The End of Aloha, the Beginning of Something Else

[Kasca Fen]

She had to smile at his praise, pleased that he understood the nature of subtlety when it came to her chemical experiments. Most would have assumed she simply wanted to elevate the mood, but really, it was so much more deep than that. She had wanted people to get out of their own way in doing something that would make them happier. It was a subtle difference, but an important one. Elevating mood didn't always bring about a step forward for someone. And there was the mood kicker which as can be evidenced by the people left at the party, was working well.

HIs praise continued as they entered the doors and made their way into the small cafe. Standing at the counter was a young man who looked incredibly bored until they entered. He took in Metus first as the man was large, dark and a demanding presence. Then came his examination of Kasca, pretty, petite and maybe not with Metus. He got a bit of a cocky grin as he leaned over the counter with his attention on the pale woman. "What can I get for you?"

Kasca, oblivious or uncaring of the young man's feelings, completely ignored them and ordered a caf with cinnamon and cream. Then she turned away from him to allow her eyes to wander while he was to serve [member="Darth Metus"]. The young man seemed perturbed by this attitude. He had a job, and he may have acne marking his face more than any asteriod, he could treat a girl right. What did the tall dark guy have over him? Except that he was taller... more muscular... wore clothes that were obviously more expensive... And without a mark on his face. The kid harrumphed and crossed his arms. "What can I get you?"

How would Metus handle this less than enthusiastic greeting? Kasca mildly paid attention wanting to know.

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Meeting: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

There was a momentary lapse in their conversation as the pair entered into the Caf Shop. By now, the gentlemanly display of offering his arm to the young woman had expired, yet they walked together towards the counter. Kasca was first to arrive before the barista, as the Sith had tarried closer to the entrance for just a moment. His sulfuric gaze was focused upon a box of assorted teas that would have been the perfect souvenir for one of his other pupils. However, there would be time aplenty to pick up the tea on the way off the planet, so Darth Metus simply made a mental note to stop in once again before departing. His stride bore him to the counter, where the barista was casually leaning.

And based on the acne riddled across his face, coupled with the way he leaned on the counter, it was clear that the young man was more interested in the Sith's excessively pretty companion than on maintaining a paycheck. Nonetheless, Kasca was unphased by the barista's display and placed her order - a simple caf with cinnamon and cream. Apparently the fact that she did not so much as acknowledge his display had plucked a nerve or something, for the young man crossed his arms and looked upon the Sith was utter disregard. However, the Vicelord did not come into this world bearing a silver spoon in his mouth. He came from nothing and clawed his way skyward; and therefore did not have the hubristic sense of entitlement other politicians might have.

Instead, Darth Metus looked upon the young man the way he would any one of his children. One did not reward piss poor behavior with attention, for clearly that was what this young man was looking for. So, the Sith simply looked at the menu and placed an order for a medium caf with a shot of espresso. From thence, he simply reached out to Kasca with his dominant arm and placed his hand on the small of her back, motioning with his chin towards one of the booths. "Let's sit there." he said simply. And before he led her towards the table, he made only one statement to the young man.

"Put this order under the tab for room 300."

While Kasca would not have known the significance of this, the young man would have been employed at the Caf Shop long enough to know the presidential suite number when he heard it. That would have been, at least in the Sith's mind, enough of a wake up call for the young man to treat all his customers like they were more than a pretty face...or competition for that matter. Should the young Mandragora accept Darth Metus' lead, a few paces would see them seated at the booth, where the Sith would ease in once she was seated. To her would be offered a warm smile whilst their beverages were concocted.

"Let's play a game." he said, punctuating his words with a wink. "You can ask me any two questions, and I'll answer truthfully. Or, if I can't answer, you get to pick out anything from the gift shop on me." No doubt this was the result of the Vicelord getting lost down an online video playlist during the flight into Archae Teuthis. However, the video series he was watching involved answering questions truthfully or taking a shot as punishment. Given the lack of liquor and the Sith's mission to brighten the woman's evening, he figured this would be a close substitute. "What do you say? You game?"

 

[Kasca Fen]

The young man indeed knew what the room number was and his scowl turned into a look of shock he was unable to keep off his smarmy face. All the luck. That guy had the girl and money, and clothes and probably everything. He didn't know or care to know the truth. Jealous is an ugly monster and it welled up inside the young man. However, it was not potent enough for him to completely screw up his job. He grumbled to himself behind the bar and away from the pretty woman being led off to a booth. There was no competing with that. So he made the drinks according to their order.

