Scar
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Post by Scar on Oct 28, 2019 18:38:08 GMT -8
Zalam looks at Metis as she makes her gestures and sound effects. She didn't let the past, the slavery origins she had, get to her, but the master within him made him somewhat... uncertain. She was underestimating the power at her disposal, the potential she had! The technique of Force Lightning was something that no joke should be made about. Nonetheless, Zalam enjoyed the sight because it was something refreshing after four hours of financial work. But, as Lord Ghaz, he had to reprimand her.
As much as I know you would like such a scene, Metis, you should be careful.
The Cathar draws up to his desk, putting his hand on the surface to lean down and look directly at her.
The power you mock is something great and powerful. It is something not be underestimated nor joked about so easily.
His voice had turned cold as Zalam changed, before her eyes, into Lord Ghaz, her mentor. The air around her became more pressured by his presence. The room even darker slightly from his force presence before her, yet dissipated after he rebuked his apprentice. Metis may be a skilled smuggler, but she still had a ways to go before she was more skilled as a force user. The male then turns to the side, taking the position she once took, at his desk, since the Twi'lek occupied his seat. Zalam looks down at her, an eyebrow raised.
You really are something though... you know that?
Now, Zalam was back to himself, leaving the persona of Ghaz. A grin on his face.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Oct 28, 2019 19:09:32 GMT -8
Metis shrank a bit in the seat as Zalam- No, Lord Ghaz loomed over her. Her feet slid of the table and her hands lowered down. She looked him in his blue eyes, usually with a spark in them, now seemed icy and cold. The woman tried to maintain eye contact, tried to be defiant and brave, but couldn't and turned her gaze from him to the table. For the first time this meeting a frown formed on her face. As she spoke, her voice lost the song and enthusiasm that had been their before.
Yes, of course, Master. I'll avoid making light of it in the future.
Just as Zalam had changed in to Lord Ghaz, Metis the partying smuggler turned into Metis the dark side student who hadn't begun to grasp the true meaning of the power she possessed. And that frightened her. But as he came back around the table, and the horrible chilling presence left, she looked up and saw his smile again. And just as the room brightened, so did she. A smile back on her face.
You know, sitting here, I get why you work for hours and hours. This is one comfortable nurfing chair! With that she kicked off from the floor and let it spin around a couple times before stopping herself.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Oct 28, 2019 19:24:02 GMT -8
It was in that moment that anyone would understand why Zalam, as Lord Ghaz, was the undisputed leader of the Cabal. His lieutenants stayed in line and ensured those below them followed their orders. Ghaz may not be a full fledged Sith nor Dark Jedi, but he was still a man who had a handle on his abilities. A holocron, his most prized possession, gave him lessons, spoken by an unknown Sith of old. Still, the darkness that was Ghaz was enough to make the Cabal bow their heads and follow his orders. Metis was still understanding of everything, so Ghaz could see why she mocked the power. After all, she had yet to fully understand and utilize it. Once she did, the mentor knew she would not think of underestimating it again.
Zalam watched as Metis twirled around his chair. The Cathar walks over, putting his hands on the back of the chair as she stopped herself.
Had it specially made. Corellian leather is... very comfortable as you can tell. Zalam, the Finance Chief, must have the right chair in order to do his work. If I had anything else, space above, I wouldn't be able to focus and likely grow bored of work.
Zalam pats the top of the chair, moving away to a cabinet. He opens it up, pulling out a bottle of liquor, likely some sort of whiskey which was what Zalam enjoyed to drink. A glass was poured and he quickly downed it. The male then turns to look at Metis.
You know... I may not wanna dance out there, I doubt you could ever convince me to humiliate myself out there before all those people, but we always dance here sometime. At least here, I won't make Zalam a fool. But, then people will really think you are trying to con money out of me.
