Ravens Without a Cause (Rebel Alliance/Red Raven Truce)

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax noticed that he had been joined by his Chiss bodyguard who did not come with him to Nar Shaddaa. His face widened into a huge grin and, rising from the booth, he gave her an inappropriate and sloppy kiss on the cheek. Hs alien vocal chords clicked out an enthusiastic Cheuhn greeting.

“Hah ch'aah cseo bun ch'at veb vah ch'eo visot. ch'ah bapun ch'at tisut ch'at vah sesvio'ah ch'uz ch'at no mihhn.”

Cryax seated himself and gratefully took the coffee cup from Reverance. The fact that the Vong King had taken notice of his slicing filled the Chiss crime lord with a flush of pride. With Bane, flattery got you everywhere. He had to resist the sudden urge to bend the Sith Lord’s ear about all things slicing, but thought better of it, knowing that it was one of the most uninteresting topics in the galaxy to anyone who wasn't Cryax Bane.

“Thank you, Reverance," he said, running his fingers through his disheveled blue-black hair. “It was an honor to take the Republic Stronghold on Kashyyyk with your forces. The Sith have been loyal allies to the Red Ravens for quite some time now. I believe we’ve more than proven ourselves to the naysayers in your ranks.”

“In fact, my brother is apparently training with someone quite close to you. Matsu Xiangu, one of your sorceresses. She protected me on Kashyyyk, as well. Helped me get to a dropship when I was injured in battle. Give her my regards if you would. I regret that I never got to properly thank the woman.”

Cryax frowned, staring down at the rich, hot liquid that was sobering him almost as quickly as the sight of a one-eyed Sith Lord sitting across from him. He raised his head to face the other man, a solemnity in his glowing red eyes.

“I’m sure you didn’t come out here to discuss my slicing, Reverance. What’s on your mind?”

[member="Reverance"]

 

[Reverance]

He had noticed the bodyguard but unfortunately, hadn't paid her much attention. Even with the spirited expression by the Chiss, the Sith Lord allowed it to roll off him. He was rather forward looking given the right venue. After all, not everyone could thirst for and appreciate blood in the sort of fervor that defined him.

He smiled, a sort of recognition to the fact that there was indeed a bit of doubt that ran it's course in regards to this Alliance. However, it was never something to which he gave credence. After all, why else would he have risked his own person for their efforts above Barab I, to assist Lysle in his endeavors to take the space station, if he didn't have his own form of faith in this union. The black suns were a waste of an alliance position, old and decrepit things moved with the shifting sands, making way for the shiny and new Red Ravens. A prosperous and calculated risk that turned favor.

At the mention of [member="Matsu Xiangu"], Gabriel couldn't help but lift a smirk at the corner of his mouth. That certain level of infatuation that Gabriel had for the woman was not entirely common knowledge it seemed, though he never had made any effort to hide his relationship with her. On the battlefield, they were all business. But off the battlefield, their depravity manifested it in different yet similar manners. "If that is the case...then your brother is in very capable hands." Capable, pain stricken, deadly, powerful hands. He silently shuddered at the thought. Sipping his whiskey, he braced his own form of a cold shower and mentally slapped himself across the face. "Next time I see her, I will inform her of your thoughts."

"As for my reason here...I will be honest, I was originally looking for Logan, your former Vice President. It's not very well known, but I agreed to take him on as a student and since Prakith...I have not heard from him." He squinted his eye, the crimson vibrancy matching that of the young Chiss before him. Really quite a spectacular and striking feature, he had never appreciated the notion until now. "But now that I'm here...I cant' seem to rid myself of this bitter taste in the mouth." He placed a hand in the bowl, pulling another piece of orange. He peeled the rough exterior from the fruit. Handing the peeled orange over to Cryax, the Chiss might notice that the fruit was mealy, despite no inclination on the surface. "Sometimes...you can look at a situation and just know something is wrong, without being able to put your finger on it. So tell me..." He grabbed another piece out. "Why do I feel like someone is making a decision they might regret?" It would take a far less talented Sith Lord to pick up on the sense of righteousness and fear flowing through the room and building. No one would know who he was without seeing him or sensing him, inclining his notions towards other force users. After all, what was he if not just another scarred man sipping his whiskey.

[member="Cryax Bane"] | [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[member="Reverance"] [member="Cryax Bane"]

The completely uncharacteristic greeting from her employer caught Erud'ryz'ladre off-guard, causing her to stare at him in shock -- a rare display of emotion blatantly written on her face. Then she composed herself, her cheek muscle twitching slightly, and casually wiped the spittle off with the back of her hand.

"Hah cart.... bun ch'at veb vah cssi, ren'musi," she replied coldly, giving no acknowledgement to his wish to speak later on the subject of Nar Shaddaa. Instead, she clasped her hands behind her back and fell silent, allowing the two gentlemen to speak. Meanwhile, the Chiss kept an eye out for any servers. Mr. Bane must have been very drunk indeed if he deemed it necessary to blatantly disregard personal boundaries. Honestly, no other employer had done such a thing before -- and as such the only logical solution was to cut off his alcohol supply before she had to punch him.