Kasca smiled up at [member="Darth Metus"] as he gently steered her to the booth. She allowed herself to be led. It wasn't as though she trusted him completely. He was a stranger to her, but it was more that she trusted him for now and in this moment. Perhaps it was her ingrained distrust of the dark side and those who wielded it (Thanks TJO), but she simply wasn't one to trust easily in the first place. Her parents had tampered with her genetics and her mind. Her brother, far away from her now, had manipulated her and abused her as a child. The Jedi Order took her in but in the flight of their own, left her behind. Left many padawans behind. She wasn't necessarily surprised by their inattention, but she didn't excuse it either.

SItting down happily, she situated herself comfortably opposite the man she was to learn from. She thought it was a lovely platitude he had given her that he might learn something from her, but she wasn't going to tell him that she didn't believe him. It would have been rude after the man had been so kind and helpful on the beach, She considered his proposed game. There didn't seem to be a catch, nor a downside for playing it. Finally she answered. "Alright, but only if you do the same with me." She said with a grin.

What questions to ask though? She thought about it, absently and delicately touching her lips with the end of her middle finger. While she contemplated this, the young man came up with their caf order and left as quickly as he came, still grumbling, Kasca ignored it. Finally she looked directly at [member="Darth Metus"].

"Why did you go in search of solitude tonight? You have the whole of the Confederacy, probably what... a trillion people at your beck and call." The celebration had been in full swing filled with some of the most incredible costumes and people... people he knew. "Why alone tonight?"

"And I suppose what do you want to do? Now, or later tonight, tomorrow, next week, or eventually. It doesn't matter which you choose." Then she picked up her mug of steaming brew and sipped her caf with an almost purr of contentment.

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Meeting: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

The barista kept himself in check following that.

The young Mandragora was truly the epitome of an independent spirit, and thus the Sith had a quiet hope that she did not balk at the notion of being led to the booth. However, it seemed as though she was genuinely, at least for now, enjoying Darth Metus' company. Judging from the look on her face as they settled in, seated across from one another, the woman was rather pleased with how the evening was turning out. Just seeing that her lips featured a smile instead of the defeated expression of earlier was enough to curve the Vicelord's lips upward. And, when Darth Metus proposed his game, Kasca seemed all for it!

A genuine grin characterized her features as she opened the floor and afforded the Sith the same opportunity. Two questions, truth or gift shop. Darth Metus' mind began to churn out possibilities of what he might ask his newfound pupil. Would he explore corners of her past or allow those to be revealed organically? Would he poll her thoughts about him? Only time would tell. It was the clatter of their beverages upon the booth table which pulled the Sith back to reality for a moment. He thanked the young man and nodded as he departed before returning his gaze to the beauty seated before them.

"You've got yourself a deal, ask away!" he said, beaming.

After a small sum of thought, Kasca made two solid inquiries to the Vicelord. The first made perfect sense, but caused Darth Metus to laugh aloud. "That's exactly why, actually." he began. "As Vicelord, I have many at my beck and call...but there are so many more who need me to be at their beck and call. Viceroys, CEOs, Knights Obsidian, Marshals, and everything in-between. Even at a party like this I would have been stopped at least, oh I don't know, thirty times just before I go to the punch bowl. It's...a mouthful at times, and a walk is just what I need to keep the mind at peace."

As for the second question, he pondered for a moment...before giving her a thorough response. "Well...For now, and into the evening if you'll tolerate me, I'd like to spend more time with you. Getting to know you, making sure you're alright, and getting arrangements made for everything moving forward. Tomorrow, I want to sleep in and see how good this resort's brunch is. Next week...well, we should be back on Geonosis or Ryloth by that point, so I'd like to see what's on the agenda moving forward…" His eyes swept the shop, checking for any prying ears before continuing. "We're going to war, as you'll soon find out. So a solid chunk of the future will be devoted to getting the logistics of our movements squared away."

He did not go into much further detail than that. "Eventually...I'd like to rebuild my Forge on Ryloth and visit a few of my children who are passing through this year." The Vicelord's answer was concluded with a nod before he reached out to his beverage. He gave himself a few more moments to think about what he would inquire of Kasca by taking a slow sip of the caf; and once he had swallowed asked: "What do you think of Sith, or me for that matter?" and "If you could visit anywhere in Confederate space, where would it be?"

Simple enough, and loaded to Hell and back. The caf was decent and he didn't detect a hint of spit. Good.

