Always and Never (Valeria)

[Grym Kandle]

(Occuring before the death of the Emperor)

Grym looked out on the dark skies of Coruscant. On Coruscant being the keyword. He rarely left Nar Shadda for anything but business. Business had ended a month ago with the death of the Boss. Vendettas between mafias were never clean, often messy, and hard to track as far as who started it. But Breft'Kel had not only been messy, he'd been loud. Kandle was saving that drenspawn for last. No, he had left Nar Shadda to track down the Twi'lek noble Sikkle Vryllonmir. He had been the main monetary support of Breft'Kel's "successful" coup. And had quickly relocated himself to Coruscant after the bloody event. While not directly responsible, the man was just as much a part of it as was Grym, who hadn't been on planet doing a hit that made for nothing upon return.

Vryllonmir had hired help though, and lots of it. Good stable mercs were for hire on Coruscant, not the same kind of trash you'd see on Nar Shadda. Not to mention droids and security. It was a two man job at the least. And Grym hated to go in excess. He hated having to grab a partner period for a hit. His jobs were clean and swift, his victims looking more as if they slumbered only to wake later rather than eternally.

He wore his regular attire, white mask, saphire cloak made of an silk armor weave. His weapons were compact and small, hard to notice and all fit within the several pockets lining the inside of his cloak. The black and white armor he wore beneath was flexible but durable. He never really expected to get in any heavy combat. But he was anxious. He'd arrived early to make sure the situation was clean and it had been but he hadn't thought he would've needed another fix so soon. Beneath his cloak, he idly moved his fingers.

Grym had put out a call for an assassin a week ago and had finally recieved a response of someone that didn't have dren all over their record. Relieved to say the least, he set up a meeting at an out of the way diner. His appearance drew stares but only a few. This was deeper within the planet and Grym had seen much more... exotic characters than himself. If only they could see under the mask. His thin and dried lips peeled back in a wry smile.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

Out of the way diners always got her heading in the wrong direction, she thought. Val shuffled around back, before entering the fifth diner she had come to, hoping in the hind of her mind that this was indeed the right one. The experience had been a plus, she supposed, recalling the horror of the first. She had forgotten to set Abaddon aside before entering. Scantly dressed women with big weapons are never a good sign in the eye of the common public, she sniffed haughtily to herself.

Anyway, she stood at the side of the diner, her eyes locking with the slender frame of a young boy, who was bouncing a toy around, chattering annoyingly with some friend she couldn't see. He caught sight of her before long and shuffled over.

"Hiya, lady. You lost?"

"Not quite, my dear. You see, I am about to conduct business with a friend of mine and the primpish prudes within yon diner..." She said, tapping on the metallic wall to her left. "will not allow me to carry my precious items with me. However, upon witnessing your careful play at games and boyish wisdom as such, I am going to allow you to guard this for me. However, if you so much as touch this.." She murmured, removing the circular, encased weapon from her back. "I will have to remove your stomach through your eye sockets and feed it to my monsters at home. Have we reached an understanding?"

The boy nodded, slightly dazed by her violent proposal. Petting his head, she flashed the kid a smile before disappearing around the corner. The diner door was forced open by a gloved hand and one of the planet's most colorful creatures stepped within.

She was garbed within a tight fitting body suit that was ripped in various places, including her stomach and arms, tight matching pants and thigh high, tie up boots. Teal hair caused dark violet eyes to stand out and hid the horizontal scar on the bridge of her nose and cheek. She smiled something fierce at the busty waitress then scanned the nearly vacant diner until her eyes settled over a masked man fashioned in an azure cloak. An eyebrow arched and her body jerked forward toward his position in the back of the diner.

"Quite flexuous last hurrah in the races, mm?" She greeted with a natural smile while slipping into the opposing booth seat. The waitress flounced over, her hand adhered to a pad of paper and a pen. Val tilted her head slightly to the side and offered the woman another dazzling smile.

"Two tall waters, please. That'll be all."

[Grym Kandle]

"Make it one..."

So this was her? Behind the mask, Grym's cracked skin stretched as he lifted an eye brow. Eccentric.

"The races are only so entertaining, at the moment, I'm a bit more interested in politics. The Empire has taken quite a monopoly on most of the weapons business. And so certain individuals have risen to the top behind the lines, like this one."

He withdrew a datapad from within his cloak and slid it across the table.

"His name is Sikkle Vryllonmir."

The datapad contained the rest of the profile information concerning the target. His lifestyle, his assets, and other small details that Grym had gathered from the loose network left behind from the graves of his former mafia contacts.

