Coruscant Tales: Ebb Tide

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis sat at a table in the luxurious restaurant Lynia's. He was dressed quite well, his normal Ionian spacer's jacket was replaced with a cosmopolitan black bantha-hide coat, complete with black silk shirt and pleated trousers. The waiter came to his table, and he calmly ordered a bottle of Sansinar '44, an expensive wine that ran into the range of 450 credits a bottle. It was expensive, but for a reason...as the waiter courteously poured the dark liquid from the old bottle into Sanis' crystal wine flute. The waiter asked if he would be expecting company, to which Sanis answered in the affirmative. Nodding, he placed the bottle of Sansinar '44 into an ornate bucket filled with ice...leaving two beautiful menus written on fancy parchment-style paper.

As the waiter walked off, Sanis reached for the wine flute, checking the time on his chronometer as he did so. It was 10 minutes till eight...she had plenty of time to make it. Smiling, Sanis swirled the dark wine in the flute, sampling the drink's aged bouquet as he passed it under his nose. Raising an eyebrow at the wine's impeccable fragrance, Sanis allowed himself a sip, as he patiently awaited the Sith Lordess Dara Shadowtide.)

[Sumor Rayial]

**The doors to Lynia's slid open as a well dressed couple walked in.

Rain had received a message from her master, Lordess Shadowtide, and had told Sumor of an uneasy feeling she had about the meeting with Sanis. Sumor agreed, especially knowing the reputation of one Sanis Prent, as he did. Taking Shadowblade, the pair had head off soon after Dara had.

Now they had arrived at the restaurant that was named in the message, Sumor pulled at his collar again with his free hand, he wasn't used to being in a suit and tie, but a quick jab to his rib from Rain stopped his fidgeting as they walked up to the reservation desk. When Sums asked for a table for two, he was told there was no room, but a simple mind trick on the hostess solved that problem and they were lead to a table out of the way but with a view of the majority of the floor.

Scanning the room using the force Sums looked for the presence of Lordess Shadowtide. Not finding it, he sat back and looked over the wine menu, even if nothing did happen he would enjoy a good meal.**

Order whatever you want, I'll charge it to the expense account Ogre gave me.

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara donned a dark navy evening gown, identical to the white one she usually wore. She knew she had to look her best if she was going to an elegant restaurant. She packed a few extra things in her satchel, mindful that she did not really know Sanis Prent that well but understood his reputation clearly.

Her comms desk light started flashing as reply messages from her apprentices came with concern. She smiled at their dedication but knew she had earned the rank of Lordess for a reason. Dara could handle herself alright and would make sure there were no surprises.

In her satchel she placed a container with two small pills in it, a tracking device, a small lockpicking set, and a communicator which her droids gave to her to contact them in the event of any adversity. As her ship touched down, she threw a couple of other things quickly into her satchel and then walked down the ramp toward the restaurant.

Upon entering, she glanced around and saw Sanis Prent looking rather dashing as he flashed a smile at her. Dara also noted the very familiar force signature of her first apprentice, Rain13. Searching the room she caught sight of her apprentice sitting with Sums. Dara supressed a chuckle at the "coincidence" of seeing them at the restaurant. She then smiled and nodded to Sanis, and made her way to his table ::

"Hello Sanis, I hope you haven't been waiting too long."

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis stood as Dara approached, smiling courteously as he held her chair out for her.)

Not at all, Lordess Shadowtide. You're quite punctual.

(Dara sat, and Sanis returned to his seat, pouring the contents of the bottle of Sansinar into her wine flute. Sanis smiled as he returned the dark bottle to its cooling bucket, picking up his own glass as Dara took hers.)

Feel free to order whatever you wish tonight. I will cover all expenses. For now, enjoy the wine. It is quite a remarkable burgundy, a Sansinar '44...aged twenty years in a near zero gravity environment.

(Sanis sipped from his wine flute)

The result of which is a deep, fulfilling, but most importantly, an even textured flavor.

(Sanis placed the glass down gently on the table)

I wouldn't particuarly consider myself as a connisseur of fine wines, but from what I've experienced, it is one of the finer things to treat one's self to.