 

[Kasca Fen]

It was unexpected that he would be so delighted in her interest in the game. Did he not have many people around him willing to play it? Or maybe this was something new for him to try. She sipped her caf and leaned forward expressing in her body language, the interest she felt. From the general vicinity of the counter, she heard a clack clack-clack click-clack clack as the clerk threw something plastic up in the air in frustration and let it fall to the floor in defeat as he saw her engaging in conversation with the dark man. He sighed and went back to the stock room, leaving them alone. One should not think about what went on in that stock room if it could be helped. Kasca didn't even look up at the sound.

His first answer was about like she expected it to be ever since she had met him on the beach with only the waves hitting the surf to cause sound and only the light of the moon to light one's way. His answer to the second question was more expansive. She had asked for one and he gave her answers to all of the options. She was fairly sure she could tolerate him. He seemed happy compared to the vision she had in her head of dark lords. He was interested and the feeling of blind arrogance that so often accompanied the title "Darth" or "Sith" was not one she got from him. Granted, this was the first hour of them getting to know each other.

The idea of sleeping in was rather a lovely one and she smiled wide with a dreamy look in her eyes when [member="Darth Metus"] mentioned it. It was definitely on her list of things to do tomorrow too. She was brought back from her dream of sleeping in by his continuation of answering her question. She didn't know what his forge was or how many children he had. Though she had these follow up questions, it wasn't a part of the game.

Now it was her turn. Two very important and interesting questions. She considered for a long moment and then said, "I will answer your second question first, as it's the easiest. Rishi. I hear its a tropical paradise. Granted, we are sort of in one at the moment here on Archae Teuthis but it's different. It's not all ocean. The sand is not artificial to make one feel less like they are on a floating city."

"As to your second question, that is a little more complicated." She sipped her caf to give her more time to consider. Her eyes were sharp, smart, discerning as she looked at the Vicelord before her. "The Sith are generally disorganized until they want something collectively... usually revenge or to trounce somebody so they can feel superior. They spend too much time thinking of how powerful they are than actually being powerful." She held out her hand to indicate she meant no offense and to let her continue without interruption as she looked out the window to the people on the dance floor. One couple was in the corner obviously having sex. Was it a wolf and an acrobat? She couldn't quite tell. A Soldier, King, and Flamingo looked on in rabid fascination, touching each other. HUH! She had to blink and return her mind to the conversation.

"They can and do cause great change in the galaxy but I don't see there actually being a plan. Its just a lot of wanton violence in response to getting their butt hurt, or the perception thereof. At least... that is my lowly opinion. I am no expert in any of it."

"You, I...." Kasca looked at him again, her pale eyes searching him for ... something? "I don't understand you." She said, finally shrugging and sitting back. "You are not like I imagined the leader of the Confederacy to be."

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Meeting: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

It was the young woman's interest in what he had to say that gave the Vicelord tunnel vision. With the exception of occasionally punctuating his words with a sip of his piping hot caf, the Sith kept his sulfuric gaze trained exclusively on Kasca. His eyes did not wander when the clatter behind the counter occurred - not doubt the barista being a clutz or something of that affect. Nor did he succumb to the human urge to turn around and see if the faint sighs occurring behind him were indeed what they sounded like. Instead, he paid attention to her expressions and how she leaned in with interest; each being a sign that every minute together was a dramatic improvement over her solitude on the beach.

As far as what he answered, there weren't any questions on the part of the beautiful Mandragora. However, he could see her expression light up at various points of his answer. Particularly when he mentioned sleeping in - as there wasn't a being alive who did not appreciate that simple luxury. After his own answers had formed and fallen from his lips, it was Kasca's turn to answer. And like her own inquiries, one was far simpler to answer than the other. The Vicelord raised his beverage to his lips and indulged in a deep sip as she answered, electing to go with the simpler of the two first.

Rishi. For a moment Darth Metus racked his brains and realized that he had never actually set foot on that world before. Which was odd considering how many years he had frequented the Southern Systems as a member of both Confederacies. He made a mental note that, under the guise of a training exercise or something, he would take his newfound pupil to Rishi and fulfill that vacationer's dream of his. And, by doing so, he would have at least been a decent enough Vicelord to visit a world within his borders that he had not as of yet. He nodded along and offered her a smile as she spoke of the world's sand compared to Archae Teuthis.

