Problem Solving

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Location Cheruba, Dallamoor Estate

Cheruba did not hold the same notoriety as Charubah, or Hapes Prime but still located within the Gallinore Reach within the Rifle Worlds it had an advantage access to four hyperspace lanes. Perhaps this was one of the reasons why she was Minister of Commerce/Finance seemed the terms were interchangeable.

Anyhow good to her word she was looking up House Woden what she found wasn't pretty it did read a bit like a Hapan novel. She didn't know if the fall of the house was orchestrated but it was certain that whatever had happen the drafters and history recorders of Iridonia wanted everyone to know their version.

Perhaps it was political and that would account for the change in his demeanor
.
By the goddess he had frightened her not since she was a child with her head filled with tales of pirates had she felt so vulnerable. But almost as quickly as it had happened it had passed.

She didn't need to know the details to carry on a business deal but she had to admit to curiosity. It was a puzzle in her mind that she wanted to solve.
She sent a ship with a servant to invite [member="Zye Woden"] to Cheruba she didn't expect that he wouldn't come. She made sure to send the servant to the Moonlake Hotel and ask for Sir Erin Holmbridge. Was this an alias? Was he rooming with a lover? Or was Zye the alias and this his real name. She would question the servant when they returned.

She drafted the message.

//Salutations Mr. Woden,
Please escort my servant to my home on Cheruba. My ship, The Ereneda will bring you to Cheruba.
D'ucha Dallamoor//

The Ereneda a title given often to the Queens of the Consortium, it meant she who has no equal. The luxury yacht offered every creature comfort as well as a target for pirates. It was meant to impress and entice.

She looked around her family home empty without her parents. She hadn't changed much really the heavy wood furniture constructed from around the galaxy, the deep hues of a rich brown polished till she could see her reflection. Paneling covered the walls of the great room where she would meet with Mr. Woden.

The gold tones of the furniture made the room feel warm welcoming accented by the brightly lit lamps she had to be careful as a Hapan she suffered from night blindness. The room too dark and she wouldn't see anything. Her home was her sanctuary the place where she maintained control and could be herself. It was also the safest place she knew to conduct the kind of business she needed with Mr. Woden.

She kept a gun of command slipped between the pillows of the chair that she favored most and a security detail to safeguard the grounds.

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye looked through his wardrobe, most of what he contained was much worse for wear. He hadn't had a chance since the start of his exile to find much of anything that was worthy of an update to his clothing, besides the tuxedo he wore the night before which had been a splurge, or to have them properly mended. His business wasn't the easiest on clothing.

"I would advise you to re-wear the same article of clothing, it is the most sensible use of the garments considering they are indeed new," said the droid with him.

"That is true, but organics don't take kindly to wearing the same clothing the day after," Zye said with a sigh. The assassin droid with him, SK-1, was almost as old as he. His father had designed the droid to be the perfect calculating hunting companion. It was ideal for finding the perfect tactical situation, but very unideal for the perfect social situation. "Don't worry the funds were not wasted. This potential partnership alone would make up for twelve of them if it works out."

"If is a strong contingency modifier, sir," the droid noted.

Zye rolled his eyes, grabbing a black silken tunic from his luggage, "Have faith in me, SK."

"Faith does not factor into the most ideal equations, sir," SK-1 advised him. The droid watched as Zye slipped on his belt, "I recommend bringing heavy armaments and myself. It is the greatest contingency to prevent an ambush."

"I sense no malice in her," Zye replied tossing his sword on the bed, "I will only bring my blade, you are not​ to tail me."

"That is ill-advised. An ambush is eminent."

Zye shook his head, "There's data at play you cannot access, SK. Besides," his face softened for a moment, "there's something special about this one."

When the servant arrived, they would find Zye alone, save the droid who answered the door. It was designed in the fashion of the old IG-88 droids with the conical head, thin limbs and lanky figure. The room, the servant would likely notice, was organized to a tee, without a single hair out of place.

Zye steadied himself as he followed the servant the last leg of the journey to meet Melanctha. He told himself this was nothing more than another business meeting, another client that he would work for and continue forward. However, he knew the steaks were higher than ever before, and not just because of the amount of funds that were on the line. If he was surprised by the level of luxury before that the Hapes sector had, he was even moreso now. Zye was dressed in all back, a dark silk tunic covered his torso with matching slacks. Across his waist was a short sword, and as if to add to the out-of-the-age look, he wore a cloak and leather gloves that matched his boots. Neither the gloves nor the cloak were for fashion's sake, the Ultraviolet light was deadly to Zye and his kind. As he stepped inside, he removed his hood and offered Melanctha a bow.

"Its good to see you again, Miss Dallamoor," he said, "I would like to compliment you on your choice in interior design. I am used to a much more austere or macabre style."

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Melanctha was notified that [member="Zye Woden"] had arrived. He was dressed appropriately for such a meeting which pleased her. Though upon a closer look she recognized that there were frays and signs of age she didn't care really she was more interested in the man and his skills to fret over a thread.

"I'm so glad you were able to come please make yourself comfortable." A male servant around 15 years of age with dark hair, brilliant blue eyes and a quiet demeanor entered the room offering to take Zye's cloak and gloves.