But when the man, Reverence, made mention of regretful decisions, the Chiss had to admit her curiosity was peeked. As such, the part of her brain that had been dwelling on the problem with her employer was now turned towards the conversation at hand. Meanwhile, her other part was, as always, keeping an eye out.

 

[Corruck Kazen]

Corruck had been silent, trying to understand the meaning of what [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] had said... It had been so long since his criminal days. He let himself fall back, slowly sink back into those days. His position changed, he began to hunch a bit in his seat, just enough to be noticed if anyone looked. "Death sticks...Death sticks..."

He racked his brain, now looking at it from a purely objective view. He had used those words a number of times, never meaning the actual thing. The terminology, the sentence it was used in. It indicated... a threat... Force related... what else... Jedi? No! Sith! Corruck's eyes snapped open suddenly. He now understood. Smuggler Cant, something that he had used in quite a long time. Oh, if only Sheera had been here. She would have recognized it immediately. That was the nice thing about Sheera, she knew the Smuggler Cant back and forward from the time before Corruck took her and her husband aboard his ship.

He stood, his shoulders falling back into a military position. He walked quietly, calmly over to [member="Juwiela Melec"]. He bent over so as to speak into her ear without her standing up and without having to have everyone listening. "We've got Sith. There is at least one Sith in the cantina."

 

[Lurcano Car'dann]

Lurcano strode into the room towards the back of the Casino, where the meeting was being held; obviously late to the party. He did not bother to mask the annoyance that was plainly on his face. He was dressed in full armor, and his hair lied on his head rather messy, and it was plain that he had not washed it in some time due to the oil that glistened in the lights of the Casino. He squinted as he surveyed his surroundings. He paused for a moment before staring at everyone in the room, possibly trying to discern a familiar face. But he saw no one he recognized, and it would likely be the same for anyone else that glanced at him. The meeting had been adjourned and it was all but over. 'Karking bullchit. Chiasa invited Patricia, but she didn't invite me? So much for that chemistry I thought we had.' Lurcano switched Patricia with Chiasa as his new favorite in the mental rankings he mostly kept to himself because he enjoyed life. Lurcano walked over to the bar and ordered a drink from the bartender. After a few minutes of waiting rather impatiently, the bartender brought him the bottle of wine he had asked for. He uncorked it and took a swig from it. His mouth wrinkled and he just shook his head before placing the bottle back on the counter and motioning for it to be taken away. He was not quite in the mood for alcohol which was very uncharacteristic of him. Lurcano didn't consider himself an alcoholic, but one could easily say he was an accomplished drinker with a high tolerance built up over his last couple years of leaving Nagi. 'Lets just hope something interesting happens. Otherwise this will have been a total drag. And I've got words for both Patricia and Chiasa after this.'

[member="Cryax Bane"] | [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] | [member="Reverance"] | [member="Corruck Kazen"] | [member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Armand Temi]

"Dark drops will work," Armand said. He appeared distracted for a moment and started to look around the room. Between the strong dark presence he felt in the casino as well as the Twi'lek's clear words, he knew there was someone out there potentially pulling the puppet strings. I need to get the Rebels out of here immediately, he thought. He was worried less about their safety - although that too was a concern - but he didn't want their cover to be blown apart. The Ravens could know their true names and likenesses, but not whatever monster was outside that room.

On a shelf in the corner of the office he spied a big floppy hat with a feather in it. "Ms. Kritivaas, I'm not one to take things without asking so may I please borrow that hat?" He drew the hat from off of the shelf and placed it on his head, lowering the rim so it covered his brow.

"Can you please make sure the Rebels are escorted out now post haste? We need to get out of here undetected."

He tipped the hat like a swashbuckler and exited the room. Just to make Kazen and Melec could get out especially if the Ravens dragged their heels on the security escort, he quickly passed the table where they sat. They would see their Benefactor wearing a ridiculous hat. He firmly said as he passed them still striding toward the door, "We need to leave now, team. It's not safe. Meet me at the docking bay in ten minutes."

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] [member="Corruck Kazen"] [member="Juwiela Melec"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

“Logan,” Cryax let the name roll off his tongue, his voice edged with disappointment. “I was aware of his apprenticeship with you,” he admitted with a tight-lipped smile.

He thought for a moment about the events that preceded Logan’s disappearance. There was the Rakghoul plague that spread on Teth. That was when the drinking started. It understandably increased after the Chiss found Lysle’s cold body lying in the courtyard of the fiormer Solida Hesk Estate on Makeb. Shortly afterwards, Logan was gone. Not even a goodbye.

“Logan took Lysle Rigger’s death especially hard. The two grew up on the streets together, I believe.” Cryax shook his head. “Where Logan of Little Coruscant is, I’m not sure he wants to be found.”

