Private Shaken Not Stirred

[Darth Angonous]

Numbian Prime, a nice place located in the Mid Rim it was known for their lush and beautiful jungles. It was to the point where Numbian Prime was known as the galaxy's most peaceful jungle. It was alluring enough to attract some wealthy suitors but also elusive to where criminals, smugglers could hide here and even make a fortune. Well in Darth Angonous' case he's a Sith Lord hiding out in the tropical planet. He was dressed in a red tank top shirt, beige baggy pants and white shoes as he strolled through the casino watching people laugh and have a good time, Angonous was here not on a mission much to his surprise but rather participate in a high stakes Sabacc tournament. The Sith Lord has always been an avid player of the game since he his days at the Sith Academy. It kept Angonous focused and taught him how to read facial cues, those skills were useful especially on the battlefield when you are fighting a Jedi and you don't even need to use the force to taste their fear.

Their facial muscles twitch with nervousness as you slam your Lightsaber against theirs, sweat starting to form on their foreheads as they eke out a pitiful defense as you smash them relentlessly like a freight train. It was only then when you stab the Jedi through the heart, a Sith Lord knows what living is truly like: Victory or death is determined by inches and only when a Sith is faced with that scenario is when they are truly free. The force is Angonous' weapon, one that he can immerse himself in through rage and hate. The Sith Empire once considered a beacon of power, was now crumbling under the might of the New Imperial Order and Galactic Alliance. When Angonous heard about the loss of Korriban and Felucia he was enraged, to lose their homeworld to Jedi is a disgrace yet here they are scrambling like worms as they muster up a defense. He should've been there, he should've fought off the Jedi invaders yet right now his family told him not to waste his life fighting and start thinking of building the family.

Angonous sat down on table giving the dealer his pass needed to participate in the tournament. "Fools," Angonous muttered. "You think advancing your place is more important compared to the power of the Dark Side?" Angonous was considered to be the prodigal son. As one of the lesser noble families, Angounous' family was often mocked and criticized for producing low level force users. It was only then when Angonous was born with immense power was they became a family on the rise. Angonous had little care for nobility politics as much as he cared for his family. They wanted him to marry, but it was something he wasn't interested in what can love do to fuel his rage for the Dark Side? More importantly, could the noble family that he could marry into take advantage of his family? It was likely in this den of vipers that is Sith politics.

A Twileak servant asked Angonous if he wanted a drink. "A Martini," he responded as he got his cards out. "Shaken not stirred."

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Many people had vices that were that one guilty pleasure that others frowned upon. Ones such as smoking or heavily drinking; even murder. But for Rowena that little vice happened to be gambling at casinos.

These days her life was getting far too complex with schedules. She had a royal wedding to plan for her daughter, an Estate to furnish and tailer to her tastes, and a Monarchy to take as her own from her niece and nephew.

All of the pieces of her plan to lift her family out of the ashes of ruin was falling into place. Years of hard planning and work were starting to pay off.

And that of course gave her a cause for celebration and a wee bit of downtime before she was destined to pretty much live in Court while her daughter bore her first child. The first of many, she was sure.

Strolling through the casino with a glass of wine in her hand, Rowena weaved her way around the tables. As always, she was dressed to impress, this time in a silvery and sleek gown that sparkled and danced in the casino's lights. Usually she liked to watch and study the players first before she'd join in. Such a tactic tended to give her a better chance at winning. And so she found herself at the table that Darth Angonous sat at. She gave a small smile and nod to the players, casually sipping her wine as she silently began to watch them.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous made sure to put on his game face, in the game of Sabacc it's not just about skill with your cards but how well you can bluff you're opponent into making a mistake even if the cards you are holding are inferior. A stoic face but one that could give a hint of cockiness in order to bait out an opponent so they can make a mistake. It was almost like politics but actually fun and not boring to the point where one want to slaughter people for talking about stuff you don't care about. The servant came with Angonous' martini and the Sith Lord flashed a smile thanking her as he took the beverage. He took a sip as he observed his opponents there were mostly aliens and some rich and cocky humans, they all looked like prey to Angonous one to be gutted and humiliated.

