Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon pulled off his officer’s uniform and threw it aside. The black cloth would wrinkle easily but he didn’t care. He slipped into the bath water and let out a relaxing breath. The temperature was cold beyond tolerable levels.

The man’s body began to tremble and he wrapped his arms around himself and willed his muscles to cease their spasms. His breathing slowed and took on the characteristics of a gentle wind. The Sith’s eyes shut and his face went still.

He stayed that way for two hours.

When the Executor final pulled himself free of his trance his body was white as snow and lips the light blue of an ice crevice. His eyes were gray northern storms that could chill the blood of any that peered into their depths. He stood in a rigid fashion as if his blood were frozen then shook the water from his body.

The Sith walked naked through his room and slipped into loose black pants and sleeveless tunic.

He started the motions of the first poomse of Helladune. His body became a flickering candle flame that danced in acrobatic attacks against invisible forces. There was a fluidity and correctness about each snapping punch, sweeping kick, and entwining grapple. The Force delicately wrapped around his body like a silk garment and propelled him through difficult combinations.

He practice for two hours.

When the Executor was finally done with his exercise he was scarlet in the face and breathed heavily. Sweat dripped everywhere and inundated everything.

He took a shower, dressed in a blood red sleeveless tunic, and waited for the young lady to be shown into his quarters.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Esalis was trying to break her. Trying very hard - though Arya had no idea why. She was being as cooperative as she could. After being deprived of sleep she was dumped into a room that alternated between extreme temperatures.

Perhaps the woman was only trying to see how much the smuggler could take. Drenched with sweat, Arya was pulled out of the now hot cell, and dragged to the ion shower again. She felt light - as though she was floating. There was no mirror in the refresher, but by looking down at her body she could see that she'd lost weight. Her stomach was cramped from lack of food, though she was given water periodically, and a ration bar every other day.

She drew small comfort from the fact that Esalis still wanted her alive. Her guards waited for her to pull on the loose grey pants, tank top and button shirt that were provided for prisoners. Her old ones were tossed into an incinerator, and she was marched out of the refresher and down the hall.

They took a turbolift up... a lot of floors. Arya found herself shivering with cold, after the heat she'd endured for the last twelve hours. The guards largely ignored her, but she noticed that they were equipped with blasters now, not shockprods. The smuggler swayed between them, weak from her ordeal.

The two guards were joined by two more as they left the turbolift, and continued through passageways. Arya tried to pay attention to the directions they were going, but could not. Eventually they stopped in front of a pair of expensive looking double doors. Arya was shoved inside with little fanfare, and found herself standing in someone's opulent apartment. The guards took their places behind her, where they would stay unless they were dismissed.

She hugged her arms around her body, shaking from imaginary chills.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon remembered to keep the Force completely in check. He literally cut himself off from its sweet waters. The Executor had been standing in the shadows with his eyes closed. He meditated on the feeling of normality that was to be without the touch of the Force. It wasn’t pleasant.

He felt slightly naked without the raw power coursing through his veins.

The Imperial took a step from the shadow and gently walked from the side room to the main chamber. The door slid open as he neared it and he walked through the still dim lighting and up towards the figures near the double doors.

“You may go,” he waved away the guards.

“You look chilled, Miss Ravenwing,” his brow was slightly furrowed in a look far too human for him. He seemed to be remorseful. “Sit, sit,” he gestured towards a small dining table that had been brought in with two chairs, “would you like a blanket?”

[Arya Ravenwing]

As the man walked forwards, she took a step backwards, involuntarily. Memories of their last encounter were blurry, but she remembered his face. And the pain.

The guards left her, and the man offered her a chair, and a blanket. Arya forced her legs to work, and she walked to the seat he had indicated, sitting stiffly. "Yes -" her voice cracked from lack of water, "Please."

Still wary, she tracked his movements with her eyes.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon let out a sigh as he went over to the couch and retrieved a blanket. “I hope your head doesn’t hurt,” he sounded genuinely sorry. “I had to knock you out when you transformed.”