The Cathar chuckles as he turns to look at Metis, crossing his arms slightly.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Oct 28, 2019 19:38:08 GMT -8
Chuckalling brightly, the Twi'lek stands to look at him, holding arms out in a shrug and shaking her head. One of these days I'll get you to crack and enjoy the finer things in life. She turns and walks back over to the window, looking down. She could spot her crew, still dancing, each seemed to have snagged a patron that would be shown the time of their lives later tonight. The music is so muffled in here, though, I can't feel the beat inside me. Bumping like another heartbeat. She sighed and once more turned back to Scar. A mischivious smile formed on her face as she looked the half-Cathar over. I could... uh... teach you. So that you don't 'humiliate' yourself. You know, show you some moves.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Oct 28, 2019 19:47:09 GMT -8
Zalam's eyebrow raised once more, watching as Metis gave off yet another one of her smiles.
You forget who owns this place. The music can... easily be transferred up here and made readily available. If its another heartbeat you need, you only ask, Metis. After all... I have power over the Cabal and I have the power over this fine establishment of ours.
Slowly, the half-Cathar makes his way over to the Twi'lek. His raised eyebrow giving off the hint of interest by her offering to teach him something.
Well well... I am the master of the Force to you, but you want to be the master of Dance to me?
Within the right distance, Zalam stops and lets out a curious and masculine purr.
How very bold of you, Metis. And as we know in the business, 'Fortune favors the Bold.'
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Oct 28, 2019 20:09:13 GMT -8
Cocking her head to one side, Metis, had seen this look in Zalam's eye before. That was his hunter instinct. He wanted something and now he was coming for it. Metis turned around so that her back was to him. Reaching out to the control panel next to the window, she used the Force to turn on the speaker system to the office, allowing the music from the bar to fill the room the were now in. She reached behind herself and brought Zalam in close so that they were touching. Then she started to move her hips and to the beat of the music, as she let herself once more feel the music. Now, feel the beat, and move your hips with mine. She then took his hands and and put them on her waist. She gave a glance behind at the crime lord as she bit her lower lip, then looking down coyly she started moving more of her body to the rhythm of the music. Just let yourself feel it. Like you always say with the Force. Let it move you, don't try and force anything listen to it and feel it. Feel how I move. Move in a complementary way.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Oct 28, 2019 20:31:51 GMT -8
Zalam watches everything unfold as the music floods his office and Metis brings him closer to her. Their two persons touched as she took the lead, moving her body first, and going onto to instruct him how to follow. For a moment, the male remained still, but as she looked behind at him, she would notice his eyes closing. The rhythm of the music, let yourself feel it like the Force, let it move him and compliment her moves. Slowly his hands formed to touch her hips, his body slowly beginning to move with Metis. Zalam could feel the heartbeat of the music influencing his body and her body movements influencing his moves. It seemed this was easier to catch on than teaching the Force.
However, as the movements really got into full swing, a rapid beeping went off to the right of Metis and Zalam. A sudden growl emitted from his lips as his left arm firmly grips around her waist before the right arm lifts up. His comlink going off at the most inopportune moment! Damn them, thought the half-Cathar, this better be worth it! The comlink opens the channel as a voice distorter activates.
Yes?! What in spacer's name do you want??
=Ghaz's Lieutenant= S-Sorry, my Lord Ghaz, but I was told to remind you of the meeting. The one at-
I know what time it is! And you called me two hours before it begins! Next time, I will dock pay for disrupting me!
=Ghaz's Lieutenant= Y-Yes, Lord Ghaz! Forgive me! I-I will go ahead and begin gathering the others!
The channel ended after that. Metis could feel his arm, around her waist, felt tense and slightly irritated. The fur on his arm standing up slightly as Zalam gritted his teeth, letting out a low growl. Idiots, thought the male, bunch of fools who think I don't know my own schedule. He continues standing there, keeping the two of them where they were.
