Rendezvous in Paradise

[Visanj T'shkali]

Where: Zeltros; a private conference room, done in the local style, with water service on a small cart, a round table with six high-backed armchairs, situated beneath a glow-ring inside a small room of one of that planet’s most exclusive resorts.

When: Six months after the Battle of Taanab, 857 ABY

Who: Visanj T’shkali, Vanessa Vantai

=======

Vi sat alone inside the room, seated so she could face the door. Zeltros had been an ideal choice for this meeting, which – she had to admit – was anything but standard. When a Sith Master and ranking member of the Sith Empire reached out to her with a mysterious proposition, Vi was hesitant and suspicious. Dealing with Sith was always a precarious affair, and for all of her studies and training, Vi had never contended with a Sith Master before, nor was she confident in doing so now. But, she was curious and anxious to hear this offer.

Vi had taken precautions, and the ysalamiri were in place, unseen but present, to stifle any force usage by either party, and the Ne’tra’galaar was cloaked nearby for a fast extraction if it should come to that. The room was sound-proofed glass walls all around, and had been swept and swept again for listening devices or other surprises.

Vi was dressed an orange tropic gown, seductively cut, and made from the gauzy, light silks that were always in fashion on Zeltros.

Preparations for food and drink were made, with resort staff standing ready for a call using the conference holoprojector and commlink sitting in the middle of the laroon-wood table.

Vi took a sip of her Whyren's, and breathed slowly, waiting for her guest to arrive.

 

[Onrai]

[member="Visanj T'shkali"]

Prior to the Mandalorians’ conflict with the CIS, Vanessa Vantai had presumed the message from Visanj was merely a ploy to gain armaments for the Confederates prior to their attack on what had them been the Sith’s allies. Of course, now there was no more alliance. Regardless as to Vanessa’s thoughts on the matter, the Mandalorians had become enemies, and could not actively be courted. So it was that when she regained contact with the woman, she had been quite surprised by her offer to remain engaged in business and perhaps more as well.

Vanessa had experienced a sour taste the last time dealing with Confederates, one that had made her wary of engagement with them. But in Zeltros, this was an environment Vanessa had been quite familiar with for a long while. A place where she could utilize her skill at generating sensations of comfort and relaxation to perhaps develop a good relationship with this woman.

A woman who, from Vanessa’s studies, was a Force user. Perhaps this would prove useful. As she entered the room, the sensation of the Ysalamiri would be quite obvious. Vanessa was wearing a delightfully plunging gilded v-necked dress, one whose cut went all the way down to her navel. She would sit down across from Visanj, a smile on her face. This was very much a scrumptious morsel, one that perhaps could become a useful associate within the Sith. Perhaps something even to fill the void of Silfe in her heart.

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

Visanj eyed the woman as she entered, watching as she came to the table and took her seat. She wasn't quite what Vi had imagined: Beautiful, enhanced by the revealing outfit she'd chosen, poised and confident, yet smiling softly. In all, Visanj thought, a rather provocative but very pleasing visage. Vi had to remind herself, this woman was a Sith Master, and she breathed deeply, then spoke:

"Master Vantai, I am glad we can finally meet. I trust your trip was pleasant. Please forgive the ysalamiri, a necessary precaution - for both of us - until more trust can be gained between us, I am sure you can see the prudence of it."

Vi paused, offering a slight smile in hopes of putting the woman at ease before she continued.

"As you know, some time back, I had contacted you concerning the purchase of several count of your munitions. As our loyalties prevented us then from concluding any contract, I chose to refrain from pushing the issue. However, it would seem that the Sith Empire - or at least you - are more available to consider my offer. I do hope we might speak of that today. However, I must confess, I was surprised to have heard from you, and the 'proposal' you mentioned....it....well, it intrigues me. May I summon a drink for you?"



[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Visanj T'shkali"]

“A trip to Zeltros is always pleasant.” She said. Vanessa had always maintained contacts here for deliberate purposes - people in a heightened state of sensation were often more easily swayed than those who were otherwise preoccupied. While a tad disappointed that Visanj had dampened their abilities - she fully expected the woman could hold her own in the case of violence - she could at least understand her concern.

A smile crossed her lips as she took in the visage of Visanj, soaking in every aspect of the genetically crafted woman’s visage. “Truthfully, it’s extremely disappointing. I had much I was hoping to do with the Mandalorians - they were a significant component within the plans. Had the Emperor not decided they were to be severed from our allies, I would likely still be maintaining my association with them. As is, I have not been dedicating my Forces to the attack on their worlds and am fully ready to bring any into Sith service should they wish to seek asylum of sorts.” She of course did not mention that having the Mandalorians would have been beneficial in the event of Imperial collapse, but that was not something like Visanj was to know. Not now.

“Yes, the atomic demolitions munitions. I would certainly like to offer such to you upon discovering your purpose for them. That we can conclude now. The proposal, however, is something I would like to wait a bit later to discuss.” She explained. “This is Zeltros, and I feel we might be able to both enjoy ourselves on this world a bit before reaching such a... sensitive topic. You understand, certainly...” she let the question hang.