He draped the blanket around her and allowed his warm hands to rest on her shoulders for a moment before taking a step back. “Something to drink?” He scrutinized her for a moment. “Warm tea?”

Khendon tapped on a wall panel and a small kitchen attached to the room became mildly illuminated.

[Arya Ravenwing]

The smuggler shivered, pulling the blanket around her tightly as he moved towards the wall. In response to his question, she nodded.

Who was he? He was a Force user - she knew that much from what Esalis had said. He was obviously not a Jedi, or the Empire would have killed him. Then what was he?

Arya flinched back from his eyes when he turned again to look at her.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon found a pot and filled it with water. He set it on a heating circle and activated it. The water quickly came to a boil and he added in fresh leaves and set the temperature lower so that it would release the flavor properly. The scent of the mixture quickly filled the apartment with its aroma.

“Dalein tea from my homeworld of Hioni. It’ll help fight the chill from your bones. My mother used to make it for me after long days of climbing the snow covered peaks in the winter season. She used to put honey in it too, would you like that?” The Executor placed two mugs down and leaned on the tall countertop that separated the kitchen from the rest of the room.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She shook her head, "No. No honey." Arya tried not to stare at him. "Does Esalis know I'm up here?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon jovially laughed. “Should she?” He looked at the color of the bubbling liquid and gave a slow nod. He poured the liquid through a small strainer to remove the leaves and carried the cups over to the table. He set one down in front of Arya and looked into her eyes.

“Be careful. It’s hot.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

She stared back at him, dubiously, and carefully lifted the tea cup to her lips. It was hot, and she blew on it carefully after burning her lips.

"Who are you, then?" Arya sipped again, experimentally, and found the tea to be pretty good.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon sat back in his chair and took a sip of his own tea. It wasn’t bad. His mother’s had been better.

“Me?” He shrugged. “I’m Khendon Sevon. But you don’t mean that, do you?” He frowned then pursed his lips. “Imperial Executor Khendon Sevon.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Oh." She drank her tea in silence for a few minutes, knowing that ignoring his title would probably upset him. He was acting like he was a real big shot, but she was already in as much trouble as she could be.

"I hope you didn't bring me here as a prelude to dissection, Executor Sevon." As her body temperature stabilized, her aptitude for sarcasm grew. "There's not much to see." Arya fiddled with the empty teacup, wondering what would happen if she threw it at him.

[Khendon Sevon]

“Dissection is overrated. I thought I’d let you in on a little secret, that’s all.

“More tea?” He took another sip of his and relaxed his mind and body. Being passive was difficult for him. Still, he’d infiltrated enough Rebel organizations and put on plenty of charades in the past. This was just another well played act.

There wasn’t a particular goal. He just wanted to see what the result would be. If she persisted in her hate, he would just give her a real reason to hate him. Otherwise the geniality would continue.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She put the cup down, reluctant to lose her only weapon. "No thank you."

Arya shivered again, and huddled back underneath the blanket. Her blue eyes went over the room for possible escape exits, though she knew it was a futile exercise. But if she gave up hope... she might as well just die.

The room was full of strange odors, not the least of which was the smell of the man across from her. Arya's nostrils flared as she scented the air, rocking back and forth in her chair just slightly. "A secret? I hope you aren't getting into trouble."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon grunted. “I could very well be put in front of a firing squad for the many secrets I know, Miss Ravenwing. That won’t happen, though.

“Are you hungry? I could have something prepared. Anything your heart desires. Though,” he allowed his eyes to traverse her, “I warn that you should be careful in how much you eat. You must slowly become accustomed to eating large portions of food again.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

She pulled the blanket a bit closer, though not because she was cold. "Anything but a ration bar." Arya was under no illusions as to how she looked - eyes sunken, cheeks hollow no doubt. Her rapid healing could do nothing to save her from hunger. In fact, it made things worse.

Her metabolism was not on par with, say, a Cizerack, but she did usually consume more than the average human to keep up her strength. Even as her body tried to remain healthy it was destroying her from the inside out. "Anything. Please. I'm starving."

[Khendon Sevon]

He frowned. “That’s a little vague.” His face drooped in concern.

