Caged Beast

[Ecks]

They had received their payment for her, the Ravenwing woman who he'd kept locked in his UEC just in case. She hadn't shifted, but Montegue had been adamant that she could, and Ecks didn't feel like taking any chances. He was escorting her to the head of COMPNOR, R.S. Esalis, just to make sure there was no mishandling of her transfer.

The Stormtroopers resented it, he thought, but after what had happened with s'Ilancy a year or so before, he wasn't going to take any chances.

Either were the Stormies. Arya Ravenwing was strapped tightly to a gurney with at least six heavy-duty straps, hands and ankles stun cuffed together. A trooper kept a blaster set to stun trained on her at all times as they pushed the repulsor buoyed stretcher up the hallway.

Ecks walked along until they reached a point that he was not allowed access to. He narrowed his eye, but acquiesced, watching Ravenwing disappear around a corner.

[R. S. Esalis]

There was business to attend to before her time was given solely to Arya Ravenwing. Not unpleasant business, but business all the same.

R. S. Esalis had watched the bounty hunter, Ecks, as he accompanied Ravenwing to the point that he was no longer allowed, lofting a single eyebrow at the sight. It was not surprising, given the last Lupine that he had tried to deliver, as it seemed that the Falleen had learned his lesson the second time around.

"Once bitten, twice shy, no?"

Her pace was measured and solid as she approached him from behind, a datapad tucked into the crook of her left arm.

[Ecks]

He grunted, turning and looking down at the human woman who had approached him. "Something like that." Ecks' voice was a deep rumble in the quiet hallway.

"Looks like she's being handled right," he allowed.

[R. S. Esalis]

"She'd better be."

Falling quiet, the Director of Imperial Intelligence looked past Ecks to the doors through which Arya had been taken.

"I too find myself in that situation now; I had thought she understood her role to play. Apparently she did not, and I intend to rectify her disobedience."

Cold cyan eyes went back to the Falleen as she changed the subject of their discussion only slightly.

"You were the one who initially claimed the bounty on Loklorien s'Ilancy, were you not?"

Of course she knew that he was.

[Ecks]

The Falleen nodded slowly, his long black top knot of hair brushing against the shoulders of his armor. He wasn't sure who this woman was, but for now he'd answer her questions.

"Never got paid for it," he said. "The garrison on Cloud City was a joke. I hear that's been changed though."

[R. S. Esalis]

"That it has."

On that matter she could agree with the bounty hunter. Cloud City had been a rancid sore for too long, and with the Empire's retaking, policies had begun to change, order beginning to once more reign supreme.

Taking the datapad from under her arm, Esalis thumbed it on, scanning through its' contents.

"From the file that I have on that incident, it would seem that all of your paperwork was filed correctly, and your permits and license in order. The fault does not lie with you, but with those she was left with... "

It was easy to hear the disdain in her voice.

"... and by extension myself."

Her fingers ran in rapid succession over the screen.

"I will see to it that you are compensated accordingly for what amounts to my own mistake, and will have the bounty for Ravenwing as well as s'Ilancy transferred to your accounts within the hour."

[Ecks]

Ecks' craggy brows lifted with surprise, and he inclined his head to the human. "Thank you, Ms..." She wasn't wearing a name tag.

With ten million credits he could buy a new ship. Frell, he could buy a couple new ships. He shuffled his big feet a bit, ready to leave but unsure how to extricate himself from the conversation.

[R. S. Esalis]

It was a strange sort of smile that Esalis graced him with. Neither completely genial nor malignant.

"Esalis."

[Ecks]

The name was familiar, and the bounty hunter's eyes narrowed a bit. What he'd heard of R. S. Esalis didn't seem to fit the tall woman standing before him. But then, there was something about her smile, and those bright blue eyes...

He grunted. "No need for me to hang around. Maybe I'll bring s'Ilancy back in for you next time." His mouth cracked what might have been a smile, and as he stumped off down the hall there was a trace of pheromones left that caused her to turn and watch him go.

He needed a beer. Ten million? Well, seven and a half after Hugo's cut. Still. He needed a beer to think over.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya had had a lot of time to think about her situation. She'd received no mistreatment from the bounty hunters, not once she'd been in custody, but had spent the trip from Sullust to Coruscant in the strangest cage she'd ever seen. It had held her suspended in the middle of it, unable to touch the sides, and she'd been feeling very bizarre since having been removed from it.

Other than the whole "strapped down and stun-cuffed" thing, of course. There was an odd sense of vertigo after floating in air, or on an invisible force field, or whatever it had been. The lights in the ceiling went by one by one as she was pushed down endless hallways.