(Sanis smiled slightly)

I'm sure you will agree.

[Rain13]

*Rain looked up as she saw Dara enter she carefully watched her to see where she was going. She knew her Master could handle herself, but she still felt the need to keep an eye out and be there, just incase Sanis tried anything. She turned back to Sums.*

"I'll just have a chianti for now."

*She figured that even if nothing were to happen with Sanis and Dara, she would at least enjoy a nice evening with Sumor. After all, being forced to wear a dress was not exactly her idea of fun, and she was going to try and make the best of it.*

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara found herself listening and nodding politely to Sanis while looking around the room, still wondering what in the galaxy she was doing here. She reached into her satchel and retrieved the two pills, taking them with her first sip of wine. The Sith Lordess smiled to Sanis ::

"The wine does indeed have a good flavor to it and the bouquet is exquisite. I am impressed in all ways Sanis, however I must ask why it is you wished to see me? Our paths rarely cross... and for you to wish to see me out of the blue is quite... puzzling to say the least."

:: She gave a coy smile as she reached for the menu ::

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis reached for the menu, making a polite dismissing gesture with his right hand as he did so.)

Oh come now, Lordess Shadowtide...the night is young. I'm sure we will find ample time to discuss such things as that.

(With a slight movement, Sanis opened the menu up, glancing down at it occasionally.)

As for now, lets enjoy ourselves. I'm sure part of you came to meet with me so you could enjoy a good meal.

(Sanis reads down the menu slightly, stopping at an interesting entree)

Sartosaan Blackened Duck, now that sounds delicious.

[Sumor Rayial]

A chianti? Please tell me I'm not having dinner with your other self.

**Rain smiled and shook her head.**

Phew. Scared me there.

**Motioning for the waiter, Sums ordered Rain's chianti and a Merlot for himself. Every once and a while his eyes darted over to Sanis and Dara's table, everything looked normal. Again Sums found himself playing with the collar of his shirt until he caught himself and stopped. Only Rain or helping a fellow Sith would ever get him into a suit again he promised himself.**

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Lordess Dara suddenly drops the menu on the table in front of her and looks directly into Sanis's eyes ::

"Listen Mr. Prent, I realize you don't really know me... which is neither here nor there actually. But I will inform you of this... I am not one to play games. Now, you will tell me what you want with me, or I will leave. It's that simple. I assure you I can have a nice dinner with any man I choose. I came here at your request because I want to know what it is you require from me and why you set up this meeting, that is all. Nothing more, nothing less."

:: Her demeanor was cool and collected as she awaited his answer ::

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis' eyes darted up from his menu, looking at Dara. Other than that slight change in demeanor, Sanis' appearance remained unchanged. Slowly, Sanis' eyes moved back down to the menu.)

Leave if you want, but I assure you that it will be in your benefit to stay. I would much rather discuss our business together here, under somewhat-amicable circumstances.

(Sanis leaned back in his seat, eyes still looking at the menu. He reached to his wine flute, taking a drink from his burgundy as he read. For several seconds, he remained silent as he panned down the choices of entrees available. Savoring the old wine's flavor, Sanis slowly returned his glass to the table)

However, if you want to get down to the heart of the matter, there are certain things that I expect.

(Sanis folds the menu, tossing it aside lightly. He leans forward, looking Dara calmly in the eyes. As he talks, he raises the fingers on his right hand in ascending order, for emphasis.)

One. Whatever you've heard of me aside, I do not play games. This is a business call, but I will still control the pace of the agenda.

Two. If you want to be frank, and talk about why you're here, then I will ask as any other businessman would...

(Sanis gestures slightly to something over Dara's shoulder.)

...I'd appreciate it if this meeting were to remain confidential. Your colleague Mr. Raiyal is quite conspicuous-looking in such a formal affair, and while I can entertain the idea of the Sith Empire Fleet Commander also coming to enjoy the atmosphere here....I do find it to be a rather remarkable coincidence.

I'd appreciate it if your apprentice also kindly left, although I figure she will get the idea when Mr. Raiyal departs.

(Sanis brings his hands together, steepling his fingers as he places them on top of the table.)