"Thank you Raden" The young man looked up and nodded. His parents had been killed when the sith attacked Hapes she had taken him in, along with 5 others. They weren't indentured slaves, or even property they were here to work and learn. They were schooled each day on the estate, had their own rooms, and ate with Mel to hear about their days. They were more like her children then refugees.

The Sith destroyed a great many things when they came, but what rose up from those ashes had become more precious than what they took.

Mel turned her attention back to Zye, "Please while we are here call me Melanctha, or if it easier on the tongue call me Mel." She motioned for him to sit.
Kara came from the kitchen a lithe, blonde with deep brown eyes a few months younger than Raden with a tray of finger foods. Following behind her was Isaac his hair almost as white as his skin a few moments in the sun and the boy would scream in pain a condition that was discovered shortly after his arrival. His eyes were milky white and he never seemed to gain weight. Mel was concerned about him she feared that whatever heritage he had something about the mating might end up killing him. He placed a tray with glasses and a pitcher of tea on the table.
He looked hesitatingly at Mel and then Zye bobbing his head as he made sure the tray set down perfectly.

Once the children left Mel focused on Zye.

Where to start, "Problem Solver. What kinds of problems are you accustomed to solving Mr. Woden?" She did not take pretense to call him by his first name without permission. She was raised with some manners.

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye didn't even give the hired hand the decency of a sideways glance. He was used to the help being slaves who were clothed, housed, fed, and in return, used for their skills. And of course, today's slave could be tomorrow's meal if they failed to perform properly. No dbout Names were unimportant, as were appearance. All that mattered was compliance. Zye would have been surprised to find out Melanctha's relationship to her servants.

"Mel it is then," he said sitting across from her.

Tea did Zye little good, nutrient wise. He rarely drank it and the few times he did, the man had the stouter varieties that were derived from native plants of Iridonia. The purpose of those teas were more functional than flavorful, most were stout and potent with a palpable level of caffeine or stimulants. He took the ornate glass in his hands, taking a polite sip. The surprise was evident in Zye's face at the difference in flavor than he had expected.

"No need for Mister," Zye said cradling the warm cup of tea in both hands, "Zye or Woden will do. Back home, I hunted Sithspawn. I killed the worst monsters imaginable on a regular basis. With that, comes a certain set of skills, I am sure you are aware. Stealth, stalking, tracking, and the ability to kill effectively. Assassination, I believe it would be called. Infiltration as well, and theft."

He paused, taking a second sip from the glass of tea. He gathered his thoughts for a moment, deciding how to word his next sentence. He was hesitant to say what he was about to, since it had cost him his family home. "To supplement these skills, I have gained an affinity with the Force to do augment those abilities. The Dark side flows well with my family, and I have been well trained in these dark arts."

She could wait to find out about his lineage later, the vampiric nature of House Woden was something that could make many very uncomfortable. If she hadn't discovered it yet, then she didn't need to.

"Now you know what I have at my disposal, Mel, what can you do for me?"

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

She was pleased with his choice to call her Mel there were so few that did anymore. Most of them had left, or were dead. Another story for another time. She studied [member="Zye Woden"] him though trying to look into his soul so to speak.

"I would like to call you Zye it is a unique name I've never heard before. I pleases me to say it." So she could be a bit presumptuous in some things. Why who knew but it slipped out upon occasion and she failed to realize that it had.

"Sithspawn. I've never seen one I don't think I want to either. My problems are not quite like that." She kept a passive face but behind it all she thought about what she wanted him to do things that the navy couldn't or wouldn't.

Then she swallowed hard and sat back a little further as if he had said something that pushed her away. "Dark side you say." She had some schooling in this so she would speak from what she had been taught and would learn if book knowledge was the same as experience. "Dark side isn't that...I mean wouldn't that make you a sith?"

Was he a Sith? Was he one of the ones that had glassed her world? Had he come here to play some sick game with the Hapan people? She didn't know and she was trying very hard not to be judgmental. She calmed herself now she knew he could read her feelings. feth. Calm. breath. Let him speak and explain don't judge...calm. breath.

She picked up the cup of tea and took a long draw she needed to. She needed something that took her mind off her thoughts.

Before she told him what she had, she really had to have that answer. It mattered to her.

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye gave what was the closest thing he could express to a genuine smile at her commenting on his name. It was the first time someone had complimented his name, and it seemed genuine enough.

"Thank you," he said. He would choose to believe that she meant it well. Besides possibly a little buttering up, there wasn't much she could have meant to do with a simple compliment to his name. "Depending on which translation you go by it has a few meanings; ​insightful, deliverer, or ​skillful hunter."

Knowing his family, they almost certainly named him with the intent being the later.

Zye was glad she didn't know what a Sithspawn was, and certainly not to the degree that he did. What he had seen of the Hapes cluster, even during such a short time so far, made him believe that such a beautiful part of the galaxy didn't deserve such a blight. His throat clenched with the righteous, but controlled rage that had been instilled in him his entire life as he spoke, "Sithspawn are the embodiment of pure evil crafted by cowards who cannot face their enemies themselves. They carry women and children out of their beds in the middle of the night, to feed on their fear and horror as much as their flesh and blood. For thousands of years House Woden has defended Iridonia against this blight, but now," he shook his head, "Now without us, my people are without any protectors at all."