This was going to be a hard call. She was off, but she had potential. Like an exotic blade that hadn't been unsheathed. Grym was an Echani journeymaster and his mind perceived combat and its possibilities in a more... artistic manner.

"How much experience do you have with politics?"

He hoped she was good at reading between the lines and could decipher what he really had asked.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

"I'm not rightly acquainted with every aspect of it. One could say I am unaccustomed to various practices within the subject." She replied, leaning her head against her upturned palm, that was supported by the vertical set of her elbow. She seemed quite bored already, though she intently scanned through the datapad, soaking up the information within it like a sponge would water.

Violet eyes momentarily deflected from the datapad to convolute their way up the waitress' legs, mainframe, and then face, upon her return. The glass was set upon the table, the waitress departed, and her hand released the datapad to coil around the clear glass.

Lifting it to her lips, she knocked it back and drank deeply, violet eyes locked eerily with the man's mask. She was more than curious about her caller. She reserved opinions and questions on account of the situation.

"But I catch on rather acutely." She added, her eyes drifting away from his. Her voice itself was a husky purr, laced with something deadly. The smug smile never seemed to fade from her expression, despite the grave matter at hand. There were plenty of perplexing secrets hidden behind her own countenance.

[Grym Kandle]

The mask only portrayed one eye, a deep ruby hemisphere, the other seemed closed as if in meditation. On the inside of the mask, the receptor's vision was spread across two screens that comfortably fit over Grym's actual eyes. The view was broken down by the small computer into different mediums as Grym had programmed it, analyzing all situations, people a priority.

"I would hope so."

His fingers idly tapped the edge of the table before reaching across and retrieving the datapad, sliding it back within the folds of his cloak.

"But this is not a playschool either, if we're going to meet this politician face to face, I'm not responsible for your failures. To be my... escort, I'll pay 10,000 in advance and..."

His body was wracked with a sudden cough that sounded quite horrible coming from the voice distortion unit he had built into the mask.

"...and 30,000 afterwards."

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

The glass was tipped back again, this time, drained. Valeria's pink tongue darted from between her lips and captured a small ice cube from the half way point in the glass, drawing it into her mouth. He coughed, her eyebrows arched, and the cube was shattered by the gnash of her very sharp teeth. She considered for a moment, gazing at the man's mask, which had been the object of her attention many-a-time before hand.

"The only reason for my failure is if you fall behind. As for my attitude toward this.. it is really none of your concern. I'll play my part well and we shall succeed." She murmured, fading back into a long, drawn out silence.

The waitress was approaching. Business was concluded. No need to be tempted on longer, right? Valeria threw on her most dramatic of expressions and stood up from the table.

"Well I never, sir! You are most rude. Take me home this instant." She hissed, stomping her foot on the floor. The waitress cast the man a hateful glance that Val caught in her brief turn at the door. She crashed down the steps, her amused expression hidden beneath layered teal locks.

[Grym Kandle]

Grym paid the small tab, forgetting the tip and quickly leaving afterwards. The place was in much worse condition than the last time Grym had been there. But then again, so was he. It seemed during these dreary times, the universe altogether was much more worse for wear. His vision settled on the beastly woman at the bottom of the stairs, the stars help the galaxy if this was the new age of assassin. She stuck out like a novaflare against a night sky.

Grym withdrew a small remote and clicked the button, a speeder in the industrial looking parking lot coming to life. The speeder was stolen as was the bank account Grym was using to pay for the job, but none of that mattered as he'd be long gone before it even became an issue. Not to mention, not much of a real law existed this deep beneath the metal surface of Coruscant. He scanned the female again before looking back to the speeder.

"Didn't I see you approach the building with something large?"

The large ring she had arrived with was still with the boy he had watched her leave it with. Was she so excited as to leave something like that behind or had it been a trap all along, the thing being some kind of explosive or something worse. Grym was not an optimist.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

"Why, of course you did." She mumbled, casting a glare in his general direction before circling around the building where she had left her precious weapon. She stopped dead, tilting her head slightly and observed the still framed boy who gazed past her form with glazed eyes. He looked as though something had scared him into the first stages of petrification. Poor thing.

Walking past him, she retrieved the wrapped weapon and slung it across her body, over one shoulder. She offered the boy a brief smile before setting her hand atop his head. He jumped, she cackled, and stroked his hair fondly.

"You may keep your stomach until next I return, boy. Now go home and do your homework like a good runt." She commanded, turning from the boy and exiting the alley. His retreating footsteps caught her ears. Her eyes connected with Grym's, then ran over the sleek speeder.