She looked to the side a bit, staring into the black of a Stormtrooper's eyes as he walked backwards next to her gurney, a blaster rifle pointed at her head. Arya stared and stared, unblinking, trying to channel all her anger into her gaze and into that faceless helmet as her nostrils flared and she was powerless to do anything but breathe in... and out...

The trooper didn't even flinch away from her heated stare, the blaster rifle never wavering even after their journey stopped and her escort stood silently in the hallway.

[R. S. Esalis]

The room that Arya had been taken to was sparsely furnished. Sequestered towards the back of the facility, it had little use except as a holding area with room only for a gurney and a small amount of standing space.

Esalis stepped through the door quietly, her eyes downcast as she studied her datapad and the information that had been downloaded upon it. She read the account of Arya's capture, and her lips remained turned down in a perpetual frown as she stopped beside the Lupine's 'bed'.

There was another few minutes of silence as she finished reading, and with a sigh switched the 'pad off. Once more it was tucked into the crook of her arm.

A chilled blue gaze was passed over Arya, the stormtrooper ignored for the moment.

"Welcome home, Arya."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Fuck you..." Arya spat, muscles straining against the restraints. Her hate of Esalis was keeping the fear at bay, and that was a good thing. Because if she thought about it too much, she'd be terrified.

"...you fuckin' bitch!" She tried to lift her head, as though she'd bite right through the woman's neck with her bare teeth, but the straps held her down and her hands and feet painfully tingled as the stun cuffs did their work.

[R. S. Esalis]

A condescending smile was Arya's only answer, and Esalis tilted her head to the side, watching as the Lupine struggled to extricate herself. It was a futile exercise, as the bindings were secure and locked, leaving little to no room for anything.

"Come now, Arya. You should thank me for being so kind as to allow you back."

A single eyebrow rose as she looked to the stormtrooper from over the tops of her eyes.

"By all rights I should allow this fine gentleman to shoot you in the head for your disrespect."

Once more she looked to Arya.

"I gave you so much, and asked so little in return."

A silence lingered, and the Directer made a face, as if chastising a small child.

"So very disappointing."

[Arya Ravenwing]

She relaxed finally, eyes dulling as she determined to ignore what Esalis was saying. It would all end up the same, most likely being dissected alive on some glistening clean surgical table.

Although, the Doctor was out, wasn't he. Arya made eye contact with the Director, wondering if she knew where Erasmus Karrnage was. Perhaps he was here as well, languishing in a cell of his own.

[R. S. Esalis]

Arya's silence wasn't surprising, and the Director went on.

"Perhaps our arrangement was confusing. Was I not clear in laying out the necessary steps for your freedom?"

[Arya Ravenwing]

"I couldn't just hit her on the head and drag her back to you," Arya said tightly. "And finding s'Ilancy was not easy. Plus she's a Jedi. If those hunters hadn't pulled me out of there, she'd be here with me in a few days."

With her daughter. No... no. She wouldn't give Esalis that. Not the kid. The smuggler squirmed under her bonds one last time for good measure.

[R. S. Esalis]

Esalis listened patiently, then pulled her datapad out, switching it back on. She made a concerned face.

"Which brings me to another question."

Still she stared at the information on the 'pad.

"Loklorien s'Ilancy was taken to Cloud City by the same bounty hunter who brought you here. The strange thing about it however, was that soon after her escape, a ship was seen taking off from one of the docking platforms."

At that, she looked over the top edge of the 'pad to Arya. An eyebrow rose as she stared at the Lupine, and she lowered the 'pad to set it on a small circular side-table beside the gurney. It made a stark ka-clack in the otherwise emptiness of the room.

"A ship that bore a striking resemblance to yours."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"My ship isn't the only one of its kind in the galaxy," Arya protested, hands tingling from the stun cuffs as they shocked her, apparently for the hell of it as she was trying to stay still. "You can't hold me responsible for the actions of every pilot that has an old freighter."

There was no way in hells that she was going to give up on her story that easily.

[R. S. Esalis]

Her face was unreadable, and the Director simply pursed her lips as she looked down to Arya.

It was long moments before she spoke again.

"Be that as it may, I find it increasingly difficult to believe."

Clasping her hands at the small of her back, Esalis went on.

"But perhaps - since you insist that I am incorrect - you can enlighten me as to where you were at that time."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"At what time?" Arya was exhausted, and she tinged her words with frustration. "I don't know what you're talking about. I was on Umgul for a few weeks until a day or so ago. I think. I'm not sure what day it is anymore."