Now it was the Sith's turn to demonstrate his interest through body language. His cup settled down upon the table as she voiced her thoughts about his ilk...and frankly he couldn't find anything that he disagreed with in her summations. Those emboldened by the Dark Side usually saw their own power as absolute, and therefore collaboration was typically seen as weakness, a means to an end, or just plain beneath them. Ambition raged through the Sith veins so viciously that it caused some to fly too close to the Sun. "Couldn't have said it better myself." he began, his tone even. "I suppose that's why I'm considered... unorthodox by some of my peers. I don't like to waste my time on aspirations that will crumble, or forsake opportunities due to perceptions of power."

There was more, but he left it at that as the young woman was searching. Her gaze was serene as she scanned the depths of his eyes. And her words elicited a quiet response. "And what did you imagine the leader of the Confederacy to be?" he began, punctuating his words with another sip. "How...can I help you understand? Would you like a free question?"

And despite the smirk, the offer was sincere.

 

[Kasca Fen]

Unorthodox. Yes, she could see that would be the case. The fact that he had stopped to talk to a woman obviously in pain and not helped those voices tip her over the edge just for funzies was enough to confirm that. He could have easily left her there, unnoticed too and he had not. She still thought it was amazing that he could hear the voices that no one else had and there was even some small part of her that sort of resented the intrusion. It was the smallest part though and could not compare to how relieved she had been when he had temporarily abated their assault on her senses.

"I imagined he would be like I perceive most Sith to be. Obsessed with his own power to the negation of all else. I thought you would be Iron Fist at all times but you handled me with velvet gloves instead. I thought you would be here, at the party." She indicated the dance floor. More people were either watching or joining in the fun out there and she could sense the rise in temperature and energy out there spilling over a little into the caf shop. She was not above being affected and took a deep breath. Perhaps she should not have partaken in her own creation. She looked down at her caf in an effort to disengage from the energy coursing around the place. Lifting a finger, she crooked it around as though she were stirring her caf from above and indeed she was using her telekinesis to stir the dark liquid. Now successfully detatched, Kasca returned her attention to [member="Darth Metus"] and tried to keep her tone light. "Ummm, Here, mingling, making deals or ordering people to serve you grapes and fan you with a gigantic leaf."

"OH, a free question? Sir, you are giving too much away." She said in mock shock before grinning. "But I am not above taking it. So, what one thing influenced you to become.... unorthodox?"

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Meeting: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

As the young woman voiced how she imagined what the Vicelord could have been, the Sith could not help but chuckle. His mind was taken back to his younger days, when he was indeed a loose cannon armed with the Dark Side. If she had crossed paths with him decades ago, he might very well have taken advantage of her plight. Most likely, he would have pressed the word intrusion to its absolute limit and enthralled the woman to his service. Yet, the difference between most Sith and Darth Metus laid in a common denominator. Sith, just like Jedi, were the by-products of their upbringing. Whomever plucked them from nothing and molded their path was responsible for how, in most cases, they would turn out as Masters or Lords in the future.

And the one responsible for Darth Metus' orthodoxy was his own Master: Rave Merrill. By now, her reputation might have waned due to the amount of time that had passed - but whilst he studied under her, she was easily the greatest Alchemist in the Galaxy. Her creations pushed the very limits of the Force. Yet, at the end of her life, she did not fall to the blade of a Jedi. She did not fall victim to her own ambitions. But rather, she gave her life up to save those who could not save themselves. That reality stuck with the Sith and was the blast furnace which solidified his mindset to this day.

His trip down memory lane was interrupted by her indication of the party behind them. He indulged in a glance and was met with…that...and settled his gaze right back on the young lady. Stating first: "Are you wanting to party with me, is that it?" Party being the polite way of describing what their peers were doing to each other. Regardless, once she had concluded her thoughts, Darth Metus responded earnestly and with a light smile on his face. "All Sith are a reflection of their Masters. We inherit a little bit of their philosophy when they train us - and I am no different. My Master, and easily one of my greatest friends, was not a woman obsessed with power. She was curious, just like you, about how far she could push creation. And so she created wonders that earned her the recognition of countless worlds."

"Not recognition by fear, but gratitude. Awe. Her creations were always beneficial to someone and only the minority were actual weapons." He trailed off, realizing the tangent he was going down. "Anyway, all that to say, I was never exposed to the obsession with power. But rather, my what makes me Sith, is my will to eradicate all weakness within myself. To never have a chink in my armor that is exploitable to my adversaries. And my ambition is to be mighty enough to provide and maintain a utopia for what I care about." He motioned to the room about them, quietly referencing the Confederacy. "So, suffice it to say, I don't feel the urge to be a tyrant because ensuring your happiness is my ambition. Keeping you safe is my goal. And making this last forever is my dream."