Khendon picked up his comm. and activated it, “Have the chef bring in a little of everything he thinks is good” He clicked it off and set it down.

The Executor stood and went back to the kitchen. There was a small wooden wine rack and he selected a bottle and pulled it free. He brought two glasses to the table and opened the bottle. “A little wine with the meal should be good for you. It will help get your blood going, put some blood in your cheeks.” He smiled. “Mark my words though, only a little. Its effects will be fast and strong in your weakened condition.”

He poured himself a glass and half as much for her.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She eyes the glass and did not pick it up. At a look from the Executor, however, Arya picked up the glass and took a sip. She would wait for food before she drank more.

He was being too nice to her, and her suspicious mind couldn't figure out why. It was obvious there was something he wanted from her, but how he thought he'd get it was beyond her.

With the promise of food, however, she was not going to argue. Arya attempted a smile in his direction, and took another tiny sip of the wine. "You mentioned a secret?"

[Khendon Sevon]

“I did.” He remained placid and allowed the flavor of the wine to coat his mouth before swallowing.

“Eat first. Then, maybe, we’ll take a walk and talk away from these walls. You have a peculiar property, Miss Ravenwing, which prevents me from protecting our conversation by my usual means.

”It must’ve been unbearable to be tortured as you were.” He frowned. “I’m truly sorry that it had to happen as it did. You know..." he looked into his wine, "I was in your mind. Not in your mind. I was feeling what you were feeling, sensing what you were sensing, tasting your memories as they came to your thoughts." He looked up. "That's why you have to believe that I am sorry.

"I know what you've suffered as intimately as you."

[Arya Ravenwing]

She shrugged, the blanket slipping back a bit. "That must have been horrible for you then, Executor." Arya bit her lip, and shook her head, "I mean... I don't know. Are you taking me away from Esalis?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon frowned and spoke in a low voice, “We can’t discuss that right now.”

The door swooshed open and a man in a white suit pushed in a cart. Another man with a chef’s hat walked in and began rattling off dishes with a broad smile.

The Executor held up his hand, “Thank you. You don’t need to enumerate. The lady is very hungry, if you’ll please both leave us, I’ll call down when the dishes are to be cleared. Again, thank you.”

“By your will, My Lord.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya's eyes tried to take in all the food that was on the cart, but she stopped herself from reaching for any of it, afraid that the Exectutor was only going to take it away from her.

"My Lord?" She didn't take her eyes off the food. "That's fancy. Can I..." Arya's mouth was already watering at the aromas coming from the food cart.

[Khendon Sevon]

He smiled, “I’m not stopping you. Go ahead.” He took another sip of his wine and wondered what in the wide galaxy he was in the mood for. The pile of fresh fruit looked very appealing to him.

Khendon broke himself off a small collection of grapes. They really were fresh. The first burst with tangy-sweet flavor in his mouth as his teeth punctured the thin flesh. They were very good.

“Some people feel a certain fealty to me that goes beyond Executor.” Khendon shrugged. “They call me their lord. Most of the crew of my two star destroyers do the same. They’ve been by my side in a thousand battles…” his eyes grew distant for a moment then he smiled.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She grabbed a plate with a thick juicy steak on it, and picked it up with her hands, tearing into it with her teeth. A thousand battles? Arya chewed as fast as she dared, desperate to get the protein into her. Maybe hundreds.

The smuggler swallowed, and reached for her glass, trying not to gulp at the wine before returning to the steak. She didn't bother trying to talk, instead she was determined to eat as much as she could before this all turned out to be one of Esalis' sick jokes.

[Khendon Sevon]

He watched her eat and occasionally popped a grape into his mouth. There wasn’t much else to do. There weren’t really any questions to be asked.

The demon within Khendon wanted her to do something powerful and willful. There was a yearning within him for strong women. Arya was falling short of that creature’s desires.

“You know, you are the second Lupine I’ve encountered. The first gave me a few wounds that still trace their marks on my skin.” His stormy eyes remained on her face.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya cracked the t-bone, and noisily sucked the marrow out of it. The broken bone fell back to the plate as she attempted to wipe her hands off on a napkin. "Wait, another one? Esalis told me I was the only one." Her eyes narrowed, wary of a lie.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon shrugged, “You want to see the scars?”