[R. S. Esalis]

That unimpressed look again. Director Esalis cast a half-look to the guard still holding his blaster to Arya's head.

She shook her head, eyes closing momentarily before leaning forward only just slightly. Eyes opening, she stared a level stare at the Lupine.

"If you persist in this farce, I shall have another hole added to your head."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Don't bluff on a crap hand," Arya said quietly. "You need me. But by all means, put me out of my misery."

She smiled slightly, "It would be preferable to your company."

[R. S. Esalis]

Director Esalis let a cold smile touch her lips. She did not glare at Arya. No, it would do no good even if she wanted to. The Lupine was so sure of herself - it was so delightful to watch.

She clicked her tongue, then straightened back up.

"Actually, I don't need you."

That cold smile became infinitely cruel.

"You're not as special as you may think you are, Arya Ravenwing."

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya kept her best sabbac face on, but she felt cold inside. Another one? Had Sarin been found somehow?

But he couldn't Change - he'd be effectively useless to her, but the way Esalis was smiling made the smuggler think the worst. Her mouth suddenly dry she tried to lick her lips. "Wh-what do you mean? I thought you said there were no others..."

[R. S. Esalis]

"I did say that, didn't I."

As if amused at her own words, the Director laced her tone with a healthy amount of lightness. She took her eyes from Arya to stare at one of the opposite walls; white and bare.

"But even I am wrong at times - " she looked back to the Loveloxx. "- it happens."

Reaching out, Esalis gave a light pat to the top of Arya's left hand.

"It has been enjoyable knowing you, but seeing as how my new friend is younger and possessed of far more possibilities, I'm afraid I've no further need of you."

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya looked at Esalis with stony eyes as the condescending pat was received, but inside her mind was racing. She really could be killed at any moment, if the woman was telling the truth. Which she probably wasn't. s'Ilancy had been pretty sure that there weren't any others (well and then Sarin showed up so who knows how reliable she was, either).

"I know where s'Ilancy is," she said. "You still want her, don't you?"

[R. S. Esalis]

"Do you think me a fool?"

Despite the smile, the icy tone in her voice was unmistakable.

"Whether I want her or not isn't your concern any longer."

The Director stared down at Arya, picking her apart with cyan eyes.

"You could have been so much, gone so far."

Reaching out, she plucked the datapad up once more, thumbing it on. Reading over the file she'd accessed, Esalis continued.

"I find it strange however. My new friend - for reasons I can't understand yet - seems to be... "

A teasing point to Arya from over the top of the 'pad.

"... you."

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya looked up at the Director blankly, mainly because there was nowhere else to look. It took a moment for her to realize what Esalis was talking about.

"I... I don't have any family."

Except that wasn't quite true, was it? She hardly knew anything about her father, other than what Lysa, her mother had told her. She had said he was dead. But if he wasn't...

Her heart skipped a beat.

[R. S. Esalis]

Esalis stared at the bound Lupine, letting an oppressive silence hang in the air. She pursed her lips, then let her eyes drift back to the 'pad before sighing and switching it to standby mode. She tucked it into the crook of her arm while taking a step back.

"We shall see."

And without a word, the Director turned on her heel, starting for the door.

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Wait -" Arya called, and then, more desperately, "Wait! Damn you, don't go!"

The Director walked out of her line of sight, and the straps kept the Lupine pinned in place even as she tried to squirm, muscles straining against her bonds. Her eyes began to change colors, flooding from blue to golden yellow as the Change began, started by her intense emotional state.

"Waaaiit!"

[R. S. Esalis]

Esalis paused before leaving the small room entirely, and though she was out of Ary'a line of sight, the Director knew that her voice would be heard.

She did not address Arya, but instead spoke to the guard watching over the bound Lupine.

The two words she spoke were cold and devoid of any hint of emotion.

"Sedate her."

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya felt the popping of her bones begin, her limbs straining hard enough against the bonds that held her to the table that they broke the skin. "Sto-aaarrrrr!"

A white faced guard jumped forward, a hypospray in his hand that he pressed quickly against her neck. Arya jerked as the 'spray activated, and almost instantly slumped into unconsciousness, her body slowly returning to its fully human state.

[R. S. Esalis]

* * *

Though the place where she kept her 'new friend' was in the same complex, the rooms that her guest was in were as different from Arya's small holding cell as words could paint it. In fact, the quarters themselves were the picture of luxury; furniture crafted from rare woods and soft leathers, spotless glass tabletops, and exquisite pieces of artwork filled the three adjoining rooms provided, all merging together into a wonderful environment. Even the small kitchen area was clean, fresh, and stocked with fresh foods. It all bordered on luxurious, if not for the facility it was housed in.