I'm sure we can each meet in the middle on this, and get down to why we came in the first place.

(As Sanis finished, the waiter came to the table)

Waiter: Have you decided upon your orders for the evening?

(Sanis smiled, sitting back in his seat slightly)

Ah, well I have...but I'm not too sure about the misses.

(Sanis looks at Dara, smiling politely.)

Anything look good to you?

[Daleethria]

Daleethria adjusted her valet jacket as she stepped out of the speeder she just parked. From the events that just transipred, Sanis hadn't been in the restaurant too long with Dara Shadowtide. She also picked up the presence of two other force users that were in the bar but so far from what her senses told her, hadn't done anything overt ... yet. Walking back slowly to the main entrance of Lynia's, she stayed out of view from the main doors. It was best incase anyone might recognize her for who she wasn't.

Reaching out through the Force, Sanis felt the familiar presence of Daleethria enter his mind while masking her presence from the others.

I am in position out front. Away from the main group of people entering the doors.

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara looks at Sanis and completely disregards the waiter ::

"You have been nothing but elusive and vague since we have arrived Mr. Prent. I will not have Lord Raiyal or my apprentice Rain leave this establishment. If they choose to be here to look out for my well being, so be it. They are my collegues, not an armada to extinguish your life. Our meeting right now is between just you and I and will remain confidential. However, if their being here bothers you, then I will leave with them. I'm sure you and I can discuss this business another time, another place. It certainly does not seem pressing at all or we would not be meeting in such a casual environment, would we..."

:: The Sith Lordess laces her fingers together and places them on the table in front of her while meeting his gaze ::

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis slightly licks his upper lip. She was rather adamant about the situation, and it seemed she didn't want to play by the rules. It was no matter, however. Sanis had contingencies.

Turning to the waiter, Sanis spoke in a calm voice)

The lady will be having a house salad, with honey mustard dressing. I will be having the Chef's special, prepared rare, if you will.

Waiter: An excellent choice, sir.

(The waiter bowed slightly, took the menus with him, and departed. Sanis now once again looked at Dara.)

So, where were we? Ah yes...you wanted to know why you're here?

(Sanis refills his wine flute, adding a few gentle splashes of the dark wine, until its half full.)

Well, I suppose I can answer that, despite your rather rude assertions. You see, Lordess Shadowtide, there are certain people who have taken a notice to you. Business confidentiality prohibits me from naming names, but I don't think names are very important at any rate. Lets just say that there are a few people out there who consider you to be an eyesore, or a hinderance.

(Sanis reaches for his wine flute with his right hand, as his left hand casually slips underneath the table. Sanis takes a lengthy drink from the burgundy, before placing the glass down again.)

Now, what this means in regards to the nature of our association...I'm sure you can figure out at this time. People ask for me to help clean up their eyesores, and straighten out their hinderances. Its a small but important part of my job description, and there's nothing personal about it.

(Sanis smiles, and shrugs slightly)

So, Lordess Shadowtide, I've been asked to beat you within an inch of your life, although I'd like to be professional about this and wait until we finish our dinner here. No sense for the duel to begin on an empty stomach.

(Sanis rubbed a finger casually on his crystal wine flute, a sing-songy sound coming forth from the moist rim of the glass.)

So, why don't we simply enjoy our meal?

[Darth Phantom]

:: Phantom lies on a roof from across the resturant, looking through a window at the two, he listens to their conversation through a mini microphone he had givin Dara before she left, Phantom senses someone else with the force other than Sums and Rain, but dosen't have time to think about it for he hears a nose and quickly turns around ::

Ssshhh

"Good I'm glad you came, Thanx"

No Prob, I got your message about 10 minutes ago, so I ran right over...


*edited out the part where I know about Dale*

[Dyne Darkforce]

Dyne crouches beside Lord Phantom and gives him a nod carrying his sabre sword, The Moonlight, on his back. It was just finished being polished up and given a few enhancements. He runs his hand across the two sabres on his weapons belt and grinds his teeth hard. Dyne looks on from under the hood on his black overcoat. It flutters in the wind as his usual black tank top and baggy fighters pants show. He looks at the events taking place while his boots plant firmly onto the roof top. He narrows his eyes already knowing that Sanis is talking to his Master in the restaurant and so was Lord Sumor and Rain. DP and Dyne look on cautiously at the restaurant from the roof.