The Chiss took a long, gratified sip of coffee, draining the cup and signaled to a waitress to bring more. Reverance peeled one of his oranges and handed it to him, but by the time Cryax realized that it was past its prime, he had taken a large bite. He reluctantly swallowed it down with an uncomfortably loud gulp. Then, he allowed himself a few moments to fully appreciate the battle-scarred man sitting across from him, especially how tanned and muscular he was. Despite the spiral of flesh that sealed one of his eyes, the man was strikingly handsome.

Reverance’s next few words sank in, like an anchor attached to his soul. There was no hiding things from this man. In that event, honesty and candor would be respected more than ruse.

“The Ravens have grown immensely since Barab I, and now that we've seized Nar Shaddaa, well, one man cannot obviously run it all.” There was no need to fully detail the new power structure with Reverance, to hold it up to the light and expose its vulnerabilities. “I have moved to Nar Shaddaa, to make sure we don’t let it slip. My staff remains here on Antecedent. If they feel that this,” Here, he gestured disdainfully to the other room. “Is for the best, then I must trust them.”

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Did he truly trust them? Hell, no, he didn't trust those backstabbing wenches as far as he could throw them, friends or not. However, that was nothing new. The paranoia that had set in the moment Cryax had become the President of the Red Ravens, was now as familiar as a comforting friend.

“The rebels are gnats, but annoying ones. If they continue to press us, the Red Ravens will lose focus on the ground we’d like to gain in the Outer Rim. I’m not sure I have the room to let personal feelings about the killers of Lysle Rigger cloud my judgement on their decision.”

He placed the half-eaten orange next to him on the table, and leaned forward on his elbows. Now that his sobriety had returned, his red eyes gleamed with a new intensity.

“Reverance. Truthfully. What would you do if you were in my position?”

[member="Reverance"] [member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Juwiela Melec]

An almost imperceptible nod was her only response. It was true that Juwiela had sensed as such beforehand, and she could tell [member="Armand Temi"] had as well, or at the very least knew something was off about all of this. This was a variable none of them had accounted for, having the enemy they had fought so long to eradicate show up in the very same building that the negotiation for the fight against them was being made in. A tricky situation, but there were times when all of the Rebels had been in much worse and survived. This was just another one of those, though the danger increased with their adversary being able to sense them just as easily as they were able to in return.

Slowly she stood, turning her head to observe the patrons with her sight, able to see through the walls of the casino where other sentient beings were limited. It allowed her to perceive exactly where this Sith was in relation to them, and what the best route for their leaving would ultimately be. So far it seemed he was preoccupied talking to none other than [member="Cryax Bane"]. So much for breaking off that alliance. It seemed they were getting nowhere when it came to diplomacy with the Ravens, not that she'd expected anything much different.

"There's just one. I can see him, and he's talking to Cryax. And here I thought they were supposed to break off their agreement with the Sith." Her voice was quiet, measured, though there was no one in the room to eavesdrop on their conversation even if they'd wanted to. "I wouldn't recommend doing anything too rash. We didn't come here to fight. Trust me, I'm just as uncomfortable with this as you are. After Makeb, there isn't any trusting these birds." Not that there really was before, anyhow.

Her attention shifted briefly when Armand walked by, and she couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight of him wearing the hat, even if she couldn't exactly see all the finer details. Waiting until he'd moved on, she spoke again, "Alright, now we've got ten minutes if you want to do something. Observation is your best bet, but even that's tricky. He's probably already sensed us." She was almost certain he had, no question. Someone of his caliber hadn't survived so long for no reason, and she wasn't one to underestimate her enemy. Especially not when they called themselves Sith.

[member="Corruck Kazen"], [member="Reverance"]

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

Quite frankly the Twi'lek hadn't noticed the hat, it certainly wasn't the sort of thing she would wear, but since she wasn't on Antecedent all the time, when she wasn't here this office was available to whoever the ranking manager on duty was. She also had a vague memory of one of the cleaning staff giggling at a disreputable looking Zeltron in a silly hat.. Her eyes narrowed slightly at that. The only one who ought to be entertaining in her offices was her thank you never much.

[member="Armand Temi"] made a request which she was more than equipped to grant before he immediately swept off.. for the public areas. She sighed, and glanced over at [member="Emberli Garett"].

"You would think if he was going to ask me to do something he'd let me do it. As if there aren't a dozen ways to exit the building securely, but no, he's going to go back out there in a bloody hat that screams 'look at me'. How do these people wind up in power? I take it back, I am definitely qualified for this if this is the standard."

The Twi'lek was fairly disgusted. Between the unprofessionalism of her own people and the straight up obliviousness and naivety of the Rebel Alliance.. A hand rose briefly to her temple and a frustrated noise escaped her.