It was a suitable setting which, as she keyed the entry pad and stepped inside, Esalis hoped would set her guest's mind more at ease.

[Mac Ravenwing]

Sprawled on a soft white leather couch, a man was snoring softly with one arm flung up over his face and the datapad he'd been reading lying on his chest where it had fallen out of his hand. As the door opened and closed the snoring stopped, but the regularity of his breathing didn't change, and his eyes didn't open.


ooc: Wondering who Mac is? Try here (http://www.sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16449)

[R. S. Esalis]

Standing just inside the doorway, Esalis let the glossy, pristine white door close behind her as her hands found themselves at the small of her back. Her posture was straight, precise, and ultimately unforgiving as she scanned the interior of the lavish apartment. As cold cyan eyes came to rest on the slumbering figure of her new guest (he'd still not given his name, and she was cautious to treat this one with far more care than she had Arya), the Director stepped forward, closing the distance with measured footfalls.

Approaching a chair that matched the sofa, she smoothly sat down, leaning back against the soft cushions while crossing one leg over the other. Her hands she folded in her lap, and with a gaze that resolutely settled on the man who she firmly believed was now feigning sleep, she spoke.

"I hope that I'm not disturbing anything particularly important."

[Mac Ravenwing]

He took a deep breath, stretched languidly, and propped himself into a more upright position, the datapad falling to the ground unnoticed. Scratching his chest, Mac yawned, and scrubbed a hand through his hair. "Naps are very important."

He eyed the cold woman who was his sole contact with the outside world (besides the newspads he was provided with, always about a month out of date from the best he could figure), and yawned again despite himself. "I have to say, I'm a fan of the whole 'kill him with kindness' approach we've got going on here."

Mac smiled winningly, lacing his hands behind his head and leaning back against the couch. Esalis' blue eyes were lighter than Teagan's, and there was a hardness to this woman that he couldn't relate to, even if circumstances demanded that he do his best.

[R. S. Esalis]

It only happened on rare occasions, and in private no less, but Esalis' features softened ever so slightly.

"There is no killing here, friend. Only curiosity."

An even rarer smile, though her eyes lost none of their keen edge.

"I must admit, chief among many of my curiosities, is the matter of your name, and second, where you are from."

It was not a very subtle hint for him to begin filling in the blanks, starting with who he was.

[Mac Ravenwing]

"Mac," he said readily, his body conveying laziness while his mind felt coiled tight like a spring ready to burst. "And I was picked up on my way out from Bespin." There had been a recent skirmish between the Rebels and the Empire over the nominally Imperial planet, and he had been en route from Cloud City when frell knew what had happened to his ship. The recent activity gave a Republic citizen - sorry, Rebel - a reason to be leaving the area.

She was still there, somewhere. By now, without hearing from him... she was probably worried. Possibly talking to her ex about him now, who would be more than happy to comfort her with a 'friendly' hug. Mac's hand tightened into a fist before he was able to banish that line of thought from his mind.

He raised an eyebrow almost cockily, "But you've had my navicomp stripped by now. You know where I'm from."

[R. S. Esalis]

"Bespin?

Esalis waved a dismissive hand in the air to confirm that yes, the navicomp on his ship had indeed been torn to its' very core.

"You're not from Bespin, Mac. I mean," her voice lowered a notch, and she dipped her head so that she stared at him from over the tops of her eyes.

"... where are you from."

It was certainly not a question, and she leveled a finger at him.

"There is planet somewhere out there, home to people just... like... " one corner of her mouth curled upward into a devious smirk. "... you."

[Mac Ravenwing]

He looked at her a bit quizzically, his head even tilting to one side a bit as he tried to figure out what she was talking about. The emphasis insinuated something he wasn't sure how she knew... He tried to think about everything his mother had told him about the Empire and their knowledge of their species, but she'd been reluctant to talk about it to him.

Some things were too painful to remember.

Still, it would have come in handy to have some background information. He decided playing dumb was the order of the day, at least for the time being.

"...extremely hot males?" he quipped, his lips parting in a huge smile.

[R. S. Esalis]

Her smirk lost a small measure of its' playfulness, but only for a fraction of a second. She was treating this one with a softer hand, and it was a conscious effort to keep from resorting to more brute-force methods. Those at least she was used to. This bantering - or at least that which he seemed to enjoy, was a new beast entirely.

Esalis shook her head, closing her eyes. "No, not entirely."

