Carpo Commodum [Sorsha]

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

For millenia the galaxy has revolved around commerce and shared government. The Republic spread to unknown worlds, bringing in new commerce to an energetic Core, and spreading the wealth of the systems to new ports. Economics made all worlds in the Republic better off than they were before the Republic came. But underneath the superstructure of interstellar commerce there thrived a growing underbelly of criminal activity - a Market some called Black because those that dealt there often dealt with a finality that sent opponents to the grave.

Slaves, illegal merchandise, information, and above all flowed the Spice.

When the Empire came onto the scene, commerce continued as it always had. Sure there were a few more taxes, and more paperwork, but everything still worked. Black Sun, a criminal syndicate that controlled much of the illegal operations in the Core and Mid Rim worlds, was overseen by the Falleen Prince Xizor. Crafty and conniving, his greatest pleasure was in pitting his Vigos against each other to see who was strongest. Carpe Diem was the cry of revolutionaries, Carpo Commodum was the anthem of Black Sun.

Seize the opportunity.


Five years before the Battle of Endor...


Cizerack did not refer to sex as 'making love.' Sex to the matriarchal felinoid race from Carshoulis Prime was functional, pleasurable, and above all - useful. The act of it was not to show affection (except in rare cases), it was to show superiority over her lessers, or simply to satisfy the intense hormonal cravings that the Cizerack suffered from.

It was as necessary as breathing, and love rarely figured into the equation.

Sasseeri's hair was mussed, and she took a moment to straighten it in a mirror before heading towards the door. The Falleen saw sex much as the Cizerack did, although the power of their race was held by the males. Intense pheremones were utilized by the males to attract suitable mates, and even to the most celibate of races they were a heady potion of seduction. To a Cizerack, even a half-breed like Sasseeri Reeouurra, such tantalization was hardly necessary, and proved to be quite irresistable when employed.

Prince Xizor promised her promotion, gave her special projects that would keep her near him in his skyhook in Imperial Center, and managed to satisfy the sexual predator that was Sasseeri. She was convinced that she would only have to play along with him for a few more months until she had won herself a spot as one of his trusted Vigos.

After all, he entertained no other female as repeatedly as herself.

Saseeri quietly let herself out of Prince Xizor's lavish apartments, hearing the door click locked behind her. Guri, his HRD, was nowhere to be found. She found the idea of a Human Replica Droid to be disgusting, expecially when there was always a male hanging around doing nothing. On Carshoulis Prime the things would never be tolerated. Any HRD that was made in female form would have power over males, and that would be sacreligious. And any HRD in male form would take the place rightfully filled by Cizerack males, also taboo.

Sasseeri ignored the duo of human bodyguards that were sitting in the large entryhall by the turbolifts. One of them pressed the button for the 'lift to come up to the penthouse floor, dutifully ignoring her.

jIn a few yearrrs, thjis wjill all be mjine. Orrr, somethjing verrry sjimjilarrr. Xizor's skyhook was elegant from top to bottom, and Sasseeri knew that she would also rise to the top of the pile in Black Sun. Her little rendevous' with the Prince were only a part of her plan.

The turbolift opened, and she moved to step inside, only to have to stop as another female pushed her way out.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha stepped off the turbolift with her personal escort, a ruggedly handsome Corellian named Garrik. Bowing politely to the shorter woman, she stepped out of Sasseeri's way and allowed her to pass ::

"Sorry." :D

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Hmph." Sasseeri winked at Garak, and then turned to Sorsha. "jI djidn't know you had an appojintment tonjight."

Sorsha Kasajian was another up and coming sub-lieutenant. Her pretty face hid a killers instinct, though Sasseeri never really considered her as a rival. Though if she was meeting with Prince Xizor tonight she might be further up the ladder than Sass had thought.

She smiled, teeth exposed. "jI'm afrrrajid he mjight be a bjit tjirrred."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I doubt that."

:: She flashed a cheshire grin that rivaled the Cizerack's ::

"The Prince's carnal appetites are quite prolific, but I've been summoned here on business. He wants me for my mind."

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Ah, ha." Sasseeri's smile became a little condescending. She had to remember that Sorsha's race usually took orders from their males, and sex was taboo or considered an act of domination by the males. "Well, have fun talkjing."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha extended her hand in formal introduction ::

"Sorsha Kasajian. I represent the Tenloss Syndicate."