When he said my people​ it was the first time that Zye had ever referred to any individual with genuine care. He was quick to hide it once more. Even though Zye claimed he wanted to return only for his benefit, Zye was well aware of the death that was wrecked by his family's absence. He cared deeply for the Iridonians, even after his betrayal and always would.

He felt her fear through the Force. He could guess that she too had horrible run-ins with the Sith. While his had resulted in underlying rage, hers had resulted in horror. He didn't want her to be afraid of him, not just because of the potential alliance that was at stake. Mel was genuinely different from anyone he had met so far, with a proper mix of refinement, jadedness, practicality, and vulnerability. He set his cup of tea aside.

"I respect you, so I will not lie to you, Melanctha," Zye said frankly, "the dark side runs strong within my family because of our bloodline. My father Ulric has decided to embrace it full-scale and has become a powerful dark lord. My aunt Moria Woden is a strong Witch. She taught me the ways of the Force. But I chose a different path than either of them. I am a Dark Jedi. I use the darkside, but I would never use it as my father does. He desires only power and sees any form of good as weakness. I use the darkness because I feel its draw, but I would never use it for control or evil as he has." he softened his voice from an informative tone to something gentle and inviting, "The darkness is nothing to fear, Mel. Not all of us are evil."

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

[member="Zye Woden"]

It was an unusual name and with multiple meanings it would seem his parents wanted him to have a name that would inspire him to take a path of leadership. That would fit in with what she read about House Woden. They were meant to lead, born to lead and yet..everything in what she read said there was more to it. She wanted to ask she really did but this was a budding business deal and she did not wish to push into personal areas. Areas that did not have an influence on what she wanted him to do.

She nodded, "they gave you a name that gives you presence." and it did she saw how others looked at him the other night something about his manner, the bits of sophistication he showed but more likely they wanted to dance with him. Feel...like she had felt...confident, protected on the arm of someone who knew what they were doing. Some men just didn't dance well.

She felt her blood run a bit chilled when he spoke of the sithspawn vile creatures by definition and action. "I hope I never see one." She thought of the kids and the other families around the Consortium the pirates while not sithspawn surely sounded as if they were related to them. Maybe by blood.

She leaned forward when he said he would not lie she watched his eyes he looked steadily at her, his eyes never dilated, all indications were he was telling the truth. She appreciated this. She listened to his words and knew it should make her feel better she would have to hold judgement for later. If this went to the wrong conclusion. She frowned.

"I'm not sure what say. I" she looked at him again. He was new to her. Everything about him new. But this was no worse than fighting with Jaster over numbers. She nodded, "I will take you for your word that what you say is true." She looked away but turned back and picked up her cup.

"I guess what I will be askng you to do would require a strong position and that all tools used to finish it." She was apprehensive he was such a complicated man one moment his voice so smooth you could melt at its tones, the next he instilled so much fear you had to fight to stay in your seat, but all of this could still be because of experiences. How would she feel if ousted from her house. More than bitter, she'd want revenge.

"The transitory mists are filled with pirates who kidnap our women and children selling them for slaves. And they stop our ships from bringing in needed goods...I need someone who can look at this problem, and get me a conclusion that will...stop all of it, or put enough fear in them to move along." She set the tea down, "this I know requires a lot of funds and time. On a moon not far from Cheruba a small vein of coaxium was found. It has been mined and refined. I used part of it to restore my house and buy some influence."

It was a very small vein happened on by chance but it contained enough that once refined it put her house back in order, gave them what they needed to influence others to their favor, "I offer you 2 of the remaining containers they can be sold on the open market. Will it be enough? You can check current values and let me know"

Now...would he accept and if he did she would ask him his plan.

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye wasn't sure if they had intended it to be that way. Her statement threw him for a loop. He had always assumed that his parents did everything to make him more cunning and useful to them. He thought even that his father conceived him solely with the purpose to make another pawn in his game. But did they really, even for a moment, have a modicum of the natural drive to make their child's life better than their own? It surprised him pleasantly. Zye smiled genuinely, replacing the shocked look on his face, "I suppose you are right, I never thought of it that way."

The worst part, in Zye's mind, about the Sithspawn was how each was different. Some would have massive spike, others would have horrific claws, and still some could shape shift to anything at all. Each was like a nightmare in itself that never ended. He could feel her fear at the thought, so he would spare her those more disgusting details. Instead, he nodded, "That is a goal I have dedicated my life to. So that my children may never see them."

She believed him. She had studied him hard and found that he was telling the truth. He could tell she was still a little on the fence about him, but not why or how. She was torn, and he guessed it was whether to trust him or not. He didn't blame her, considering what Mel told him about the Hapans women so far. It was for that exact reason he had more trust in her than he thought she did in him. If she was going to betray him, then it would have been a foolish gesture to tell him to be wary of her.

"For what it is worth, Mel," he offered, "I do not lie. I'm just the worst liar there is."