Perhaps it was too early to begin attacking that particular subject matter?

The Director opted for a new avenue.

"We can always discuss that later however. Tell me, are you enjoying your accommodations?"

[Mac Ravenwing]

"Oh yeah," he said. "Who needs freedom when you've got all this?" Mac gestured to encompass the windowless apartment, and then leaned forward. "Doesn't seem to be standard protocol when dealing with dangerous Rebels, though."

Dammit, that was leaning back into you're special, Mac territory. "Why don't you just tell me what you want, I'll tell you to fuck off, and then we can move past all this artificial niceness you're trying to fool me with."

[R. S. Esalis]

"Freedom is earned here, and you're not off to a very good start, despite the help I've been trying to give you."

It was spoken in a quick reply that left no room for argument. Esalis allowed herself to settle somewhat more into her seat, peering at him like some exotic preybird. The harshness of her gaze bored into him, and she hoped that he would get it through his head that she was determined to permit him an exit.

Once he had begun to show a fair bit of promise, though.

"I do not 'fool' with matters such as this, and I suggest you take my offered hand... "

She blinked, and a deviously teasing set came upon her features.

"... and not bite it."

[Mac Ravenwing]

Yeah, she definitely knew something about him. Mac grinned wolfishly at the woman across from him, leaning forward even more. "I don't bite unless I'm asked to." His blue eyes flashed, and he abruptly lounged back into the couch.

"You keep dancing around it, but you obviously know I'm not human. Not exactly, anyway," he amended. "And you haven't asked me anything about the Rebellion, not since I was put here anyway." When he'd initially been picked up by the Imperial picket ship, he'd been bombarded with the usual demands for troop movements and ship placements.

That's what he got for asking what the frell an Imperial ship was doing in Republic space. The lieutenant he'd addressed had nearly gone apoplectic. "So what is it exactly you want from me?"

[R. S. Esalis]

"Cooperation."

He'd taken her bait, and Esalis went on.

"And yes, I know you're not exactly what could be classified as human. To be more specific, I know you're a Lupine of the Loveloxx strain."

She leaned forward as well.

"I've no interest in the Rebellion, so you may put your mind at ease on that subject. As far as I'm concerned, such a thing as that is a minor point. Although, I do find it peculiar that you thought you were in - what did you call it? Oh yes. 'Republic space'."

An eyebrow arched upward.

"Interesting choice of words, I must say."

[Mac Ravenwing]

It had been the first indication that something had gone terribly wrong on his journey. He wondered what had become of Teagan's clothes that had been in their cabin on his freighter.

"If you know what I am," he was still seated in a relaxed sprawl, but his posture indicated he might spring up at any moment, "then I have to ask why you have let yourself be alone with me." Mac narrowed his eyes, then winked. "I'm known as something of a lady killer."

[R. S. Esalis]

"Quite a choice of words," she quipped, "... that could have two very different meanings."

She uncrossed and crossed her legs, the left now going to rest over the right.

"But, to your question."

Esalis spread her arms.

"I place my faith in you because I wish to know more about what you are. It is something that has interested me for a long while now, and unlike some of my colleagues, I do not subscribe to the notion of cruelty."

[Mac Ravenwing]

"Well, that's a relief," Mac said dryly. "But what's in it for me? I wouldn't want to tell all and then you just ship me off to Kessel for the rest of my life."

He paused, considering, his eyes tracing the line of her legs. "Or worse, I guess. Vivisection comes to mind."

[R. S. Esalis]

The Director dismissed his voiced concern with a wave of her hand.

"No, there will be none of that, Mac."

Now," she went on before he could have a chance to interject, "... as for what it is that I can give you, I would say the first of many things would be the freedom to come and go as you please. Of course, it would be best to begin this by giving you the necessary reading materials to reacquaint yourself with the comings and goings of the Empire, since it seems as though you've forgotten where the Rebellion truly stands on the galactic theatre."

[Mac Ravenwing]

No, but I know where its going. He shrugged. "I was so high when I got picked up, you wouldn't believe it. Or maybe you would." Mac eyed her, "You don't look like the type to smoke a little spice to take the edge off, though."

He leaned forward, leaning his arms on his knees. "So, what do you want to know?"

[R. S. Esalis]

Another smirk, and she leaned forward as well to match his position and posture.

"I would like to know whether you think me a fool - there was no spice found in your system when you were apprehended."

[Mac Ravenwing]

Mac shrugged again. "Okay, so technically it was an herbal thing from Ithor that I picked up in a back alley on Foamwander City," oh gods, the cities are still on the planet, right? I should have paid more attention in history, "that your tox screens probably wouldn't pick up."