"Shall we...?" She asked, gripping the black casing of her weapon.

[Grym Kandle]

A nearly inaudible sigh could be heard from the mask as Grym turned silently and made his way to the speeder. It was an open speeder, relatively good condition, but nothing new by the modern standards. It served its purposes though and would continue to do so until Grym sold it. He eased into the driver's seat and started the engine, the lifts kicking to life.

"I presume you don't need anything else and we may begin?"

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

"Sure thing, kid. Let's get to it." She mumbled, circling around to the speeder's vacant side. The weapon was removed from around her body and lifted when she leapt into the seat, over the door. Slipping it into the side panel, which locked it firmly into place, she settled back in her seat, casting him a smile.

"Onward, sir." She said, a hint of disrespect playing on her tone.

[Grym Kandle]

She was the complete opposite of Grym, he had determined. Grym was one to emit an aura of silent composure. He felt secure enveloped in shadows, and conversation was only made under necessary terms. The death of his entire mafia family had also put an extra burden on his shoulders, not being there in the first place and then taking even this long to get the job done. And she was loud, obnoxiously so. And she stuck out, like a neon wart. Her weapon was only icing on the stale cake, who used something so unweildy? He almost regretted the advancement now.

Fortunately, he'd already devised a perfect plan for entering the perimeter now. A smile of dry humor split his lips once again. The speeder set off, his mask tuning the light perception down slightly as the blur of lights bothered him often at such speeds. He really needed to get something for his fix before they went in.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

Wind and light whipped past, choked out from the crevice invested buildings and brightly flashing neon masses that hung over their heads like tarnished haloes. This planet had been decaying since it was constructed, a giant sphere of dying people and plagued emotions - the perfect hunting ground. One might ask why she would dare muddle a perfectly clean record with the crimes of this side of town, but then one would have to delve deeper into the past. A past of family that split, leaving a piece of her missing, empty. She was simply picking up the pieces and filling in those nasty little holes.

An impatient sneer appeared on her lips, twisting the once peaceful and almost amiable expression into something horrid. Teeth were bared, revealing a surprising sharpness, and violet eyes swam with something less than pleasant. The sneer, however, slipped into a sultry smile that caused a jagged curve at each end of her mouth. The grin lines, as her mother had once said, made her beastly (but white) teeth look a bit more acceptable.

But she didn't figure he cared a wit about her grin or her guile where it concerned him. Best not to annoy mask-boy too much.

"Soooooo, where exactly are we going, Mr. Black? Some top secret building with all kind'sa expensive doo dads?" She asked, her smile canted in his direction.

[Grym Kandle]

Grym didn't feel obliged to answer. She would find out soon enough. Grym had the tendency to plan such events down to a second but the girl had offered enough to allow for reasonable improvisation. Sneaking in wouldn't be necessary; no, they would be walking right through the front doors.

The speeder slowed as they pulled a turn. A long line of various beings waited behind a fancy looking rope. The four bouncers behind the rope were enough to deter anyone with the idea of bypassing the said rope. Two Gramorreans, a Human, and a Devorian? Grym could tell this would be a cake walk up until the nitty gritty. He parked the speeder illegally on the curb and got out, still without a word to his accomplice.

He slipped into the alley as they waded through the barrier of people, his figure imposing enough that most of those in his way stepped to the side. Once he was at a safe enough distance, he withdrew a small black box. He was effectively ignoring the girl for the moment. His hands were shaking and reality seemed to shake with them. The black box was flipped open and he withdrew a syringe and a small bottle containing an emerald green liquid.

Glitterstim in its liquid form was more or less Grym's version of blood by now. He pulled one arm length glove down, exposing the hardened veins at his joint and the multiple streaker scars. The needle slid beneath his flesh and a low sigh could be heard.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

Obviously, she was being ignored. Surprisingly, it annoyed her. No sense in going easy on him, ne? Eyes narrowed on the needle and held, recalling her strong dislike for the object and the horrid liquid death that came out of it. But she wouldn't ask. She really didn't want to know. She did want to know what the frell they were doing, however, but he didn't seem keen on telling her that either.

Her cheek ticked in mild annoyance and her hands dallied with the circular item she had brought along with her, violet eyes drilling holes into his cloaked form. The disdain she felt for the man hardly came to deter her will to complete what she had started. Had she known he was going to be so impossible, she would have stayed at home. By herself. Without any huffy mask-boys mulling up her perfectly peachy mood.