... Seems I, nor we, can't get a moment's worth of peace. Wouldn't you agree, Metis? Sometimes, I wonder if I should just kill them all and assure myself a weeks worth of peace before elevating a cadre of more capable successors.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Oct 28, 2019 21:17:34 GMT -8
Metis let out a small laugh at Zalam's out burst. She turned around, not moving from the spot, simply rotating to face the male. The Twi'lek brought her hands up to his face and stroked his fur covered cheek. Her smile was one of contemplative amusement. She raised herself to her tip toes and whispered in his ear with a breathless voice. Another tip: Always leave them wanting more! She then took hold of his hand that was still on her waist and in a flawless motion spun herself out and away from him, more like a ballroom dance than that of a club. Still holding his hand, like a lady, she bowed and kissed his fur covered hand. Thank you for dance with me. She said in a soft and gentle voice. A broad and joy filled smile was on her face, eyes shining and all. She rose up from her bow and allowed his hand to drop. She then sashayed over to the control panel and turned the music back down. Perhaps you'd get a couple moments peace. But we both know you'd go crazy from all the work that wouldn't be getting done. Then in a mock whisper she held her hand up to her mouth, playing it up. And between you and me, I've seen what the next in line are after these. They ain't ready for aaaaaanything. Returning to her normal cheery voice, she added. Besides, sounds like someone needs to get changed and be all sinister and scary.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Oct 29, 2019 20:01:24 GMT -8
All Zalam could do was simply smile at Metis as she gracefully moved away and even kissed his hand. It was... something different. He was not as heartless nor as cold as Sith are. There was still a human side to Zalam, which is why this persona existed and was separate from that of Lord Ghaz. He waited till she was done speaking before the Cathar turned away, reaching forward to touch a panel above his desk. The panel opened, revealing an intricate, metal mask. The face of Lord Ghaz, depicting a fearsome creature, lost to history and time itself.
Perhaps... you are right. The successors aren't ready to perform the duties of their superiors.
Slowly, the mask encompasses the face of the Cathar. A button was clicked beneath the mask's chin as the voice distorter turned on.
... at least, for now.
His voice said in a cold, metallic tone, due to the distorter. The mask turns to look directly at Metis. Its dark slits gazing directly at the female apprentice. This had been the mask that greeted Metis the first time she ever got the chance to meet Lord Ghaz. And it was this face that trained her in the ways of the Dark Side.
You are welcomed to leave the office the way you came or take the secret passage from this room. Nonetheless, you have to be ready for the same meeting, Metis.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Oct 29, 2019 20:21:45 GMT -8
She always hated that mask. Metis knew it's purpose and agreed that it was needed, but she still hated it. Perhaps it was the fact that it hid the kind natured Zalam and turned him into the monster Lord Ghaz. Whatever the reason, she always shivered when he looked at her in it. And today was no different. The woman thought about taking the secret way, but it would seem odd to some if she never reemerged from the back room. She'd also need to be sure to let her girls know not to wait up for her. Turning away from the mask she walked towards the door. Once she was sure Lord Ghaz wouldn't be seen by anyone waiting outside, she opened the door and slipped out. One last sad look at the man she knew was Zalam, but wasn't right now.
Making her way across the dance floor she spotted her co-pilot and gave the subtle lekku signal that she had a meeting with Ghaz, and not to wait up. The reply came confirming, that the message hand been received and to be careful. Making her way back to her ship, Metis got a black leather jacket to cover her upper half, and her blaster belt, from which hung a DL-44 and a lightsaber. She unclipped the saber and stored it in her jacket pocket, out of sight. She checked the charge on her blaster and then headed out to the meeting that she'd be attending.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Oct 30, 2019 18:16:06 GMT -8
Lord Ghaz descended from his office, ensuring it looked like Zalam was still within his office. He walked down the secret passage, winding down a tunnel towards the operations below the cantina. His mind reflected the expression of Metis as the mask appeared and covered his face. Metis may not like it, but it was necessary to keep his identity hidden for now. Maybe, one day, Zalam would be more public about himself, but not right now. At the foot of the passage, the male finds his black cloak which is wrapped around his person before proceeding further.