It was the Sith way after all.

"We are looking for one more player!" one of the announcers yelled. "Unfortunately Miss Bosswottle could not make it due to sustaining serious injuries from a ship crash at Malastare."

"Let her die," Anognous thought. "If they are too weak then they must be eradicated, there is no room for weakness at least in the Dark Side."

He noticed a slender woman wearing a silk dress watching over them as though she wanted to play. "I assume you want to take lady Bosswottle's place," Anognous said to the woman. "If you want to please have a seat so we can get this tournament started."

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

"I was more inclined to watch. I would hardly know what I'm doing." That was a lie of course. She had frequented enough casinos to learn a thing or two about being successful at sabacc. "But if you need another player, I could certainly give it a try..."

Rowena took her seat in the empty chair, graceful and poised as she crossed her feet at the ankles and tucked them underneath her. Her wine glass was set on the table in front of her. She took a credit chip out of her small purse and slid it onto the table to buy her hand.

Once the cards were dealt, she took up her own and gave the appearance of puzzling over the cards as she reordered them in her hand over and over again. "Well, this looks like fun..."

Darth Angonous

 

[Darth Angonous]

Interesting..... so the woman doesn't know what she is doing? Darth Angonous' face remained unchanged but he took a brief bow as he watched her take her seat taking out a credit chip from her purse. It was definitely the old: I'm just a rookie who doesn't know what they're doing routine. Angonous remained silent watching the dealer divide the cards into suits. "It's a high stakes tournament ma'am," Angonous said to the woman his tone remaining calm and cool. "Numbian Prime is famous for having big money games every year. The most experience of players come to the casinos to test their skills."

Angonous took out his credit chip and slid it to the middle of the table. She was definitely lying, Angonous have seen plenty of her type at the table before. Be an attractive woman who acts like an airhead and have the opponents get their guard down, then when the game begins continue to act innocent until the right moment to strike. It's an old maneuver but one that's very effective, players here would always fall for a pretty face. But not Angonous, throughout his training he had learned to always strike fast and hard the moment he sees a deceiver. Do not give them any room to breathe otherwise they can slip out from their clutches and rethink their next method of attack.

Already the Sith Lord could see some of the men smitten with her, fools all of them. Such attachments would only weaken them, "might I know your name my lady?" Angonous smiled taking a sip of Martini. "Not often I get graced with a woman of your beauty."

Soften the target through honeyed words, Angonous preferred to fight rather than to talk. It was easy to make a statement through a Lightsaber than just flattery. Yet years as a noble from a small house instill habits that he tried hard to break. But Angonous supposed old habits died hard he supposed. "My name is Hal Dala. I come from Ord Mantell working as freighter pilot"

It was an alias that Angonous used over the years, the Sith Empire has some of the best spies in the galaxy. With their help, Angonous constructed an undercover name so he can get past CIS and Alliance space.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

"Oh yes, I'm quite familiar with Numbian Prime. Although it's the slots that usually bring me luck. Sabaac is quite the spectator sport, you know."

She took out another credit chip and added it to the pile to trade one of her cards with the dealer. "Oh I like that colour," she said to herself. Darth Angonous saw through her game and she knew it. She could see it in his eyes. He was already trying to weed her out, playing an entirely new game that had little to do with cards. The card game was just a tool.

"Lovely to meet your acquantiance, Hal Dala. I'm Lady Rowena Arenais. Yet that title may soon change, if I...play my cards right." Rowena laughed softly andbrought up her wine, taking a small sip before setting the glass down. Her movements were flowing and graceful, accomplished through years of practice. She was already working out a scheme to marry her daughter off to a King. Perhaps she's become a Baroness, or a Vicountess for her efforts. And if she continued to get her way, she was sure to become a Queen in her own right.

Everything was moving along perfectly.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Darth Anognous stared at his starting hand not bad but it wasn't the best cards to start. Still with games like Sabacc, all it takes is to act as though you have the best hand and force the opponent to overcommit. Lady Rowena placed another credit chit on to the pot, Anognous did the same need to start cautious before striking hard. A small smile formed on the Sith Lord's lips, it was far cry to his typical method of operation when it came to fighting which was slam into the opponent and break them as fast and efficient as possible with power blows. Anognous master critiqued his savage approach as having tunnel vision equivalent to a raging animal than a Sith Lord. He probably thought differently when Anognous killed him in his sleep.