"And now I get to go and make sure the idiots have made it out, they're probably rolling across my lobby thinking that's stealthy. Hiding behind pillars. And then I get to go see if that drunken blue idiot has managed to ruin everything and if I'm actually at war with the Sith yet. Lovely. Electrocution is exactly how I wanted to spend my afternoon."

She did not look impressed by any of this. She wasn't even afraid or even angry any more it was just.. It was ridiculous.

"Need an announcer for your arena? I could do that instead."

She flashed him a quick smile, before head rose, back straightened, impassive mask was donned and the mantle of leadership was in place once more. Some one had to steer the damned ship. She strode out, purposefully and with confidence. This was hers. Cryax and Patricia had both proven incompetent. She no longer thought of them as being on equal footing with her. Her territory. She would defend it.

She toggled her personal comm unit on.

"Declan."

"Yes Miss?"

"I need our guests out. They're concerned about the state of their hides."

"On it."

She liked Declan, Patricia hadn't managed to replace him yet and he was infinitely capable and thorough. Security, in the guise of a hostess would come and usher Armand, [member="Corruck Kazen"] and [member="Juwiela Melec"] away under the guise of bringing them into a private game, they'd be taken out one of the side doors and taken in unmarked and heavily armoured speeders to wherever they wanted to go. If they'd brought their own speeders, he would arrange to have Raven security drive them to their drop point of choice.

One disaster down, onto the next. [member="Cryax Bane"] and [member="Reverance"], a brow rose slightly at Anders the bartender. Another one of hers. A subtle grimace and a particularly active buffing of his glasses with the cloth that always seemed to be in his hands when he wasn't making drinks told her things were not good. On the plus side he hadn't ducked under the counter yet, so that was something. Approaching, she slid in to stand beside the Chiss, one hand reached around his lower back and she leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"Nar Shaddaa is treating you unkindly love, you should come home more often."

She purred. This was a subtle power play, like most things she did. Less for Cryax's sake and more for Reverance. The way she inserted herself between them, the easy and familiar body language. The Chiss was hers. Still, if he was reminded of where his loyalties were meant to lie and the fact that his words affected more than just himself, all the better.

Her attention switched to Reverance the wait between acknowledging one and the other not long enough to be an insult. Again, calculated. A smile that revealed partially sharpened teeth rather than the usual less aggressive close mouthed smile was offered to him.

"And you must be Reverance. I do not believe we've had the pleasure of speaking directly yet, though we've been on some of the same operations. Chiasa Kritivaas, Diplomacy, Vice President, day to day operations and so on."

The casualness only those who actually held power could afford. Faux humility to highlight the fact that she was not. Was she wary given her recent personal dealings with the Sith? On one level yes, absolutely, but it would not register. She was in full confident alpha predator mode. Outside in the galaxy she might shy away from any possible confrontation. Here, in the heart of her power, she could not afford to. No weakness. No doubt. Defend your territory. This was a criminal empire after all, the weak were devoured. How many Ravens were watching, in person or on the security screens? How many were looking for a vulnerability they could find and exploit? How many would like to rise up the ranks in the time honoured tradition of taking from a dead man? Or Twi'lek.

No.

She would not lose what was hers. Not a scrap of it. If she had to bluff, play and fight the entire Galaxy. If she had to manoeuvre until brother fought brother she would. The Ravens were hers, and they would thrive.

 

[Carbon]

The glass of amber liquid was lifted to his lips, the contents spilling down his throat for a few seconds before he set it back down. Tired, complicated eyes settled on the sensually graceful Twi'lek who took the opportunity to acknowledge him. Complaints. Always the complaints. Not that there was any blame from him on the matter; she had a few points. But this was what happened when the inexperienced were put in charge.

It didn't bother him so much anymore, though it might once have. Youth was an experience that was, funnily enough, wasted on the young. There was a flick of his finger across the datapad screen as he flipped the 'page' of whatever he was reading. He was listening, but he wasn't looking. Not until she finished and made to leave. "Rubber might help." He rumbles quietly.

She'd know what he meant though.

If the Sith were gonna cause a stink in that casino there was going to be one ornery Mandalorian to atone to. But then she left, and he continued to read. He didn't need to follow her back out. She was a big girl.

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Out of the corner of his eye, a large swatch of orange tiger-striped skin sauntered into his peripheral vision. So, it seemed that the meeting was over. So soon, eh? Cryax's face spread into a wide "told you so" grin as he watched her approach the booth. The strong coffee had sobered the Chiss, and now only a lingering headache remained. And the foulest of moods. When Chiasa sidled up behind him, putting her hand on his back, he reached back and roughly grabbed it with his own, out of Reverance's sight. A smile froze on his face to all parties at the table, but behind his back the Chiss kept a tight grip on her wrist and squeezed, a warning to her. He let out a pleased hum as she kissed his cheek, and then let her hand go.

"Chiasa, how nice of you to join us," he said with a crisp smirk. "How did the meeting go?" Bane let out a sharp laugh and gestured to the booth. "Please, have a seat, ch'eo ch'acah."

