The Baroness Executrix

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

The Nubian star yacht Aan'thaani had, by almost any sane estimation, anything a passenger could desire to pass the time in perfect comfort. Plush upholstery, rich wood grain surfaces, beautiful lighting. It even had a handsomely-stocked aquarium which served as both eye-candy as well as a more conventional sustenance. And if a star passenger was too jaded to appreciate that, the ship even had a small wood-burning fireplace, whose smoke was effortlessly drawn away and neutralized, leaving only inviting warmth and total ambiance.

And yet despite all of the luxury, Rai'faani Netaali Taurrifar Meorrrei felt exposed, raw, vulnerable, and nervous. The seat in which she sat across from that curious fireplace was conveniently close to a chiller with Alderaanian wine she couldn't bring herself to drink, a column aquarium full of impossibly bright reef fish from Glee Anselm she could not eat, and a personal assistant who was far from being hard on the eyes that she could not call upon for satisfaction.

"Waterr."

The assistant, a human male named Tavid, retrieved a sealed cylinder of water from the chiller. He cracked the seal, and decanted it into a crystal glass, his eyes fixed on Rai'faani's, who in turn did not look his way. Her eyes were instead drawn to the sight of the growing stellar body visible in the starboard half of the observation dome at the center of the ship.

Tavid placed the glass in Rai's waiting hand.

"We're concluding sublight approach to Onderon, Baroness."

The effect of that title on her ears moved them slightly. Only now did Rai'faani break eyes from the slowly-growing planet to her right. Tavid smiled, slightly revealing perfect teeth. He was as new to his job as she was to hers, but he'd taken to the tasks and all of the unsaid expectations exceedingly well, for a human. Rai drew in a breath through her nose, which carried the pleasant smell of him with it. A familiar warmth grew in her, and Rai wanted the excuse of using her exceptionally useful Tavid to satisfy it, but there was something overriding her even larger than that feeling. It was the same thing that prevented her from enjoying the Alderaanian wine and the Glee Anselm fish.

Tavid sensed the difference as well. He was useful in far more ways than just the obvious ones.

"It's a day of firsts, my lady. You've had plenty of those already."

Rai took an eager drink of water. She swallowed hard, passing her tongue barely between her closed lips.

"Thjiss jissn't mjy fjirrsst trrjip to Onderron."

There was more that she wanted to say, but the space between her and Tavid was only close when measured in inches. Useful as he was, he was a vast distance from her in most respects. He'd always be her lesser. The things she wanted to say, Rai'faani had little if anyone to say them to.

"We've been clearred for apprroach to jIzjiz, Barronesss."

The comm line carried Rai'faani's chauffeur's voice. Niaalettii was an older woman, but a professional with a reputation for discretion. She'd been Rai'faani's pilot long before there was a Tavid in the picture. There was no need to acknowledge the message, and the comm went silent once again.

Rai gulped down her water, finishing the entire glass. Tavid tended to that, then busied himself by gathering his boss's materials. It wasn't much, just a slim attache case carrying the necessary dataslips, pads, and the tools of her work. He'd carry it, because it was unseemly for her to do so.

"Tavjid."

Rai rose from her plush seat, smoothing out her bespoke clothing. The blended and patterned silk almost seemed to coruscate from black to blue and to purple, depending on how light and shadow caught it. Prominent on her left breast was a golden Alliance starbird pin.

"Yes, my lady?"

Rai couldn't bring herself to convenient means of satisfaction, and something felt missing. Right now, she felt vulnerable. When she stepped down the yacht's gangplank, she needed a killing edge.

"Sslap me."

For a moment, the human stood motionless. But Tavid was a quick learner, and he was very useful.

WHACK

An open hand struck across Rai's cheek and her head moved with the motion. There was brief pain, then warmth. She righted herself, and didn't massage away the light glow that had risen but would soon be gone.

"Perrfect."

Now. Now she was ready.

[Ashar Nerofi]

The recent months had been a whirlwind, which had started when Salem Ave had expressed his desire to see her be his successor (http://theholo.net/forum/showthread.php?57738-In-Safe-Hands) as Senator of Onderon. Although the Marquess had worked as his aide on several occasions over the years, she hadn't expected such an opportunity. Not one to turn down a challenge, especially to serve her queen and planet, she had of course accepted. She had gathered the monarch's blessings and won the elections, so any quarrel about her new position was quelled fair and square. It wasn't that she disliked some manipulations and cunning behind the scene activities; but she had wanted to do this the fair and just way for the people of Onderon.

Work hadn't given her much respite save for the numerous festivities that had followed her election. Of course, those had mostly been to thank supporters and continue to nurture meaningful relationships with friends and potential foes. The new Senator might still be young; but life had ensured that she grew wise early on. She knew that keeping one's enemies even closer and tighter than one's beloved could make a difference between success and failures, even life and death.

And she didn't fathom herself on the receiving end of death anytime soon.

When news of Baroness Rai'faani Meorrrei's visit to Onderon had reached her, she had offered to personally welcome the Cizeri noble to Iziz. While she didn't necessarily have to be there in person, it only seemed courteous to do as such. After all, she had already reached to the Baroness's mother offices, since she had heard that Salem Ave was hoping to see her as his successor in the position of Prime Minister. Given her ties and experience to Ave, Ashar had naturally offered to assist in Taataani Meorrrei's campaign, if need be.

