An unseen smile came over Revan's face behind his ebony mask. "I am sure you are." He felt the woman's anxiety when he caught up to the two. "You have quite the strong aura about you. I am sure you will be a worthy addition the the vast Empire." Revan turned his venomous gaze to the Falleen Captain. "Gien is it? It is good to meet the recruitment officer."

A sneer befalls the dark haired woman's face as the Sub Commander states that he's sure she is charmed to meet him. Her head turns a bit so she can roll her eyes; then she plants a cordial smile upon her lips upon looking back at the man. His declaration that there's a strong aura about her causes the woman's thin, dark brows to knit ever so slightly.

"You assume that I've already confirmed joining your Empire, Sir. Hasn't your mother ever told you that its not wise to assume?"

A spark twinkles in her dark eye as she wrinkles her button nose gently as soon as her words have been spoken. A light toss of her head sends a few errant whisps of hair away from her brows and she slides herself into one of the available seats at the table.

Figuring she may as well make herself a bit comfortable, she takes the liberty of doing just that by propping her booted feet up on the seat of the chair position directly across from her. She eyes the two .. the Sub Commander and the Falleen Captain, idly wondering if some sort of pissing contest is about to begin. The tension lingering in the air seems to be growing thicker, which actually makes Syren chuckle. Another thought created the humor in her mind, the thought that she just might pipe up and place a bet as to whom is going to win the pissing contest in the even that the two get it started.

Whatever Syren had been expecting, Myra was not it.

The Secretary of the Imperial Royal Palace was gorgeous, strikingly beautiful, with long, black hair and a trim figure. She wore a short black cloak over black thinskins and calf boots, with a belt of pebbly black leather slung low over her hips. If she had a weapon Syren couldn't spot it. She moved with the grace of a professional dancer.

She stood across from Syren and the two BDE officers and smiled. When she spoke, Myra's voice was cool and even: "The High Regent, Sully Anre, will see you now."

Myra was direct and to the point toward the Force user. She had dealt with being the diplomat on many occasions and she knew the game well. There needed to be some ritual circling, a few feints, a bit of misdirection. One did not leap from a high cliff into unknown waters; there could be dangerous things lurking just under the surface. It was a good idea to probe carefully first. Myra didn't know much about this icy brunette, what her status was in the past, what her goals were, what she wanted from those she dealt with.

The Drhazi Dameun Royal Guards stepped aside as the heavy double-doors opened, revealing the exquisite, spacious office of the High Regent of the Black Tion Cluster. High Regent Anre was standing to the side of his desk pouring himself a glass of Wyvern's Reserve, as he eyed the brunette and lastly to his men who accompanied her.

"Welcome to Argai, Syren," he chimed, flashing a half-smile. "Care for some refreshment?" He nodded toward several pairs of plush seats and a large conference table.

Myra stepped aside as Sully leaned against his desk and took a sip of his glass.

"I hope your flight was pleasant..."

Well, at least Sully knew how to play this game. It had been a while since he had an occasion to sit and chat with another woman, being all around all these subordinates lately. They would have drinks, they would dance their diplomatic dance, and eventually work their way to matters of substance. Like a game of sabbacc, it was wiser to keep your hand hidden until you had some knowledge of the other players...

As the two men seemed to be holding their gazes upon each other, Syren busied herself with looking around from where she sat. It's a nice enough looking place and all the amenities one could dream of seem to be within reach. At least, this is what she thinks to herself.

As the other female entered and took a position near the men, Syren rose and nodded once to her. If Syren had been expecting anything other than what the woman presented herself as, it didn't show. In truth, Syren probably expected nothing less than what she saw.

Informed that the High Regent would see her now, Syren's thin dark brow lofted slightly and she flashed a cordial smile to the two men then followed the other woman into the elaborately decorated office.


"Welcome to Argai, Syren," he chimed, flashing a half-smile. "Care for some refreshment?" He nodded toward several pairs of plush seats and a large conference table.

"Thank you, High Regent." she returned, allowing a small smile of her own to appear right as she turned her eyes to the plush seats indicated by the man's gesture. 'Oh he's a charming one', she thinks to herself as she strolls over to one of the chairs near the end of the table that is nearest to the door and pulls it out, taking a seat.