Placing a hand on her bare shoulder, Cryax leaned in and hissed an admonishment in her ear before letting her go.

"I would take a bullet for you, Chiasa, don't make me stand behind the trigger."

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] [member="Reverance"]

 

[Erud'ryz'ladre]

[member="Cryax Bane"] [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] [member="Reverance"]

When Erud'ryz'ladre noticed the curvaceous Twi'lek coming their way, she did nothing more than give a polite nod of acknowledgement and make room. Very few people made the Chiss do anything more than raise an eyebrow, but Ms. Kritivaas was one woman she did not want to get on the bad side of. Ever. Not even the man sitting across from them gave her the willies.

And the niceties which issued forth from Ms. Kritivaas's mouth, well, Dryzl had guarded more than enough politicians to see right through that. No doubt everyone in the booth was smart enough to realise that it was for show. But then, who is she trying to fool? Shaking her head slightly, she put it off to ponder over on a rainy day -- the business of the Red Ravens leaders were of no concern to her, so long as Mr. Bane remained unhurt.

She watched the exchange between her employer and the Twi'lek out of the corner of her eye, intrigued by it. Perhaps the saying "No honour among thieves" applies here? she mused. Or would it be "Trouble in paradise"? Adding those to the Rainy Day jar, the Chiss ever so casually placed a hand on the butt of her pistol. She didn't intend to shoot anyone, but if the aforementioned interactions were any indication, there was enough friction present that anything could happen, and right now the best thing to do was prepare.

Besides, it wasn't like anyone would be severely hurt -- both of her guns were on the "stun" setting.

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

A light, unconcerned laughter. It sounded real to the untrained ear except that it was too nuanced, too gaily dismissive. Her free hand flicked out in a gesture as if she was throwing something not worth thinking about away. As with most things, it held dual meanings. Both to the question about the meeting, as well as to his warning which was likely not nearly as discreet as he thought. Interesting food for thought though. Chiasa had never been as.. willingly subservient or unquestioningly loyal of the Chiss as she had been of Lysle, but she had staunchly supported him all the same, and continued to do so. The implication that he would put her down..

This is mine, and it will remain so.

The predator reared it's head slightly within her. She had no real interest in removing one she'd classified so firmly as hers, this was Cryax, not Patricia, but neither would she be threatened by anyone. If a territory disagreement was necessary..

"Short and thankfully over, my favourite kind. The credits will continue to flow."

This too was open to interpretation. She did not know how much Cryax had said. Did not like that he'd told [member="Reverance"] there was a meeting at all. She decided it was likely for the best she'd not bothered to tell [member="Cryax Bane"] or Patricia about her deal with the Jackals. She'd been waiting to see what eventuated of that particularly subtle move, but given their recent behaviour.. Perhaps it was best they stayed in the dark until she was done her manipulations. Until her security, and that of the Ravens was ensured.

But oh watch the credits. Watch what I want you to. See the obvious and be so pleased with yourself for it that you miss all the underlying layers.

"I am sure such tedious day to day business is hardly worth discussing however. Do not let me derail your previous conversation."

Unless that was your prior conversation, and then tell me what you know, reveal your worries and suspicions and I will teach you all how to play this game, though you'll not know it till I win..

In her mind the desert winds blew, and a more honest, open laugh was carried on them. Never fall for the same tricks twice. Always be ready. Always expect attack and betrayal.

[member="Erud'ryz'ladre"]

 

[Lurcano Car'dann]

Lurcano didn't have to wait very long for interesting things to start happening. He had noticed Cryax Bane, the head of their organization speaking with some man that looked wholly ordinary. 'Wonder what the hell they're talking about?' Yet his interest wasn't peaked enough to inquire further. 'And anyway, not like I have much business being in a conversation like that anyway.' His eyes continued to scan the room until he noticed Chiasa exit what would presumably be her office, and head over to sit next to Cryax. 'Now that, is interesting.' He studied the man that Chiasa and Cryax were now speaking to, but he was unable to garner any information short of the mans regular appearance. Despite this, Lurcano wasn't a fool and he suspected something. He attempted to inconspicuously check his blasters and their settings, and as a result looked completely obvious. He would just have to wait and see, and hopefully the man would try to do something. Anything that made him look like more of a hero would be something Lurcano was interested in. 'I don't like that Cryax fellow. He's a pretty boy gungan and I'll never understand how he got to become the head of an organization such as this. True, Tmoxin did warn me about him and from what she said he sounded like someone I wouldn't want to kark with, but that doesn't really mean poodoo to me right now. Whatever my feelings about him, I'll be sure to kiss as much ass as I can. I heard he's into men. Maybe...' Lurcano just laughed as his thoughts trailed off into less appropriate topics. He continued to scan the room but payed special attention to Cryax, Chiasa, and the scarred up man they were speaking to.