Mel warned him that what she would ask of him would require a great deal of strength. He was used to fighting alone against odds that were too strong. When Mel told him about the situation, Zye's mouth twisted into a scowl. His face displayed his anger and irritation at the raiding. His family owned slaves, but that was different. Those slaves had been born into the slavery and they were treated well enough with humane clothing, bedding, food, housing, healthcare, and deaths. He was sure as well that the women and girls taken into slavery were given unspeakable tasks, considering the beauty of the Hapan women he had seen.

"I will take half," Zye said, even surprising himself, "the other can be put into any equipment required and guns that will be required to hire on for the occasion."

He had never undersold himself, if anything, he asked for more. He would have to figure out why he did that later. The hunter mused the hilt of his short sword as he calculated, "Back home there was a particular spawn, the Consumer, who was fond of shifting from appearances of one humanoid to another. It would lure young children out, kill them, take their form and infiltrate families before murdering them. When we tracked it down, all it took was one shot before the Consumer began to flee for miles before bleeding to death." Zye shook his head, musing to himself, "Quite the pity too, I was just starting to enjoy its suffering." He shook himself, "The point is, when struck, cowards that prey on the weak often flee till they die. I will chart the next attack, counter strike these monsters, and make an example that will make everyone flee this planet in terror."

A thought crossed his mind. The vampire gave Mel an appraising eye. He wasn't sure what kind of leader she was. Some preferred to be on the front lines and would lead their people to victory from the front. That was the type of leader he was, "Would you follow me into it?"

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

These negotiations seemed to be going along quite smoothly, problems were discussed and addressed. A form of payment offered and received..but why half? She knew that it would take time, resources, and risk to his life to accomplish what she asked.

She listened to the story about the Consumer it wasn't the content of the story, but the way he told it. She could see a bit of spark to his eyes as he spoke, he had enjoyed hunting the creature, he had even admitted to wanting to watch it suffer for its crimes.

The job had the potential to keep him within Consortium space for quite some time. Perhaps there would be another ball to attend.
He was an outsider and she had been vocal about how she felt about outsiders. So why did she feel a bit of flush to her cheeks.

She was prepared now to argue as to why she should be allowed to be involved, to go along, and participate on some level. When he asked her 'Would you follow me into it?' She felt robbed of her argument, but then maybe, just maybe he was testing her frame of mind.

She still had the opportunity to present her reasons -
"Yes....and if you were to try and tell me why I can't I would tell you first, you don't know you way around like I do, second I'm not a delicate little flower that will break at the first sign of trouble, third I want to see these people first hand to recognize what kind of people think its ok to take away the freedom of someone else and earn a profit from it."

There she had her first three reasons she would wait to see if he tried to counter.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

It was clear she was passionate and adamant about her desire to come with him. They were all valid points as well, but if she had simply said yes, it would have been enough for him. He chuckled, genuinely amused. He didn't know what she expected to see or gain from this. What he had in mind was a horror display that would make even the least civilized sentients in the galaxy squirm.

"Alright, alright, no need to sell yourself," he said amiably, waving his hand. The idea hit him, removing all amusement from his thoughts. Maybe she wanted to see what he did. His face and voice grew somber, "I should warn you what lies ahead, Mel cannot be unsee. It will haunt your darkest dreams, it will change you, and you may never recover from it."

They had an initial plan, they had an agreement, now all Zye needed was to know when and where they would fight. "If you have a record of these pirates' previous strikes, I can determine where we can ambush their next attempt. While I analyze the data, you will want to arm yourself and wear some sort of protection. And if you have any protection I can borrow, Mel, I left mine at home," he gave a deadpan stare, he hoped she would catch his double meaning. He didn't know if the Hapan women laughed, but it was an attempt to lighten the mood with what dangers they were about to dive head-first into. "Also, a verpine shatter gun carbine would be appreciated."

When he was given the data, Zye sat back with his cup of tea in hand, giving it a critical eye. Everyone and everything followed patterns, even the most random appearing of attacks had a method to the madness. The ability to see things through the eyes of the beast allowed him to prepare for their tactics and methods. For cowards like this, that wasn't hard.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

She did not get the argument she thought she would he had merely waved his hand almost in a cavalier manner remarking that she need not sell herself. Well Feth. She nodded, "ok."

His words of caution however she needed to heed. While she had seen much in regards to what people could do to one another she got the impression from Zye that what lay ahead would make everything prior seem almost harmless.

She had to ask herself was she prepared for that? Quite frankly she did not know.

Getting a map of all the attacks was simple enough, she leaned forward and the top of the table before them opened up and revealed a holo table. She handed him a datapad with the data she would reveal on the table
.
"They like the trade routes" the map showed the four routes intertwining through the Rifle Worlds. "They have to transition through the mists in order to get here. If we can find out how they are doing that maybe we can stop them. But it also leaves any of them already in Consortium space here to find ways out, which means they can find ways in."

It sounded almost defeating, "protection for me...I thought you were my protection" then she heard the other part of his comment her mind went 'you should be so lucky' and the other part of her looked down and shook her head trying not to laugh, "If you tell me" she lifted her head, "what type you prefer I'll be sure to have it taken care of" She nodded the corners of her mouth trembling as she controlled her laugh.

Mel covered her mouth then tried to wipe away the telltale curving of her lips. "Verpine shatter gun easy enough to get". She looked at the table again not thinking about the table but about the man sitting on the other side of it.