He looked her up and down, sitting up a little straighter. "And no, I do not think you are a fool."

[R. S. Esalis]

Deciding to let the matter rest, the Director pressed onward.

"It will benefit the both of us to be civil with one another, so as long as you remain truthful with me, then I will do the same with you."

She studied him with a critical eye.

"Are we in agreement?"

[Mac Ravenwing]

"Sure," he shrugged. Mac stretched his arms out across the back of the couch. "Since we're being honest, the food here sucks."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Nnngh."

Arya slowly turned over, her mouth dry and tongue thick from the sedatives they'd pumped into her. When she opened her eyes she had to close them again before trying to look at her surroundings once more.

There was effectively no difference in the blackness that surrounded her, like being adrift between stars in a vac suit. The smuggler's heart leaped involuntarily into her throat, and she scrambled to her knees, spreading her arms out cautiously to locate the walls. She almost immediately found them, able to flatten her palms on opposite walls without moving.

She was dressed in a familiar set of clothes - Imperial prison scrubs, a slightly itchy fabric that managed to be too hot or too cold, depending on what the actual temperature was. Scientists had probably spent years perfecting the synthetic for maximum awfulness. The pants were loose at the waist, the drawstring having been removed, and she lacked any undergarments or shoes. Arya began to stand up, only to hit her head on the ceiling of her cell.

A bit of experimentation revealed that there was just enough room for her to straighten her legs if she stood bent over completely at the waist. In the suffocating darkness Arya felt a terrifying wave of claustrophobia wash over her, and she huddled in one of the black corners with her knees drawn up in front of her, bare feet crossed one on top of the other.

There was nothing to do but wait. She tried humming a lullaby Tak had forced her to learn, but the all encompassing night that surrounded her seemed to swallow the tune like a black hole.

[R. S. Esalis]

She'd left explicit instruction to be notified should Arya regain consciousness, and those instructions had been carried out to the letter.

Within minutes of the single ping alarm, Esalis was standing in the darkened observation room, watching the Loveloxx Lupine as she huddled into a corner of the coffin-like room. Illumination wasn't needed, as specialized cameras did their job in peeling away the layers of darkness so that the Director could observe her captive.

She listened for a few moments at the lullaby, then leaned forward to press one of the many buttons on the control panel.

Inside the small box room, an invisible voice - deceptively soft yet containing cold undertones edged into the lullaby's shaky tune.

"That's an interesting song."

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya jerked her head up at the sound of Esalis' voice, her humming halting immediately. Her eyes strained against the darkness, but there was nothing to focus on. Nothing but that frelling voice.

"Oh yeah, I'm thinking about becoming an opera singer," she said, her voice too loud in the small space.

[R. S. Esalis]

The Director ignored Arya's all-too-common knee-jerk sarcasm. In fact, she'd become quite used to the other woman's short attitude. Instead, Esalis went on.

"Where did you learn it."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Brothel on Corellia," Arya muttered. "Used to bring them black market ...items. For their business. One of the girls used to sing it. Can't remember the words..."

She sighed, leaning her chin on her knees.

[R. S. Esalis]

"A brothel? You certainly seem to have no scruples, do you."

It was said in an airy, teasing tone, but the acid underneath the words carried through despite.

"You have proven to me that there isn't one trustworthy bone in your body, Arya Ravenwing, and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to justify your continued existence. Tell me why I should spare you; and do try to make it worth my while."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"I..."

The darkness was stifling, and every time she shifted her weight she bumped up against another surface. "The journal. My mother's journal. The beast temple, I can help you find it."

[R. S. Esalis]

There was a silence then, far more oppressive than the words being spoken to Arya. It weighed heavily, as though the air in the small room had suddenly taken on a tangible, tactile presence.

Finally, Esalis' voice cut through like a hot knife through butter.

"What 'beast temple'."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Its in my mother's book!" Arya's voice was growing urgent, the claustrophobia somehow worse with Esalis' disembodied voice in the cell with her. "A lost temple of our people... but she'd been there or knew someone who had... it seems like more of the same rambling that she does for pages and pages but I'm sure it isn't."

She paused, taking a ragged breath. "If you still haven't been able to translate it I can do that too."

[R. S. Esalis]

"What assurances do I have that you will cooperate?"

A sound filtered through the speakers, a ticking that was the Director's fingers tapping idly on a console.

"You ran away from me once, if you will remember."