Cryax Banehttp://starwarsrp.net/user/5840-cryax-bane/http://starwarsrp.net/user/5840-cryax-bane/ | Chiasa Kritivaas | Reverancehttp://starwarsrp.net/user/5842-reverance/http://starwarsrp.net/user/5842-reverance/ | Corruck Kazenhttp://starwarsrp.net/user/4376-corruck-kazen/http://starwarsrp.net/user/4376-corruck-kazen/ | Erud'ryz'ladrehttp://starwarsrp.net/user/6928-erudryzladre/http://starwarsrp.net/user/6928-erudryzladre/

 

[Reverance]

His patience for Logan had long passed, a Sith Lord scorned is not one so easily remedied - even in the face of grief. Though he did find the man a convenience, as the topic of his person provided proper segue.

Etched and scared arms would move to grab the cigarra from it's try as Cryax offered his question. With a pull of the object, he smirked and tapped the cigarra with an index finger. A briquette of ash fell into the dish, dead as it had always been, free of the temporary life given breath by the Sith Lord. Despite his appearance, a vest to hide the chest and haired tied back to match the scenery, he was more than understanding of the current situation. As if eyes had turned upon 180 degree axis to ponder his current position in this place, the plan that lied beneath nonchalance.

"Why Cyrax...you're handsome and well off. I'm hardly in a place to tell you how to live your life." He squinted his eye as he gauged the response of the man, slowly sobering from the strong caf. Gabriel turned his head and expression, eye looking towards the general direction of where the original meeting had taken place. If one were so inclined, they may get the impression that he had some sort of x-ray vision. Or maybe he just enjoyed the flicker of the gold rose and blue velvet across the ceiling, taken to the loud beauty of the place.

As Chiasa entered the conversation, he merely gazed in recognition with a curt expression. As the two squabbled in secrecy, Gabriel merely smiled and gestured towards the table for her to sit. A meeting, that was interesting and the mention of the rebels was enough for him to put two and two together. Maybe it made four, maybe it didn't. But he wouldn't necessarily be quick to spill his knowledge before knowing the depth of the situation. He waved to the waitress as she lent herself quickly to the table. "More whiskey, more caf..." He was succinct in most cases, loquacious in others. It more or less depended on his mood, the likes of which was degrading with the hoops and jumps as he regarded the Chiss with a focused vision.

"Without compromise, that is how I live my life..." He started as he took in the smoke once more, his mile long stare breaking into the blue flesh of the Chiss. "I cannot offer you advice because I am incapable of seeing through your eyes." He shifted his attention to Chiasa, pausing so that she might understand the depth of the man. That despite how well spoken he was or how well he cleaned up, he was a monster. And he wore that reflection upon his skin openly, despite the charm with which he was equipped. His moral compass was one unpredictable and none only to him, making his presence all the more volatile for such a fragile place as this casino. "Chiasa Kritivaas, Diplomacy, Vice President..." He smiled as he placed a hand on his chest. "I am but humble guest in your abode."

He could pick up on her anxiety the moment she moved upon the table, soaking of it as he consumed it and felt the vital flow. Leaning back against the chair, he picked a piece of cigarra wrapper from his lips as he surveyed the two, their interactions entertaining and quite telling of the relationship. As if an elephant could hide behind transparent film. "As for Lysle..." He inserted. "If given the opportunity to greet his killers and with the level of companionship you might claim...well..." He leaned forward, clasping hands together on the table. "I doubt any meeting I had with them would end positively...for them. That judgment isn't clouded, it's sharpened and pertinent."

[member="Cryax Bane"] | [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

"A welcome guest as always."

Came the easy reply. Was she aware of what sat across from her? Likely. Perhaps not the true depths, but she knew the shape of the beast, and that was not enough to cow her, not here. [member="Reverance"] had acted as an ally thus far, and she would continue to treat him as such. Him. Individually. Still, she could not back down or falter. Would not. Threat aside, for now, [member="Cryax Bane"] was still hers, and if this man thought to isolate him and break him down.. The Twi'lek was still flush against the Chiss' side, her support manifesting as a physical thing. He was one of hers.

"I assure you, the being who shot Lysle,"

a slight stress on the singular

"will find our judgement to be very sharp indeed. Rather like a knife between the ribs."

In a dark alley perhaps, after she's been chased and knows she cannot get away. Or perhaps in her own home or office, wherever she feels safest. Besides, I know another thing you do not, you think to incite me with the death of a man who is not dead.

But that was a fact not even the Chiss was privy to.

"But, this is an internal matter, and not one I see any reason to allow to affect business."

She left alone the parts about claiming companionship. She claimed nothing. What the Chiss had claimed she still wasn't certain, but she was no babe to wander into the first trap laid for her.

 

[Corruck Kazen]

Corruck smiled, he nodded to [member="Juwiela Melec"] it was a contemplative nod. He dropped a datapad, intentionally. It was a small thing, of little importance. He kicked it under the table, as if he were just walking by. He made a quick spin, trying to appear as if he was looking around the room, in actuality he was making sure the datapad was hidden from a casual observer. It was. He let a small sigh of relief escape as an attendant walked in and explained that they were all going to be shown out via a side entrance. Good Corruck thought.