The Senator was finishing to review a few reports in her speeder, as they neared the spaceport where the Cizeri's diplomatic ship would land within the hour. She made sure that all that needed her urgent attention had been addressed before she arrived. The rest could be handled by her various aides and interns.

When her vehicle reached the platform shortly after the Nubian starship had landed, Ashar stepped outside, followed by her security guards and her assistant Kirna Mahar, an ebony-skinned woman in her mid forties. Impeccably dressed, the Senator (https://ninadobrevnews.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cc2.jpg) stood on the pathway facing the boarding ramp that had just lowered.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

Aan'thaani touched down on the landing pad in Iziz city with feather-soft descent, resting on landing struts that looked more like sculptures than objects of utility. The warm sun split across the Nubian cruiser's chromium hull, taking the rich color spectrums of the tropical capital and throwing them back along her graceful contours.

The gangplank lowered, letting the heat from outside spill into the cabin. It wasn't unpleasant, and rather reminiscent of Carshoulis Prime, though the air carried alien smells with it. The initial warmth of Tavid's palm across Rai'faani's face had passed along with the brief endorphin release, leaving focus in their wake. Rai shrouded her eyes with a pair of dark, oversized sunglasses. As the powerful engine nacelles of the yacht ebbed into the background during cooldown, the Baroness took her first strides down the stairway. At the edge of the tarmac, a speeder sedan waited, similarly debarking Senator Nerofi's entourage. Rai held up at the edge of the gangplank, giving Tavid and Niaalettii time to gather with her. Her assistant was close behind with her needed attache case. The older Cizeri woman soon followed. While the pilot would likely remain with the ship, it was good manners to array your help during the first encounter.

"jIt'ss been a long tjime ssjince jI've been to Onderron." Niaalettii commented to no one in particular, pushing a few strands of salt and pepper hair back over an ear that the exhaust vents had tousled.

That comment made Rai curious. She glanced back, a brow raise barely visible behind her shades.

"The warr, Rrou'a."

Rai had never known Niaalettii to talk casually. No, maybe that wasn't quite it. She hadn't made the time to really listen to the older woman.

"jYou werre wjith the occupatjion? Durrjing the Rrepubljic Warr?"

Niaa looked over the skyline of Iziz, a small frown on her face.

"We don't call jit 'the occupatjion', Rrou'a."

Indeed. Rai's concealed eyes remained on her pilot a moment longer, then turned back to her hosts.

"Besst not to call jit anjythjing then."

The message was clear. Don't mention the war. Onderon was a proud planet. The Republic War may have been thirty-five years ago, but clearly not long enough for old memories to fade. The Baroness rolled her shoulders slightly as her tail traced a confident loop.

"We'rre all frrjiendss now."

She began to cross the tarmac towards Senator Nerofi. Tavid and Niaa followed two steps behind.

[Ashar Nerofi]

Ashar was curious about the Cizeri. She had read a lot about the intricate Meorrrei family as well as about the culture at large. She did appreciate the way women were empowered, even though she didn't share the matriarchal views that seemed to permeate most of the Cizeri culture. Yet she preferred that to outright misogyny that considered women just good enough to continue a bloodline. She still loved the fact that after 8 years since her daughter's birth, nobody could figure out who the father was. And she knew nobody could ever come forward to claim the child. She had taken such matters in her own hands during her pregnancy.

A brief dark smile curved her lips, before her expression returned to its mask of firm politeness, right when the Baroness stepped down along with her pilot. The Marquess was curious as to what this diplomatic visit would bring to both Onderon and the Cizeri. Building alliances and forming commercial as well as diplomatic bonds was of great importance. As open as she was to new opportunities, the interest of the people of her home world remained at the core of any decision she made, along with seeking the approval of her Queen when need be.

She took a few steps forward as the Baroness was close enough, and she bowed her head to her.

"Welcome to Onderon, Baroness Meorrrei. I am Senator Ashar Nerofi."

She gestured towards the luxury speeder behind them.

"If you will please follow me, we can head to your guest residence."

There was no reason to stand under the bright sun even with a decent breeze making the warm temperatures pleasant enough.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"Ja irra korra'nai, Ssenatorr. jI'm pleassed to be back on Onderron."

Not entirely truth and not entirely lie passed her lips before air kissing to each side of the Senator's face. Rai's first mission to the jungle world hadn't been particularly pleasant, but it was both informative and the first important professional task she'd undertaken. Now armed with that knowledge and experience, Rai'faani was eager to make her second foray to Onderon a better one.

"Thjiss jiss Tavjid, mjy asssjisstant." She gestured to the human. "Mjy pjilot Niaalettii wjill be sstajyjing wjith the sshjip."

Following the Senator's instructions, Rai entered the sedan, followed by Tavid. Once situated, she'd send for the droids to deal with her baggage.

"Congrratulatjionss on jyourr new posstjing, Rrou Ssenatorr. jI have hearrd that the forrmerr Fjirrsst Mjinjissterr holdss jyou jin hjigh essteem."

[Ashar Nerofi]

While her new position as Senator had been an unexpected but highly welcomed turn, Ashar had been in the political spheres from a young age, due to her parents' early deaths. Back in the day, she had briefly felt frustration about not being able to become a Royal Handmaiden; but really, her path had been way more interesting. Challenges had arisen in a consistent way, and it had only made her shrewder and smarter.

"Onderon is pleased to see you again," she replied.

She was curious as to how House Meorrrei would play its cards in the grand scheme of things, and how it would impact Onderon. She was likely to be a bit entangled into this given Ave's desire to see the Baroness's mother rise in the Alliance political apparatus to be the other one to replace him. While it was a higher position than the one he had occupied on Onderon, Ashar nevertheless understood what it was to follow in Ave's footsteps.