:: She quirked an eyebrow inquisitivley, waiting for Sasseeri's reply ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Mmm, jI know who you arrre. Sasseeri Reeouurra, rrreprrresentjing myself." She flashed a perfect smile.

"Perrrhaps we should do lunch some tjime. But you'll be late forrr yourrr talk wjith the Prrrjince." Sasseeri stepped into the turbolift and after a moment the doors closed.


A week later...

Sasseeri was having a great week. Xizor had liked her ideas about expanding the legit side of his empire, and was giving her the authority to open three new casinos on three separate Core worlds. The money was excellent, once the places were built and operational, and all sorts of dirty laundry could be filtered through a casino.

So she was celebrating her victory by shopping, of course.

The half-breed was fiddling with her lunch tray, looking for a place to sit at the busy mall cafeteria, when she spotted Kasajian settling in at an empty table. The woman was everywhere! Maybe she was following her! Sasseeri narrowed her eyes for a moment before dismissing the thought as paranoia.

She walked over, her figure encased in the latest fashions and exposing as much skin as she dared. Well, not quite as much as she dared. Males were tracking her movements, and she swished her tail as she approached the hyuu-mann female. "May jI jojin you, Kasajian?"

[Kal Olorin]

Holding Sasseeri's bags wasn't paticularly my idea of a good time. I tried to tell her that if she was attacked I wouldn't be able to get to my weapon in time to save her, but she just tsked and piled me with more bags.

Females.

I stood to the side of my employer, eyes taking in the crowded area. Sorsha Kasajian was likely to have at least one bodyguard with her, but there were none visible. I kept looking.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha looked up and smiled ::

"Hello Sasseeri."

:: She gestured to the empty seat ::

"Please do."

[Garrik]

:: Something caught the corner of Olorin's eye, a man returning to Sorsha's table. He was about 6'2", and there were Corellian Bloodstripes on his trousers ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri sat, crossing her legs under the table and placing her tray in front of her. "Slummjing today, Sorrrsha?" She winked, and picked up the fish on her plate with both hands.

She had taken the opportunity to do a bit more... research on the woman sitting across from her. They were not unlike each other - both women used to indulging their appetites, though it was rumored that Sorsha's tastes did not include males. It piqued Sasseeri's interest.

Among the Cizerack females often had very close friendships - after all it was a meeting of equals. But such relationships, while common, were not generally spoken of. The female/manservant bond was ingrained into Cizerack culture and lets just face it - males were very useful in many different ways.

Sasseeri bit the head off of the fish, chewing thoughtfully as Kasajian's bodyguard made himself visible, sitting beside her.

[Kal Olorin]

There he was - boasting a Blood Stripe no less. I noisily pulled a fifth chair to the table, setting Sasseeri's shopping bags on them. I wasn't eating, but I couldn't just stand around in the middle of a food court.

Taking my seat across from the blond, I nodded. A professional courtesy, as it were. Then I continued my nonchalant perusal of the crowd around us.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha looked genuinley confused by Sasseeri's remark ::

"Slumming? What exactly do you mean?"

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri paused, mouth full of fish. With effort she swallowed, and replied, "Neverrr mjind. A sjilly hyuu-mann sayjing - jI've obvjiously mjisused jit."

She took another huge mouthfull of fish, little bits of flesh escaping and falling back to the tray.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha paid it no mind, taking a morsel of food delicatley with her chopsicks ::

"So, how have you been, Sasseeri?"

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Fjine, fjine." She spoke with her mouth full, still chewing enthusiastically. A gulp from her drink washed down the fish, and she attempted to daintily dab at her lips to clean her face. "Keepjing busy."

Her eyes were sparkling, "jI wjill be leavjing soon for Kuat - bujildjing a new casjino on the statjion."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Very good. That is your passion, isn't it?"

:: she poured herself another cup of tea, the sweet scent of orange rising in the steam ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri nodded, "Oh yes. Have you been to The Naboojian Queen? jIt was the pjinnacle of my carrreerrr at one pojint.

"Untjil Xjizorrr showed me how much hjigher jI could go."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I must confess, I have not. Perhaps you could take me there."

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

She waved her hand dismissively, "Oh no, come by wheneverrr you ljike. The rrrooftop garrrdens arrre not to be mjissed. And some of the fjinest dancerrrs arrre employed in ourrr djinnerrr shows." Sasseeri smiled, showing her perfectly straight teeth.