"Sounds like you have plenty of experience in the casinos Lady Rowena," Anognous answered shifting through his cards, she still playing the naïve pretty woman. Amusing but perhaps Rowena was trying to use Anognous' suspicion to have the players turn against him. Considering that Rowena was the only woman on the table, and that a Duros was focusing his gaze on Anognous it could be possible. A woman's wiles can cause a man to go crazy in many ways that the force couldn't. It was quite respectable really. "You'll be surprised how much intelligence is required to be truly a master of Sabacc."

A player of Sabacc can lose to an amateur not because he had the strongest hand but because they can end a fight quickly. Enemies are everywhere and there is no time to play around with an opponent. To Anognous it's either live or die. "It's a pleasure truly Lady Rowena," Anognous said taking a sip. "Might I inquire why your title is changing? Based on your immaculate dress you look like a noble maybe from one of the core worlds?"

Rowena sounds like a politician perhaps somebody of great importance. Either way she had Anognous' attention.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena gave Darth Angonous a shrug of indifference. "I have some experience. I come for the shows, the atmosphere, opportunites and the drinks are fairly good." Again another little laugh that rang like songbirds. She certainly knew how to play it.

She smiled at the other players that she caught looking at her from behind their cards. And still reorganized her own, sometimes back and forth, as though she was completely unsure. At times she even copied those around her.

"And are you a Master of Sabacc, Hal? You sure seem to have the confidence." Stroking his ego just a little, Rowena simply ignored his inquiry. That was for her to know and for everyone else to find out later.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Rowena didn't answer his question, probably wanting to avoid explaining the situation because she doesn't feel comfortable. Anogous hated masking his emotions, it made him feel like a Jedi denying their true nature. However he did his best in masking his annoyance when Rowena said that he was a master of Sarbacc. It was an easy deflection but Anogous accepted the flattery for now. "The drinks are fairly cheap," Angonous said taking another sip of Martini. "Of course it's keep you playing as many games as you can. I can say that I'm an alright player won a few regional torunaments at Ord-Mantell this is my first time playing with the elites."

Which of course is a lie, Anogous had dominated many Sabacc tournaments across the galaxy, he one of the best Sabacc players in the world and he knows it. "But what about you Rowena?" Anogous said. "What brings you to the casino? Fun? Meet new people? Everyone's got a story."

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

"One just has to learn which bartender has the better drinks, if you want anything that's good. Of course one would also have to have deep pockets."

She threw in another credit chip and traded a couple of cards for newer ones this time. As Darth Angonous mentioned that he had won a few tournaments two members folded and quit the game. The others kept their hands seemed to take in the banter with some amusement.

"What brings me to the casino? All of the above. As I said before, I like the atmosphere and the opportunities. There's plenty of that around here." Again she sipped her wine. "And what about you, Hal? Spending some of your ill gotten gains?"

 

[Darth Angonous]

Admittedly Darth Angonous enjoyed the Casinos from time to time but they were always dirty. Casinos were often full of smoke due to people always smoking Deathsticks making it hard to see. The sounds of debauchery was heard as people were shouting with joy because they won a lot of credits or sadness because they gambled it all and loss. When a person gambles eventually they lose which was something Angonous picked up while he was training to be a Sith Knight. A gamble is good every now and then but to rely on luck was asking to lose.

"Not in my experience," Angonous said placing two credit chips on to the pile. Already he could see one Sabacc player feeling nervous his face twitching and his hands were shaking. He didn't even need the force to see the man had the bad hand. All one needed to do was to strike. "That's rather presumptuous of you my lady," Angonous said with a smile. "Not all people who come from Ord Mantell are smugglers. I just happen to run a legitimate freighter business."