He took a healthy mouthful of wine and emptied his glass. His hand grabbed the bottle without thinking and he poured until the liquid nearly touched the brim. The Sith freshened the woman’s own glass slightly.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She raised an eyebrow, and picked up the wine glass. "Your scars could have come from any one of your thousands of battles." Arya knocked back about half of the wine, and put the glass down.

Grabbing a Chandrilan orange, she dug her thumb into the navel and pulled it apart. "How do you know your attacker was a Lupine?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon grinned. “How else would she have made them? It’s not that easy to wound me.” He took another drink and continued to keep his eyes locked on the woman.

It was interesting to watch her eat.

His thoughts wandered to S’ilancy and he wondered where she was. There was retribution to be had. He would inflict punishment for her deeds. Khendon knew he could best her. It was just a matter of harnessing the powers within him.

[Arya Ravenwing]

His logic didn't make any sense, but Arya simply shrugged, popping a section of orange into her mouth. Ohhh, but it was delicious. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the flavor.

"So did you use the Force and then she Changed and attacked you?" Reluctantly Arya opened her blue eyes to look at his grey ones. "I mean, how do you know that only a Lupine could wound you? Did I?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon grinned. “The woman in question is a conundrum. It would seem she is the exception to the rule. She is a Force user.

“And, no. You didn’t wound me.” He smiled. “You didn’t get a chance. S’ilancy is a powerful user of the Force and talented master of the saber. Her abilities surpassed mine at that time.

“I have killed many Force wielders. She bested me because she had an edge beyond all others. She is both a Lupine and a mistress of the Force.” He set aside his glass and food, having lost his appetite.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya chewed another section of her orange. "s'Ilancy. The author of the journal."

She narrowed her eyes, "Wait, she can use the Force, and it drives me mad?" Arya frowned, "Doesn't seem fair."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon grinned, “The galaxy isn’t a fair place. Maybe you could learn to master your abilities if you were exposed more to the workings of the Force. You would need a powerful instructor, though.”

Life seemed to be filling her from its chalice. It was amazing what a little food and wine could do. Then again, she was a Lupine. Khendon wondered how wise he was being.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She cocked her head to the side. "Why, you wanna teach me?" Her blue eyes were flooded with yellow for a moment, but he noticed. Arya smiled, exposing her teeth. "But that's not the secret, is it."

She finished off the orange and grabbed a roll of bread, tearing it in half and slathering it with butter. "A walk, then?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon smiled. “You’re too wild for me, Miss Ravenwing. Besides, I am no master of the Force. I am just a sensitive individual.

“I think a walk is called for.” He stood and held out his arm for her.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She got up, blanket falling to the chair, in all her grey uniformed glory. It was hard to believe a word he was saying. Too smooth.

Taking his arm, Arya allowed him to lead her from the table. Feeling more alert than she had in days, she kept her eyes open for any escape options.

[Khendon Sevon]

They weren’t going far. There was a courtyard lined with tall walls and high trees. It was atop the building in a way. The walls were thick but had rooms within them. The area was basically a depression in the structure. The entire rectangle was maybe 150 meters long and 50 meters wide. The sky was a dark plum overhead and the first few stars were barely visible.

A stormguardsman pounded his chest and bowed to Khendon as the two walked onto the dirt path. The Executor bowed his own head and nodded.

“It’s safe to talk here.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Is it?" Arya looked up at the sky, and smiled. It was a relief to finally see something other than duracrete walls. Even if it was nighttime.

She released his arm, folding hers across her chest. "So, what do you want to talk about? Are you looking for a little demonstration of my abilities?"

[Khendon Sevon]

“Are you asking me if I’d like to see you try to scale these walls and flee? the answer is no. I’d rather not hunt you down tonight. Other than that, what can you show me?” He really didn’t want to chase her. Still, there was probably something else in her offer.