Ashar nodded to Tavid, the human assistant, and then to the Cizeri pilot Niaalettii. "Well met," she replied courteously.

She had chosen to only arrive with her guard, for her aides were busy elsewhere, one of them, a longtime trusted ally, was awaiting at the guest residence where the Cizeri would be staying.

Once they were comfortably seated in the vehicle, she smiled to the Cizeri.

"Thank you, Baroness. I worked with the former Prime Minister for a few years."

She paused, her vibrant eyes resting upon her guest.

"Congratulations on your ascension in House Meorrrei. It appears you and your mother are fairing well and successfully."

She wondered whether Ave having handpicked both the Baroness's mother as well as her own self as successors had anything to do with the Cizeri's visit; or even if it had to do with the new Prime Minister candidate wanting to test her before potentially relying on her assistance in the upcoming elections.

Ashar didn't have to personally welcome the Baroness; but she had naturally volunteered given the political landscape, and as her ever willingness to serve her Queen and her world.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

“Ssenatorr Meorrrei jiss adaptjing to a changjing galaxjy, asss am jI.”

Rai kept the mention of her mother to formal terms. It was important that she mark separate distinctions between them. Even now, the shadow the Meorrrei Rrou’fai cast was long.

”jI don’t doubt that sshe wjill be voted jinto the Fjirrsst Mjinjissterr’ss offjice, not wjith frrjiendss wjith common jinterresstss ssuch asss jyourrsself. jI’m actualljy herre to talk about jyourr jinterresstss.”

The Baroness smiled without revealing teeth, then removed her sunglasses.

”And Onderron’ss jinterresstss.”

[Ashar Nerofi]

Ashar nodded to what the Baroness said about her mother. Truly, it was the courteous thing to do to mention the older Meorrrei; but the Senator was more focused on what exactly brought the Baroness to Onderon. There would be time to find more about the other Cizeri, whom Ave had picked as his other successor. The brunette was never against any opportunities to learn about other people, especially those in power and with whom she was called to collaborate; but she knew how to avoid getting scattered.

The Marquess understood how lineage could be overbearing at time; but her own experience had been different, having lost her parents at a young age and having to step into the political scene to watch over the Nerofi lands when barely entering adolescence. She knew how much as part of the aristocracy she had been expected to marry; but so far she had always been able to avoid such things. After all, she had already continued the line with her beloved daughter.

She valued privacy and shrewdness, the delicate balancing act with elegance and a modicum of warmth that won people over in the public arena. She genuinely cared about her people, and was honored to serve her whole planet and their Queen. Yet she knew how some believed she was a much nicer and more easily convinced person than she truly was. That always was something she could leverage to her advantage.

"As I am inclined to talk about your interests, Baroness, and how Onderon may fit into them."

She canted her head to the side, knowing she was putting the discussion towards the planet at large rather than herself, and as such for several reasons.

"How long are you planning to stay with us?"

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"jI leave tomorrow evenjing forr Dac to addrresss the Jojint Mjiljitarrjy Command, sso jI'm afrrajid mjy tjime herre wjill be brrjief. Hopefulljy the worrk we'rre able to do jin the sshorrt rrun wjill allow me to rreturrn forr a morre...extended bassjiss."

As tempting as it was to take in the vista on the way to their destination, Rai capitalized on the momentum, giving the Senator her utmost.

"The Cizeri Trrade Commjisssjion jiss due to rreleasse thejirr quarrterrljy rreporrt wjithjin the week. Asss jyou know, jI ussed to be the trrade ljiajisson to Onderron, and jI've majintajined ssome frrjiendss wjithjin the burreaucrracjy."

Little needed to be said of the details regarding Rai'faani's network, so the Baroness didn't bother with elaboration.

"jI am told that the rreporrt wjill be djissappojintjing. Earrnjingss arre up, but not to expectatjionss. jI doubt anjythjing wjill come of jit. The ljiajisson majy be ssacked and rrecalled to Carshoulis, but jI want jyou to know fjirrsst sso jyou can prreparre. Frrom a frrjiend, to a frrjiend, ne?"

Rai laced her fingers together in her lap.

"jI'm not a concerrned parrtjy, Ssenatorr. jI'm not jin the goverrnment, and whjile mjy Rrou'fai majy be Ssenatorr and sstandjing forr the posst of Fjirrst Mjinjissterr, herr sstake jin IKM hass been djivessted - asss the Ssenate demanded. Sso jI come to jyou asss a bussjinessswoman. One who jiss well-capjitaljized and prreparred to help make thjiss burreaucrratjic annojyance go awajy."

[Ashar Nerofi]

Ashar nodded to what the Baroness said about her short time on Onderon. She was running her schedule in her mind at once, trying to figure out the best course of action.

"I have obligations tomorrow, and I am certain I am not the only one you seek to speak to. I propose we meet tonight for dinner at your guest residence. If that suits you, we would have a few hours to discuss plans and opportunities."

What the Cizeri said next about the upcoming quarterly report left the Senator's expression unchanged, although she appreciated the heads up. Onderon had both political and commercial assets to handle, and making sure that trade with other worlds was fruitful was one of the matters important to her.

"As a friend, I appreciate it," she replied cautiously but confidently.

She pondered on what the new liaison might bring in.