"Well?" She all but hissed, setting the round item against the murky ground, a metallic click echoing down the alley's short-lived length.

[Grym Kandle]

He pushed the rest of the dark green liquid into his circulatory system. His veins had reached such a point that he wouldn't even get the rush he craved for another few minutes. It had to saturate his system well enough by now. Most doctors would refer to an advanced case such as Grym as far beyond the point of no return. He stood and turned to the impatient girl. He could feel his edge, feel the clarity granted by his life's love and addiction.

"Well what? You're being paid to follow my lead and follow my orders."

Grym's voice had acquired an edge as well, cutting through the distorted sound of his mask. He seemed much different than before. As before, Grym had seemed relatively passive, a silent shadow that took its time but for now. Now, everything was fast, not rushed, but quick and sharp, as if every action he now made was part of some fight.

"Play along and see if you can comprehend. I can't even smell a fraction of blood money on you, which means you're not just fresh, you're Death's Virgin, tonight."

Death's Virgin was a slang term often used among the mafia assassins for first timers. It was always different for them, whether the scenario played out rough or everything went smoothly. But being a Virgin of this sort not only meant that there was a first time for everything, but there was a first time to fail. Grym felt that he didn't have time for as much but he was actually confident that she could handle this.

"Are you ready to begin or should I waste time allowing you to argue pointlessly?"

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

What's the point in arguing with a druggy blockhead? She thought to herself, venom seemingly seeping out of her eyes and ears after his latest verbal assault to her. Definitely should have stayed home. Her eyes drifted downward, her mouth curving into a smile. At least he had some fight in him. She hardly found him boring now. Though she did want to mention she wasn't expecting to be paid for following him while he shot himself up with his shiver stick. She almost gagged at the thought, but quickly recovered. There would be time for that later.

"Awaiting your lead and orders, Mr. sir. No need to bark." She murmured, casting him an icy glare. Nudging her toe beneath the lay of the circular covering, she forced it up into the air with a surprisingly quick upward thrust. Despite the small space the alley offered them, it completed several rotations before landing back safely in her hands - which then lay it horizontally across her shoulder and lower hip.

"... Ready when you are."

[Grym Kandle]

Grym waited with an unimpressed air about him. She had a grace that fit even better with what Grym had in mind really, and that much was useful. She said her part and Grym started off, brushing past her and into the crowd. With the alacrity that he now displayed, the crowd was much quicker to part for him. He moved towards the front of the line though, pushing when he had to but more or less moving like a fish through water. These people were merely stage props, assets, and tools.

Reaching the front of the line, one of the Gramorreans approached the rope and grunted a few squeals off that were translated by Grym's mask. Grym's voice came from the mask like someone had just ignited a canister of fuel.

"No, I don't want to speak with you. The human, yeah, him, I'll speak with him now. He knows my business."

Grym didn't know the man but the tone in which those two sentences were spoken carried the salt and weight of a voice who had played this game before. The human turned at the gesture of the oversized pig and waltzed over to where Grym stood.

"Yeah bub, whatcha got?"

Grym's hand flashed fast enough as he grabbed the rope but the human saw what had been in his hand.

"I've got my entrance fee and I've brought fresh meat along for the ride."

A white gloved hand jerked a thumb behind him to point to the scantily clad Valeria. The human looked her over with a leer and something behind his eyes as he nodded. He undid the rope, people pressing forward with a surge only to be held back by the two of the other bouncers. Grym stepped in, Valeria close behind. The human scoffed off a remark before the two passed through the doors.

"Don't let her get too far, bub, she'll get tossed."

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

Valeria had tottled along behind him for what seemed like a while before she nearly crashed into his paused backside. Her boots made a loud clank everytime she hit the ground, obviously trying to see over her employer's taller frame. It was to no avail. She was, however, granted a chance to see when he stepped aside a bit, allowing his 'friend' to oogle her up. So this is how they were to get in? Charming..

Pasting on the most flashy, dazzling smile she could muster, which floundered the minute the man looked away. Following Grym into the establishment, she opened her mouth to inquire and then choked on her question. The druggy man had brought her to a... a..

"Nice boots." She remarked to one of the passing girls, though it was more than her boots she had her eyes on. Well, it wasn't so bad. There were far more colorful people here at least. She practically blended right in, save for the thing hanging around her frame and the shadow lurking at her side. She pouted and waited.