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

"Very well then. One hundred of your munitions, which I would like to have for a variety of purposes. I have several mining concerns, munitions of these kind would be a decided asset to me. Sparing me both time and cost for excavation. Of course, one or two might be used for more colorful purposes. The purchase price would remain the same, with a fifteen percent added for swift delivery, for which I will arrange a most discreet courier to ensure you and I have no unfortunate publicity. Is this acceptable?"

Visanj leaned back in her chair, smiling softly and giving the woman an opportunity to weigh the offer. It was no secret that the United Clans of Mandalore had been allies of the Sith, and that the Confederacy - to whom Vi was and would remain loyal - were bitter enemies of the false Manda'lor and the usurpers who led them. But now, the Sith had broken their alliance, disgusted with fighting for warriors who would not and could not fight their own wars. If some of them sought refuge among the Sith, so be it. Vi didn't care. That was Sith business, and this offer was hers. The pair no longer were discussing politics, now they were joined in business negotiations, and unless Vi missed her guess, Vanessa Vantai knew the difference intimately.

Vi couldn't help but to admit, she liked this Sith. The mystique of the alleged second proposal still intrigued her, and its apparent 'sensitivity' was was a fresh and fragrant lure. And, were this a negotiation with any one but a Sith, especially if that one was as lovely as her, Vi would already be priming the hot tub and slipping into something more apropos to beachside games. But this was a Sith. Vi would continue to watch and listen.
[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Visanj T'shkali"]

"Now now..." She said. "I can certainly appreciate the use of atomic munitions for mining." Vanessa had considered such - it was an effective way to cut channels for very cheap, especially considering that radiation sanitization could easily remove any tainted toil or isotopic residue. "But I cannot in good conscience provide tactical nuclear weapons if you're going to utilize them for non-industrial purposes." Her point was quite clear on this - there was a deliberate reason as to why she would not be letting Visanj possess these weapons if it turned out she had used them for military action. Vanessa's own response would be swift, brutal, and altogether unpleasant. She was not the sort of person to have her generosity exploited, regardless as to who it was. She smiled, leaning forward and resting her hand on her chin, elbow against the table gently.

"So here's my proposal. I provide you with the devices for non-military use. You use them in no fashion against anyone - just for cutting open canals and the like. You don't even need to pay me extra - you just need to give me a written guarantee that you will not use these for military purposes, and you understand there will be consequences in the event that you violate the agreement." She said. "How does that sound?" She kept the second thing off the table deliberately. She needed to, after all - it was the only way she would be able tp perhaps persuade her for the future things to come.

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

"I am afraid the offer made is the only one which will be made. What I do with my own property is mine, and my decision only. If that isn't acceptable, I understand. If you are not amenable to those terms as I have explained them, I'm afraid I have wasted your time. In which case, we should conclude our business, and I will wish you well. Of course, I will take care of your expenses, and I thank you for you coming, even if we could not reach an agreement. I had hoped to use your munitions, and will now have to see other venues to attain what it is I desire. Again, I am sorry we could not come to an agreement, but thank you."

Vi leaned back once more, fixing her eyes on Vanessa's and sat there, expressionless. Vi would be disappointed, but she refused to have anyone - including and perhaps especially a Sith - dictate to her the morality of using a weapon, particularly when they had created it in the first place. To be fair, she'd meant every word about using the munitions for mining, however, if she decided to use one against the Manda'lor or anyone else, that was her own business. Vanessa was beautiful and professional, but Vi refused to let that weaken her, just as much and as needfully as not letting herself forget that Vanessa was a Sith.

Still, she was intrigued about what the woman wasn't saying. Vi always loved a good mystery.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

"Ah, you're trying very hard." She said. "You of course understand why I'm wanting to make that sort of statement. The last thing I want is to see is for these weapons to be used against... certain individuals." She said. "That said, the Mandalorians are not certain individuals I can afford to protect any longer." She replied. "You can have the weapons. I won't even ask for anything additional." She concluded. "Do we have a deal?" Vanessa would leave this part of the deal at that - there was no reason to do other stuff on this side.

She kept that other thing hanging, waiting to see when Visanj would pluck upon it.

[member="Visanj T'shkali"]

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

"Splendid, thank you. I will arrange transfer of payment immediately. Now, about your proposal, how may I be of assistance?"

Vi rested back in her chair, smiling at Vanessa as she clasped her hands and leaned forward on the table once more.

"I am eager to see how I might repay you for ensuring this deal went through as planned."

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Visanj T'shkali"]

"Put simply, Visanj, I am decaying. Despite my youthful appearance, I am actually a good bit older than most would ever expect. Some decades ago, back when this body was truly the age that it appeared to be, I chose to leave the galaxy in order for it to hopefully improve. For nearly two decades I pillaged through the Unknown Regions, discovering countless things and learning much from what was out there. Obviously I wanted to remain in my physical prime, so through the use of a variety of rituals woven into one another, I was able to in effect give myself a form of pseudo-immortality. My biology is in stasis, for lack of a better word. My DNA is not decaying naturally, as normal DNA does, which means my cells are constantly being created as though I were in my mid twenties. But recently, I've discovered that the rituals have begun to unwind. I am starting to experience normal, and in fact, accelerated cellular degeneration.