".............."

[Sanis Prent]

OOC: Just a small reminder, and I guess it hasn't really been mentioned, but nobody is really supposed to know who Daleethria is. For all intents and purposes, you should act like she is THE Dalethria Mal Pannis, aka...big bad sith lady.

[Sumor Rayial]

**Sums watched the table. Sanis was doing most of the talking and with a straight face. He could feel it though, something just wasn't right. Why call Dara to Coruscant when if all it was was talk it could be done with a few encrypted communique's. Wait, was that it? Sums watched as Sanis moved his hand under the table. Reaching down with his right hand, Sums deftly undid the button on his suit jacket, letting it fall open giving him easy access to the weapon slung in it's holster under his arm.

Suddenly the waiter appeared with two plates of food. Sums looked up at him with a questioned expression.**

Uh, you must have the wrong table, we haven't ordered yet.

"No sir, I assure you this is for your table."

**The waiter placed the plates down on the table. When he moved his hand away he accidentally knocked the serviette onto the ground. Bending over the waiter picked it up and replaced it on the table with a fresh one. Excusing himself he walked away. looking down Sumor instantly understood. On the new serviette was a message.

~Gear placed, last stall each. Dyne~

Sums looked up at Rain and smiled.**

When you go to the lavatory, you may want to use the last stall. Dyne left a present.

**Wonder how much he paid that waiter. Sums wondered as he started into the newly delivered meal.**

[MLurker]

::o ver looking the restruant MLurker smells the food coming from inside, and gets very hungry. Dang, I wish I could go in there, but I can't afford it. Mlurker stands where he was told too, just standing there outside the restruant's entrance, ready for anything. Mlurker breifly touches his shirt side, hiding the jantioral uniform he was wearing underneith his coat. After that he puts his hand on his ear, listening to the small bug he had put in the restruant. He focuses on one small conversation and another untill he hears the one he wants, and it is not hard with the Sith Lordesses temper reaching critical. He was told to listen and watch for anything strange. Like what could happen?::

[Azure Regalia]

The night was dark, and slightly cool, both of which warmed the Bounty Hunter's cold reptilian heart. She crouched, unmoving, in the shadows of the resturants roof top. Using her natural Cameleon-like skin, she camoflaged herself into her surroundings, becoming invisible to any eyes that might stray her way. And she'd been observing that there were many eyes watching around this particluar establishment tonight. And she had no doubt it had something to do with her query inside.

This bounty she had been pursueing was beginning to be quite the challenge. She'd gone after several bounties before, but none so much as this. She sneered. And none where she not only had an obligation to the bounty, but personal reasons as well.

It'd been a few days after the art gallary incident, and she was still fuming over the fact the Jedi had been there to botch her assignment. She snarled. Force users; how she detested them. And by the feel of things, it appeared all those wondering eyes out there were attached to Force users. Her species was sensitive to Force users and could detect them from quite a ways. It was because of this that she had not only camoflaged herself physically, but enabled her natural Force-inhibiting bubble.

She crept towards the edge of the building, still in the shadows, and watched as people went in and out of the restaurant. It would most likely be awhile before Sanis emerged, and she really didn't feel like going inside and causing a fuss. No, this establishment was well guarded. She would wait. Eventually, he would come out.

She patted her personal computer gauntlet around her left, mid-forearm, and smiled. And, besides, even if he did elude her again, she would always be shadowing him. There was no way of escaping the tracking nanites she'd placed on him. She would have her bounty and revenge soon.