Her legs are crossed, right over the left knee and an elbow is propped against one of the armrests. Dark eyes settle upon the enigmatic man poised so leisurely against the side of his desk.

"No, thank you. I enjoyed a drink with the Falleen Captain not too long ago.

"As for the flight ... it was pleasant enough."

Syren, normally fiesty and restless, rises fluidly from the seat she had just taken and casually strolls around the office some; looking at the artwork on the walls, oods and ends scattered about here and there.

She folds her arms beneath her chest and spins around on her heels, slowly, methodically; until her eyes settle upon the High Regent's once again.

"I do appreciate a good, rousing game of cat and mouse, High Regent. However, I do not like to waste time - particularly my time. So, if you'll forgive me for being so bold - might we get down to business?"

She too, likes to see what can be learned from another. Observation, tactics, speech, body language - it's all a part of the game. It's never wise to show ones hand right off the bat, but there are rare times when its necessary to do as such. Diplomacy has never been one of Syren's strong suits. At least, she doesn't feel it has been. Others may argue, but it's a moot point.

High Regent Anre observed with a critical eye, as the brunette expressed her concerns about addressing the matter at hand. He was pleased. The young woman standing across from him was every bit as delightful as he had hoped, even more so. Thus far, he planned to speak of trivial things, in generalities in order to get acquainted with this possible new recruit. But since she decided to move things ahead and skip the pleasantries, the next thing was how best to proceed with his courtship, if he could think in such terms.

Sully favored her with a charming smile. "Of course. And you call me Sully, please. We can dispense with titles, now that we have acquainted ourselves." He took another sip of his drink as his subordinates remained quiet and seated.

"Very well," he said, moving forward. "My commander, Gien Schi, had reported to me about you while working on his assignment on Coruscant. I took the liberty of doing a bit of investigating into your history and I find it quite amusing."

He made a deliberate pause. "And to add, it was discovered you are a Force user."

The head of the Tion Cluster rose from the edge of his desk, the glass in his hand. "We in the Black Dragon Empire are very interested in having a person with talents such as yourself to join us. There are very few with skills in the Force that serve with the Dragons. We wish to obtain your services-- if such an offer is possible."

He looked at her again. Beautiful and deadly... according to what he read, a combination he enjoyed. Nobody spoke for a moment, and Sully kept his face bland. He looked at his subordinates again, waited for them to speak.

None did. His eyes flicked back to her and awaited a response.

She never did retake that seat which had been offered to her minutes ago. She's not the type to allow herself to truly relax. She's a restless spirit and has been for so long now that she can't recall what it was which made her this way. Probably doesn't really matter anymore now, does it?

Her dark eyes roved over the seated subordinates, eyeing each one with scrutiny. Had she any thoughts about them, she kept them cloaked deep within her mind. It's only when the High Regent begins to speak again that her eyes sweep from those gathered to the man whom has told her to address him simply as Sully.

Informed that the man has done quite a bit of checking up on her came as no surprise. She expected as much. Really, there's not that much which is publicly known about the woman - save for an area or two of her past. Though, there are deeds in which the public is well aware of. Perhaps she meant for that information to be available to any whom wished to do a bit of digging around if their curiousity - or vengeance - forced it.

"I'm so glad I could amuse you, High Regent.", she stated rather dryly.

Body language can convey so much. It can convey false feelings as well - if one knows just how to properly position themselves. Confidence is one area in which Syren isn't lacking and this is made readily apparent by the way she leans her slender figure back against the wall - the one nearest the door. With her hands folded against the small of her back and her feet crossed at the ankles, she appears to be congenially at ease as well as confident in herself and her abilities.

"Your Commander. He is very easy on the eyes but to be quite frank with you, Sir ... is that the only reason he's been appointed one of your Commanders?"

Her tone might offend the High Regent for the question itself was proposed in a way that may seem condescending at first. The implications were delivered exactly how she planned them to be. Who knows ... perhaps she is conducting her own test on the man casually sipping at his drink.

"And to add, it was discovered you are a Force user."

These words draw a snort from the sultry dark haired woman. She draws in an impatient breath, quirking the corner of her mouth upwards.

"In short, you haven't really learned anything about me then, High Regent. All it would take to deduce the fact that I am a force user is a casual look of my body. I'm sure my sabers would be one of the first things that even the most thick-headed casual observers would take note of."