The Executor allowed the muscles of his body to loosen so that they would be better able to move if needed.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She laughed at that. "No, you probably have snipers posted just in case I try that very thing, don't you." Arya turned a slow circle, "The walls are too high anyway. It would take too long."

The smuggler walked around a nearby bench, running her fingers across the back of it and wiggling her bare toes in the fine gravel. She missed her boots. "What else can I do? You should know better than to ask such an open ended question, Executor Sevon."

It was a shame that vornskyrs couldn't climb trees. Or that a naked woman trying to escape from this Imperial stronghold wouldn't be immediately noticed. No, there was no hope of escape. But perhaps he truly did sympathize with her.

Things couldn't get much worse than they were already, regardless of whether Khendon the Forcey was lying to her or not.

"You have only witnessed an uncontrolled Change. When I Change willingly, it is much different." Arya looked around for cover, and decided that the bench would have to do. She didn't like people watching her when she Changed, but the Colonel, Esalis, and several guards had already watched it. And Khendon had seen an uncontrolled Change, which was much more embarrassing.

No, Arya had little shame left. She unbuttoned her overshirt, pulling it off and dropping it on the bench. Turning her back, the smuggler pulled the tank top over her head and dropped the baggy pants to her ankles. Almost at the same instant she hunched forward, joints popping out of place and bones moving into new positions as her skin grew all over with sleek black fur.

As opposed to the pain of the Force induced Change, this was like a full body sneeze. Within the space of a few seconds a large black vornskyr stood where Arya had been. Its yellow eyes gleamed in the starlight as it turned to look at the Executor, barbed tail whipping back and forth.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon watched the transformation with a look of mild amusement. A lopsided grin formed on his face, “That all? Very dramatic.” It was interesting how the Lupines could manipulate their bone and muscle structure. Still, only the Force willing S’ilancy had truly impressed him.

“Can you talk while you’re in this form or have your vocal chords changed, as well?” The saber within the folds of Khendon’s tunic seemed to press against his chest in mild warning. He ignored the ancient relic for the moment and produced a closed silver chain with black beads. The Executor evenly divided the small black stones then began flipping the koboloi between his fingers in a practice manner.

[Arya Ravenwing]

The vornskyr whined, pawing at the gravel. The large beast huffed in the night air, and slowly dragged her head from side to side. No.

Then she stretched, legs stretching out in front of her. Inside the Beast, Arya considered her options. If she attacked the Executor, he would undoubtedly defend himself with the Force, and she would lose control. She cocked her head to one side, then started walking, picking up speed until she was loping towards the trees and the wall.

Reaching the wall, she turned and followed it, stretching out and throwing her entire body into the run, until she was going as fast as she could. It was wonderful.

[Khendon Sevon]

The ebony beads stopped in Khendon’s hand for a moment and he watched the beast run. Its sleek muscles pumped and performed remarkably. It was both beautiful and frightening. No wonder S’ilancy had bested him. Mingling the pure power and speed of a Lupine with the Force created something far more powerful than either alone.

The Executor continued to play with his koboloi.

There had to be a way to harness her genes; but, what would come of it? Something more terrifying than S’ilancy. An Imperial Force Lupine? That was something even he wouldn’t desire.

The Sith mentally added Lupines to his list of future enemies alongside all Force users.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Did he trust her? No, not at all. The creature could smell the tension roiling off of him as she ran away, though as she continued her loop around the rooftop garden she imagined he had relaxed. In her... Lupine form, scents and odors often appeared as colors to the vornskyr side of her mind. The trees smelled like freedom.

Arya stopped running, slinking down on her belly in some low bushes, observing the Executor. Running any longer would make her hungry again a lot sooner, and she wasn't sure if she was going to be eating quite as well tomorrow. The vornskyr crept forward out of the bushes, using what cover she could to sneak up on the Executor. It was dark now, but there was still artifical light in the garden.

After a few minutes of sneaking, she jumped onto the bench where her human clothes were lying, and laid on top of them, panting.