She could see he was intently studying all the data. Would be able to deliver on riding them of the pirates, even if it was only for a few months, in her mind it was worth it.
"What ship should we use?" She had a few ideas but wondered if he had his own idea about it. Couldn't go stalking pirates in her yacht, she could however dock it at different planets and conduct a little business on behalf of the Queen.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye accepted the holopad in his hand that she offered, with a tap of his fingers he brought it to life, examining the lines she described. They were like trade routes, Zye was almost disappointed at how routine it appeared to be. There was no real puzzle here. They were apparently very confident in their skills and the lack of protection that the locals had. They were too precise as well, missing the caravans that had heavy guards with perfect accuracy. Once or twice made sense, that could be luck. But every time was too good to be true.

"They likely have a man on the ground feeding them information," he mused. It was an uncomfortable thought, but one that Zye wouldn't be surprised by. "For safety, tell no one that we are investigating this together. No one at all. If they find out then the pirates may prepare themselves to take you captive for a ransom."

​I pity them if they try,​ he thought to himself. The man would leave no survivors, but he also wasn't about to take any chances. They would have to take care of the rat later.

"Now you are thinking like a hunter," Zye said as she suggested they find they way they were getting in. They could plug the leak in the system, not just the person feeding them information, and fix all their problems at once. "We can either take a series of captives and question them till we gain an answer, and likely find more of your capture people to free before they are sent to the ends of the galaxy. Or we can target the likely entry point." He zoomed out on the map, watching the routes. He tapped on a bare space between two massive novas in the local area. "That's the spot I would use to get in, its too tight for a pursuit fleet to enter without risking ion damage from the clouds nearby while granting a lot of access to the surrounding routes."

He was her protection, of course. And while Zye was confident he was nearly immortal, he had never worried about his co-hunter's safety. Typically those who hunted with him could be used as pawns to be shredded to death by Sithspawn for a clear shot at the prey. Now, he had to be more careful. "I'm not going to take any chances about you taking a needless slug to the chest. Its a great chest, there's no point in ruining it."

He had to catch himself. Zye had no filter, he spoke his mind. But even still, there was a level of irreverence you could get away with when talking to royalty, and a level you couldn't. He didn't want to find out what that was today. He cleared his throat. "Sorry."

He could tell his humor was hitting home and like anyone else, Zye did like a responsive audience.

"I like them ribbed with pleasure for Him and Her--as thin as possible." he said with a deadpan delivery. And he wasn't exactly lying either. Apparently, even the highest of high born women couldn't help but giggle at a few jokes about a rubber, "It has to be ​at least ​a Wookie XL size. Or it will be too small, Mel. And we can't have my armor breaking in the heat of the moment."

He turned a little more serious at her question about which ship they should use, "These pirates appear to consistently attack medium sized passenger vessels. I suggest we choose one of these, and man the crew with droid. They will attack and board us. The second they think they are on board, we make them wish they'd never been born," he inclined his head towards her, "Unless you have an objection to that plan?"

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

[member="Zye Woden"]

"It might appear simple but it is no simple feat to learn to navigate the mists unless someone in the Hapan navy has sold out for some profit or promised influence." That aggravated her though she could understand it. "me?" She had not taken time to think about that. But would the Queen be affected by her abduction? Would anyone? Oh that was a sobering thought.

A series of captives, she looked at him, "You assume that they will let themselves be taken captive. I'm not so sure that they would. " She peered over to see where he was pointing it was times like this she needed [member="Aleister Grey"] to talk to about the mists and the numerous paths that went through it. He was an excellent naval office and always dedicated to the safety of the Consortium.

"Don't be sorry. But as for my chest I'm surprised you noticed considering how flat chested I've been told I am. So I'll take what you say to be a compliment." She looked down she really did think she didn't have much too offer.

She paused a moment, "if the armor broke .." her first thoughts were it wouldn't matter for beauty doesn't make a guarantee that everything works the way it should. She couldn't finish the comment she needed a moment. She knew she needed to change the subject because it made her cry when she thought about it too much. It was one reason she had all the kids that weren't hers, she'd never be, what did he say....a companion to exchange genetic material with...no..she was broken. Yep..changing subjects.

"Wookie size huh haven't you heard, size doesn't matter." It was a better come back than what she had before and it was surprising that she had come back at all. She was a Hapan but then this was her home she could smile, laugh and whatever anytime.

"A passenger ship I think I can make that arrangement. We will have to journey to one of its drop points then travel back. So that everything looks normal." He was certainly getting responses from her that she had never given others. What as it about him that seemed to be drawing her out?

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye had no doubt that it was a challenge to navigate the Hapes cluster anymore than he doubted the challenge in threading the spire forest back home. The canyon was like a massive forest with spike, tree-like outcropping rising from the ground. It extended for miles and made ideal hunting grounds—or a great place to get lost and die.

“We will have to look into it deeper, these strikes are too coordinated to be random. The fact they’ve never hit a single patrol or guarded caravan is impossible. Even my luck runs out sometimes,” he eyed her, smirking at Mel’s comment. “And it didn’t when I saw your chest. Whoever told you that your flat was jealous and blind; I’d love to look down and see that kind of view. Believe me, it was the sincerest of compliments.”