 

[Kasca Fen]

"Are you wanting to party with me, is that it?"

Kasca coughed suddenly, her coffee swirling stopping due to the lack of concentration. She had not expected the question, or the connotation behind it. Was he ... teasing her? Surely he could not be serious. Did he know she had taken her own concoction? Well, she was certainly regretting that choice about now. She blushed profusely and lifted a hand in a gesture that brought the rolling blind down to cover the distracting scene outside. It didn't stop the energy from spilling into the Caf as it did, but it at least minimized the distraction visually. I mean, who could ignore a wolf and an acrobat going at it with a menagerie looking on and pleasing each other in a nearly full blown orgy. If it wasn't yet, it would be soon enough. Why oh why did I let that distract me? Oh gods, she thought, please do not let him use that as his free question.

So, she looked at her coffee and tried very hard to listen intently to his explanation to her question. Of course his answer made perfect sense to her based on his actions thus far and how much truth he spoke. He could be lying, but somehow she sincerely doubted it. Why lie and have to keep track of all of it when the truth works fine and costs nothing? She covered her eyes with her hand and groaned as the sounds outside began to build in volume. Of course. Her humiliation could not be fine as is. It was her fate to suffer. She knew she was being dramatic though and it would only be short lived. Eventually she would get back to the pride she felt in her creation. Kasca opened her fingers just a bit to look at [member="Darth Metus"], fully expecting him to be amused at her discomfort and drugged state.

"So, quid pro quo. What is your free question?"

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Meeting: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

Her reaction was everything that he could have wished for.

Though there was a wolf "enjoying its prey" just beyond the Caf Shop's walls, the Sith offered the woman a grin just as canine. There was a bemused, yet devilish, gleam to his sulfuric gaze as he watched her sputter in response to his jest. Her display of mundane telekinetics came to an abrupt halt and Darth Metus honestly was surprised that she did not spray her beverage all over him. She then attempted to veil the obscene display from their view by lowering the shutters behind them; but the damage was already done. With a face that was beet red, Kasca looked upon the Sith and offered him his free question.

What else under the stars was he going to ask?

In the spirit of improving her mood and taking her mind off of the voices, he simply leaned forward in his seat ever so slightly. For just a second he entertained maintaining some degree of professionalism, but a sudden gasp from outside reminded him that there wasn't a person at the Luau who was in their right mind. No one would bat an eye at hearing that the Vicelord asked something unsavory when his subordinates were very visibly getting to know one another. Thus, he simply motioned to her with his hand and asked: "Well, do you?"

This time he wanted nothing more than spilt coffee for that little chit of a barista to clean later.

 

[Kasca Fen]

She couldn't tell if he was laughing at her, but she could tell that he was enjoying her discomfort and embarrassment immensely. The look on his face and the way he leaned forward was definitely displaying that. The heat of her cheeks spread through her body. The gasp from outside was loud enough that Kasca closed her eyes. It was... pleasing to hear and she squirmed under his gaze before opening her eyes and awaiting the question she knew he wouldn't be able to resist. The Barista apparently had heard it too because he peeked out from the storage room, saw what was going on outside through the other windows of the Cafe and then went right back inside, closing the door.

Kasca looked away from [member="Darth Metus"] as the question finally did come. She pressed her lips together and pondered how she wanted to answer it. This was a game after all. She could answer truthfully or she could get him something from the store nearby. IF she chose the latter, it would likely be as good as an admission of her interest. If she chose the former, she would have to brave any multitude of answers he might give. Metus could simply nod and leave her in this flustered state. He could choose to take her up on the idea. After all, she was staying in his room. Kasca quickly shut down that line of thinking before her imagination ran away with her completely. He could choose to reject her, kindly or not. He could simply tease her and add to her state.

Having never been the kind of person that shied away from anything, she made her choice. At least she had been smart and NOT taken a swig of caf. Kasca took a deep breath and opened her eyes to look at Metus calmly despite her rosy cheeks and the rather louder noises coming from outside. "I do. Does that surprise you?"

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Meeting: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

There was relative silence.

Darth Metus was certain that the young Mandragora could feel the weight of his sulfuric gaze upon her skin. The crimson plastered all across her face and neck told him that much at a glance. Whether it was bashfulness, embarrassment, amusement, or something in-between he could not readily tell given the cocktail of desire occurring just beyond the caf shop walls. However, he did watch her response to his inquiry very closely. Though it was admittedly twisted to take amusement with it, the Sith rather enjoyed watching the gears turn. Kasca's expression changed repeatedly; her eyes became alive with as her mind raced and her lips clamped together for moments at a time.