She smiled, stepping over to Visanj's side of the room. "I don't have to have my power freely unleashed to know that you are evidently someone with a grasp of how the Force works. I would like to get your help in returning to a level of stability, to help repair the rituals I have crafted so that I may continue living for an extended period of time. And besides some of the knowledge I intend to share with you, perhaps we can share... other things." She said with a pert smile that clarified her suggestion.

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

Visanj returned the smile, and she did all she could to maintain a composure of calm and cool, but her mind reeled at Vanessa's real proposition.

"I can't promise you anything, particularly until we have discussed exactly what these rituals entail, or what you need from me. But I will make myself very clear, right here and right now, I have no love for the Sith. You are a fact of life in this galaxy, and one which ought not to be ignored or underestimated. The Sith Empire has proven that clearly time and again. However, I have no love for your beliefs or the manner in which the Sith conduct themselves. Slavery, murdering innocents in blood magic, those are things I cannot and will not abide. If you want my help, which this is not me flatly refusing mind you...but if you want my help, there will be stipulations. Break them, I walk."

Vi paused, then spoke once more.

"That said, if you are willing and earnest in what you say, I am always willing to help a soul in need. So let me hear the full pitch, all of it, leave nothing out."

Vi motioned again for Vanessa to return to her seat.

"We might want to order dinner and drinks in. I suspect this will take awhile."

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Visanj T'shkali"]

"A lot of alchemical and sorcerous processes." She said. "It did take a good deal of time for me to induce the state of biological stasis I'm in, in order to stay functionally in an immortal state with this body." She replied. "I'm guessing your hatred for the Sith is, like most of the galaxy, based upon millennia upon millennia of Jedi propaganda. Certainly we are capable of such deeds. But all are. The Jedi have killed tens if not hundreds of thousands with their massive Force Walls. The Mandalorians have slaughtered planets galore over history. And the Confederacy of Independent Systems was personally responsible for the loss of numerous employees' lives back when I was working on my initial business pursuits." She replied. "I don't keep slaves. The last time I murdered an innocent in blood magic was when I used said magic to provide the Emperor with a new body some few decades ago - and such will not be necessary for this. You are right in calling us a fact of life - as are the Jedi. Neither will ever truly eradicate the other, as much as we may wish it. We can only preserve what remains and prepare for the next cycle."

She thought for a moment. "Let me boil it down. Come with me to Nathema. I will teach you everything I know about the rituals - how I conducted them, what I used, and the techniques behind them. Once you know how I was able to perform this, together we can look for flaws in my work, divine ways to fix these flaws... and I can return to having a stable body. I promised someone a long time ago that I would not let this body die in an unnatural way, and I intend to hold that promise."

She sat down across from Visanj. "I wonder if they have lobster..."

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

Visanj considered this offer carefully, aware of its gravity and many potential outcomes.

"I am afraid, I will need to know much more before I could agree to this. While I certainly understand your need, and you have been - I presume - forthcoming on the manner, such things are not often in my wheelhouse. Why not ask this of your fellow Sith? Surely one of them is more qualified and able to help you in this matter than I?"

 

[Onrai]

[member="Visanj T'shkali"]

"It's a matter of doubts." She said. "I remain isolated from most of the other Sith for a reason, said reason being that I do not want to become actively involved in any sort of politicking. I've made enough enemies during my existence as is." She thought for a bit. "Perhaps a part of me thinks that perhaps I can lead you down a path in which you can be productive to the galaxy instead of destructive, as others I have associated with in the past have been." She said. "Besides, learning about what I intend to teach you about the ritual will expand your mind, and open up new horizons for you to learn from."

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

"I am afraid I rather like my role in the galaxy at the moment, and something tells me your desire to 'lead me' is in a direction I don't believe I wish to go. I am afraid, as much as I'd wish to help you, that I am simply not the person with whom this plan of yours is best suited. I am sorry, but I must decline your offer at this time. Please, stay, enjoy the lobster bessilon, it's really quite good. I thank you for meeting with me, and am glad we could reach an agreement on the sale of your devices, however, I am afraid the rest is not possible at this time. Thank you, I am flattered by the offer, and I do wish you well in finding someone with whom you can do what must be done. This is where I take my leave, farewell."

With that, Visanj politely rose from the table and walked to the door. Pausing, she turned and spoke, "I truly do hope everything works out for you, Vanessa."

Visanj turned and left the conference room, going to a waiting speeder outside which whisked her off to her ship and soon she was on her way back to Geonosis, and she checked with her subordinates, the fees were paid and delivery for the devices had been made just as Vanessa promised, and they were now en route back as well.

Visanj smiled, sipping her drink.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]