The Sting (Vinda)
Posts: 76
  • Posted On: May 26 2005 1:06am
[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Korriban (Early morning)[/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]It was dark in the bedroom when Erin rose and opened the floor length curtains to her bedroom window and sat on the edge of her open window sill. The ground below the second story room was dark and silent, not unusual for the secluded location of the Cimmerii residence. A shiver ran across her skin, teasing gooseflesh to appear over her arms and the exposed skin of her legs. She shifted so that her legs were bent in front of her on the window sill and then eased forward on the, wrapping her arms around her knees in a comforting position that she’d preferred since childhood. Sleepily, she closed her eyes for a long moment and listened to the sound of her own breathing and had the sneaking suspicion that if she listened close enough, it would be possible for her to hear her own heartbeat. Erin’s eyes opened sharply a few minutes later and she stood to her full height, meticulously stretching her arm and back muscles as she approached her walk-in closet. She turned a light on inside and pulled a heavy leather bag from the bottom of it, then began to choose assorted items to place inside it. What needed to be done would be done, though she didn’t like to leave Kuro out of it in its beginning stages. He wouldn’t approve of her going off on her own, especially not without him knowing about it. A sense of guilt that only the thought of betraying her twin could cause flooded through her. There weren’t many things Erin Cimmerii felt guilty about, not many at all. The woman stood again and stretched slightly to pull the cord to the bulb in her closet, and once again the large high-ceiling room was blanketed in darkness.[/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]As she threw her bag down on the bed, she gave a halfhearted glance at the twisted mess of lace covered blankets and sheets on it. Her preferences were very evident in the size of it, nearly four of her could have fit in the enormous, custom built space. A black canopy stretched from the twelve foot ceiling and surrounded the bed, brushing the hardwood floor just slightly. It had been expensive, to say the least, but her parents had never been the type for frugality. Erin snickered softly as she stretched out on the mass of emerald green and black coverlets and rolled onto her back. Now, her parents weren’t the type for anything but gourmet worm food. The chain of events that had led to her parents planned demise were amazing to Erin. She couldn’t believe Kuro and herself had pulled it off, not the staged murder of two full grown Sith. In the dark room, Erin breathed in the scent of her own perfume and smiled coldly. But they had…[/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Erin lifted her midsection upward, then rolled her neck to stretch out the still sleeping muscles. Lowly, she let out a tired groan. How lovely it would be if she could sleep until daylight strode across the land and forced her out of her bed, but she knew she couldn’t. If she was going to leave without Kuro realizing, she’d probably have to leave now. She’d send him a secure message once she arrived at her destination and she was sure he wouldn’t be too terribly angry with her. The girl drug herself off of the bed and quietly slipped across her floor to the door to her brother’s adjoining room. Leaning against the door, she turned the crystal knob slowly to make sure her entrance was silent. With a crack large enough for her to slip in through, Erin tiptoed across the floor to where her brother was strung across his own bed as innocently as a sleeping child. She smiled at the face that so closely resembled her own and brushed his messy hair off of Kuro’s forehead. He stirred slightly and she froze in place, waiting to make sure he was asleep before leaning down and brushing a kiss on his cheek. She knew that this was the only person she loved and would ever love, someone so perfectly like her in so many ways that he could understand her every motive. As long as she had him, she would have all of the protection and reassurance she needed in this world. What did one need with romance and "devotion" to the opposite sex? Marriage and this concept of love was merely a frivolous request to be the center of attention in another person’s world. Erin rather liked being the shadow on the edge of everyone’s world. No connections, no ties, no paper trail, no worries. With a silent apology to her brother, she stole out of the room again and traveled back to her own, knowing the floor plan perfectly enough to travel through it with no visible light. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Silently, Erin dressed and brushed out her hair in her spacious bathroom. She wasn’t quite sure what kind of conditions she would endure in the next few days but she was certain she’d be thankful to return back to her comfortable home. Her eyes were still adjusting to the bright overhead light when she flicked it off and plunged herself back into the cool, calm darkness. Longingly, she glanced at her bed once more and closed her canopy. Most likely, Kuro wouldn’t realize she wasn’t just sleeping in for far too long until midday. By then, she’d probably be halfway to her destination or even on Etti IV. Her bare feet made no sound as she headed down the spiraling staircase to the front door of her childhood home. The large entry doors always squeaked she realized as she approached them and she sighed, she knew Kuro was a heavy sleeper but she wouldn’t take any chances. Erin continued to circle through the large house until she reached another exit and slipped outside into the brisk morning air. With a final glance up at her brother’s window she shook her head. What had to be done was going to be done… She’d have to stop thinking and just react. There was no other way. With no more backward glances, Erin departed from both her home and Korriban and started for the hot-spot for corporate executives, Etti IV. The coming two weeks would host an extravaganza for the poor, overworked CEOs from many different planets. The annual meeting up for these men to discuss different options to merge companies and form alliances would soon begin and she’d be there for only one reason… It definitely wasn’t to learn about benefit options for employees. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Etti IV (Several days later)[/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Why anyone would want to bake themselves why they were still alive puzzled Erin to no end. She adjusted a pair of newly purchased sunglasses on her face and felt like snarling at everyone who passed for a moment. The sun beat down on her bare shoulders mockingly and she was quite sure they’d be burning just as she had discovered they would after arriving in Etti IV a few days before. The bridge of her nose and her cheeks were a pleasant, rosy red with thanks to the amount of breezing around the planet she’d done in the past few days. In all actuality, Erin was scheming to pull off a never before tried trick of her own and she knew she’d have to plan to perfection her motive and actions before carrying them out. So far, she’d had absolutely no break in discovering an important CEO who was just gullible enough to believe any story she offered. She’d talked to several over the course of her visit, but had only found old, perverted men who were more interested in seeing what was under her skirt than offering her an extravagant amount of money in order to open up a business of her own. Perhaps if I wasn’t only offering business ventures, I could squander more money in this place, Erin thought venomously and headed down a gentle slope of sand toward the ocean. It seemed almost hopeless at this point. These business men were honed to a fine point and knew just when their money was in danger. The sugar sweet tactic wasn’t working anymore and Erin had a feeling she’d have to force her way into the stream of things. After that, she was almost certain it would be easy going until she got what she wanted. Now, precisely how to get what she wanted had yet to occur to her. Unbeknownst to her, the perfect answer was soon to fall almost directly into her arms. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Or at least directly on top of her. As Erin’s feet hit the hot sand she suddenly heard a whistle from behind. A glare was immediate in her eyes as she turned to face an alien she’d never come encounter with before. An eyebrow jerked up on her forehead and she blinked several times, then shook her head and began to walk away again, determined not to make a scene. This wasn’t the place to cause a commotion. A growl was the only sound from her throat as she continued on, wincing at the hot sand against the bottoms of her soft feet and wishing for a moment her favorite heels were applicable here.