Yet, when she finally spoke, the Sith did not make an immediate response. There was no quip. There was no rejection. There was no acceptance. Only the same relative silence that was punctuated by the festivities occurring outside. The steady thump, thump, thump of furniture being violated could almost be mistaken for a heartbeat amongst the quiet in fact. Action spoke louder than words in the Vicelord's mind, and as his dominant hand coiled about his beverage, his offhand reached across the table. The rears of his fingers gingerly trailed about Kasca's cheek as his gaze deviated for a moment, returning to the caf.

"I'm not surprised to hear you say that - especially with the night's festivities underway." he began, punctuating his thoughts with a brief sip of his caf. "And, frankly, you're a very attractive woman who I'd happily carry outside right now." The caf was returned to the table with a tap. "However. As much fun as it would be...It's not a good look to liberate you from your thoughts only to bed you. Makes the motive look terrible."

Whether he was being genuine or not - or politely declining due to being her "boss" - was something he did not specify. However, his words were concluded with a wink and an added: "But, who knows, maybe you'll slip something into my caf later and I'll be thoroughly encouraged to change my mind."

 

[Kasca Fen]

IT was good that he wasn't surprised by her admission. At least then his words that eventually came in reply were something he had at least contemplated for more than a second. For her, there was no nervousness as she waited to see how he was going to respond to her honesty. She had said her peace and now it was up to him to find his own personal truth so she didn't flinch or move away when his hand came up to her face. His fingers, softer than she expected, brushed across her flaming cheek. She barely breathed as he did so, only slightly allowed herself to lean into his touch like she wanted to.

When he mentioned wanting to take her outside, her breath hitched a little and heat stirred in her middle in response to that idea. The need to immediately do just that was strong, the drug working at this point, not in her favor. It wanted to give her what she wanted, to break down any small barriers that prevented her from doing what she really wanted to do. However, Kasca was not in charge of this situation and at least with that, she was able to keep her seat.

Besides, there were many reasons why he might be choosing to reject her, however kindly it was done and Kasca could not blame him in the slightest as many of those reasons were her own as well. He was technically her boss, now more so than he had been at the start of the evening. She was inebriated and though that might help facilitate her wants, it might be viewed upon as not being able to properly give consent. She was young, new to CIS. She had no idea what she would be getting into if she spent the night in his bed, or even multiple nights. She quickly shut down those thoughts though. Better to NOT think about it lest the drug push her further than was wise.

She finally smiled at his wink and teasing comment about drugging him later, reached up her hand to touch the fingers warming the skin of her cheek and caressing her in a sweet gesture. Kasca laced her fingers with his for a moment before she brought the hand down to the table. With her other hand, she picked up her caf and sipped it as well, hoping the hot liquid would help give her time to calm down from the energy of what was going on outside. There were unmistakable sounds indicating multiple people were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

"Ah no, if I really decided that I wanted you to take me to bed, drugs would not be necessary to convince you. Of that... I am certain. Any more questions for me then?" Her confidence in this at least was unshakable as she looked back at the dark man before her. It was entirely a woman's confidence, something distinctly female and surprisingly sultry, Perhaps there was more than just the scientist before him.

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Meeting: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

There was confidence in her voice.

Given the flow of their evening thus far, the Sith found his eyebrow raising in response to her words. They conflicted with the sweetness of her touch and clashed horrendously with the crimson splashed upon her expression. In truth, it reminded him briefly of the pride he had felt when she first introduced her handiwork. However, regardless of what tone her words took - whether confidently seductive of bashful - this was still a massive improvement compared to earlier in the evening. As far as his objective of making the woman feel better went, Darth Metus was confident he was succeeding. In response to her words, the Sith offered a genuine grin coupled with a light chuckle. "Duly noted, Kasca." he said before reaching for his beverage once more.

At the mention of any further questions, the Sith paused to think. His train of thought was tempered by brief sips of his beverage whilst he mulled over where to steer their conversation. The din outside was certainly responsible for a portion of the atmosphere; and while the Sith was enjoying himself, he was rather certain that dancing upon that current line would see them joining the fun. Whether outside or atop their table - much to the barista's dismay. And the last thing Darth Metus needed was a holovid of such behavior being plastered about the airwaves. Instead, he decided to steer their talk to the future - as perhaps that would bring them down to the earth every so slightly once more. Once his beverage was returned to the table, Darth Metus tented his hands and leaned forward ever so slightly.