As the man rises from the edge of his desk, Syren gives a light toss of her pretty little head, shaking away a few errant strands of fine ebony hair from her brows.

"My services come at a price.", she informs the man simply.

Syren watches Sully, noticing the way he keeps glancing at the subordinates as if wanting them to pose an argument or perhaps chime in with some dull but perhaps witty comment.

"You know, High Regent.", she begins as she meets his gaze again; "I see you are enjoying this small game of seduction you have invoked just as much as I am. But ... now is where the true fun begins."

With the grace of a professional dancer, she eases from the wall and saunters closer to the High Regent until face to face to with him. Dark, deadly and mysterious eyes as black as saccloth settle smoothly upon his. Purposefully, she gingerly eases the glass from his hand and lifts it towards her own lips, her gaze never wavering.

"Let's see just how good you are at seduction. Shall we?"

Her right cheekbone lifts as her smile is hidden behind the glass while sipping at its contents, all the while her eyes remain affixed upon Sully's. The glass is lowered slowly and she runs a fingertip around its edge, canting her head gently to the left while looking up to him.

And so it begins ... if he meets or exceeds what she hopes to get out of the deal, her services to the Black Dragon Empire will prove ten fold to be worthy of it all, her loyalty unwavering.

If Sully had any sensuality whatsoever, he could only pretend that he wasn't attracted to her-- as he now tried to do. She had to give him credit; he was not volunteering how he felt. Especially, to one who knew how to spot the signs and attempt to use them to her advantage, as did Syren. And use them she would-- as he observed her fingertip running around the edge of her glass. She was beautiful, for that he did not question.

Anre glanced to his servants and aides and nodded to them; a gesture of dismissal. His subordinates understood clearly and left the High Regent's chambers, leaving only the Drhazi Dameun supersoldiers to guard the double doors. Sully then favored her with his sexiest smile.

"My dear, I see no reason why I should play the game of seduction in order for you to join our Imperium, as I am willing to pay for your services, but it would be to your advantage if you do decide to ally with us," Anre said. "But if you insist, then you should refresh yourself, change clothes, relax a bit before we delve into serious matters."

The High Regent waved a hand and affected a man-of-the-galaxy smile. "As for your lack of a place to stay, such things are easily remedied. I'll have my droid servant show you to your quarters. We have had other visitors from time to time, and a gracious host looks after his company's needs. Perhaps there are a few articles of clothing you might find acceptable in your room. I have pressing business to which I must attend. Refresh yourself and rejoin me for dinner in a couple of hours?"

Sully set down his glass and tapped his wristlink subtly under his sleeve. A sensor there transmitted the motion to a paging device implanted in his HRD servant. The double doors opened, and the bald servant stepped into the room.

"It would honor me if you could stay here in my palace and have dinner with me, Syren. We can talk business then in a more comfortable setting," the High Regent offered, giving his best charming smile. "In time, I believe this will the best choice if you choose to join us."

Sully had hoped his HRD had taken her measurements via his sensors in order to supply her quarters with the most elegant of dresses and garments in her size. He had credits to burn and he had known she was coming. After all, he was just being a considerate host.

But first, would she consider his offer?

She didn't move as the High Regent bestowed a sexy smile to her, which remained as he set his glass down. Dark eyes lingered upon his and she even caught a light whiff of his cologne. Not bad, she mused to herself, finally taking a drink from her own glass.

"I look forward to discussing business with you, High Regent."

The HRD arrived and escorted Syren from the chamber and through the palace, showing her to the guest quarters. "You will find everything you need here, Miss. Should you require anything else, just call and it will be provided for you." With that, the HRD showed himself to the door and left her in peace.

The room was nothing less than what she expected. Spacious, marbled floors, grand. An oversize bed was situated near a window, covered in a rich comforter, burgundy in color and oversized pillows arranged perfectly against the headboard. To the armoir she went, rummaging through the choices of clothing hanging within.

"My, my. Someone has splendid taste." There are those who might be surprised to open an armoir only to find that each article of clothing happens to be the exact size of the one rummaging through it. Syren's been to enough places in the past where the same is true so it comes as no shock to her.