"Changes are bound to happen, and if bureaucratic hindrances can diminish for better efficiency, it is a win both for the Cizeri Trade Commission, and Onderon's businesses. Besides my election as new Senator, there has been some other changes in certain planetary commissions as well, and we seek to consolidate our diplomatic ties."

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

A curious thing to say. Rai's ears skewed slightly.

"jI wouldn't gjive a sajoi forr what the Commjisssjion wantss. jI leave that forr jyou and Carshoulis to djisscuss. Mjy jinterresstss arre forr mjy Corrporratjion, whjich holdss the larrgesst mjiljitarrjy contrract wjith the Alljiance, not to mentjion prrjivate and cjivjiljian trrade."

It was important to highlight the difference in who Senator Nerofi was treating with. Rai had little time to do so. Since meeting the Senator was probably the highest official she could initially meet in proper dialogue at this point, she had to cut to the heart of the matter. Rai leaned forward slightly as she spoke.

"jIncom Koenssajyrr Meorrrei jiss jinterressted jin a majorr jindusstrjial expanssjion on Onderron. jI want jyourr parrtnerrshjip, and the parrtnerrshjip of jyourr Queen."

[Ashar Nerofi]

"This is good to know. Not all planets are amenable to openly discuss liaisons when it comes to those of the commercial kinds," Ashar replied with a curt nod.

If a liaison was of a purely diplomatic specificity, the process went beyond mere mutual green light on the chosen individual; but trade ones could be mostly up to the planet of origin. In that regard, Ashar appreciated that the Cizeri were willing to be reasonable.

"You shall present me with your partnership project then, Baroness. I will of course do the preliminary discussion with the Queen following your visit."

After all, Queen Basillie was an extremely busy woman as well.

"We can hash things out before your next return. If the Queen approves of such ventures, I will arrange for a joint meeting in Iziz then."

While not all trade projects required the Queen's direct involvement, she had the idea that the one at hand would be worth such a direction.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"Underrsstandable, Rrou Ssenatorr," Rai nodded, "jI wjill explajin the parrtjicularrss overr djinnerr thjiss evenjing."

The Baroness reclined slightly as her tail flipped in her lap. The speeder banked, and from her peripheral vision it appeared that their short journey was coming to an end at her assigned guest residence. The vista looked sufficiently tasteful, with a wide courtyard and an attractive array of palms flanking a private pond and a landing pad.

"Wjill we be djinjing alone?"

[Ashar Nerofi]

Ashar nodded to the Baroness's agreement to the plans for the evening. It would leave her enough time to meet with other people as she saw fit; while the Senator ensured she would hear all that needed to be discussed over dinner.

"Yes, we will dine alone."

Given the possibilities that this visit opened, she wished not to have other guests present over that dinner. Whoever the Cizeri wished to see outside of that was of course up to her.

She left the speeder shortly afterwards, waiting for her guest to follow her, as they reached the residence. A woman in her fifties walked to them, her elegance matching the intelligence in her eyes.

"Baroness, this is Lady Menard. She is in charge of the residence and will show you around, as well as answer any question you may have. I will see you tonight at 7:00. I have appointed one of my chefs to organize the meals. If you have any request, he will gladly take them."

With a nod and a smile, the brunette soon departed for other obligations required her attention until the evening.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"jYou arre too kjind, Rrou Ssenatorr."

Excused into the company of Lady Menard, Rai'faani sheathed her eyes behind her sunglasses before an expression of mild annoyance could be revealed. While she hadn't expected to land a coup such as an audience with the Queen and her immediate court, Rai'faani had certainly hoped to find herself introduced (or reintroduced) to Onderon's elite and influential, and deliver her proposal to a larger audience than an audience of one.

Lady Menard was benignly helpful, though the introduction through the villa didn't produce any amenity that stood out to Rai'faani's already gilded tastes. Thankfully, the tour was concluded within minutes, allowing Rai'faani to take leave of her host - under the excuse of a constitutional. A butler droid arrived minutes later, providing appropriately-sized clothes for taking in fresh air and activity.

"jI'll be gojing out. jInforrm Ladjy Menarrd that jI wjill rreturrn jin tjime forr djinnerr."

Tavid rose from his seat in Rai'faani's suite, buttoning his jacket closed.

"Alone?"

With no reason to be modest around her man, Rai'faani began to change clothes, passing her previous garments to the droid who neatly hung each item up in turn.

"Whjy not?"

Tavid was polite, even in his disagreements. He didn't overstep. However, Rai'faani could see his unease in the tightening of skin at the corners of his eyes.

"Is that wise, Baroness? You should be mindful of your safety."

"jI'm alwajyss mjindful of mjy ssafetjy." Her hands pulled back her silken skirt, revealing a subcompact blaster lodged into a garter holster. Hopefully satisfying Tavid's unease, she let the skirt fall before loosing the straps at her shoulders.

"But forr now, jI'm morre mjindful of mjy tjime, orr lack therreof. jI don't jintend on sspendjing jit wajitjing forr mjy hosst'ss companjy, and a ljimjited wjindow jin whjich to make an jimprresssjion."

Nude but for a moment, Rai quickly worked into a lighter, breathable wardrobe, one with a short-sleeved white blouse, white shorts, and comfortable white shoes.

"jI'm gojing out to plajy Rrjingerr."

His boss was full of surprises. Tavid paused, trying to stifle a perplexed grin.

"Ringer?"

Rai applied her shoes, which smartly cinched themselves up to a low-ankle fit.