She mentioned that she doubted these pirates would let themselves be captured. As much as Zye hated to catch rather than kill, they wouldn’t have much of a choice. He knew how to take captives when he wanted something, he always got it. Always.

“I don’t give a damn what they want,” he said flatly. “If I’m taking a captive, I’m taking a captive.”

Her voice trailed off and Zye felt her emotional turmoil. He didn’t know why she felt that way, but he did know he didn’t like it. Normally the vampire was rather indifferent to other’s feelings. What they felt, he didn’t care. They were beneath him. There was a lot he didn’t know in this situation but he did know he didn’t like her to feel troubled. He leaned in, whispering in her ear, “Never underestimate the strength of the Woden Genes.”

Size doesn’t matter. He set the data pad aside, oozing confidence and cockiness. “I’ve never heard any complaints about size,” he shrugged. “Except for being too big. Can you handle that?”

He had to stop. He had to get his head back in the game, to return to the hunt. He had been a hunter for so long it was nice to get a change of pace. The vampire hadn’t quite let down his guard completely, he never had since he was a young child. Never trust anyone his mother had told him, before whipping the boy for doing just that. Every chance he showed weakness it was beaten out of him. But for now, Zye felt safe enough to take a few risks and flirt. He never had before, and was finding he liked it more than he realized.

He nodded as she made the assessments on what would look the most normal. If they were facing a mole, that would be the wisest choice as well.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

"I will see if the Navy has any information on how they are getting their information. It could help" there was a lot of flirting going on it was playful and she didn't know what it all meant but for now in this house she would have fun with it.

Her cheeks were red she was embarrassed but yet pleased that he had noticed. She wasn't planning on a plunging neckline anytime soon but to know that there was some appreciation warmed her spirits.

When he leaned over and whispered she smiled she couldn't help it. "You saying Woden genes have a medicinal property to them?" Had he read her thoughts ot just saying something to help her spirits. Whatever it was she appreciated the efforts.

Now she had to laugh, "why is it men have this preoccupation about size? Besides i can handle anything you have." She blinked as her hand flew up to cover her mouth, my god why did she say that! She wanted to cringe her mouth had literally engaged before she thought about it! By the goddess this was a terrible thing! Why did that happen!!!

She turned back to the maps, "maybe we go a day early to make it look casual. Like we are having a clandestine rendezvous." She felt like she was digging herself a hole. She didnt look up she couldn't her face was red and she didn't know who she was at the moment, this couldn't be the Duch'a Dallamoor the one with all the snippy comments about outsiders!!

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

"I would not recommend asking the Navy," Zye warned her. "Maybe I am just too paranoid, or perhaps you see something I don't, but we don't know where this leak is, and if they are within the Navy, they can misdirect us. Or they could get away."

Or, they could alert the pirates and it all end up going pear-shaped. He could see more dangers from asking the Navy than he could see from keeping their circle tight on that suspected theory. His paranoia took the back seat as Mel's tan cheeks turned bright red. His harmless flirting had clearly struck a chord in a nice way. He felt her appreciation, it was good to know he could make a being feel pleasant emotions. It felt--humanizing.​ It was a small etch against the mountain of destruction and horror he was used to creating, but an etch nonetheless.

"My, my, my, how red we've turned. Surprised to know your assets could bring the world such joy?" he teased. "Why don't we shout it out for all the world to hear, and make the entire galaxy a brighter place," He raised his hands and move towards the nearest window, shoving it open. Unless she moved to stop him, Zye shouted through it into the estate bellow, "Melanctha Dallamoor's knockers are as curved as Varykino of Naboo!"

She asked if the Woden genes had some sort of healing property, he opened his mouth to explain, but caught himself. They did, Vampirika blood could change a being, heal them from certain death, and make them a new subspecies entirely--or kill them horrifically from the inside out. There was a 10% chance it would work, but when it did, it was better than bacta. He wanted to tell her that he could cure her of any disease if he wanted, into perfection and near immortality. He wanted to tell her that he could give her the ability to transcend the petty life of a mortal to what would be considered godhood. He couldn't imagine such a living work of art deserving to rot away or there being anything wrong with someone so beautiful. Instead, his lips curved in a devilish grin, his finger tapped Mel gently on the nose, "You'll just have to find out, now won't you?"

He let out a genuine, surprised laugh as she proclaimed she could take anything he had. His laugh had an almost musical tone to it, but still was loud and strong enough to fill the halls. He had never expected something so bold to come from a woman in such a dainty dress. It took him several moments to regain composure, wiping tears from his eyes. He couldn't remember the last time he had laughed that hard, or at all. He leaned back against the gilded wall, crossing his arms.

"That's a big claim from a small woman," he challenged her, "I hope you don't intend to kiss your mother with that mouth."

It was a plausible enough explanation for them to go early. He found himself smirking at the idea of a little clandestine rendezvous ​with Mel. Something inside reminded him to gear away from that. Business and pleasure were not meant to be mixed. His mind kept telling Zye that, but for once in his long life, his body seemed to have a mind of its own.