[Khendon Sevon]

“I think it would be wise to continue our discussion.” He grinned and twisted the chain between his fingers so that they stayed there without his having to grip them. The Executor pulled a hand rolled smoke from his pocket and packed it against the metal container he had retrieved it from. He tore the lighting patch and inhaled then exhaled the flavorful, blue fume.

Khendon’s heart slowed slightly and the colors around him brightened. He took another hit and then simply held the smoldering, dark navy leaves between index and forefinger. The wafting smoke billowed from the slowly shrinking stimulant.

It was mild and the Sith smoked them to remind him of home. His distant ancestors had used the stims in rituals of cleansing and remembrance.

He flicked ash from the tip and watched it float like sprinkled ashen bone dust.

[Arya Ravenwing]

The vornskyr jumped easily over the back of the bench, and there was a strange whispery, wet sound as Arya reverted back to her human form. Standing up slowly, too quickly and she would get a head rush, the woman pulled on her grey pants and then turned to pick up her tank top.

"Yes, lets. You haven't told me what we're out here for." The smuggler tugged the tank top into place, and walked around the bench, taking a seat.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon put his leg up on the bench and leaned on his knee with arms crossed. He watched the swirls of hazy blue smoke float into the sky for a moment then smiled. “How would you like to get out of here?” His stormy eyes of grayish hue were cloudy and calm and didn’t betray the tempest that could grow at a moment’s calling.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya coughed, the smoke tickling her nostrils and the smell overpowering her sensitive nose. "Love the idea, don't see how."

She dared to wave some of the aromatic smoke away from her head. "Do you have an idea about that, then?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon pursed his lips. “It’s actually very simple. You see, you’re either an asset or a liability. If you want freedom you have to prove that you’re someone that will help us do something we need to do.” He grinned. “Little vague?”

“We want you to find S’ilancy for us.” He took a hit and then threw the stim to the ground. His stood and ground the still smoldering leaves into the dirt with his military boots.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She looked at him a little blankly. Then, "How in the nine hells do you think I'm going to be able to do that?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon looked at the dying sparks on the ground and took a step back. He was still smiling. “If you want it enough I’m certain you’ll be able to accomplish it. After all, it’s for your freedom.

“Miss Ravenwing, I’m very confident that you can find s’Ilancy.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

She considered that for a moment, running her long fingers through her black hair. "And if I don't?" Arya raised an eyebrow questioningly. "I suppose you'll track me down and make me regret it?"

She pulled her feet up onto the bench and hugged her arms around her knees. "If its a choice between being Karrnage's little experiment, and tracking down this other Lupine, I guess I choose the latter."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon smiled. “Very good, Miss Ravenwing. Very good, indeed.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

She wiggled her toes in the cool night air. "So what next? I'll need my ship back, and some credits, unless you plan on letting me steal my way across the galaxy in search of this other Lupine."

Arya looked up at the now twinkling stars. Due to Coruscant's vast city, and all the lights that went with, there were only a few visible.

[Khendon Sevon]

“What’s next?” Khendon grunted. “It all depends. I still need to arrange certain matters.” He pulled a wrapped after-dinner-mint from his pocket and removed the crinkling paper. The Executor popped the flavor remover in his mouth and felt its mildly potent peppermint bite. He retrieved another and held it out for the Lupine. “Take it as a hint.” Khendon winked.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Her lips drew back from her teeth in a feral smile, but she accepted the mint, idly unwrapping it. "I don't want to go back to that Esalis woman, either."

Her eyes burned yellow for a moment as she placed the mint on her tongue. Arya spoke around it, "And my medallion. I won't do anything without it."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon frowned and took a seat next to her. He leaned back against one of the arms and faced her. “Why’s it so important?”

The Executor wondered if the Lupine would actually be able to find her counterpart. If not, he’d simply bring her back for more testing and they’d do whatever they planned with her. It didn’t really matter to him.