"Whjy not? Sseemss a perrfectljy good wajy to get to know the rrjight people."

"I just, well, didn't think that..."

"...djidn't thjink that jI plajyed?" Rai rose from her seat with amusement perking her ears.

"Good. Therre'ss a lot that jyou don't know about me, Tavjid. Let'ss keep ourr prrofesssjional rrelatjionsshjip excjitjing. jIn the meantjime, jI'll hajil a sspeederr to take me to Galaval Courrt."

Rai returned her sunglasses back to position.

"Ljike jI ssajid, thjiss jissn't mjy fjirrsst tjime on Onderron. Wherre do jyou thjink jI learrned to plajy?"

[Royston Basillie]

"Quite the throw, Killian."

The competition was beginning to heat up. He had been so close to being far enough ahead to trigger an early victory, but then Killian had to go and score a fifty to get back into the game. The rest fell away as their victories became impossible within the remaining number of turns. Removing his coat he slung it over the top of the disc rack and began the slow and laborious task of neatly rolling and folding the sleeves of his tight black shirt up his forearms. Much to the chagrin of his competitor.

Looking down he made sure his charcoal vest was impeccable before turning back to the rack and selecting another #4 disc; taking the time to feel the weight in his hand before swapping it for what was an identical disc by all appearances. Yes. This one felt better. Stepping up to the line, he carefully dug a polished shoe into the pavement before looking Killian in the eye and giving him a wink with a blown kiss. The man crossed his arms and became visibly irritated. Curling up and tossing the ring, Roy let it sail through the air. It flew outward along the range of rings, then became curving back in toward the center, traveling down the range unmistakably toward the fifty point ring in the distance.

And clipped the frame of the ring and bounced through.

"Bad luck, Roy boy. Only half points."

"What a shame. Looks like you are still in this one yet."

There was chuckling and light ribbing playing through the small group of young men. Each well dressed, some more formally like Royston. Others far more casually. Stepping back to allow his competitor his space he excused himself to grab a bottle of water from where he left it beside his coat and took a drink of the cool water while he looked across the court; only to be chance catch sight of a speeder pulling up alongside the entrance. Nothing too special about that. Probably another one of the ruckus members of his young boys club showing up for a match. This was one of the few things to do this time of day in Iziz, after all.

Instead a woman stepped out, and now like anything he had ever seen. There was a elegance to her motions; a sense of purpose and confidence that he rarely saw outside of the royal court. Striped skin, wide brimmed ears, and a tail. He had never seen one in person before, but he immediately assumed this was one of those Cizeracks. What a strange sight to behold here of all places. He could not help but stare. There was something mesmerizing about watching her.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

Drawing the strap of her disc satchel across one shoulder, Rai'faani took a moment in the sun to get her bearings. It appeared that she'd stepped right into the midst of a game in progress. By the look of the bespoke athletic gear and expensive haircuts, it was precisely the right sort of game she was looking for. Then again, she hadn't chosen Galaval Court at random. It was a Ringer court that had a blue-blooded history on Onderon. You had to be the right sort of person to play through, or be able to afford the courts fee.

Rai'faani had paid her way in. It wasn't cheap, but few of the things that mattered were.

She panned a glance around the court, but her eyes fixed on a particularly pretty thing that just so happened to be looking in her direction. Thankfully, her dark sunglasses masked the flash of pleasant surprise. Her smile could have meant anything - perhaps she was just being pleasant.

"Do jyou mjind jif jI plajy the wjinnerr?"

[Royston Basillie]

"Won't be a minute."

The words had floated past his ears before he realized they had come from his own mouth. The boys had gotten quiet behind him, no doubt starring themselves. The silence was penetrated by the telltale sound of a disc hitting the ground. The sound roused him from the fog enough to look back at the game, but not without feeling like he was smiling like a fool.

As he anticipated with such a close lead, Killian had gone for the much safer 25 point ring. The scoreboard updated and there was an exchange of forearm bumps between Killian and his favorites. The scores were more even, but they were almost out of rounds. It was as much a time for a Loxodon Gambit as there ever war. Looking back at the mysterious woman he gave her a wink before dusting his hand in talc and grabbing a disc; making a show of spinning it around in his hand as he stepped up to the line.

"Fifty."

He cocked his arm back and let the disc fly; arm flying out, hand dipping in just like so to put the right spin on it with the smallest tough of his finger. The disc flew out like last time and then began gliding back inwards. It flew past the score posts; past the 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, all the way toward the 50, and unlike last time it flew straight and true through the ring. The scoreboard lit up, declaring game out and WINNER beside his name. Killian let out a sound like wounded animal while Roy pumped his own arms in the air, and then he remembered why he had tried such a gusty move in the first place.

As with most things in his life; it was to impress a pretty woman.

"Reset the game, Jorgio. I believe I owe this fine lady a match. Royston Havarush Magnus Basillie the Fourth, at your service."

He held out his upturned open hand with every intent of taking hers and kissing it, as was the proper procedure of a well mannered prince such as himself.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

Oh my, but this was interesting. Royston wasn't a familiar name to Rai'faani, but Basillie certainly was. With the name Basillie in Galaval Court, he'd be a member of the royal family. Not in the immediate line of succession, otherwise she'd know of him for certain, but possibly a Duke? Maybe even a younger Prince?

Now that was a fancy.

The expecting hand was also an Onderonian custom. It had made for a few awkward moments when Rai first worked on the planet in the trade ministry, but she'd since warmed to the role reversal. Besides, her sporting royal had supple lips. A kiss wouldn't be a hardship. She gave him her hand.