"Have you ever seen a Rancor?" He inquired, quite simply. As the Vicelord had already decided that she might be a suitable successor for his Alchemical teachings, an answer popped into mind that would address the question of her condition and where to begin. Through introducing her to one of the fabled beasts of Dathomir, he might encourage her to take ownership of her mind by influencing the Rancor. And, once tamed, he could show her how to create a fitting assortment of arms and armor for her soon-to-be-faithful steed. Now there was a lesson plan that the Jedi would certainly not have concocted. "I ask...because I do believe I have a...curriculum that would remedy the plague of your mind. It'll take some time, but once we're done, you'll be the owner of a proud beast...and, most importantly, your own mind."

Wink.

 

[Kasca Fen]

Her grin matched his as he said, "Duly noted, Kasca.".

She waited as he thought about what question he might ask. Any number of things could be swimming around in his brain. There was a whole soul and history to learn about. She was a complex woman with a complex history who seemed to have a sort of chemistry with him that was surprising to them both. Neither had expected it, but also neither had completely shied away from it either. She appreciated a good looking man and [member="Darth Metus"] was certainly that. And he, if he was like any powerful man in the galaxy knew his way around women. and she was not unfortunate looking. Perhaps she failed to have the experience and sophistication of women he likely spent his time with. It didn't much matter to her. He seemed to like her just fine.

The sounds outside were, distracting but she did not let it distract her as it had before. Her senses may be awash in her drug, but she was able to keep her attention on the Sith before her and not on what was beneath his clothing. Still it was surprising, the direction his question went so it took her a moment before she looked at him confused. Why that question? Out of all the possibilities, this was not one that was even remotely on her radar. She blinked in surprise and laughed a little incredulously, waiting on the explanation that would inevitably follow.

Follow it did and she had to smile a bit. Kasca shook her head. "I have not ever seen one of the creatures in person, no. They are native to Ryloth though, yes?"

 

[Malok]

Location: The City of Aroo, Manda​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"]​

Her brief time as a Mandragora was laced through the answer.

Off the top of his head, the Sith knew that the Rancor species were originally native to Dathomir - a world that had become a sanctuary of sorts for the man. Whenever things went terribly wrong in his life, Darth Metus had the refuge of his adoptive mother's people. It mattered not how belly up a situation could be, he always had the ability to return Home. He could breathe there. Recover. And rise from the experience better than ever before. And as he looked upon the young woman before him, his train of thought came to orbit around her. She, most likely, did not have a place like Dathomir to fall back on. A refuge that would always be there for her, through thick and thin.

Perhaps he could do something about that too - if she allowed. And if their interactions thus far were any indication, there probably would not be any difficulty in making that a reality. She was certainly...interested...though he wondered if the way her eyes fell over him would remain the same when they were away from the festivities occurring behind them. Nonetheless, as she finished her response, the Sith nodded simply and said: "Originally they are from Dathomir, but there is a relatively new strain native to Ryloth. My personal abode just so happens to be there as well."

He paused for a moment. "Speaking of, where was home for you originally? Before the Jedi, I mean?" What he was really getting at was...did she have anyone out there waiting for her. Did she have a refuge that she had left behind?

 

[Kasca Fen]

She didn't have a home to fall back on. Her parents were accepted in Arkanian society even when their creations, genetically altered Arkanian children were not. They had had the bad sense to get caught genetically altering their offspring. Even though their breakthroughs in genetic tampering were monumental in how it was done now, it did not save their children from the ridicule and stigmatization that occurred to all offshoot Arkanians. They had been sent to the Jedi as children, hindered by their special defects. For Kasca, it was the voices in her mind. For her brother? Well, that remained to be seen. He left the Jedi Order a few years before she had and Kasca had not heard from him since.

Her parents had talked to them at first, but within a year, neither child had heard from them anymore. She didn't even know where they were or what they were doing now. After leaving the Jedi Order, Kasca had not bothered to find them. She had lived on her own in solitary study for two years. Had she wanted to find them? No. They had done this to her and then left her for their own precious careers and life with their kind. It was the ultimate betrayal and she did not forgive them their transgressions.

Realizing she had not said anything for some time, she sighed softly and shook her head. "No. I haven't had a home since I was about 7 which was when I last lived with my kriffing parents on Arkania," There was mild irritation in her voice at the mention of her family but it lightened as she continued. "except maybe the ship I lived on for two years and crashed on Ryloth. The Jedi Order certainly doesn't count, especially since they kept changing temples all the time. I was never in one place for long. Even after eleven years of never belonging, you would think it wouldn't bother me to be on the outside, but tonight for some reason it had."


