikias, or Akhilleus. Both brothers, and kings to my native country. However Thalia, was of another house. One that ruled over the people of Spathi. Hence why we didn't completely reveal ourselves.

Feeling the inklings of the dark side within the Zeltron woman, I had a feeling she too, had skeletons in her closet she didn't want out.

[member="Joza Perl"],

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza gave Atheus—now that she knew his name—a tight, polite smile in thanks as he retrieved the groceries and went to store them. As the guard disappeared into the back room, Joza turned back to face Thalia, appraising the younger woman with curious eyes.

This was certainly strange, but she’d walked into stranger.

“I’m not sure that I follow,” The pleasant tone never once left Joza’s voice, and she managed to keep the edge from it. “Certainly your donations of food and credits would be of benefit to a homeless shelter, not to a dance studio. If you’re worried about my rent, then you’ll be happy to know that it’s paid in full each month.” A brow arched as her head tilted towards the storage room. “I live in an apartment above the studio, as do several of my dancers. It’s not uncommon for us to use the pantry as overflow storage.”

Thalia was right, and that’s what worried Joza. Very very few people knew of Heartbeat House’s alternative identity as a safe house for runaway slaves, and it needed to be kept that way. Rapidly, the Zeltron would start going over a mental checklist—who knew, who they could have gotten this information from, and what she might have to do about it. The thoughts lingered like smoke.

“As for your second point,” Joza shifted her weight onto her right hip. “You’ve caught my interest.” Her posture and tone indicated that she was indeed curious, and that Thalia was encouraged to continue with the details.

[member="Atheus"]

 

[Garza]

Thalia smiled lightly as I entered. Responding to the Zeltron rather well, she was the one running the show.

"It's simply a donation. Nothing more."

As she was speaking, Thalia pulled out a datapad. Activating it and then handed it Joza. Her face seemed to brighten as she did so. This was her brain child. She wanted to help out where she can. Its her nature. While I personally wouldn't have done this, I found that I too, smiled at the prospect of this. Even more so with Thalia being so Happy in being able to maybe change somebody's life.

"You can see that these cloths range in many different designs. What's different, is that we were hoping, to use a portion of Zeltronian blood within an Alchemy process to have the clothes release pheromones and make your dancers look more enticing, sexy, and beautiful. You yourself know how useful pheromones can be. Hence why we came to you about it."

Looking around, simply moving my head and eyes alone, I could see many different ways someone could break in here. But they didn't. Either this woman was "scary" enough to do so, or they respected her to not act in such a way around her. I could feel her in the force. Something was off with this woman. I couldn't quite place it. Either way, I let it slide for now.

[member="Joza Perl"],

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza returned Thalia’s smile. “I can’t accept any credits without providing a service. Thank you though, you’re very generous.” Her voice retained her firm yet polite tone, shifting her focus to the datapad that was handed to her.

Joza’s eyes sharpened as she scrolled though the designs before finally humming in approval. They’d passed the fashion test, and she could see herself picking out some of these items in a boutique for herself. And when the alchemized shoe dropped, up went her eyebrows.

“You plan to use alchemy and pheromones to enhance the attractiveness of the wearer, and you’d like to use my blood? Is that correct?” Her eyes drifted between Thalia and Atheus, but it wasn’t clear what she was looking for. Joza didn’t doubt the use of alchemy—she dabbled in it, enough to create a hair pin that kept the wearer’s hair looking good. Combining pheromones with it would be trickier, and something she hadn’t considered until now. “If I agree, how would I be compensated for the use of my pheromones?”

[member="Atheus"]

 

[Garza]

Thalia smiled a little at the humble act of the Zeltron. Not accepting credits because she didn't earn it. I guess she was a person who would work for free if it meant helping someone she cared for. Or someone who really needed it. The person who would likely be a good friend at heart, and maybe a little more if you play your cards right around her. Thalia understood that this woman wouldn't accept the credits. So she left it.

I watched as the woman seemed to really like the idea. Even more so when she looked at the clothing. Which, I felt good to see that expression on her face. Knowing that Thalia had designed them herself. Thalia beamed as she saw the woman's reaction.

"That's the thing Ma'am. They are yours. Yours to sell, to use, to gain a profit on. Of course we will get a small portion as a provider, But they are yours to use as you wish. We provide, and they are yours to use."

Stepping forward, I pointed at the tablet the woman held, and decided to put my voice in.

"The tools, and gear the CEO creates can make or break a battle. He has decided to help you to fight on a different front. He want's to help those in the fight, as well as those who are at home, just wanting to make a living."

Stepping back, I saw Thalia nod to me. Then turned back to the woman to see her reaction, and how she would take it.