"Rai'faani Netaalli Taurrifar Meorrrei."

His lips pressed to the back of her hand, giving the Meorrrei Baroness a closer distance to catch an understated fragrance he wore.Even in the pique of light athletic exertion, Royston was a pleasure to look at. Fit, good skin, a haircut that somehow left not a strand out of place despite the appealing sheen of sweat that never threatened to coalesce to a trickle.

Looking also wasn't a hardship, but that still wasn't why she was here.

"jYou have a keen arrm. jIt'ss harrd to manage both rreach and fjinessse at the ssame tjime."

Unshouldering her bag, Rai'faani began to limber up.

"Would jyou carre to make the match jinterresstjing?" she asked with a broadening smile, removing her sunglasses to be set aside.

[Royston Basillie]

He felt her eyes looking, and it made him just enough self conscious in the moment that the second she was turned away he wiped his face down, made sure his hair was in place, and adjusted the hang of his rolled up sleeves; although ultimately it became a half hearted effort as his attention was drawn back to her, watching her form as she stretched. With every movement a few more stripes would slip into view, and he found himself wondering if they went all the way down.

"Thank you."

She complimented his play, and it took everything he had to keep himself from blushing. He could feel it coming, warming his ears, but he distracted himself by selecting a new disc from the rack. It was all the more distressing for him as he rarely got compliments from strangers, and her praise was poorly placed; and he knew it. That throw had been a complete gamble. It could just as easily gone sour and she would be playing against Killian right now; an outcome the lad would not let Roy forget anytime soon.

"What did you have in mind?"

With his smile still on display, he rotated a disc between his hands absently. He was trying to remember where he had heard that surname. Meorrrei. It played at the tendrils of a long forgotten memory buried deep within his psyche. Too thin and flimsy to ever get ahold of. Surely she was not royalty herself? That would take this encounter to an entirely different level.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

This was a bit of a gamble, the preamble to the actual gambling. What wager would be more than a trifle, but less than a hardship to a middling royal? Too low, and she'd insult his sensibility and waste his time. Too high, and a loss could cause resentment, or affect his allowances.

"Fjive thoussand forr the match?"

Her ears raised slightly, awaiting his decision.

[Royston Basillie]

He hesitated only for a moment, just long enough to think about her offer. It was much higher than he had expected. Five thousand, for a single game of Ringer. He had more than the funds to cover that. In fact, his father had recently increased his allowance. Something about being proud of him finally getting a real job working in the Senator's office and improving himself and his relationship with his constituents. However, not everyone was a wealthy Duke to be with golden parachutes coming out their ears. This was a nice park in a wealthy district, but that did not mean that everyone who played here was royalty with a bag of rubies in their pockets.

Killian could not even afford that slick Palpatine-Youth hair cut he was sporting, much less a five thousand credit bet.

That meant this woman had money, had connections, had something she was holding in reserve. More than just a pretty face. True, she be like him and just be born into money. That was still something. Money was money, even if you did not earn it. Not as fun, in his opinion. There was a certain extra tactile joy from knowing you had generated wealth yourself. He had spent years trying to accomplish just that, to fairly tangible failure. Never a bad idea, only a bad outcome.

"Five thousand, is that all? Very well. Would you like the first pitch, Rai'faani?"

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"Alwajyss." Rai'faani's smile was clean confidence. "jI prreferr to sset the terrmss."

Her disc satchel opened with a wave of her hand, and she thumbed through a stack of a half dozen different-shaded discs. Drawing one with a clear center and a vivid orange band, the heiress spent a moment feeling the disc's weight, flexibility, and contour as she picked her targets. The field of rings in a game of ringer reset after every match, so there was never the chance to sharpen your approach with one guaranteed strategy, but the rough ideas were all still the same. Did you trust yourself to take a longer shot down the course for a higher points gain immediately, or did you try and lock out the more sure bets up close, possibly coming away with a combo?

Rai set aside her satchel, pacing within the shooter's box at the head of the course. Royston's friends were already seated under the pavilion having drinks service, but it was clear that their attention wasn't on their own conversations. They were interested in the match, and from the sound of it, placing their own money on the outcome among themselves.

A slight breeze picked up, cooling against her skin. Rai crouched down to pinch two fingers worth of dirt from the shooter's box, and as she stood she let the dirt go, mindful to see how it fell. She paced the box one more time, pausing when it appeared she'd found her angle. Spreading her feet apart slightly, she let her disc fly, easily scoring the ten point ring, but also the 15 point ring a few meters back and to the left. Her disc caromed off the inside rim, but rebounded to pass through.

Pleased with herself, Rai surrendered the shooter's box to her opponent with a bow that bordered playful and polite, and gestured for the waiter at the pavilion who was handling drinks service.

[Royston Basillie]

"Bravo. An excellent throw."

The words came out delayed, as he suddenly remembered that he was participating and not merely the observer he had almost just resigned himself into being. It was hard to take his eyes off the creature. She seemed to play the part of the delicate heiress seeing the sights of a foreign city while on a trip; and yet the moment that terms were agreed upon and the match started, she shed that soft fur coat and there was a creature of steel beneath. Clearly she was more practiced than he would have given her credit at first glance. Testing the air flow, carefully selecting from a collection of high end discs, and then delivering an almost textbook opening throw. Not a professional, thank the gods, but definitely someone who was used to more competitive sports.