Under Hal Dala, Angonous had a freighter company at Ord Mantell. It was nothing too big just enough to make a profit but low key enough not to attract the CIS nor the GA's attention. It was good to keep tabs on the enemy which was of course the Jedi, while the NIO was giving the The Sith Empire problems, true Sith like Angonous knew that the enemy was always the NJO. Those fools saw an opportunity to kick the Sith while they were down by defeating them at Korriban. The Jedi never learn that a wounded animal is at their most dangerous and the Sith love to turn pain into power. Which was something the Jedi were against.

"I was just joking," Angonous said. "I get that a lot that I'm some smuggler or something. It's rather endearing but all I care about is my company and I try to make it the best freighter company in the galaxy. I just need to find the right people"

What would she say about this?

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena gave a little laugh again, bringing her cards close to her chest so that no one could peek. She could tell that Darth Angonous had secrets of his own, however his seemed more of a darker nature than her own. It could very well be that he was a part of a criminal underground like the Black Sun or worse. Casinos did tend to invite those unsavoury types. It was a legitimate way to launder credits afterall.

"The right people? Do you mean in the manner of employees or clients?" If he was looking for clients, than surely he'd be shmoozing with the richer folks, now wouldn't he? Yet here he was just playing a game of sabacc with the not-so-rich. Not counting herself, of course.

If he was looking to get credits from her, well she would be able to pick that out and send him over to some of the most annoying people that she knows within this casino. Rowena grinned to herself as she thought about doing such a thing. That might actually be fun and provide a good laugh.

Maybe she should do it...

 

[Darth Angonous]

It seems that Rowena is interested in actually helping Angonous' company, he didn't have too much interest in it since it was just a front so he can spy on the Galactic Alliance. The lady was probably trying to lead the Sith Lord to partners so boring that Angnonous would maim him in a claim to their families it was an accident. "I'm looking for a partner to tell you the truth," Angonous said seeing another Sabacc player throw his hands up and leave and at the first turn no less. "I'm more of a doer so to speak, and as a result I'm often busy delivering goods to my clients. I suppose a person who radiates intelligence could make the decisions while I'm gone. Someone who's not afraid to get down and dirty in the cutthroat industry that is the starship business."

Angnous was really trying dig deep in who this woman was, there was clearly more to her than just a pretty face. The best way to test a person was to offer them power. Such was the way of the Sith, power is addictive and the strong and weak alike crave it. Yet only the most ruthless and cunning of Sith could seize it. Ambition can transform a person regardless "I have access to important Hyperspace Lanes to the Galactic Alliance," he said. "I'm starting to rake in some serious credits. I know a rich woman like you would scoff at that but in my experience the only thing that people like better than money is power. Power is what runs the galaxy and keeps people in check, what use is credits if you are merely a puppet for someone greater."

His Sith side started to slip out, figures considering he hated to be in disguise but he had a feeling that Lady Rowena was more of a Sith than the majority of Sith Knights at the Empire. And she wasn't even Force sensitve.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Oh there was a hint of a blush at the compliments that Darth Angonous was throwing her way, partly hidden as she brought up her cards again and threw in three credit chips thus time. Hal suggested that he was a lot like her husband, spending a lot of his time on his ships than anywhere else, working hard and getting after those that crossed him in some way or tried to cheat him. She hadn't seen him in a frw months, but no doubt he'd come back to her when he had the chance. He always did.

Hal's offer was however, a step down from what she was currently living in. Quite a few, actually. And once her goals were met, it'd be even further down than that.

"Many thanks for the offer, Hal, yet I must decline. Even the owner/operators of a shipping company is but a puppet in service to their clientelle. Without them, you'd not be raking in any credits at all." She brought up her glass for another sip of her wine, delicious as it was. "But should I need anything shipped from any of my worlds in the future, I'll be sure to look you up."

 

[Darth Angonous]

Angonous wasn't surprised based on her response, he presumed that Rowena would want to aim higher than just simple shipping. But still power is tempting regardless. "Of course Lady Rowena," he smiled before reaching into his pocket and sliding her his business card. "My Holonumber is there in case you want to contact me."