[Arya Ravenwing]

"I just ...didn't come back when you wanted me to." Arya found herself pushing against the walls of her cell with her hands, and forced herself to relax. The ticking noise coming through the speakers wasn't helping.

"I... I... don't know. I could promise, but I doubt you'll take me at my word." She barked a laugh that the darkness swallowed. "What can I do that would prove my cooperation to you?"

[R. S. Esalis]

Only four words answered back; four chilling words that held so much depth and would not be denied.

"Swear to be mine."

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya licked her lips, her eyes squeezed shut against the black all around her and her heart thumping in her chest. A quip came to her tongue, about Esalis preferring women, but she swallowed it quickly.

Frell this was not good. Not good not good not good. But then, she didn't want to die more than she didn't want to promise her life away to the ice bitch's every whim.

"I swear it."

[R. S. Esalis]

Where Arya could not see, Esalis smiled thinly in the low light offered by the small control room's glowpanels.

"Very good."

She spoke as though cooing to a young child, her voice deceptively gentle and soft.

"I know that you will do all within your power to remain breathing, and to do so means that you must make sure I am satisfied. If your performance is lacking, then we'll be finding ourselves back here, re-evaluating your usefulness once more.

"I will place my faith in you again, Arya. Do not make me regret my decision."

And with a flick of her wrist, the Director cut off any further communication with her captive. Her junior officers would know what needed to be done without her immediate presence. Which was just as well.

She would visit Arya on the morrow; now however, she had another guest to see to, and in the back of her mind she wondered how the two Lupines were related. The both of them were near-insufferable.

[Arya Ravenwing]

"Wait -!" Arya smacked her head on the ceiling as the sound died to nothing. "Wait! Let me out of here! Let me out of here!"

[R. S. Esalis]

* * *

The evening found the Director once more at the door to the quarters that Mac had been placed. She'd sent a particularly expensive suit for him to wear and instructions an hour previous for him dress himself accordingly; they would be going out to eat this night, and she wished him to look presentable.

With an element of punctual grace, Esalis lifted up an unadorned arm, rapping gently on the door to Mac's rooms. Dressed in a simply gown of shimmering black, she looked far and away from the normal cold image she was known for.

After all, this night was something of an oddity, and she was determined to discover all that she could of her new 'guest', no matter the steps needed to be taken.

[Mac Ravenwing]

Mac scratched uncomfortably under his collar, staring at himself in the mirror and turning slightly. He felt ridiculous. The suit was an old cut, almost retro in its styling... but it did make him look good.

Maybe his father looked something like this. Whoever he was.

"Someone" knocked at the door. Of course it was Esalis, and of course she could probably just enter if she wanted, but for some reason she didn't. He, of course, was locked in. "Come in!" he yelled over his shoulder, taking one last narrowed-eye look at his reflection, and then walking over to the door just as she opened it.

His jaw dropped.

"Frell, you clean up good, lady."

[R. S. Esalis]

"Clean up well," she corrected with steady grace, allowing him a smile and a slight nod.

"My uniform is not entirely my life, and I hope that this evening I might be able to show you some of what I enjoy.

"As well, it would be nice to know what you enjoy."

[Mac Ravenwing]

Looking at her sleek figure, Mac suddenly thought of Teagan, and his jaw clenched. He'd get back to her. Somehow. Wouldn't he?

Would he?

Esalis' blue eyes fixed him in place, and he wondered how much of his thoughts she'd just read right off his face. Mac breathed in, and smiled easily, letting his eyes travel up and down her. "Well, you've gotten part of it right so far."

He winked, and then walked next to the Imperial, offering her his arm. "Lets get out of here, and you can show me whatever you like."

[R. S. Esalis]

"It isn't often that I allow myself to step away from my duties," she started as they walked from corridor to corridor. It was a maze of turns, long hallways, and lifts that they traveled, but it wasn't long before they emerged onto the building's roof.

And beyond stretched in all directions, was the glittering jewel of Coruscant. It was a magnificent site, with buildings reaching for the skies and speeders crowding the skylanes. The weather was fair, and as it was early evening the sun could still just be seen beginning to dip below the vast, man-made horizon.

In the near distance, an elegant speeder waited, the driver standing smartly at attention beside the rear passenger door. As the two neared, he gave a curt salute before moving to hold it open.

"When I do decide to spend time away, I tend to make certain that it is enjoyable," she finished, gesturing that Mac duck in first.

[Mac Ravenwing]

Coruscant hadn't changed. Much. Mac searched the skyline for recognizable landmarks, but Esalis didn't allow him much time to get his bearings. Scooting over in the speeder he looked out the window, unbuttoning his suit jacket to keep it from pulling at the buttons.