Lord Ghaz entered the conference room, ahead of the meeting. The half-Cathar sat within the shadows, keeping himself hidden for now. Ghaz heard a hiss open though, causing him to look up and see the door open as Metis arrived next. A soft pat was heard, indicating for her to sit.
Come, apprentice, and take your seat. We probably only have a few minutes before the others arrive.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Oct 30, 2019 18:28:46 GMT -8
Metis jumped a bit, as she had felt Ghaz's presence, but had overlooked him initially upon entering the room. I'm going to have to brighten up that cloak... She whispered as she approached at took a seat beside her master. He was right, the pair always arrived early and soon others would be arriving. Some where friends to Metis, but others where jealous of either her skills, looks, or relationship with their leader. Sometimes all three, but she had never had real trouble from them before, they feared her and Ghaz too much to make any moves. It just made meetings awkward. Only glancing at Ghaz, for her fear and dislike of the mask, Metis awaited his next instructions, if he had any for the meeting.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Oct 31, 2019 7:22:36 GMT -8
Ghaz looks at Metis curiously. Beneath the mask, his eyebrow would be raised slightly.
Maybe an emblem one day. How does that sound?
Ghaz says through his mask, looking away for a moment. His mind occupied with the thoughts of the meeting to come. It was mostly to concern the upcoming acquisition of the Cabal's shadowport vessel and the necessary steps towards it. The half-Cathar could only hope his lieutenants, the men and women he trusted with this position, were doing their job to the letter. Those who fell behind would not be given the option of a second chance.
Later, we shall talk once more, Metis.
Ghaz replies, looking once more at her before hearing steps approaching.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Oct 31, 2019 19:24:35 GMT -8
Metis nods to Ghaz in understanding as she also heard the door hiss open. Ugh, it was the Aqualish. He always tried to get 'too' friendly with Metis. And sithspit, the seat next to her was open and he took it. The tusked being wasn't even subtle about checking her out. The woman rolled her eyes at him as more filed into the room. She waved and smiled at some, but others ignored her and she them. Soon enough all the lieutenants were present.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Nov 1, 2019 21:03:49 GMT -8
Seats moved slightly as the lieutenants took their respective spots. All of these men and women, of various cultural and social backgrounds, were the known as the Third Circle, indicating the number of times the sub-leaders of the Cabal had been altered. Only one member had lived through all three circles and he stood close to Lord Ghaz. A ruthless Trandoshan, by the name of Rokk, who had joined the Cabal early on. The others had been here since the Second Circle or recently joined with the formation of the Third. Only Rokk and Metis had the boldness to stare at the masked face of Lord Ghaz while the remainder kept their gazes to the table.
How goes the work in finding a proper vessel for our operation?
Lord Ghaz speaks through the voice distorter. Some glances were made before Rokk stood up and spoke first.
=Rokk= We hasss identified the planet of Geonosssisss as a prime location. Reportsss of recent activity in the area makesss usss hopeful of a prize awaiting usss there. At leassst a Providence-classs Carrier or a Lucrehulk to servess our causse.
Lord Ghaz nods his head, acknowledging the Trandoshan.
What of the funds, favors, and manpower?
The questions and answers went back and forth as all were appraised of their situation. The Cabal would be expending much of its built up resources for this shot at a mobile shadowport. But the invest would certainly yield a greater gain. A gain that would make the Cabal far more rich than before.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Nov 1, 2019 23:01:24 GMT -8
Metis had put forth the effort to befriend Rokk. But the Trandoshan saw her only as a threat and on many occasions responded to her friendliness with thinly veiled threats. But she smiled at the reptile as he reported that a pair of ships seemed to be in reach of the Cabal to get their hands on. She then sat and listened as the others spotted off their reports like the good little monkey-lizards that they were. When it came to her turn she gave her report, a pretty good haul from spice and gun running for a Corusant slum lord, seemed they had something they were gearing up for, but the Twi'lek had opted not to ask. This part of the meeting always bored her, though with a clear goal in mind, she seemed slightly more attentive.