"Perrrrhaps you could meet me therrre for djinnerrr some tjime beforre jI leave for Kuat."

[Kal Olorin]

I looked sideways at Sasseeri. She had that look in her eye. I looked at Sorsha Kasajian, and then back at my employer. Oh no, not her.

As much as thinking of the two together was enjoyable, it was one of those things that I was sure would end badly. But once Sasseeri decided she wanted something, she would have it. I could have been wrong. Maybe she was merely attempting to make another business contact.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: She sipped her tea ::

"When do you leave?"

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"jIn two weeks tjime. jI have a lot of prrreparrratjions to make beforrre jI leave." Sasseeri finished up her large lunch, actually attempting not to make a mess.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Good, that should allow me to complete my contract in plenty of time." she replied.

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Excellent." Sasseeri smiled. "jI must fjinjish my shoppjing, howeverrr, beforrre Olorrrjin becomes too borrred."

Kal smiled non-committedly, and set about gathering up her purchases again. "Just gjive me a call when you'd ljike to vjisjit." She handed the other female her business card.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha took the card and bid the Cizerack good day ::

[ONE WEEK LATER]

:: Sorsha arrives at the Nabooian Queen, and gazes about in wonder at the establishment. It was every bit as grand as she had heard it was ::

[Kal Olorin]

I was lounging around a bank of slot machines, trying my luck. Terrible, as always.

The blonde woman - Sorsha Kasajian - entered the Queen and seemed to be lost. I tapped my commlink, and informed Sasseeri that her guest had arrived.

Walking up to the woman, I straightened my leather jacket. "Good evening, Ms. Kasajian."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha greeted Kal with a humble bow ::

"Mr. Olorin." :)

[Kal Olorin]

I was surprised by the bow, but not too much. Since when did women do what I expected them to? "If you'll come this way, there's a table waiting for you upstairs."

Sasseeri was probably making sure she looked fantabulous, and was going to meet us a the turbolift on the restaurant level. I gestured, and followed just behind Sorsha, subtly showing her the way to the 'lifts.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha took in all the splendor of the casino before stepping into the turbolift. Sasseeri had a grand sense of style. She turned and waited for Kal ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri was dressed in a simple enough business suit, with a scandalously short skirt, as per usual. She peeked over the railing on the second floor to scan the ground floor, and saw that her guest had arrived.

She fiddled with her hair, and straightened her suit jacket. Tonight was an important dinner - new allies in this line of work were hard to find.

[Kal Olorin]

I followed her into the 'lift, and pressed the button for the second floor. I felt a little bit like a trained monkey, but it wasn't all that bad. I'd enjoyed the training, after all.

I lazily took in the sight of Sorsha Kasajian - a fine piece of work. She was too busy looking out at the casino from inside of the clear transparisteel turbolift to notice my perusal. The 'lift stopped, and I left her exit first.

Oh yes. She was a beauty.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha stepped out of the lift and waited for Kal to lead the way ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Welcome to the Queen," Sasseeri greeted her guest, shooing Olorin away. The male raised an eyebrow, but took his leave quietly. "jI hope you brrrought an appetjite, we have one of the best restaurrrants in thjis sectorrr."

She started walking, guiding Kasajian through a gaming section as they made their way towards where they were to eat.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha surveyed the Queen with an appreciative grin as she followed Sasseeri to an intimate table ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

The maître de led the Black Sun lieutenants to a table by the enormous window that made up one wall of the restaurant. They overlooked the glittering Coruscant nighttime skyline, and Sasseeri was pleased that the wine she'd ordered hours ago was served promptly.

"jI hope that you enjoy seafood," she engaged in the necessary small talk with a slight smile. Sasseeri was wearing a black three button suit jacket with a matching miniskirt. There seemed to be nothing underneath the jacket, which buttoned to the right side and overlapped a great deal. She crossed her legs underneath the glass topped table, "The chef's specjial tonjight jis jimporrrted Chandrrrjilan salmon - verrry fjine."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha tasted the wine, licking her lips in approval ::

"I like your style, Sasseeri."

:: she scanned the room once more with a look of euphoria ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Well," Sasseeri said, managing to blush faintly, "Nothjing but the best wjill do when one jis caterrrjing to the upperrr echelons of socjietjy."