The fact that he was sending Vega into the operation was of most concern to him. It was a good opportunity to see the capabilities of his apprentice. Never the less, he felt there was something afoot larger than the picture now before him.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She turned slightly to face him, moving away from him on the bench. "It was my father's. I... I've never taken it off before." Talking about it made her hand go to her neck, where the chain usually lay. "Its all I have of my family, and I need it."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon nodded. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I can get it; but, there’s no way I can give it to you. They wouldn’t let me. While you’re chasing s’Ilancy, I’ll have a duplicate made and replace it with the original.” He looked around and wet his lips like a good actor. “Then, when you’re back you can have it.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

She frowned, crunching the mint between her teeth. He was lying to her. "They wouldn't let you? I thought you were the Executor." Arya put a light emphasis on the word 'the.'

"I need it. Please. Get it for me and I'll do whatever you want."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon grunted. “I am the Executor. That doesn’t mean I can be seen as a traitor by my peers. This is the Empire, dear. Not some rodeo show or band of thieves. There are those that would love to see me stumble. The wolves that they are, they’d kick my feet out from under me and hope I’d bludgeon my head against the stones of failure.”

He shook his head and pursed his lips. “It’s out of the question.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya's eyes gleamed yellow in the artifical light of the garden. "I... want it!"

Angry, and scared of him at the same time, her hands gripped the bench tightly. Her fingernails grew into claws and her back hunched forward as the smuggler struggled to keep herself under control.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon bared his own teeth. Her animal side was manifesting itself in her mentality. There was no way he would give up such a precious bargaining chip.

His fist with the beads and silver-coated chain planted itself squarely on her temple in a back-fist that would’ve broken stone. He screamed, “SHUT UP! Listen to me,” there was the tinge of a threat in his voice, “I have done the best I can! Take it or leave it! You can always go back to your kennel!”

The Sith’s thoughts flew to his saber but he fought off the urge to put the emitter to her head and activate it.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Her head rocked backwards from the blow, and she shrieked in pain, hands morphing back to human and clutching at her temple. Khendon hesitated, clearly confused by her reaction.

Arya lost her balance on the edge of the bench and fell sideways onto the ground, and he could smell burnt hair and flesh as she struggled to compose herself. She put her hands beneath her to push herself up, and he saw an imprint of his blow burnt into her forehead - tiny lines from the silver wires that had been wrapped around his hand.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon allowed a moment of shock to show on his face then stowed it. What had he witnessed? He looked at his hand and pursed his lips. This was an interesting development.

“Forget to tell me something?”

[Arya Ravenwing]

She sucked in her breath sharply, the thin wounds not healing over quickly like others she had recieved in captivity. "Don't think I forgot. Frelling silver." Arya pulled herself back up to the bench. "Don't get any ideas, Executor."

The smuggler cracked her neck slowly, moving her head from side to side. "I don't know why, but I react... strongly to silver." No need to get melodramatic and tell him she was deathly allergic. "Esalis doesn't even know."

She held out her hand, turning it over so he could see a circle shaped scar on the heel of her palm. "Silver coin, from when I was a child. My mother was teaching me a lesson."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon loosened the beads from his fist and flipped them between his fingers idly. His gray eyes never moved from her as the chain intricately somersaulted in his hand. This was a useful development. He stored away the knowledge for future use.

“Anything else I should know? You won’t catch fire in the sun, will you? What about garlic?” He smiled. “Have we reached an agreement? You’ll get back your precious medallion once you’ve returned with s’Ilancy. That’s the best I can do.”

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Fine," she growled, pulling her hand back and crossing her arms. "But if you doublecross me the last thing I'll do will be to tear your throat out."

Arya stood up, the gravel cold against her bare feet. She grabbed her long sleeved shirt from the bench, tucking the collar into the back of her pants so she wouldn't have to hold on to it. "Are we done?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements. Your ship, some credits, and an ID that won’t have you getting shot at.”

He wondered how empty her threat was. The Executor mentally shrugged it off. Even if Arya tried something, she was no match for him.

The Sith would make sure his apprentice was given all of the information he had gained that day and more.

[Arya Ravenwing]

She was marched back to her cell, which was currently about five degrees above freezing. Arya huddled in the corner, trying to conserve heat while she thought about what the next few weeks would bring.

She didn't even know where to start looking. Then she remembered the journal they'd forced her to read, and realized she did know.