While they tried their level best to embarrass each other, there was rarely a time that him and the boys were actively trying their hardest to win. This was going to require much more effort than he ever wanted to put into it. How droll.

Jorgio had collected up all the discs from the previous game and had them stacked up on a bench. The discs were weathered and beaten from hundreds of hours of play and were hardly as well maintained and professionally milled as the ones being played by Rai'Faani. He had a nice set, back at home, but those were for far fancier social gatherings or the very rare game of honor. Still, he knew these discs quite well. They were worn and broken in. Familiarity was an edge he had, especially playing on his own field. The hoops moved but there was only so many configurations possible. Roy and his friends were very fond of slacking off and day drinking, and thus spent a lot of time on this field. It was a choice better than the hobbies he'd participated in during his more seedier years.

Taking the shooters box he was immediately tempted to shoot high but there was something to be said about working your way up to it. Holkum's text on Gentlemanly Ringer said as much; that the progression up the rings gave for better control and accuracy bred with smaller successes to calm one's nerves. Rotating the disc in his hand he found the familiar groove worn in it from a thousands pitches that he could dig his fingertip into and, with a cock of his arm, he let the disc fly, and it sailed straight through the 30 point ring. It was not as impressive a throw as Rai'faani's, but it was a quick, straight forward ring to get the points evened out in his favor. The angle of the hoop had offered some challenge, but curving in a disc was his strongest suit. A straight shot, he found, was far more difficult.

Turning he gave a slight bow of his head and wide gesture of his hands to simulate the end of his turn and surrender of the box.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

The moments with Royston's attention focused on the rings allowed Rai'faani to keep unfettered attention on him. He had a fit physique without looking overly-so. The sharpness of his features combined with the aristocratic posture and demeanor that suited a man of his station. For someone so accustomed to having whatever and whoever she wanted, there was something so appealingly rare about this specimen in front of her. It would be easy to be distracted, save for a larger understanding of why she was here. But as long as she didn't lose sight of that, why not entertain an indulgence?

Rai sipped her drink, and noticed the attention of the other well-birthed gentlemen wasn't so much on the man in the shooter's box, but was instead on her. She paid them a glance only, her expression polite but not engaged. Her mother's lessons on Taltimant seemed absurdly on point. When hunting game, focus on the one you want in the herd, and don't get distracted on the ones who are simply there.

Royston's form and technique were every bit as good as her own, but he also didn't expose himself to more risk than he should. He too played for the best points he could near-certainly take. Taking the thirty point ring was the best value for a single shot currently on the field, given the chance to net points, leaving Rai'faani to play at a slight deficit.

They continued to trade rounds. She took 25 points, he took 20. He took 40, she took 35. In a virtual dead heat, Rai mopped up the easy five points at the fore of the field, almost as a dare to see where Royston would play next, given the two choices. 45 was easier to hit, but taking 50 would put the game out of reach. If the field ended in a tie, the win went to whoever took the largest ring.

It was a good moment to step back from the precipice, and Rai again gestured for drinks service. A Namana Buck was a drink better suited for refreshment than intoxication, allowing a pleasant respite and a chance to gauge the situation.

"jI ssee jI wassn't able to wajit jyou out. jYou plajy qujite carrefulljy, jyourr Grrace?" she ventured, curious how close to the mark her estimation was. He'd played coy in their introduction. She wanted to take his full measure.

[Royston Basillie]

"I prefer to employ just the right amount of calculated risk. Not so much that it becomes boring, sterile, but also not so emotional that I risk unforgiveable self destruction. And please, Royston will do."

It did him in every time he was referred to by his royal title in any capacity. He never let it get to him but there was something all together dehumanizing about having one's entire worth be placed exclusively on their biological connections. His father was a Prince and a Duke, and that naturally made him a Prince and a future Duke. He had done nothing to achieve that status save for being born to it. His own attempts are self sufficiency and fame had not gone the way he had hoped. The whole situation was... infuriating. That was the pleasure of the Ringer pit, here they were almost equals and what he won was because of his own skill and practice. It also allowed for day drinking and goofing off with his friends, which if that was a part of academia then perhaps he would have studied more.

"You are doing very well yourself, Rai'faani. Strong. Confident. Like Queen Galia going to war."

There was a fierceness in her eye, right as she threw her pitches. If he did not know better he would think the rings and discs were conspiring together for fear of disappointing her. It was certainly a breath of fresh air to complete against an unknown, and one that was capable of keeping up with him. Killain and the others were great for a laugh and companionship, but he was quite sure they let him win more times than not for fear of falling out of his good graces, and away from his purse strings. Not this creature. She dominated the scene. Everyone was looking at her. He'd never had that sort of draw, not even while sprinkling credits from both hands. It piqued his interest. He wanted to know just what created a person like this, and how this magnetism could be replicated.

For that to happen he would need another gambit. Winning the game was his way in. Losing gracefully may have been a tact for gentleman of old. It would not be sufficient this time. Taking his disc he walked back upon the pitch. He took even more time now, feeling the disc for the best hand position. Feeling for the breeze, thinking back on hundreds of pitches on this field. A tie was not going to cut it. A few locks had fallen and were stuck to his perspired brow. A quick flip of his finger smoothed them back into place. He needed all of his vision for this. Eye on the ring. Don't look where you are walking, where you hands are. Breath in. Hold. Step. Step. Throw! The disc sailed, sweeping out wide. Passing by numerous other rings before curling in. The throw was solid. No wobble. He didn't take his eyes off the ring until the disc passed through it uninterrupted and skipped out the other side. 50 points.