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara gave a coy smile as her eyes flashed a dark crimson and then turned completely black as the darkness swirled ominously within her. With her first finger and thumb parallel, Sanis suddenly felt a gripping pressure on his throat and began to quietly choke. His trachea began to close as the burgundy liquid strained to pass through it's constricted opening. Dara spoke quietly to Sanis, her voice grating through her clenched teeth ::

"Interesting notion indeed Mr. Prent, however I must remind you that it is difficult to be paid when one is not exactly... oh, how should I put it... alive. Now get your left hand on the table so that you might have the opportunity to amend this business transaction for your benefit. I assure you Lord Rayial will put a hole the size of a Munto Codru grapefruit should you choose to take any ill timed aggression towards me. Things aren't going to go exactly as you just mentioned, my dear, for you face a Sith Lordess, not some demure young girl who will cower at your mere words. But, I do believe we can reach a settlement that will suit both of our needs, for I am more than willing to triple the salary that the coward paid you so that I might learn his name and hunt him down myself. After all, business is business... and spilling blood is my pleasure."

:: Dara increased the pressure on his trachea as Sanis's face began to turn dark red ::

[Darth Phantom]

:: Watching through the window Phantom sees Dara's attack on Sanis. with one swift motion Phantom pulls out a .50 caliber rifle, with a scope that could see a fly 500 yards out. Phantom sets it on a tri pod and aims it at Sanis with the cross hairs on the side of his head, Phantom takes off the safety and waits for a signal ::

Come on make a wrong move, I beg you

[Dyne Darkforce]

Dyne grins and arms his Fusion Cutter, which was already on his wrist. He looks at DP on his rifle and narrows his eyes onto the restaurant. Keeping a look-out around them to sense any hostility, he glances out the corner of his eyes. Dyne looks down at the Fusion Cutter as it activates and a small humming sound occurs in the immediate vacinity, around him and DP. The humming goes down as a green light goes off, signaling its activation.

"Take the shot if anything goes wrong DP, he is in your scope."

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis struggled against the pressure clamping down on his throat. Although he had never experienced it before, he knew that Sith were rumored to use a technique that allowed them to strangle their opponents from afar. As Sanis found it harder and harder to breathe, he had to admit it was a very effective technique.

Straining to find air, Sanis cooperated with Dara fully, slowly returning his left hand from under the table so it could be seen fully.)

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: The Sith Lordess smiled and nodded at Sanis's cooperation in the matter at hand. She then slightly released the pressure on his throat so that he might speak if he so chose to ::

"Excellent. I have been known to be rather persuasive from time to time... must be my Dark charm I suppose. Nonetheless, I find that this could be a lucrative deal for you Mr. Prent, and it could yield an outcome more than satisfactory for both of us. Are you ready to perform a slight improvisational change on your original business agreement? I believe an addendum is in order, for I am more than ready to... show you the money."

:: She keeps her gaze on him, watching his every move as the darkness continues to consume her ::

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis sat leaned back in his seat for a while, gasping for his breath, as he struggled to keep from passing out. After about 30 seconds, his breath was returning to him, and he repositioned himself in his seat, slightly hunched over, as he looked down at his dinnerplate. Wiping his brow slightly, he looked up at Dara, his breathing still not quite regulated.)

You do understand that isn't exactly the most kosher thing that I can do. Outlaws such as myself don't particuarly bind ourselves to rules, but its an understood one that you never haggle out a price once a bounty has been agreed on. It might be good for business in the short run, but its rather risky at the same time.

(Sanis rubbed slightly at his neck)

However...since you put it so eloquently, perhaps it would be best for us to discuss this counter offer. I won't name a price, for the last vestiges of confidentiality remaining, but I will entertain any bids you might be willing to make.

(Sanis waited for Dara to make her price known.)

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara kept her eyes fixed on Sanis as he spoke to her, and then spoke quietly to him ::

"There will be no risks to you, Mr. Prent. I guarantee you that. Once I am given the name of the original contractor, he will cease to be a bother to you, I, or even himself. My actions are swift, decisive and wretchedly gruesome as far as revenge are involved. And discretion will be afforded you, of course. I certainly don't need a motive to kill as it is, and I'm sure it won't even be a question. I do get the distinct feeling however, that the reason you were hired is because the contractor himself was rather um... lacking in many ways... so to speak. Back to the point of the matter, your part of our contract is to provide me with the name of the party who contracted the beating on me, while I provide you with compensation for that name. We both save time and you gain considerable funding."