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Nov 5, 2019 13:47:11 GMT -8
The meeting came at a conclusion soon enough. The target, in question, would be leftover ships detected over the planet of Geonosis. Smugglers, acting as scouts for the Cabal, had noticed a great number of vessels left by a previous faction. They had found a number of worthy choices, but it all came down to a Lucrehulk within orbit. However, the smugglers did detect electronic activity, which likely meant the presence of an automated defense system. More scouting would be required, but it would save on the money needed to acquire the ship via a trade offer. With that concluded, the meeting adjourned, but Ghaz remained in the conference room.
Slowly, he reaches up and removes the mask, turning off the voice distorter. Scar gazes at the mask quietly before glancing at Metis.
You don't like this mask, do you? I saw your reaction when I turned into Lord Ghaz.
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Nov 5, 2019 14:13:10 GMT -8
After waving bye to the last of her friends to leave, Metis gave one last smug grin to Rokk before he left before returning her attention to her master. She seemed to physically untense when the mask was removed. Seeing Zalam's face again seemed to brighten her mood too. But then he called her out on it. On how she reacted to the mask and to Lord Ghaz. She looked down, ashamed. It wasn't that she was ashamed of her opinion, but that she got caught.
It's just- well, you- It's hard to explain. Because I know the Mask has it's reasons and purposes, but it fills the room with such doom and gloom. And it fills you with the same...
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Scar
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Post by Scar on Nov 11, 2019 20:25:57 GMT -8
Zalam listens to the words of Metis, looking away from her to gaze at the dark mask that made him into Lord Ghaz. His fingers lightly drum on the metallic artifact before it is placed down beside him, out of view from his apprentice. Suddenly, Zalam turns to the side and lays his head on the Twi'lek's lap. A bold move, especially for him, but seeing as the meeting was over, the half-Cathar could relax and let his mind be at ease.
He is the dreaded and undisputed leader, Metis... and I want him to remain as such for awhile longer. These lieutenants I have, they can't be fully trusted with the work I do. One day though, I will make the perfect cabinet of commanders and the Cabal will certainly soar.
His hands extend upward as if seeking to grasp this dream, but only grabbed empty air. Slowly, his arms lower as Zalam looks at Metis.
When that day comes... I will cast off the mask. It will become a trophy of the early days. Lord Ghaz and Zalam will merge together into one person, but without the mask to hide my face. And upon that day, Metis, I know you won't feel that doom and gloom you speak of.
Zalam exhales slightly, hoping that day would come soon. He grew tired of ineffective minions. Once more though, his eyes return to the Twi'lek apprentice. She was much different than other apprentices as the female kept her bright mood and optimistic attitude about her.
Is that an acceptable explanation for you, Metis? Can you tolerate it for a bit longer?
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Metis Daru
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Post by Metis Daru on Nov 11, 2019 20:40:45 GMT -8
Metis wasn't too surprised when Zalam laid his head on her lap. This wasn't even the most forward thing that had happened in the past hour to her, especially with that Aqualish sitting next to her the whole meeting. Handsy little git. Though with a couple broken fingers now. As the half-Cathar spoke, Metis began to absentmindedly play with his hear, using her nails to massage his scalp. She listened to what he had to say. And she nodded, smile on her face.
I suppose I can wait it out.
But it made her nervous. She didn't show it, but the thought of Lord Ghaz and Zalam becoming 'one' wasn't entirely what she was hoping for. She feared how it would changer her friend, Zalam. But nothing on her face betrayed these personal fears. Her hands continued to brush through the mane like hair on his head.
So, back to the club?
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