*****
A few hours later ...

After a luxurious bubble bath - a girl has to pamper herself, after all - the HRD arrived at the door. "Miss Wyssholt, I am to escort you to dinner. Please, come with me."

A soft click is heard against the floors of the palace, caused by the heels of her shoes; as Syren is led to the dining room by the HRD. She pauses just outside of the doors to slide a hand down her midriff, smoothing away a few small wrinkles from the dress she's chosen to wear this evening.

Through the doorway in steps a radiant woman. Ebony hair has been upswept and pinned haphazzardly in place, exposing a slender neck and revealing more of her porcelain face. A couple of loosely curled tendrils frame her jawline and tickle the back of her neck, bringing attention to a fine narrow black choker hugging her neck.

The gown rests upon the very edges of her shoulders, long sleeves curl snug around her arms. Floorlength with a slit up the left side to the center of her thigh. Each step taken provides a sneak-peek at the garter wrapped around her thigh. The gown is made from the finest velvet, black in color; giving an elegance usually not noticed to the woman donning it.

Shown to the table, a chair pulled out for her, she slides into the seat. A glass of wine is poured and she is informed that the High Regent would be with her shortly.

The HRD servant stood in front of Sully as he stripped from his outfit and began to dress for his evening dinner with Syren. The android took no notice of his lack of clothing.

"I've taken the woman to her quarters and she is bathing as we speak. I will escort her to the dining room as soon as she is ready."

Sully stared at the blank spot where the holoprojection would be if he lit it. There were hidden holocams throughout the palace, of course, in virtually every room-- including the room in which Syren had been escorted to. He toyed with the thought of running the recording, to see if she'd taken advantage of what the room had to offer.

But-- no. He didn't want to spoil it. He would get a closer look at her later... perhaps?

The High Regent selected a tunic and matching trousers from the spacious closet and examined them under the fading light of Argai's sun. "Excellent, Ruk. Make sure she is comfortable and provided for her needs. Her recruitment will be a factor in this mission to Naboo."

"Yes, High Regent. Shall I now summon Zuinlan Vos, the Sorceror of Tund?" the HRD inquired.

"No, I will do it myself. Better that I contact him in person."

Sully rejected the outfit. Tossed it onto the floor and picked another suit of a darker hue and more conservative cut.

"As you wish." He nodded, turned and left.

Anre considered his image in the mirror after he dressed. Very impressive. He also considered what Vos had told him when the mission was planned. He didn't really expect the mission to pan out smoothly with only one Force user-- too many risky factors with those Jedi-- but with two, so much the better.

But the wild card was Syren, a question he would eventually have answered to his satisfaction. He had plenty of time to convince her to see their point of view. In his mind, things could hardly be moving along any smoother in these talks, could they?

Business had to go on, however, and Sully could delegate only so much of it. Certain matters required his attention. He finished his inspection and placed a finger to the intercom relay.





<CENTER>***</CENTER>



In his most private of chambers, Zuinlan Vos sat alone on a pad in the otherwise bare room, eyes closed, fingers interlaced in his lap. His breathing was deep and regular, his mind clear. He began to concentrate as he called upon the eddies of the Force and began to meditate.

He had sensed her presence in the palace and felt the stain of the dark side within her. There was no way to avoid her dark signature from the Force user. No matter. He didn't care of what side of the Force she commanded, as long as she was skilled in wielding it. All that mattered was the advancement of his order, the Sorcerors of Tund. In time, he hoped his order would surpass the Jedi and the Sith with help from the Black Dragon Empire.

The link chimed and activated. "Zuinlan Vos?"

He took a deep breath, let it out. Almost ready. The coldness was there, but soon, soon-- the newcomer will meet a true wielder of the Force and hopefully side with him.

He answered. "Yes?"

"It is time. She awaits you, as do I."

"As you wish."





<CENTER>***</CENTER>



The atmosphere in the grand dining chamber was refined, civilized. A jizz band played softly in the background as the High Regent's servants served several dishes while Syren awaited in her placement. Crimson wine, of a particularly choice planet, flowed freely, to be sipped from sparkling crystal chalices. Ladies and Lords from different sectors of the Imperium, in their finest and most stylish raiment, flirted decorously with each other as they mingled in the background.

The High Regent was announced and he entered, accompanied by the Tund Sorceror beside him.