He would have asked for a side or back entrance anyways, but the fact that he was being taken through them anyways made it that more convenient. As he looked back at his conversation earlier, he realized he had handled it quite horribly, messy even. Especially when one considered that he was speaking to pirates and criminals. They probably wouldn't care about justice, not the kind of justice that the Rebels were working towards anyways. He should have kept his emotions in check, should have controlled that outburst that had probably made him appear to be a fool in front of the hosts. He wished he could relive those moments, he could have used the side of him that had been the crimelord. It was too late now, too late now... Maybe he could come back again. Maybe set a better example of himself, makes some deals. He needed to stretch those muscles that had once been a day to day work for him.

He brought himself back to the present, yes the datapad was safe. The small device was completely normal in that it hadn't been added to. It had had its memory completely wiped, though there had never been much on it. The only thing that remained was a message, a fairly friendly message and one all too common between criminals, in content at least. Upon inspection it would appear to be a general letter, a few odd wording and a little punctuation problems but nothing that detracted from the letters intent. What the message actually meant, the message that Corruck was trying to convey, was the location Gamorr and an invitation to be there at a certain date. The message was hidden using Smuggler Cant, now that he knew that [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] knew at least some of it, he was fairly certain that she could understand the message. Just for kicks he had also set into the message, with very specific words, so that if one tried to decrypt the meaning with a military coding or a fairly common sort it would have information on a starsystem on the other end of the galaxy. Just in case someone else tried to break into it.

Corruck hoped to be in contact again, though it was not a priority. He had just felt a little livening of his old crime days and felt a bit of nostalgia. Maybe he could get back into the game, he was still young after all. He smiled, it would be fun maybe. He followed the man quietly, acting as normal and trying to avoid getting attention to himself as much as possible.

[member="Armand Temi"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

When Reverance complimented Cryax’s physical appearance, the crime lord felt a slight blush creep from his adam’s apple, slowly winding its way up his cheeks. As most vain people who took on positions of great power, the Chiss loved compliments, but he had never actually learned the art of receiving them. Sure, he was accustomed to the sycophantic slavering of underlings and fair-weathered friends, but from someone he respected, it was wholy disarming. First, he looked around to see if the man did actually mean him, and then he smiled and waved his hand in a gesture of humility.

When Chiasa spoke, Cryax gazed at her with an edge of intensity in his red, alien orbs. She was doing very well in her new position in the Red Ravens, and he was acutely proud of her, despite the tales of catfighting with Patrica. Bane had infochants everywhere, and they spared no detail. He knew about Chiasa’s visit with Darth Vornskr at one point before the Sith Lord’s death, but Cryax was saving that bombshell for the appropriate time. Better to play a bit dumb on the matter and wait for more revelations. The Chiss laid a blue-skinned hand gently on her arm, an olive branch for his seizure of it a few moments before. He hoped it was a reminder of his unyielding loyalty to the rare few he let get close to him, and a gesture of his friendship.

Cryax nodded at Reverance’s advice-that-wasn’t-really-advice. “I want justice for Lysle’s killer, too, of course,” he admitted. “But if I demanded justice for all those who wronged me. Well, the people left standing could all fit on one small planet.” A doleful laugh slid from his blue lips. “There are some in your ranks who might fit that bill as well.” Then, he paused and with a smirk added. “Or were, anyway.” With that last hint, the Chiss felt he didn't need to elaborate. Nor did he want to. The ritual that Kaine Zambrano performed on him on Panatha, broke him in more ways than he cared to recall. Changing the subject, he continued.

“As Chiasa said, business is business, and if the Red Ravens can make a deal that is lucrative for the organization, perhaps we will get our revenge by profiting largely from our former enemies. I feel that’s something Lylse would have supported.”

A fresh round of beverages was brought to the table, and Cryax sipped his caf, his appearance brightening up considerably from the time he had first weaved his way over to the table. His eyebrows raised questioningly, he leaned in closer to the one-eyed Sith Lord.

“I would like to check in on my brother’s progress in the One Sith. See how he’s faring in your ranks. Do you think that would be possible, Reverance?”

Perhaps it was time for him to make his own personal social call to Coruscant.

[member="Reverance"] [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

 

[Reverance]

He squinted his eye at Chiasa, the comment regarding the effects on business couldn't be further from the truth. "Internal matters have an odd way of outwardly reflecting symptoms...Sort of the nature of the beast." He tapped the cigarra once more. He wasn't one to typically bounce the object from it's natural setting, but he allowed momentary irritation to pronounce a modicum of hastiness as he drew the cigarra to his mouth once more. With that, he feigned a smile and placed the cigarra down, blowing smoke from the corner of his mouth as the waitress brought more caf and the whole bottle of whiskey. Gabriel, once again, over paid by a long shot and waved the woman away before she could disagree. Not that she would have, given the current temperament and attitude of the party towards money. The additional tumbler he poured half full, the amber reflecting glows and shimmers across the table in tune with the shift of the lights above. He pushed it to Chiasa and held out his hands, palms upward.