[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

Of course it didn't bother her.

As Darth Metus awaited a response, his sulfuric gaze noticed the subtle shifts in her expression. Her eyes seemed to darken - as if light agitation was boiling just underneath her skin. Whatever she was thinking...or remembering rather, was a source of frustration. It was only after a few moments passed that her voice reached his ears once more. And each word carried the weight of abandonment. The Sith simply listened, intently, as she revealed the glimpse into her past. It was as if she had cracked the door ever so slightly, affording him a brief peek before the way was closed again.

And frankly, he didn't blame her for feeling the way she did. The young Mandragora might not have known it, but she had adopted the behavior many of his ilk had. From the most vicious Mandalorian to the most cunning Sith, his kind had a tendency to bury their wounds deep. They drew upon them as strength, converting their deepest sorrows into weapons. It was strange - for as he looked upon her, it seemed as though each of his eyes had a different vision for her. The father that was Darth Metus looked upon her as a lost child - one from a similar walk as he, and wanted nothing more than to mend that broken in her life. The demon that served the Dark Side wanted to teach her to harness that precious might within her.

He blinked, ceasing his rambling thoughts. "I…" he breathed. "I'm sorry that you have suffered as much as you have. But know, as this is your present reality, you'll always have a home on Ryloth. For as long as you need it, my home is open to you."

With that said, he motioned towards the front desk with his chin. "Perhaps we should head up. I have this sinking suspicion that the 'party' is only getting started outside."

 

[Kasca Fen]

His kind apology was unexpected. Perhaps it shouldn't have been given that he had rescued her from the torture of her own mind, even if only temporarily. [member="Darth Metus"] was more than what he seemed and his reasons were as yet somewhat unfathomable to Kasca. Yet she closed her eyes for a moment, taking in the Force with her breath. Was this the way she was meant to be going? It was as though she was listening, but not to the voices inside her that would have derailed her at almost any cost... no, she was listening to the Force in the same manner than she had listened as she was nearing Ryloth and heard the call of the Mandragora.

Satisfied in at least some way, a sense of peace would wash over her and through the Force. She nodded and stood. If there was any hesitation about going up to a man's room she had only just met, either due to the possibilities of being alone with him or the perception of those possibilities, she gave no sign. And if in answer to his statement about the party someone shouted out repeatedly in time with a loud and continual banging against the window. Kasca, unable to help herself left the booth with a laugh, covering her mouth and not at all abashed at the happy mess she made outside. "I think we should. It will be spilling over into the cafe soon enough."

 

[Malok]

Location: The Luau, Archae Teuthis​

Tag: [member="Kasca Fen"]​

Enough said.

The young Mandragora uttered not a word in response to his offer. And yet, wordlessly, he had a feeling that she had accepted. For but a few moments, an expression of utmost serenity claimed her expression. It was as if all the anxiety and tension of her previous self had been washed away. And, strangely enough, the Sith could clearly feel that the presence had fallen upon her shoulders. When her dazzling eyes drew to a temporary close, Darth Metus identified the ebb and flow of the ethereal Force running through her veins. Whatever she was seeing...or feeling...was bringing her peace. The Sith was no complete stranger to such sensations - for it was one such moment which brought his alabaster apprentice, Srina, into his life. Therefore, he spoke not a word to disturb her, yet smiled when she returned to him.

At the mention of departing the booth however, serenity was replaced with sheer mirth. A true laugh erupted from her lips, infectiously causing chuckles to fall from his own. There was not much else that needed to be said on that subject; and frankly Darth Metus was bemused at the random thought of the barista having to clean up after the audience outside. With his suggestion being met with approval by his lovely companion, he rose from the booth and tossed a few credits on the table - more than enough for their drinks plus a tip. Some would say the barista didn't deserve that heavy of a boon, but hey, being a chitty teen didn't mean that they shouldn't eat right?

With that said, the Sith led the way out of the cafe, motioning for the young Mandragora to follow as he stepped towards the lift. Fortunately, given the hour, the elevator descended immediately and the doors slid open after but a handful of seconds. Once inside, Darth Metus pressed the button which would ferry them to his floor.

"Just make yourself comfortable when we get there, alright?" he said, offering a slight smile. It was then that he leaned against the elevator wall and exhaled. Even with the caf raging through his veins, he could feel the tug of exhaustion at the edges of his vision. It wouldn't be too long until he was down for the count. Regardless, they could at least get settled for the time being.