It was time to reveal his hand and as soon already multiple people were eliminated from the tournament. Angonous average hand was just enough to keep him the game. As long as he survives though, Angonous can come up with a plan to counterattack. Survive and overwhelm that was the Sith mantra and for years the Sith have been nothing more than survivors. Try as the Jedi might committing genocide on the Sith multiple times in the past, the Sith have always came back stronger, smarter and bolder. The brink of death can bring out feelings of rage fosters the will to win and Angonous had plenty.

"You should reveal your hand my lady," he said. "It'll be a shame if you were eliminated though, I'm enjoying talking with you."

Now that was the first truthful statement to come out from his mouth.

Rowena Arenais

 

[-Shelved-]

Rowena took the business card in hand and slipped it into her purse. "Thank you kindly..."

There seemed to be more than meets the eye when it came to Darth Angonous . Yet she couldn't quite pinpoint just what it was that lay right below the surface. Knowing her luck, he was probably a Force User. There seemed to be so many of them nowadays. She didn't hate them as much as Bastin did, but she did see his point about them cheating their way through the Galaxy. Whereas people like her and her husband worked their way up on their own, with no supernatural help of any kind.

Hal revealed his hand and asked her to reveal hers. At his further statement of him enjoying their conversation, Rowena gave him a cunning smile and kept her cards close to her chest as she quipped; "Do you mean to say, Hal, that you'll only be speaking with me during the game? And at no other point thereafter? That's hardly the kind thing to say to a potential partner..."

 

[Darth Angonous]

Lady Rowena was truly a woman of intrigue, she seems to be the person who has no problem using her beauty to entice people. What's unique about her was that she appears to be the airhead, a person who appears helpless. Many men love to be hero where they help the damsel in distress and Rowena is attempting to pull Angnous to her will. However the Sith Lord could easily see past her, the thing about femme fatales is that once their looks aren't working they have nothing to fall back on. A foolish thing to do, one must have layers upon layers especially if they are to survive the pit of vipers. Is Rowena different? So far it seems so considering she seems to be holding her ground.

"Many players leave in a huff," he said sipping his Martini. "But you are theoretically a new player to the game. I just assumed that you'll just leave."

When Rowena said "partner" it held Angnous' attention. What angle is she pulling this time? "Partner huh?" he smirked. "What are you trying to say if I may inquire lady Rowena?"

 

[-Shelved-]

"To this game, yes. But there are many others that I excell at." Which was quite true. They weren't all games to play in a casino either. Politics was full of games, though some had severe consequences for losing. Far more so than just some credits.

At his inquiry into what she had meant in her comment of 'partner', Rowena gave him a sly shrug of her shoulders. "Oh well it was you that said that you were looking for a partner. I'm merely expressing that I'm considering thinking it over."

She revealed her hand, showing her cards to be quite good and definetly higher than what Darth Angonous was currently holding.

 

[Darth Angonous]

Oh Angonous was aware that Rowena Arenais was capable of more. The fact that she when she revealed her hand which crushed everyone in the table. The players even the dealer were surprised that Rowena came up on top well everyone but Angnous who seen this song and dance before but Rowena seemed to execute it with grace. "Yes," Angonous said smiling. "I can tell based on how you trumped these men with nothing more with a simple smile. Sabacc is more than just cards but cunning."

It was something that Angonous was struggling to learn since it clashed with his philosophy of transcendence through conflict. But perhaps there were other ways than might making right. "Of course my apologies lady Rowena," he said. "But just so you know if you partner with me you will not regret it." Rowena doesn't know that he was a Sith Lord, she probably knows that he may be force sensitive considering that he comes across as more intiutive than the others but he doesn't know how she feels about the Sith.

 

[-Shelved-]

"Just a smile? Oh it was more thsn that. A smile didn't give them poor hands. Bad luck did. One just has to know when to take chances." Rowena collected her spoils, deposting the credit chips into her purse. She then picked up her glass of wine and sipped from it.

Rowena nodded to the dealer and the others that soon left the table before turning her attention back to Darth Angonous . "We shall see if that holds true. I'll need some more incentives. But let's discuss this privately over drinks. I'm in need of a refill, afterall." Indeed her wine was dangerously liw, yet Rowena had no intention of getting herself tipsy or drunk. She always kept her wits about her. She always kept herself guarded. It was how she survived and thrived.