"Money seems to be the answer...Let us do a cost analysis for what is truly lucrative and beneficial to the Red Ravens." He nodded to his left hand. "Here you have the Rebels..." That's right, the alliance. Meeting and rebels together in similar breaths was enough to provide an adequate conclusion. Perhaps he was jumping to that conclusion, but he would assuredly find proper footing. "A meager group at best, beset with the practice of kicking the hive without the resources to deal with the consequences." He looked over to his other hand. "Here we have the One Sith. One of the greatest forces of the galaxy, unlimited means, and capable of funding this crime syndicate for your entire life span, and beyond. Not only have we backed that up historically with income, but we have done it with brute force as well. Now, at first glance, you may look at this and think that selling to both is a fine idea." He dropped his hands and smirked, grabbing another piece of orange. The man loved his oranges. "Sure, maybe somewhere in the universe that makes sense..."

"However, no military organization in their right mind is going to work with a group that arms their enemies, no matter how tenuous said groups influence is...Unless..." He held up his right hand index finger. "There is something to be gained from it for said major funding party that offsets each additional weapon held in their direction..." He pulled the peel from the orange and bit into it. Maybe that meeting had been about some sort of cease in aggression. But he doubted it, not when money was so often thrown around."Cryax, you asked me what I would do in your position? I would pick the winning side, the side with the force and the credits to keep your entire group well fed for a long time coming." Say what you will about the One Sith, but the Wrath spoke the truth. And with the planets they had recently taken over, they were in a position to make good on alliances and bolster them with reserves of funds and resources. And for all the speak of freedom that the Rebels spouted, they fought against the freest group of all. That those capable could thrive and those incapable would no longer be present to dilute the galaxies capacity for change and development. The One Sith was absolute and righteous in it's path towards developing the universe in it's own image, concentrated and whole.

"So...here is my proposal...for promotion of our continued support of one another's endeavors." He picked at his teeth with his pinky, before finishing off the orange. "I will buy out any contract sale or bid for business offered by the rebels, increasing payment by 50% at this current juncture. Assuming you have made any deals at this point, of course. Afterwards, I will meet any offer evenly...a sign of good will towards our prosperity." He took a sip of his whiskey, jostling the stones about to slosh the fluid back and forth. "In turn, you agree to not aid my enemy." He facially shrugged, thinking the deal wasn't that bad. Independently, he was an extremely wealthy individual, owning Adumar, Khomm, and Selvaris. But beyond that, the One Sith was funded far beyond belief.

[member="Cryax Bane"] | [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

"I personally would rather think knowing where shipments were going would be rather handy if one was combating a small force known for guerilla warfare, but what would I know about tactics, I am only a criminal, certainly not a member of the greatest force in the Galaxy."

The Twi'lek commented blandly. At least [member="Reverance"] knew how to talk credits, which she liked, still these people had no imagination. Do this or else. Do not do that. No one twisted things to their own advantage. Well. She did clearly. Still, it would be nice if someone knew how to play the game properly.

"I think you will find no one here is starving, nor will they be while I am overseeing investments."

It stung her pride, the inference that the Ravens needed the Sith just to survive. The winning side was always hers, and while additional profits were always to be chased after, they did not require handouts. This was not a partnership in her eyes, and the Twi'lek would not willingly let the Ravens be subjugated.

"A question then, before I respond to your proposal. Tell me, allowing that I am considered to be a representative of the Red Ravens beyond the average member. Allowing that I am, in effect an avatar of the Red Ravens. What would you do, what would the One Sith do if I told you we were allies,"

Her voice dropped to a dangerous purr as she leaned forward slightly.

"and then took and enslaved your Dark Lord before sending him home so I could use your entire organization for my own agenda? As puppets. If I invited your Lords and Ladies in to my territory in good faith and then attacked them? You will have to suspend your disbelief of course, for surely I am no threat, but allowing that it were so. Would you consider the Treaty valid? Unbroken?"

"I think perhaps with your neat little hierarchy you do not understand how an organization such as ours works. I think you do not understand what is allowable and what is not. Credits make the galaxy go round, but respect keeps it spinning in the right direction."

The outright slights to the Raven leaders could not be ignored wholesale. To do so would be seen as weakness. Ignoring the rest of the Galaxy, and criminal organization seen as weak by it's own members was not one that would stand for long. Chiasa had no intention of letting the Ravens fall apart through lack of faith. Well she breathed and had the helm, they would remain a power.

She sat upright once more, looking down her nose at the one-eyed man before her.

"It is hard these days, to know who the enemy is."

[member="Cryax Bane"]