[Grym Kandle]

Grym went unnoticed upon entering as all eyes turned to Valeria whether she knew it or not. Females didn't enter such a place dressed as she was unless she was looking for a job. She was a perfect distraction. He stepped to the side, speaking so that she could barely hear him but nonetheless, she understood what he said.

"Stay here for a bit and keep the spot light on you. Note where the turbolift is and don't forget. You'll know when to meet me there."

And with that, even Grym's marble white mask seemed to disappear into the shadows as he left to scope out the area.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

With her shadow gone, she moved further into the flashy joint, taking in all the curious and hungry stares that followed her. Verily disturbing and far more easier than she had expected. Keep the spotlight on her. That surely sounded like an order and she could hardly disobey him now, could she? A wry smile wound its way onto her face as she lapsed into a crowd of men, her eyes roving over the dancers on stage. They inquired about her, peeling their eyes away from the stage to oogle the newcomer in search of a job. She made it up as she went and delighted when they hung on her every word.

It wasn't long before she had a drink in her hand and was gapping away with an ever growing group, whom all but leered down her torn outfit as if it wasn't there anyway. She knew they weren't even listening to her mad story, but mother always said she did carry on a pleasant conversation when she wasn't smashing heads together or under instruction from her... tutors.

One man even dared stray a hand toward her, catching the top of the circular encasement between his index and thumb.

"What'cha got in thar, girlie?" He slurred drunkenly.

"Why, babe, that's my act. All these girls are over done, me.. I come with my own toys." She purred, casting a glance toward the turbolift.

[Grym Kandle]

As she looked to the turbolift, it opened slowly and as a small group of people walked out, she might've caught a glimpse of a shadow slither inside. The door wasn't closing either. She had maybe a minute to lose the crowd, cross the room, and get inside without being noticed.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

"Wooow! Check out them apples!" She slovenly pointed out to the woman on stage. Immediately, the attention was taken off the green garbed newbie and she was able to stand and slip away without much notice. Some of the men agreed with her verbally while others just stared in fascination at the excellent pair of knockers. She would have worried had Ms. Thing not chosen that moment to enter via a side entrance. It was her perfect chance to follow the sly little shadow as he slithered into the lift.

So bothersome.

The ring shaped weapon she had brought with her was slung across her body, from shoulder to opposing hip, and she hurriedly slipped behind several patrons' tables. Making certain to keep out of sight, she grew more cautious when she was near someone she judged might have been interested in the sneaky girl. No one seemed to notice, despite the eccentric display that was clearly her everyday style.

She slipped into the lift silently, pivoting on her heel so that when she entered, she was quickly out of sight - the side panel of the lift blocking any direct gazes from raking her form. Smirking slightly, she folded her arms over her chest and waited for further words from her 'partner'.

Should have stayed home, she thought again.

[Grym Kandle]

Grym let the doors close as soon as she entered the lift. He kneeled as soon as the lift began to move, adjusting several pieces of his gear that remained hidden beneath his cloak. Without looking up to the girl, he spoke to her.

"Get ready. We catch them off guard now, you go straight, I've got another way to go. When you get to the locked door, stay alive until I unlock it for you. There will only be one door that is locked, the farthest down the way and on the right. Don't waste any time with this."

He hoped she had enough brains to take this serious and just do what he said. She had about 15 people to take care of waiting in the rooms she was about to pass by while he managed to take on nearly the same amount all at once along the path he would take.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

Valeria bobbed her head in an understanding nod before she, too, knelt to adjust some of her own gear. Her eyes flicked over his mask briefly and then she pried open several pockets circling around the ring shaped weapon's front - which she had slung off of her shoulders, over her head. Within each pocket was a set of daggers, that she quickly attached to the loops designed into her outfit. When she was finished, the throwing knives lined each thigh, along the outside, and the thick utility belt that was wrapped about her waist.

Spinning the encased weapon about, she unsnapped the button on the largest pouch attached to its back and removed the items she had stashed inside. She drew the intricately designed gloves, adorned with various chrome layers that seemed to have taken quite the beating, up along her supple arms. They were for more than show. She glanced them over, smirking slightly, before she once again climbed to her feet.

It was time, then. She slanted her gaze down to the lift's floor, quickly spinning the weapon about herself so the leather casing flashed in and out of her view, such movement accomplished by just her index finger before long. It was ever so close to her temporary partner, but she obviously knew what she was doing. The zipper came into reach and she grasped it, between thumb and index, twirling the sleek weapon upward. The case came undone and she locked one hand about it's stiff set. The other hand, now prepared to receive the keen-edged ring. Rather than taking hold of it however, she thrust her entire hand forward and let it clash against the plate lining her inner wrist. It swerved, in reaction, twirling about her arm before she again slung it across her shoulder.