She lifted her glass to Sorsha, her blue eyes glittering in the low light. "Whjich we arrre a parrrt of, of courrrse."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha smiled at her host, and clinked glasses. Perhaps the things she heard about Sasseeri were wrong. Jealous mistruths spoken by the scorned. She would found out for sure by the end of the night ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Everything was going well, so far. Sasseeri sipped her wine, not really enjoying the taste, but knowing that this was a very good wine and that Sorsha should love it. Blood wine was better, really, but almost too expensive to export from the Cluster.

Soon nothing would be out of reach for her, though. Sasseeri sipped again, and then the salmon arrived. She smiled at Sorsha, and picked up a fork. "jI hope everrrjythjing jis pleasjing to you... One deserrrves a ljittle pamperrrjing once jin a whjile, jI fjind."

After a moment of looking at the fish, she delicately inserted the fork into a likely place. "Workjing forrr Xjizorrr can take a lot out of a perrrson. jI can lose myself jin the worrrk. Tjime to myself becomes verrry harrrd to fjind..."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha looked blissful as she sampled the salmon ::

"Everything is splendid, Sasseeri."

:: She maintained a poker face at the mention of Xizor ::

"I know. The man is far, far too used to getting his own way. I find myself having to remind him exactly why he recruited me."

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri grinned, pleased that Sorsha was enjoying herself. "Well, he thjinks he knows why he keeps me arrround." She winked suggestively. "But that's not the rrreason jI stay arrround.

"Therrre jis money to be made, and someday you and jI wjill be the ones lookjing down on sub-ljieutenants. Marrrk my worrrds." She cautiously used the fork to transfer the flesh of the salmon to her lips. It was exquisite.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I'm beginning to like you more and more, Sasseeri." she laughed.

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Excellent.

Sasseeri smiled somewhat demurely, and continued forking food into her mouth. "Well, we females should stjick togetherrr. jIt jis such a boys worrrld out therrre."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha looked amused ::

"Not for much longer."

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri raised a carefully shaped eyebrow. "How jis busjiness gojing forrr the Tenloss Syndjicate these days? Prrrofjitable, jI hope?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Things are going well, but I'm not allowed to disclose details, except to possible clients." she winked.

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Of courrrse, of courrrse. jI would not ask you to tell any secrrrets." Sasseeri sipped her wine, and plied the fish with her fork. Utensils were so... hyuu-man. But she was aware that her eating habits could turn some people off.

And turning off Sorsha was not what she had in mind for tonight. "Perrrhaps you'd ljike to see the rrrooftop garrrdens afterrr djinnerrr?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha was enjoying her meal, and the drink as well. Her face brighten even more at the invitation ::

"Please."

:: She was beginning to wonder if it were a trap of some kind, but dismissed it as she took another bite of fish as unlikely ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Their leisurely dinner was passed with small talk, mostly about the view and other non-consequential things. Sasseeri felt the wine making her a little warm, and the thought of Sorsha up in the gardens alone with her caused her to shift in her seat.

She finished off the wine, and offered her guest some more, as well as some after dinner treats. "Desert, Sorsha? Only the finest cakes, ices and chocolates are served in the Queen."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"No thanks. The wine is enough."

:: Sorsha took a deep drink to empty her glass and she looked a bit glassy-eyed as she laughed ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Good, good." Sasseeri grinned, pushing back her chair and picking up her wine glass as she stood up. "Shall we visit the gardens then?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha nodded, pausing a moment before standing and following Sasseeri to the gardens ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Incredibly pleased with herself, Sasseeri led Sorsha to a private 'lift, which took the two sub-lieutenants directly to the top floor of the expansive casino. A transparisteel dome covered the rooftop garden, and careful lighting gave the entire place a moonlit feel, despite the Coruscant lights beyond.

Exotic plants and beautiful flowers lined meandering paths which gave The Nabooian Queen's guests the feeling that they were getting lost amongst the beauty of the garden. Sasseeri walked backwards out of the turbolift, confident that the gardens were deserted. She'd made sure that they had been closed to the public for this evening.

"Well, what do you thjink?" She gestured widely at their green and fragrant surroundings.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha was awed by the beauty of it ::

"A little slice of paradise." she cooed. "It must be worth a small fortune."

