A long held promise...

[Sirus Blackjack]

A tall, dark-haired man climbed from his transport onto the walkway. Taking the blaster pistol from the passenger seat, he placed it in the holster by his right armpit, before shutting the door and locking it. His dark eyes stared up at the massive building before him, and he took a deep breath, a heavy inhalation of the small of the city. The buzz of the city echoed behind him; the rushing of vehicles, the sound of traders and the bustling public. He’d missed Rodia; Iskaayuma especially. Pulling on his thin, leather trench coat, the 40 year-old ran his fingers through his hair and set off forward, through the doors into the block of offices.

“I’m looking for a Miss Kasajian? Or Mrs, or Ms. I’m not entirely sure which it is” he said bluntly to the receptionist, his eyes darting around the room.<O:p</O:p

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Then you've come to the right place." Sorsha called behind him. She was accompanied by a huge Corellian and a leather clad Nebari, along with four Rodian gunmen.

[Sirus Blackjack]

The man raised a brow as he heard the voice behind him. Turning on his heel, his eyes widened momentarily as he took in the group.

"Ah, well, that's a start at least."

His eyes met hers, and he offered a brief bow of the head.

"My name is Sirus Blackjack, Miss Kasajian. I've come to ask for an audience with yourself."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Then follow me."

:: A servant opened the doors to the larger room, and she motioned him in with a smile. Her entourage followed close behind ::

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus followed quietly, examining the group who he assumed to be bodyguards. It had been a long time since he'd seem such a large collection. He personally prefered to protect clients alone. It drew less attention, and he didn't have to worry about friendly fire. But still, he understood the set-up. 12 eyes were better than two, but he couldn't help but wonder if quantity had been taken above quality.

"My intentions are friendly, I assure you" he explained as he entered, looking around the room. "I have an obligation towards your organisation, Miss Kasajian. You seem to have a healthy number of employees already, I see. But perhaps there is room for one more?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"We wouldn't be speaking if I believed otherwise."

:: Her lips curled into a smile as she sat at the end of a long table. It was brightly polished obsidian, and the chairs were decorated with ornate greelwood. The doors were closed behind them, and the Corellian and the Nebari took their places on either side of her. The Rodians settled at strategic points within the room and looked on ::

"An obligation?"

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus looked on unphased, becoming more relaxed

"Indeed" he replied. "I know I need not remind you of Prince Xizor. Myself and him crossed paths near 10 years ago, and aided each other out of a...sticky situation."

He moved further into the room along one side of the table.

"Once we were free from danger, we got talking. His offer was a generous one; a place within this syndicate should I find myself otherwise unoccupied. We met several times since then, but not much.

News of his death spread like wildfire, as I'm sure you remember. I was working as a bodyguard at the time, much as I was most of the time, among...other things. Of course, I do not expect you to accept me upon the words of a dead Falleen. However, I am still here to offer you my services, partly to give what I can back to the organisation that once saved my life..." he smirked slighty. "...and of course, for personal gain."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I see." she grinned. "May I ask, have you spoken to Sasseeri yet? Or is she your next visit?"

[Sirus Blackjack]

"Ah, Sasseeri..."

Sirus smirked again, running his fingers through his hair.

"She was indeed my back-up plan. As I said, I was to come here once things had dried up for me. A fresh start, and extra life, so to speak. You must understand, if I were not to be taken in by yourself, Miss Kasajian, I would have little choice but to speak to your rival. I am down to my last few credits, enough to get me to her offices. I came to you first out of homesickness, mostly. This is my homeworld, you see. Out of everywhere in the galaxy, I would prefer to be based here, Miss Kasajian."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha nodded approvingly ::

"I think I can find a place for you then."

:: She paused ::

"Would you like a drink?"

[Sirus Blackjack]

A smile spread on Sirus' face.

"Please. A whiskey, if you have any" he replied.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"What services do you wish to offer me, exactly?"

:: The servant placed drinks about the table, and bowed quickly to Sorsha as she left ::

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus pulled out the chair by his drink, taking the glass in his had and swirling the liquid, watching the ice cubes clink against the sides of the glass. Taking a smooth sip, he held the drink in his mouth for a moment, savouring the drink before swallowing, relaxing as the slow burn ran up his throat before replying.

"In my time, I have carried out a variety of services, Miss Kasajian. For a long time, I have been a bodyguard for hire. Protecting rich men against people that would profit from their death at high profile events. I have escorted these men, I have prevented assassinations by getting to the would-be killer before they get to my client. Not a failed job to my name" he chuckled, taking another sip if his drink.

"On the other hand, my experience in your kind of work is not lacking. As I mentioned before, myself and the late Xizor met several times. These were business meetings; smuggling, infiltration, protection, laundering...assassinations. You know the kind of thing. All this I offer to you. I am not like the young hot-shots you see these days, rushing around trying to impress everyone, arrogant and sure they're "it". I am, however, experienced, subtle, and reliable, Miss Kasajian."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I was well aquainted with my predecessor. I still grieve his passing."

:: There was a moment of deep silence, then mirth as the entire room burst into uproarious laughter. Sorsha's eyes sparkled as she sipped her drink from a goblet of fine crystal ::

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus gave a brief look around, before forcing a small smile from his lips. Of course, he knew of the rivalry that existed within the syndicate. However, he was indebted to Xizor, and found it hard to find humour in his death. He pushed his thoughts aside, and raised his glass towards Sorsha.

"To the future then, Miss Kasajian?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"To the future."

:: She raised her glass in a toast and winked, emptying her goblet before tossing it away. It shattered on the behind her ::

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus also finished his drink, but instead replaced his glass on the table.