"Enjoyable, huh?" He turned toward her as she slipped into the seat next to him, the door shutting with a soft click as the driver made his way around the vehicle. Mac smiled, one corner of his mouth pulling up higher than the other. "Either we're going somewhere exceptional, or that was some sort of compliment."

He let his eyes travel south from his face, enjoying the bit of soft cleavage her dress was showing off, and then he looked back out the window of the speeder as it took off, still looking for something familiar to hold onto.

[R. S. Esalis]

"The former, I assure you."

For a brief moment she watched him, studying his face as his eyes seemed to search for something unknown.

The speeder left the rooftop, accelerating its' way to the nearest skylane.

"Looking for something out there? She asked, breaking the momentary silence.

[Mac Ravenwing]

"Its been a while since the last time I was in the Core," he said simply. "Just seeing if I can recognize anything."

Ah ha - there was the brightly lit transparisteel dome that marked The Nabooian Queen, a casino he was a little familiar with. So, they were in Chiba district. He filed that away under 'slightly less than useless information,' and turned toward his captor.

"So. This field trip of future enjoyments - my curiosity is overwhelming me right now."

[R. S. Esalis]

"Is that so?"

It was interesting, watching him as he searched for familiar landmarks, and Esalis allowed a thin smile as she leaned back in her seat. Her eyes returned to look ahead, focusing on nothing in particular.

"I have secured reservations at one of the more upscale establishments in the district."

[Mac Ravenwing]

"Sounds like my kinda place," he said dryly. "I hope I can figure out which fork to use."

[R. S. Esalis]

His reaction was somewhat expected.

"Do try to contain your enthusiasm," she answered in a mimicing tone.

"I would hope that my guest try to enjoy himself at least a small bit."

[Mac Ravenwing]

"I'm sure I can find something to enjoy," he said, letting a bit of the vornskr into his voice as he eyed her. "But I will be a perfect gentleman, and what's the fun in that?"

Mac lounged back in his seat, probably wrinkling his suit but he didn't care. The speeder flew on, and then finally came to a stop by a building he didn't recognize.

[R. S. Esalis]

The doormen of her chosen restaurant were quick to open the rear door, and Esalis unfurled herself from the luxurious back seat. She did not wait however, as she knew that Mac would follow. Instead, the Director walked briskly through the open front doors, held by a tall, grey-haired man who nodded politely as she passed by.

Finally she hesitated in her step, and turning slightly to look over her shoulder, Esalis gave her 'guest' a curious look.

"Coming?"

[Mac Ravenwing]

Mac was looking around at the night sky, but quickly returned his attention to his 'date.' Gods, this was a weird situation. Esalis was nothing like Teagan. Sure, she wasn't ugly, but playing his part to try to gain some sort of trust from the Imperial felt like it was making part of his soul die.

"Coming." He winked and took a few long steps to catch up with her. He'd entered restaurants through the back door before, but never like this. "Quite a view this time of night."

[R. S. Esalis]

"I suppose it is."

The tone of indifference as she walked, leading them to a private and isolated portion of the restaurant, was something that came from spending many sleepless nights staring out at the cityscape as her mind refused to allow her the luxury of peace. There was always so much to do, to consider, and to make plans for. She was a neverending storm of decision, action, and counteraction. Everything was weighed with scrutiny. Considered with long thought.

And when they finally arrived at their table, Director Esalis lowered herself into her seat without ceremony. This evening was more than just simple entertainment. There was work to be done.

[Mac Ravenwing]

Mac sat down carefully, adjusting his pants discretely and picking up a menu. "So, what's good here?" He winked at her, noticing she was lapsing into a more serious mental space. That couldn't be good for him.

"They got any nerf burgers?"

[R. S. Esalis]

Giving him a patient yet cautionary look, Esalis licked her lips as she slightly shifted the menu - a singleivory piece of paper with flowing script. It was not a large menu, but it was certainly expensive and it was very good.

"None of that, no."

She blinked slowly, her eyes still watching him closely.

"Do try to move beyond the normal fare you may be used to, as you yourself are far beyond normal yourself. You may even find that high living suits your tastes."

[Mac Ravenwing]

"High living," he repeated. "Isn't that what got me into this mess in the first place?"

She didn't appreciate his little quip. When the server came Mac ordered a steak, rare, with whatever bizarre sides the restaurant felt fit to serve with a slab of meat. Probably not mixed greens and root vegetables. He sipped his water while Esalis ordered her own meal, idly picking out the nearby exits with a causal stretch.