:: An evil smile graced her lips ::

"Regarding payment for services rendered... I would say that sparing your life from my fatal wrath would be one of the items on the payment stub. I also feel that you should benefit monetarily, of course. Would there be any debt that you might need paid off, Mr. Prent? Perhaps one larger than you can dispense at this particular time? I understand that in your line of work, there will be times of gain and times where it can be quite tight for funds as well. Surely there must be something which comes to mind that would be satisfactory for such payment of services..."

:: Dara awaited his answer ::

[Sanis Prent]

(At first, Sanis was not seriously considering Dara's offer. In all realistic terms, it just didn't equate to good business sense to contract out on a current employer. She would have to make an exceptional offer for Sanis to even consider it worthy of his time. Yet, when Dara laid her plans out on the table, a thought tugged at the back of his mind. Unable to resist, Sanis probed...after all, maybe he could see how far down the rabbit hole went. Perhaps the Sith Lordess knew things that Sanis could not find out.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Sanis looked at Dara.)

Well there is...this one thing.

(Sanis began to probe with his words. If Dara could help him in this endeavor, it just might be worth pulling an Outlaw faus pax.)

What do you know of a man named Pierce Tondry?

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: The Sith Lordess raises an eyebrow at the mention of a name she barely has come in contact with. The Intel agent's path has not crossed hers so her knowledge of him was rather limited ::

"Pierce Tondry... I am not well acquainted with him at all. I believe he works for Intel and is an expert marksman. Why do you ask about him?"

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis nodded slightly at Dara's words. Apparently she had no information on the Imperial sniper.)

Well, Lordess Shadowtide, have you done anything recently as to incur the good General's ire? I don't mean to pry, but I couldn't help to ask...considering the recent turn of events. Imperial officers don't just hire out contracts every day, you know.

(Out of the corner of his eye, Sanis sees the waiter approaching the table, carrying a tray with food on it. Sanis reaches for his wine flute, taking another drink, which wets his lips slightly. Slowly, he sits back in his seat, and interlaces his fingers together as he places his hands on the table.)

Do we have an...understanding?

(The waiter places the food on the table. On Dara's side, her house salad. On Sanis' side, a large platter covered by a metal lid. The waiter nodded courteously, and left.)

If so, I'd like to enjoy our dinner.

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: The savvy Sith Lordess raised an eyebrow at his suggestion, quite perplexed at the notion actually. Why would a sniper hire another to do his work? That truly makes no sense whatsoever. It was common knowledge that snipers took pride in their own work. If a sniper wanted her taken down, he would certain come toting his own rifle. Speaking of rifle.. that brought something to mind.. now she was in Rama's recently and heard someone tell tale that the Sniper's rifle had been stolen by Sanis Prent, the man seated before her. Something most certainly was afoot and she would get to the bottom of this.. the easy way.. or the hard way. She looked into his eyes with a smile ::

"Interesting indeed. Oh, if you'll excuse me for just a moment, Mr. Prent. I just have to go powder my nose before we start on the delicious meal."

:: Dara gave a brief wink and rose from the table, and walked with confidence to the extravagantly decorated ladies room. Just walking into the room made a personj feel as if they had entered a royal ballroom. She smiled and then reached out with the Dark Side to contact her apprentice, Rain ::

Hello my apprentice. Meet me in the Ladies room immediately... and use discretion.

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis began to work on his small appetizer as the main course arrived. Dara then took the time to stand up, excusing herself as she went to the ladies room. Sanis was born at night, but not last night. With women, all was a hidden scheme, especially when women went to the ladies room. Nevertheless, Sanis let her go. It wouldn't matter, whether she believed what he had told her or not.

Sanis smiled at Dara as he speared a flaky ring of calamari with his fork.)

Alright, you go right ahead. I'll be waiting when you come back. Don't be too long, or your food will get cold.

(As Dara left, Sanis smiled. Try as she might, she would not get the best of him, despite whatever talents she might possess.)