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri beamed at her guest's reaction. "jIt was not jinexpensjive..." She winked. "jI fjind havjing thjis space wjithjin Corrruscant was a grrreat jinvestment. My guests love jit.

"Herrre, let me show you my favorrrjite spot." She reached out as though to take Sorsha's hand, but did not yet touch her as she led her through the greenery, taking a few of the graveled paths into the middle of the garden. A hidden alcove amongst a thick grove of bamboo was hung about with white paper lanterns, illuminating a low stone bench that allowed a place to sit for a wandering soul.

A small water feature created a soothing sound, and when one looked up all they could see were the gently waving leaves of the bamboo. Sasseeri sat on the edge of the bench, her tail looping around into the crook of her arm. Sorsha was looking around, turning slowly, and the half-breed Cizerack imagined what the hyuu-man female would look like naked in the perfect lighting of the bower.

She lightly licked her lips.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha could feel Sasseeri's eyes on her, and her cheeks burned with the way she was being undressed with that feline gaze ::

"Sasseeri ... why are you looking at me that way?" :o

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"jI thjink you know, Sorrrsha." Her name was even similar to Cizerack naming trends, though shorter than traditional. "Don't tell me you don't feel jit... you'rrre so beautjiful..."

Sasseeri reached over and touched the other female's cheek with the back of her hand.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha froze, taken completely off her guard at Sasseeri's advance. All she could do was blush and smile nervously at the attention ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sorsha didn't move away, and Sasseeri scooted a little closer on the bench, running her slim fingers through her blonde hair and tucking it behind her little rounded ear. She leaned forward, lips parted slightly with anticipation as she...

...kissed Sorsha on the lips, her tail circling their bodies and trailing around the other female's rounded bottom. The hyuu-man female leaned into the embrace, and their hands fumbled at each other's clothes...

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Sasseeri!!!" she cried in alarm, retreating from the bench. Sorsha was grinning nervously, and she felt more than a little light headed from the wine.

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Their lips had barely touched, and Sasseeri sat back, her face flushed. "jI'm sorrrry, but jI thought... you..."

She got to her feet, walking slowly towards Sorsha. "We have so much jin common. Perrrhaps jI... jin my culturrre jit jis not uncommon for females to..." She was babbling, but Sorsha was still smiling.

Sasseeri closed her mouth, and took a deep breath. "Do you not fjind me attrrractjive?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and also not to offend her host ::

"I think you're gorgeous, Sasseeri, but please understand. I belong to another."

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"Anotherrr?" Sasseeri took a step forward, putting her hand on Sorsha's shoulder. "They don't need to know..."

Eyes hooded, the half-breed Cizerack pulled Sorsha into her arms, kissing her fervently to prove her passion.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha yielded, for all of five seconds, before breaking free of the kiss with a scream ::

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!"

:: She contorted her body, attempting to slip free of Sasseeri's grasp ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Shocked at the piercing reaction, Sasseeri immediately released Sorsha, her ears laying back against her head.

Eyes wide, she gasped, horrified at the unexpected rejection. No one had ever refused her before. Not since she'd left the Cluster. Mortification gave way to anger, and Sasseeri stepped backwards, unable to think of what to do next. Apologize?

No.

"Perrrhaps you'd betterrr go," she said, her cheeks flushed.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha nodded in agreement, her entire mouth tingling involuntarily from the kiss ::

"That would be best." she replied, mirroring the backwards step with her own.

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

"See you arrround, then, Sorrrsha." Her body aching with her lust, Sasseeri turned and stalked away from the bamboo grove, allowing herself to travel to the furthest point in the garden from the 'lifts.

She activated her commlink and called Olorin. "Make surrre Kasajian fjinds herrr way out of the Queen. Then come to me." Her needs would be sated in one way or another.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha motioned to Garrik as she stepped out of the elevator, offering no details of the meeting during their trip home. All she yearned for was Mira, and she would spend the rest of the night losing herself in lovemaking ::

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Sasseeri paced, her arms crossed under her breasts as she waited for Kal to arrive. She hadn't misread Sorsha, the woman had been attracted to her. So why denounce the obvious chemistry between them?

Perhaps the hyuu-man did not want to mix work with pleasure. Angry and embarrassed at being refused, Sasseeri turned around quickly when Olorin walked up behind her. He smiled easily, and she shoved him down in the grasses, following him down.

Seize the opportunity.