[member="Joza Perl"],

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza let the two speak without interruption, gears turning in her head. It was clear from the look on her face that the Zeltron was thinking hard, gaze sliding between Thalia and Atheus as she appraised them both before responding.

“This is a tempting offer, I won’t lie. But I have to ask, why me? What does your company have to gain from putting the development into this product, only to release control to me?” It seemed vaguely suspicious, but the fact that she hadn’t insisted they leave spoke of her interest.

The woman crossed her arms over her chest, posture indicating that they speak honestly as she had done so with them. She did not inherently think that they were trying to trick her, but needed to quell her doubts.

[member="Atheus"]

 

[Garza]

Thalia furrowed her brows at the woman as she asked what would be in it for us. She genuinely thought we just happened to have a Zeltron who was able to release pheromones in a Dance studio. Sure, she may have been partly right, but there was a reason I had picked Joza. Stepping forward, I bowed my head a little.

"You are powerful in the force. You have dealt with the dark side from how I could feel the taint on your presence. However, there is a light about you. Something most others don't hold. Your previous connection to the dark side, as well as the current connection you have will aid in the process of this clothing. Your blood will make a better connection than any random Zeltron off the streets."

Smiling a little, I decided to press my luck.

"Miss Joza. You dress in very simple clothing when you went out. You are wearing simple shoes and slacks. Meaning you are laid back currently. However, from the lack of people I see at your studio during open hours, you aren't teaching a whole bunch of lessons right now. You are very relaxed, yet the food you have in the pantry is not just for people to eat when they need it, but because you need it. You are stocking up."

I smiled lightly under my mask, and she would see it in my eyes knowing I was at least on the right path.

"Let us not forget, whoever gave you your gift, was plagued with the Dark side. That corruption in the force will, and has seeped into your own veins as you share with this gift. This connection to the dark side of the force at this deep of a level would create a very powerful concoction of pheromones for us to use."

Thalia looked at me with a completely shocked expression. One that was clearly meant to not be seen by our future co-worker. However, I placed a hand on her shoulder, and she shook her head. I bowed my head towards the zeltron woman.

"You need trust from us. A solid form of commitment that this deal is not too good to be true. If you would like, I will show you who I am. It's the utmost sign if respect to reveal one's face among my kind. Only two other people have seen my face. One stands before you."

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza’s chin tilted up a little bit as the man stepped in, mouth forming into a thin line as he spoke. Suspicious? Perhaps a little. She still didn’t understand why they wouldn’t simply sell the product themselves and pocket most of the profit, whereas she should be the one getting a smaller cut for use of her blood. Depending on how much blood she needed to give, of course, but that wasn’t the issue.

This man started to analyze her—verbally conveying his observations. A brow arched. Was he really reading so much into a simple grocery trip? At the mention of her gift, Joza’s body froze. It wasn’t as if she’d done much to mask the presence of her pregnancy, nor did she care if others knew. But to have this man she’d only known for a short time bring it up in such a manner, pertaining to business…insinuating that her child was corrupt with Dark sided cells! It could be true, of course, considering that the father is a Sith, but it wasn’t something an expectant mother liked to hear.

The fleeting urge to strike the partially masked stranger in front of her surged through her mind, but it was quickly dismissed. At once, Atheus and Thalia would notice how the woman’s demeanor went from pleasant to firm.

“I would suggest you move back over that line you just crossed, Atheus. Do not bring my child and Force alignment into this.”

Still, she hadn’t suggested they leave, a sign that she still had interest in this deal. But the needed to be level with eachother, and Joza wasn’t going to do them the disservice in pretending that she was alright with everything. At the man’s offer, she pursed her lips before shrugging her shoulders.

“Very well. Where are you from?”

[member="Atheus"]

 

[Garza]

As the woman spoke, telling me not to cross the line, and her firm and rather angry form was very apparent. Her voice was clearly the same way. I knew that she was biting her tongue and holding back the idea of fighting. However, I found it quite fitting. She needed to know what I knew, and to see that I already had plans ahead that needed some portion of her to participate. Reaching up behind my head, I released the clasps, and tore at the mask. The leather creaking as I removed it from it's stiff position. My voice now didn't sound so muffled, and actually sounded rather different.

"I go by the name of Atheus. A name I took up to hide myself from the galaxy as a Hellyni. I lived on Hora for a time. You may know of my kings Nikias, and Akhilleus. I know that they have come before me with various groups of people."

I held the mask there in my hand, I wanted to get something clear.

"I never meant to cross a line. Only to show you I had previous information, and a finite ability to read others. You are someone who has this secret of your child. I have the secret of my identity. I show you a sign of respect and faith, and expect you to keep yours in return. Your child has a connection to the force that I can feel even now. That connection is what I want. Not your child. There is no reason for me to insult you or bring you under the spotlight if you don't want to be."