[Rain13]

*Rain sat, trying to keep her mind off the fact that she was terribly uncomfortable. As she received the message, she figured it would be best to wait a while, so suspicions wouldn't arise. She slowly pushed back her chair and smiled at Sums, telling him she'd be back soon. With that she used a slight force illusion to keep her leaving unnoticed by Sanis.
As she entered the ladies room she smiled at the site of her master. Rain bowed quickly.*

"You wished to speak with me, Master?"

[Dyne Darkforce]

Dyne quietly perches on the roof, along with DP. He narrows his eyes and keeps the Fusion Cutter close. Closing his eyes, Dyne thinks for a bit before opening them back up and laooking at the restaurant. People came and went out of the place, he awaited his Master come out. Dyne quickly scanned the area before switching his attention back to the window and his Master.

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara smiled at her apprentice ::

"Well it seems Mr. Prent was contracted by someone to beat me within an inch of my life.. or so he says. Now I believe I have been rather persuasive and Mr. Prent and I are renegotiating that deal to amend it at this time. He certainly is not going to harm me in any way. I asked for the name of the person who contracted him and he gave the name of Sniper Tondry which quite frankly seems rather preposterous. I just wanted you to be alerted of the situation so that you might bring Sums up to speed on things. I may need his expert marksmanship after all. I must be getting back to the table now. I am sure Mr. Prent is already alarmed by me going to the ladies room as it is. Keep your eyes open and be ready for anything, my apprentice. See you soon."

:: With that Dara nodded to Rain and departed the ladies room. Rain made her way to the last stall to retrieve a small black bag. As Dara walked back to the table, she saw Sanis dining on his appetizer and that the main course had arrived. She smiled and took her seat once again ::

"Hello again Mr. Prent. Now, where were we? Oh yes, we were discussing the amendment to the deal you were contracted to perform since you won't be attempting to 'beat me within an inch of my life' this fine evening. You have provided me with a name, now have you decided on what would satisfy your payments? Aside from your life, of course."

:: Dara met his gaze and smiled and then laid her napkin across her lap, picked her fork up and began enjoying her salad ::

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis speared another flaky ring of calamari, dipping it in a tangy basil sauce. He popped it in his mouth, and began to think up a price as he chewed.)

Well, it really is hard to put a price tag on one's life, but when you put it in such a way, Lordess Shadowtide, I suppose I can be driven to think up some kind of figure.

(Sanis spears another calamari ring.)

Shall we say one hundred thousand? I find that to be a decent arrangement, including of course the cost appreciation of my life.

(Sanis takes another bite, and follows it with a drink of his burgundy.)

So, how will we conduct the business of payment? I figure at this juncture, our mutual relationship is at an end.

[Rain13]

*Rain left the ladies room and sat back at the table. Quietly she explained the situation to Sums mentally through the Force before speaking normally.*

"So, did I miss anything?"

*She winked and took a sip of her chianti, still watching the table that Sanis and Dara sat at out of the corner of her eye.*

[Sumor Rayial]

**Sums continued to act natural as she told him what Dara had told her. Even when she mentioned Tondry's name did his demeanor stay the same.

When she asked the question he shook his head slightly.**

Nope. They've just been talking. Still don't trust him.

Oh did you get the bag?

**She didn't say a word but he felt a tap on his let as she signaled for him to grab the bag. Taking it he nonchalantly removed his weapons that sat inside. She had already removed her saber, and he found his inside with his sith knife. Dropping the bag to the floor Sums smiled at Rain and made it look to Sanis like they were enjoying some small talk as they waited for their entre's.**

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara looked up from her house salad and then wiped her mouth with the fine linen napkin. She spoke quietly ::

"Just one moment, Mr. Prent and I believe this business deal will be concluded."

:: She reached into her satchel and pulled out the small oval communicator that her droids had given to her so that she may contact them at any time, and entered the encrypted code ::

"Would you like this amount transferred to your regular account or do you have a special account you prefer, Mr. Prent?"

:: Now at this point in time, the thought of Sniper Tondry being behind this was perplexing her, however she knew she would be afforded the opportunity to check into this matter personally if necessary. This little transaction allowed her time to get to the bottom of things so that the person responsible may feel her wrath. Money was nothing to her.. but knowledge, now there was true power. She smiled at Sanis awaiting his preferred account ::

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis smiled, as he pulled a card out of his shirt pocket)

Oh, I always keep a secondary account open for an unexpected transaction such as this.