"So where do we go from here, Miss Kasajian? I must ask, is there much accomodation nearby? I havn't been on the planet for some time."

[O.W. Outcast]

OW popped Up from under the table at that moment into his chair. He then vigorously pumped the chair up so the people at the table could more accurately view the little Duro mans eyes. He grinned widely at Tirsa and gave her a little wink before drawing his attention to the newest man at the table.

"Hello my names OW. I just got one question for you before we proceed. How do we know we can trust you?"

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus turned his head towards the speaker.

"You know as well as I do, Mr OW, that I cannot gain your organisations trust merely through words. As far as you know, all that I have just said could be a lie. Similarly, how do I know I can trust what has been said to me today? This is, after all, a criminal organisation, and there are many that never trust the words of thieves. For all I know, you could have me shot the second I turn around to leave. Life is about risk. I say I will serve your syndicate with dedication and loyalty, but it is up to yourselves whether to believe me or not. My actions will speak louder than my words, I assure you."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha regarded the little Duro with some amusement ::

"Criminal is such a vulgar term, Sirus. There are many legitimate services that we provide to the masses."

[Sirus Blackjack]

"With due respect, Miss Kasajian, there are a number of illegitimate services the Black Sun offers as well. But forgive my bluntness. It's in my nature to look at things matter-of-factly" he replied, his eyes shifting to Sorsha.

[O.W. Outcast]

OW eyed Sirus a bit before reaching into one of his pockets and producing a few items. OW through some credits onto he table in the center.

"About thirty two credits enough for a cheap crappy hotel. So you where not lying about being dirt poor."

Then OW pulled up Sirus's wallet and started rifling through it. With an odd look of curiosity on his face. OW was a great thief if he said so himself it was an old habit. One that was very hard for him to stop doing. He usually had Gerbo around to slap his hands when ever he tried but Gerbo was away on business so no one was safe from the long fingers of OW outcast.

"A speeder license registered to one Sirus Blackjack. You use your real name? Not very smart if you ask me."

OW tossed Sirus back his wallet.

"Crime has no risk if your smart. You see the moment you step out that door we could have you shot but there is no point to that. No we would let you run to the authorities cause by the time the cops get here this place would be nothing more then vacant building and you would look like buffoon. Humiliation has a much better reward then murder. You play the business of crime smart taking as little risk as possible and you succeed in this game. So that said we are onto more important things like whats for lunch?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha held up a hand to the little crimelord as she gazed at Sirus ::

"I am well aware of the businesses that I own, Mr. Blackjack. I would advise you to remember that."

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus caught the wallet in his right hand, giving the Duro a "How the hell?" look as Sorsha began to speak again, and his gaze rested back on the woman.

"Of course" he replied, with a nod of the head. "I shan't say anything more about it."

[O.W. Outcast]

OW just listen for the moment. All though he fidgeted allot as sorsha spoke mainly cause there was nothing else for him to do since she silenced him. His stomach grumbled loudly then but it was about the only noise that came from him. He tried to reach over and tickle Tirsa but she just slapped his hand away. He wished he could light a cigar at that point to keep him occupied but he knew sorsha didn't like the smoke. So he continued Fidgeting.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Are there any other matters that need discussion?"

[Sirus Blackjack]

"I only need some directions to the nearest hotel, and preferably the cheapest. I'll wait there for you to contact me, and we'll get things moving from there. How does that sound?"

[O.W. Outcast]

OW raised his hand as High as he could stretch it like a little school child would who knew an answer to a question. He nearly fell out of his seat stretching his arm that high. He was bouncing in his chair as well try to gain sorsha's attention.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"That won't be necessary. You're working for me now. I'll arrange a personal suite for you."

:: Her gaze turned to the hyperactive little Duro, her lips curled in slight annoyance ::

"... yes???"

[O.W. Outcast]

OW looked a bit sheepishly at Sorsha for a moment settling himself a bit. Realizing then he was getting a little out of hand. It would have been nice to have Gerbo around, Gerbo always seemed to keep in line. Often times it was with arrogant remarks and blatant lines of "I will kill you if you don't stop that OW." . But then that is what he paid Gerbo for that and there was that life debt thing Gerbo had to honor. Dam that Gerbo for have left two weeks ago with only a vague note that he wouldn't be back for sometime and something about some business he had to attend to.

"First question what’s for Lunch? The more important question though of two I have is. Can I take Sirus on a little trip with me to Cloud City. I have some business to attend to there and I wouldn't mind putting Sirus here to a little test of his worth?"

[Sirus Blackjack]

Sirus mouthed a silent sigh. At least he wouldn't be sleeping rough tonight. He's considered selling his speeder for extra credits, but he didn't have the heart to do it. It was a classic. Sure she wasn't as flashy as the modern piles of crud that were pumped out these days, but Sirus knew how to get the best out of her.

He thought over what OW had said for a few silent moments, before shrugging his shoulders and replacing his wallet into the inside pocket of his coat.

"I don't mind. I'd rather get going with something ASAP."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Lunch was over an arn ago, you silly man. I presumed you were pre-occupied with other things."

:: she paused in thought ::

"As for your other question, by all means."

[Sirus Blackjack]

"Excellent" Sirus remarked, clapping his hands together. Pushing his chair back, he stood slowly, stretching as he did so.

"If you'll excuse me, Miss Kasajian, Mr OW" he said, nodding to each of them respectively. "Today has been a long day indeed. Is there a bar on location? Or perhaps one nearby? I need some time to relax. You're both more than welcome to join me."