Taking the mask, and replacing it back onto my face, I reattached the clasps.

"I have a reasons for my actions Miss Joza. Now, You want special clothes for yourself and your dancers. You get to sell them, and we provide them. You will reach more people in much more places than I can. Hence why they are yours to do with as you wish. Sell, use, or burn them for all I care. Will you provide us a sample of your blood, or will we be looking for someone else?"

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

As the man removed his mask, a spark of surprise lit up her eyes. He looked…very similar to Haytham, the father of her child. The man who she’d had a terribly confusing and passionate on/off relationship for so many years. Though their alignments were dissimilar, it wasn’t as if they completely different. Hellyni did have a tendency towards the Dark, after all.

That’s right. He was a Hellyni from Hora, the same planet her close friend Nikias and his half-brother Akhilleus were from. She’d been there a number of times, even helping Akhilleus ascend to the throne after his brother’s death. Nikias’ uncle, Cadmus, had considered her a part of the family seeing as how close she was with his nephew. Extending a hand slowly, she sought to grip Atheus by the chin—softly, and nothing about her movement was aggressive.

Should he not back away or swat at her, Joza would gently tilt his head from side to side, examining him with an almost clinical gaze. “Yes, you’re a Hellyni. I can both see and feel it now. Shame about Nikias; he was like a brother to me.” The death of her dear friend had torn her up inside more than she’d reveal in any sense to this near stranger, as the two shared a platonic, familial love.

She had to wonder though, if he was trying to intimidate or impress her with his observations about it. This display grated on her nerves, but outwardly she appeared calm and curious. “Again, you’re bringing the child into this. Connection or not, its poor form and you already know how I feel about this. I don’t believe you’re after the child itself,” A smirk dusted her lips at the thought, sickening as it was. “But you could have just stuck to going after me and my…what was it you called it? Tainted presence?” Her lips pulled upward into a bit of a twisted grin and she idly licked the lower row of her teeth. She and the child were one, this she knew. A vial of her blood would contain fetal DNA to a certain level, and by proxy, the child’s connection.

She never pretended to be a pristine presence in the Force, anyhow. Tainted was the right word. Scratched, cracked, imperfect. It made her who she was.

As irritated as Joza had been in the beginning, she seemed more at ease. A laugh of amusement bubbled in her chest, and she released Atheus’ chin. “Your woman is a good orator. You should be proud.” Her gaze slid to Thalia in acknowledgement before returning back to the large man before her. Arms crossing over her chest, she flicked her head back slightly in order to keep her bangs out of her eyes. “Very well. Do you have any paperwork for me to sign or…?”

[member="Atheus"]

 

[Garza]

The woman came close to me as I spoke. Bringing up her child. Even mentioning for me to drop it. Which I did. She then tried to flirt? Maybe. Either way, her words rang true in my ears. She realized I was Hellyni. And gave condolences for my previous kind's passing. Part of me wanted to just blurt out that they died because they weren't strong enough, but from the woman's words, I could tell that she took it to heart. I already messed with her feelings once. I didn't want to chance it again.

She continued to mess with my face. Looking me over as the woman gave her praise, Thalia grinned a little. She blushed a bit to hear that. Turning back to the Zeltron,

"If you would like something to sign, we can do so. These are your items, and your blood. Otherwise, we just need a sample."

Thalia already flying with her fingers over a datapad she pulled out, Then handed it to Joza.

​"Unlike Atheus, I came prepared and had something for you to sign. It's just a forum stating that we are providing you the clothes and you give us a sample with your permission, and the clothes are yours to sell or to do with as you wish."

I rolled my eyes at her comment of coming prepared. I was prepared to. I mean, I could have just forcefully taken the blood from the woman, but that would have 1, been bad for company guidelines. 2, bad influence on Thalia, and 3, I wanted Joza to be alive. I found her intriguing and wanted to see what else was more about her.

"What forms of contact can we reach you by, and is there anything you want from myself, Thalia, or the company?"

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza hummed in approval at the other woman’s preparation. Taking the datapad, she glanced over the consent form, scrolling through to get the gist of it and ensure that she wasn’t agreeing to any hidden clauses. Everything looked to be pretty standard, and so she provided a digital signature along with her contact information.

“Hm. Nothing comes to mind now, but I’ll let you know if any future needs arise.” Handing the datapad back to Thalia, her hands came to rest idly on her hips. “Alright then, how much blood do you need from me? My left arm has better veins than my right.” Of course, her right arm didn’t have any veins. All it had was synthflesh, phrik and a lightsaber crystal. Bending her organic arm, Joza tapped at the veins that rested in the crux of her inner elbow. “See? Good rebound. It’s where I usually get blood drawn from when I need work done.”

[member="Atheus"]