"At least buy a man dinner first," he teased. He offered his hand, "I did ask you to show me around the Cluster after all. How long before you are ready for a little ​rendezvous?"​

He hadn't intended to say it with that emphasis, but there it was. He had to get back in control. She was casting some sort of spell over him.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

"Aleister is quite a capable commander and dedicated to the Realm I do not see him as being an inside threat to the Consortium." She could not entertain that Aleister himself was a traitor but now a member of his staff, or the navy that was possible.

She was contemplating the thoughts of the navy involvement when Zye began talking about how read her cheeks were. She put hand to one and yes she was hot she was losing control in front of stranger. Then the unthinkable.

Mortification set in. It was so surreal one moment he was sitting and the next he was up pushing the windows open and she was powerless to stop him! Then the unspeakable he was yelling out the windows! She cringed inside as her mouth dropped open. He was telling them, "Oh no" she rose up and crossed the windows looking out for just a moment.

Oh lord how many were out there, six. She pulled the windows shut. Outside in the yard two or three snickered as they made notes to sell the information not so much about what was yelled but that a man had been in the Duch'a home and clearly they were intimate in some way as he made a proclamation about her assets, a note was also made to look up what was a Naboo varykino. The remaining staff either shook their head and continued their duties, or wondered what did the size of the door knockers have to do with Naboo and their Duch'a?

It was clear Mel had been negligent in telling him about Hapan culture.

She was standing close to him as his fingertips tapped her nose. Wait and find out! Find out what..oh.about..oh..she was all flustered now. What had she done with a single comment, it seemed she had given him a signal of some type. Was she that naïve? Obviously someone must have spiked her tea.

She shook her head she could see how clearly entertained he was. He was laughing. She had made very few laugh it was an odd sensation to know that she could do this. Her stance softened as did her embarrassment. What was she going to do with him?

Her mother. Oh. See he didn't know she nodded at his remark just shaking her head no that she wouldn't be kissing her mother. It would be hard to do that her parents were both gone. When she thought of them she remembered how they would have acted with all this. Well let's face it if they were alive Zye wouldn't be in the house alone with her let alone on Cheruba.

He was offering his hand, she had to chuckle, as she took his hand, "I can arrange dinners very easily I'll make sure you don't starve" Course she didn't know that what he required was nothing like what she required when it came to sustenance.

"Yes I did say I would show you around. We'll take the yacht it will build on this story we are creating to hunt pirates with." The hapan in her was beginning to stir, "I will advertise your presence to the other houses through the visits that way if they are involved they will only see us continuing our little ruse"

Course she did take an appreciative look of him from top to foot. "We will need to update your look, if you are to be seen in my company regularly. Since I serve the Queen's council we can't have tongues wagging any more than they will. Do you agree?" Yes she was offering to buy him clothes. In Hapan society it would not be uncommon for her to do so after all considering the station of men within the Consortium.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

"I trust your judgment then," he said when she mentioned some Naval officer. He didn't know who this person was, but for now, he would have to trust her. Her neck was on the line just as much as his. It wasn't just this man he was concerned about, it was his inner circle, spies could be anywhere and everywhere. His mother was a spy for years, and with it she gave him more paranoia than was healthy for an average being.

She slammed the window shut, but it was clear to Zye she was embarrassed by the action. He didn't want her to feel that by his action, Zye wasn't even entirely sure what he had intended to accomplish with that. Deep down inside he had wanted to show her just how much he had admired her figure. He was almost like a young boy again, the young, reckless boy he had never been allowed to be around women.

"I think we just made the world a happier place," he motioned outside, "they all look happier, wouldn't you agree?"

She mentioned dinner, Zye had to calculate how long it had been since he last ate. Six days, he could feel his body starting to nudge him. He did need to eat soon, and dinner as she understood it wouldn't help him. He could eat what normal beings ate without repercussion of course, though he wasn't too fond of seafood. But that wouldn't sate his bloodhunger. Blood. His mind went to their dance the other night, with how close she was to him, how her heart quickened. He could almost feel his fangs puncturing her soft, perfect skin and taste the warm, rich blood down his throat. He could already tell Mel would be delicious, she took good care of herself. Even now he could feel her elevated pulse, the warmth of her blood was so close, and in the privacy of this moment, with how close she was, he could easily feed before anyone could stop him...

Zye realized he was staring intensely into her eyes, and likely with a primal hunger that she probably couldn't guess its true meaning. How could she?

"I can't wait," he said at last.

And now they were back to their plan. Zye pushed his hunger into the back of his mind again. He didn't know how much longer he could suppress it. She made valid points. Zye wasn't as clean and crisp as he had been before. He wasn't sure how he felt about being what most would call "the girl of the relationship," only because he had been taught his whole life to be self-reliant. He was used to paving his own way, anything handed to him had strings attached. Out of the corner of his mind, a voice whispered, ​whats the catch?

"Careful now, Mel, you might catch feels with that mentality," he teased. "I do require full skin coverage. A cloak, gloves, long sleeves," he couldn't think of any reason that would make sense besides the truth, "UV rays are especially harmful to my race. Dark colors are preferred, they draw less attention to the person."

They began walking down the corridor. "And if I am going to be interacting with the Hapan people, what should be expected of me?"