Sully Anre was in his element. The reception was precisely the kind of chic, tony soiree he thrived on. Holding court near the entrance of the dining chamber, accepting fulsome compliments from the visiting governors while flattering them in turn, he found himself distracted and unable to enjoy himself. His eyes restlessly searched the faces of the crowd, looking for one particular woman, until his eyes settled upon the dining table.

Ah, there she was... Now he could enjoy himself.

His HRD servant, Ruk, pulled forth his seat at the front of the table as his eyes took in the splendor of Syren's countenance.

"Welcome again, Syren. Indeed, you are most beautiful in the attire you selected. I am pleased that you can join me tonight. I do apologize for my tardiness, but as you can see..." his hand waved slightly to the background, "I have matters to attend of the Imperium."

As he seated himself next to her, he gestured his hand to the Sorceror. "I hope you did not mind I bring a guest. This is Zuinlan Vos, Sorceror of Tund and a Force user as well."

Vos simply nodded to the feminine beauty, then seated himself across from them.

"So do you prefer business before we dine? Or should we enjoy each other's company first?" Sully finally questioned.

The grand dining chamber is a spectacular sight. The walls were of a deep, crimson red; setting off the black marblized wall sconces and hanging crystal chandeliers strikingly. The flooring - shiny, as black as pitch and veined with silver - reflected the soft mood lighting thrown by the chandeliers perfectly, causing small diamonds of light to dance across the ceiling as if the stars of deep space were contained within the confines of these chambers. Beautiful centerpieces on each table of fresh exotic floral wreaths each wrapped around a softly scented pillar candle, sport complimenting colors and contrasts to the colors of the grand dining chamber. Servants were properly attired in formals, so as not to stand out too much from the guests. Of course, the guests were more radiant in their formal splendor - as they should be.

The background music is soothing, relaxing. Several couples take advantage of time before the meal is served to dance with each other. Seeing this, the band plays just a touch louder, so that others might join in the dance. The music provides the perfect background noise to accompany Syren's thoughts. As dark eyes slowly roam the mingling crowd, she can't help but to think of Cyrel Annat - an old childhood friend; a rival; and ....

The song ends; which also brings an abrupt halt to her thoughts.

A few more sips of the wine are enjoyed as she settles her eyes upon one small but noisey group across the way. The mannerisms of the women in that small group force a rolling of her eyes and a sardonic chuckle to her lips. One woman, tall and blond, makes it a point to touch ne of the other gentleman's arm's each time she laughs; tossing her short hair across her shoulders as she shakes her head. One of the male's in the circle, nervously slides his hand through his dark hair, smiling just a little too much to another of the ladies. 'His teeth are so .. white!'; Syren notices as she's nearly blinded by them. She shakes her own head. "Anything to gain that extra vote, hm?", she mutters to herself while slowly setting the chalice of wine down on the table.

From the corner of her eye, she notices a small crowd moving towards the door and watches with mild interest. Slowly, they part; smiling and shaking hands with an enigmatic and dashing man, politely pushing his way through. Those gathered are either too stupid or too drunk already to notice that his attention is not going to be focused on them for long at all. She noticed him searching the crowd, but she did nothing to draw attention to herself. Yes, its quite arrogant for her to assume that it is she he is looking for -- but then again ... whom else would there be?

"Thank you, High Regent. You look delic .. I mean .. you look quite handsome yourself." The right corner of her mouth curls upwards, smiling, just before hiding briefly behind the chalice as she takes a drink of the wine. Yes, she does enjoy toying with him. He's such a good sport about it! As Sully introduces the other, Syren lowers the chalice and looks across the way to him. She'd offer her hand to shake but its rude to reach across a table; especially in such a formal setting. She nodded in greeting to the Sorceror, then reverted her dark eyes to Sully.

"Of course I do not mind. Besides .. it is your soiree."

There was no need to tell her that the man seated across from her now was a force user. She could see that the minute she noticed him walking to the table with Sully; however, when the High Regent does mention this fact, she looks to Zuinlan again and nods once, very subtlely.

"I do believe there are times when mixing business with pleasure are almost mandatory, High Regent.", she starts while still looking at Zuinlan. "I do believe that this evening is one of those times. Would you agree?", she asks, looking at Sully now.