"Good luck then.." She murmured, flashing him a wicked smile before stepping up to the exit. One way trip? Not bloody likely.

[Grym Kandle]

She was way too flashy. Such a weapon conveyed an amount of discipline, grace, and training but to Grym appeared hardly practical. He could break a man's neck with his fingers or stab a three inch blade into their chin with no distance between them. In close combat, such an unwieldy weapon would prove... uncomfortable from Grym's perspective.

Grym didn't need luck. He needed her to be skilled and proffesional at what she was about to have to handle so that he could finish this thing off. He stood as the lift beeped, making the passengers inside aware that their floor had been reached. The door opened and the atmosphere instantly seemed cooler.

The door opened to reveal a long lobby, several doors along either side. To the immediate right was another door which Grym silently slipped from the lift towards. He didn't bother watching Valeria to see if she complied, there should have been no question to it. The door he now stood before was locked and had a complex system to the security. While Valeria got to work, it would buy him the time and the distraction he needed to slice the lock.

[Valeria Tur'ilian]

"Pftt... wretched man." She hissed, glaring daggers at his back as he departed from the lift and went off to do his own thing. Stepping down from the platform as well, Valeria gazed down the long stretch of lobby before sweeping the main weapon she had brought along over her head. Plenty of room to play, now. Of course, it wasn't play. Her masked buddy would hardly approve of such a classification for such serious, serious business. For a moment, her face was set in a firm look of purpose and concentration; the expression soon breaking into a devious grin that showed every single one of her pearly whites.

Holding out her right arm, parallel to the floor, she began twisting it round and round; thus causing the Ouroboros to spin as well. Once it had reached a pleasing speed and position against the plating covering her gloved arm, she began her highly animated stroll down the path appointed to her. So many doors to choose from. She could smell the men dwelling behind them, almost sense their exact number. At some point, they'd come rushing out upon noticing the flamboyant intruder on their vigil devices. To her surprise, she made it to the end of the hall. Slackers. A deep and earnest frown creased her brows downward, causing a slew of frightening lines to appear upon that face she had selected so skillfully. Secrets that she'd only reveal at the end of the show. But really, what did they take her for?

She paused and then pivoted on her heel, performing a sharp about face so that she might gaze down at the distance earned. Hardly what she had wanted. Another sharp turn brought her to the, now, right door; Opposite of her destination. Her fist lurched forward from her side and slammed loudly against the door, stirring the single fellow locked within. When the port slid upward, their eyes locked briefly - hatred clashing against confusion - before the ring was cast about the sentinel's neck. Flattening her palm against the inside of the ring, she drew her arm back and dragged him out into the hall, cutting into his throat bit by bit. Her ears tingled with the pain filled gurgles that escaped his lips.

"Your friends think they can just overlook me? They'd best think again. Ooooooh boooys!" She cried, the loud lure echoing down the otherwise empty corridor. Almost immediately, doors began to open and men began to take their places. Missed entrances always ticked her off. Hands went for weapons, her own grip tightening on the round blade, tilting it ever so slightly against her captive's neck and hip. Instant realization; her ragged breathing against his nape might as well have been death's greeting to him. A harsh objection tripped down the hall toward her, but it was far too late. The plate on the inner part of her palm slammed down into the sharpened edge already digging into the flesh of his throat; tearing through veins and other vital stuff. No time for sound, just black.

Slinging the corpse away from her, she dropped down to her knees and placed the ring in front of her. Fingers caressed the triggers of various and a sundry blasters, she could almost hear their enraged cries as the bolts were released. It was all so slow for her: Her index finger grazing the silver switch on the inside of the disk, the shifting of layers as the two prongs serving as shield projectors appeared, the buzz as the vortex deflector hummed to life. Time came crashing forward so suddenly upon her that the Ouroboros wavered in her hold. The blaster bolts crackled defiantly against the force field and then went bouncing back from the direction in which they had come. Agonized screams; it was only for that sound that she took care to listen.

[Grym Kandle]

Grym didn't look up from all the blaster fire and screams. She was fufilling her part of the contract it seemed. He was half expecting to hear the scream that would sound the most like her though. He lifted a third device to the other two already implanted into the lock and terminal and began to insure that every wire was in place. He was going to unlock the emergency exit that would lead right to his target and hack their security system as well, setting up a labyrinth of doors he would control remotely in case of a game of cat and mouse.