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

He trusted her judgement, "thank you, I know it must be difficult for someone who is accustomed to being in charge to let others make a choice for them. Zye let me try to guide you in this. Hapans" She passed an open door for a moment she peered in to see what was happening, the room was empty of people.

"I think some of them are happy they will earn a reward when they gossip about the handsome dark haired stranger bedding the Duch'a." yes they will talk she thought, "we will use that to our advantage."

They walked slowly her hand resting easily upon his she was comfortable now things were easier for her, she felt that in moving about she had a sense of freedom.

"We are isolationists, we have relied upon ourselves for a very long time, made trade deals outside of the Consortium when needed. Women hold the power and positions here, men are appreciated and sometimes can rise to offices of power, like Aleister. I am known for my mistrust of outsiders. Your being seen with me will make others talk and wonder." She smiled easily now, "They will wonder why, what is it about you that would have me allow you to be near, and of course the assumption that we are more than friends will go without saying. So then they will wonder what has so drastically changed that I've taken a foreigner to my bed. It does not matter that I have not taken you to my bed only that they assume it to complete the illusion."

She glanced over at him, "So I will start spreading a rumor to compensate for that. Which also will be based on facts that a Prince of Iridonia has come with an offer for House Dallamoor and we are spending time together to work out the details. It is simple enough that everyone will believe it. Do you agree?" She didn't want him uncomfortable or to really feel like she had not taken his control away, but on all things Hapan she wished to be the lead to keep them both alive.

She realized he was staring at her she was lost in his gaze as if hypnotized she felt weak in the knees suddenly her breath came in slow rhythmic pants she stepped closer she felt as if she were pushing up with her toes to reach him and then he said, 'I can wait' she shook her head and stepped back wondering what had happened.

"Feels? You will have to explain that to me." She was serious she had never heard it used quite like that, feels? She swallowed hard for some reason she felt parched.
"I will have the tailor come here and make you what suits you in whatever color you choose appearances are important in the Consortium. Why is your race so sensitive to sunlight?" She wondered if it could help Isaac and why Zye was so afflicted.

She wanted to assure him that she was not entirely offended, "it has been a very long time since anyone flirted with me. It was fun, though it is suitable for privacy for me as Hapan and how my family raised me it isn't something we would do in the open. Even the smiling at the dance they would have frowned on as would many traditionalists." She didn't want him to think it was unwelcome, it just needed to be in the proper environment.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

He listened as she told him her plan and about these strange people. They seemed as trustworthy as snakes and as backstabbing as his mother. She would have fit in so well.

“I don’t mind. This is your homeland. Your turf. You know what happens here better than I. It’s a ruse that works,” he said. Mel was certainly good looking, and she was nice company to keep but to say that he was physically attracted to her based on these things was not like Zye. He was different from other men. He required more to become emotionally attached or physically attracted. “The wily hunter uses their environment to their advantage. If they will talk we should use it.”

Women having power. Again Zye thought of his mother. His father had been domineering and powerful but if Zye were to say who truly had the power between the two he would be hard pressed to not say his mother. She was as cunning as they came and while his father could orchestrate vast plans with extensive contingencies, she could command a room, inspire fear and obedience, and twist minds to her will.

“It sounds like women here enjoy the advantages men do everywhere else in the galaxy,” he said. He motioned to the window, “out there men have the head start usually. In some cases women are little more than property like cattle.”

He said it with indifference. Zye held both male and female slaves. He didn’t care about gender or species. They were all equally inferior to him, short lived candles that were snuffed out into the darkness.

And that included Mel. The thought that she too would die in a short time compared to his lifespan unsettled Zye. He saw the Clone Wars, the Republic, the Empire, the Plague, the Rebellion, and the Alliance. All of them were things she would only read about. He didn’t know why but again he wanted her to somehow see more of the days.

“People believe what they want to believe,” Zye said. He wasn’t exactly a prince, but those were semantics. “Tell them what they want to hear and they will fall in line.”

He chuckled as she ask him to explain “feels.” He guessed things were really that different in this part of the galaxy.

“Feels are emotions,” he began. “They are positive ones. Unlike bitterness, hate or rage, these are positive ones. Affection, positive regard, or care. To be frank, weakness.”

Zye didn’t try to hide his sense of distaste for what he consider weakness. They were things that could and would be exploited by enemies to their advantage.

“It’s easier to go through life without feels,” he said softly.

She asked why, Zye figured it was best to show her. He moved to the window as the sun came out from behind the clouds. The golden light feel on the window ceil. Zye grit his teeth before shoving his free hand into the light. The sound of sizzling flesh filled the air, like meat hitting a hot pan. His pale skin quickly turned red, blistering and flaking with the ultraviolet light. Pure pain tore through his being, his hand that held hers gripped it tightly, but he didn’t make a sound, and he didn’t shake. Besides that he showed no signs that it hurt. Pain was a weakness to be exploited, and not one that he preferred to offer.

After just a few seconds he pulled it away, back into the shadows. Before her eyes, as quickly as his skin had burned, it healed back to normal. It was as if it had never happened.

“Woden genes have healing properties,” He said simply. He was referring back to her original question. “Oh was I flirting? My, my, my. Apologies, it’s been quite some time for me as well and it’s not how I usually conduct business. I will try to compose myself better in the future.