(Sanis slid the card across the table. Dara picked it up, and looked at it. The card contained a user code and a bank's routing transit number, so that funds could be transferred into a holding account. Sanis smiled, and looked around. It seemed as if everything was going well enough. Maybe that's what made him skeptical. This "change in plans" was going a little too smoothly for his tastes. Oh well, he wasn't one to pry. It may be nothing, or maybe he'd find out later. It didn't matter. Sanis had everything slated for him to come out on top of things.)

[Dara Shadowtide]

:: Dara took the card and nodded, inputting the user code and routing transit number accordingly to her communicator. The droids relayed to her that the transfer was successful. With dinner finished and a business transaction concluded, it was time for the Sith Lordess to depart. She reached for her satchel and cloak and rose slowly, still facing Sanis ::

"Mr. Prent, indeed this has been an enlightening evening. You will find the agreed upon sum already awaiting you in the specified account. I am glad we could come to a mutual understanding. Best of luck in your future endeavors and may our paths never cross for this reason again. I bid you farewell."

:: Dara donned her cloak and gave him a smile and wink before making her way to the exit, keeping her eyes open for anything out of the ordinary as her hand moved to her saber hilt ::

[Daleethria]

Daleethria continued to keep her vigil outside the restaurant. Mostly keeping an eye on the two Sith that were scoping out the area through the Force. She felt no danger coming from Sanis during most of his time inside and she found it odd that she didn't have to interfere. Well, interfere yet.

Having too many of The Empire around would probably make someone that looks like Dalethria nervous. It wasn't in her nature to be though. Everything had it's flow and if it came down to it, she would be able to use it to her advantage for a brief moment.

A presence that was of the Dark began to move towards the exit. She knew that there were three inside, including Dara. Focusing further, the two that she felt in the same area where still there. That must mean the one moving was Dara. Turning around, she grabbed a key and pretended to get ready to make a pick up for a landspeeder. Just incase she had to make a quick leave of the area, not wanting Dara to know she was here.

[Sanis Prent]

(Sanis reached for a datapad as Dara left, and accessed some information. True to her word, Sanis' account was advanced 100,000 credits. Sanis smiled...easiest money he'd ever made. With a few quick keystrokes, Sanis transferred the funds through into his main account, emptying the secondary. Sanis watched the Sith Lordess leave, and enjoyed the rest of his meal, confident that the night had gone quite well. For starters, he may have convinced Dara to take out Tondry, or vice versa, or all of the above. It didn't really matter. The first encounter with Dara had clued Sanis in to how she worked, surrounding herself with loyal minions. He reached for his burgundy and sipped, looking at the table where Sumor and Rain were seated. He was born at night, but not last night, and could recognize such prominent Sith when he saw them. Dara had quite efficiently stacked the cards in her favor...and it would've been tough for Sanis to work his magic in such a crowded environment.

Sanis poured up another glass of burgundy. What a great night this was turning out to be.)

[Rain13]

*Rain finished her drink before nodding to Sums, motioning that it was time for them to be leaving as well. She still felt uneasy and even if it was just paranoia getting the better of her, she was going to keep an eye on her Master until they all were back at HQ. She had never trusted bounty hunters, even when they had been "bought off" because the name of the game was credits, and there were more ways to cheat someone than to kill them. She smirked at the thought, perhaps those few years spent as a mercenary would actually pay off, then again, they might not.
As she and Sums got up she kept her saber hidden under the elegant cloak she wore over the dress that she promised herself she would never wear again unless she was dead.
The two Sith exited after the Lordess, keeping an eye on her and their senses open to everything around them.*

[Dyne Darkforce]

Dyne got up with DP and continued to keep an eye out on the surrounding area. DP set his rifle and scope back up as Dyne rotated his neck slowly. After getting the rifle, both of the Sith faded from atop the roof and jumped off, landing below in one of the streets. The two soon faded away into the darkness just as they came in the first place, heading back to the HQ.