Letting out the mother of all held breaths he turned and composed himself, pulling his tunic down and planning out his next moves and words as he walked back to where she was waiting; a friendly grin on his full lips.

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"Magnjifjicent plajy." Rai praised her opponent without fawning, knowing that he'd sealed the match with that shot. She twirled the disc she'd intended to use for her turn if he'd played a safer track, and surrendered it from her grasp, letting it fall to the grass below as a symbol of capitulation. A small gesture summoned the grounds staff with her satchel, and she drew a blank datachit, which she authorized for her wager without a second thought.

"That sshot'ss djiffjicult to make once, let alone two matchess jin a rrow. Lookss ljike jI've djisspelled luck asss the culprrjit."

She offered Royston's winnings to him as her tail flipped in what seemed to be a mood that was anything but perturbed over the outcome.


"Would jit be forrwarrd of me to sset the terrmss of mjy ssurrrenderr afterr the fact? jI could usse ssome asssjisstance jin ssalvjing the sstjing of defeat."

She glanced briefly over her shoulder at Royston's friends, and a little smile formed.

"jI'd jinvjite them alsso, but that would be unkjind of me. jIf jyou came wjith me, jI'm afrrajid thejy jusst couldn't hold mjy attentjion."

[Royston Basillie]

There was something to the way she spoke, the way she played with words. He knew there was a game being played and he knew they were pieces but the board and win condition remained elusive. It was the way his father spoke. It was very political, with an almost military edge to it with her choice of words. Just who was this woman? Should he ever find a moment alone he would have to search for her on the holonet, if even to just find an edge to fight his way back into the conversation. His prepared invite to dinner as reparation in lieu of the credits was blown from the sky before he could even begin to form the first word, and already she maneuvered to a similar end in her own way. Royston was no fool. Out of his league, perhaps. However, he knew that there was more going on here and was wary of just what outcome she was aiming for.

He was used to being the one in charge of the situation. The sapping of power in this dynamic was unsettling yet almost relieving. It was exhausting to always be in the spotlight.

"I am your humble servant, my lady." He replied, his smile persisting through it all. Looking over his shoulder at Killian and the others he jerked his head to the side and pointed his eyes. They got the signal. They were used to being dismissed suddenly. Rai'faani would not be the first woman to stumble across the Ringer field to investigate the fledgling prince. They did play a lot worse.

"Defeat can be so debilitating on an empty stomach; perhaps dinner would be the first step toward recovery?"

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"Verrjy grracjious." Rai slightly canted her head with a smile. "Hopefulljy jI can make a betterr jimprresssjion once jI have mjy sstrrength back."

There was something appealingly perverse about playing the opposite role, and the Baroness contentedly let her royal companion take the lead.

"jI haven't been on Onderron jin two cjycless, jI trrusst jyou know of a place that'ss ssujitabljy jin fassjion forr a vjictorr to take hjiss sspojilss?"

[Royston Basillie]

"The Raskjivan." He replied with a snap of his finger, an answer preloaded and waiting to fire. It was, after all, one of his favorite haunts. Being positioned just down the street from the Congressional offices meant it was often the place for luxurious meetings of politicians, which naturally attracted many other moves and shakers within the city. It was not an exclusive establishment, but there were certainly areas of it that were.

"Great food, and even better wine. From King Targon's own vineyard, they say." He made a wavering motion with his hand to imply a varying vagueness, "Two thousand years old. I'm afraid historical records can be uncertain in Iziz. Too many civil wars and insurrections."

History had been one of the few subjects to catch his attention as a child. Onderon had a steeped and very dark history that was so drowned in blood that it would be impossible to ever dry it out; and no one even bothered. Instead it was paved over so the new generation could live without looking back. However, every now and then a brick in the wall would come loose and it would be another thousand years of cruel dictators or Sith cults until another civil war reset them back to zero. It was the Onderon way, after all. At least they no longer had to contend with the Beast Riders. Just those disgusting Mandalorians.

Motioning once again, but this time toward his speeder and waiting driver, and offered her his other arm. "Come, let us begin the healing process."

Leading her toward the speeder he kept a civil pace despite the excitement in his soul. Rask, his driver, had the doors opened for them before they even arrived, and Roy helped his new lovely companion in before turning to Rask and instructing him to call ahead and get them a table at the Raskjivan, and he particularly stressed that he wanted the balcony table. There would still be sunlight for some time and the view is magnificent. It could not be missed. Slipping in to the speeder he took his position beside Rai'faani on the Corellian leather seats.

"You've been here before, you say. What do you think of the City?"

[Rai'faani Meorrrei]

"jI know of jit," Rai commented on Royston's venue choice. "Loveljy."

In her first travels as an expatriate, Rai had longed for something familiar. For lack of a Cizeri aesthetic, she could at least find solace in something opulent. That Royston had suggested trodden ground wasn't a disappointment. It was familiar, but still foreign. A happy medium.

He then probed her on her past experience on Onderon.

"jI wass lasst herre sseverral cjycless ago asss a trrade envojy frrom Carshoulis. At fjirrsst jI hated jit, orr morre to the pojint jI hated bejing awajy frrom home." She grinned, "But jI found enough charrm durrjing mjy two jyearr posstjing to be prroven wrrong. jIt'ss the juxtapossjitjion between the old orrderr and the wjild. We've long-ssjince tamed anjythjing dangerrous on Carshoulis. jI can apprrecjiate the rrjissk and the rrewarrd."