[/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]"What is it about these rich snobs here! No one can take a moment to talk to THE top Realtor on all of Etti IV?!" The alien’s voice was boisterous and booming behind her and for a moment, Erin though that nailing him straight in the midsection would do him a world of good. "I’ve sold to them all kinds sweetcakes! You see the beach houses along this stretch? Those are MY sales, all mine! They don’t call me Micky "Hard-to" Handle for nothin’ darlin’! But for a special, limited time offer you can call me anything you want." The real estate agent had bounded up a few steps to circle in front of the wincing Sith and she lowered the glasses on her face and looked him straight in the eyes. She’d held her tongue for long enough and she opened her mouth to speak coldly and felt a fat finger press against her lips. "Oh no no no gorgeous, you don’t say a word. Girls who stick with me don’t have to ask for anythin’. I’m rollin’ in enough dough to keep your trim little body afloat for days." He winked, "Though I’m not sure you’re the type that’s gonna wanna be swimmin’ when Ol’ Micky’s done witcha." The alien stopped mouthing off for long enough to take a card out of his absurdly bright shirt and hand it to her. Erin glanced down at the business card and then back up at the garish thing in front of her. With a wide smile she appeared as if she gave in to his advances, but merely formulated a plan in her head. She turned and looped her arm through his. "Let’s talk." Her voice came out gently and was followed by a brightening of her eyes. Erin had gotten her big break, but even she didn’t realize just how enormous this break could be with the right amount of work. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]After a few fruit flavored, alcohol spiked drinks, Micky Handle was a hell of a conversationalist, or at least he thought he was. He’d told Erin about almost all of his high rolling customers who had purchased his land over the years. Little did he know, as his guest was smiling and urging him on, she was also taking notes about the locations of his sales and the ages of his customers. Not too young and not too old.. The younger ones would only be interested in sex and the older men would be far too concerned with families and keeping their money invested in worthy causes. Perhaps she’d create a charity… The thought came to her in a flash and she smiled. Who could refuse a young woman with the desire to change the universe? Micky let out a loud guffaw across from her and several other customers in the small open bar looked over and made cheeky smiles of their own. Erin brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and leaned over her napkin toward the tipsy alien. "Now.. Micky.. What would you consider your biggest sale ever? Gosh, I’m just so impressed with you it seems like there’s nothing you can’t do!" Her eyes were shining with sincerity and excitement as she spoke, she was always quite involved in her part. With a look both ways the alien leaned forward and whispered, "Now.. I’m not s’pposed to mention this to anybody because this client kinda liked his privacy.. but.. For you I’ll make a special ‘ception. I sold the biggest house I’ve ever had to sell to a man named Seth Vinda. Ya ever heard of him? Well.. Darlin’ let me tell you.. Mr. Vinda’s as big as they come around these parts and he’s pretty well known. I sold a vacation house to The. Seth. Vinda." Micky’s eyes were wide as he told her this and Erin merely smiled, the nodded with a breathless exclamation. "Wow!" She announced and motioned for the barkeep to pour the alien another round of something strong. "If you’ll excuse me Micky, I need to visit the little girl’s room. I’ll be back in just a moment. Wow. The. Seth. Vinda!" [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Erin winked at the Realtor before walking through the back of the small restaurant and directly out of the back door. "Too easy, Erin.. Too easy." She hadn’t even told him her name, she realized with a smile and she doubted she would have given him her real name as it was. With a glance down at the napkin in her hand she smiled at the name she’d circled. "Well.. Hello Mr. Vinda," She murmured and tucked it into her pocket, then patted it gently. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Later that night, the Sith found herself at the address on the business card Micky Handle had given her. The sky nearest the beach was lit up with the blazing torches on the small open bars and Erin could almost hear the laughter and excitement from where she stood. Overrated. Dressed in a long sleeved shirt and comfortable pants, she looked both ways along the small street that was set farther back from the beach than most businesses. Located in its own little alcove that had been mildly hard to find, the shop was small and homely looking and Erin admired its sense of spunk. Oh well, Heaven is never forever, her mind sputtered as her hand tightened around the door knob. She turned it slowly and waited for the dreadful click, wincing because she knew what it would tell her. Metallic scraping. Click. Locked. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]After a few moments of glaring at the door and wondering what to do next, the woman sighed, hoped there would be no alarm to sound and quickly jabbed her elbow into the panes of glass in the small shop’s door. Instantly, the glass became the tinkling sound of shards of glass crashing into the floor. Was there an alarm? Erin’s senses were on edge for the few painful seconds she waited for an alarm to sound but then when the expected sound wasn’t heard, she felt her tensed muscles relax. It was understandable that these doors would only be locked, Erin was pretty sure no one vacationing on Etti IV had any reason to break into a real estate agency. Within moments she’d reached through and opened the door by turning the gold colored handle and quickly made her way through the small building until she came to a wooden door that resembled a private office. On the door were emblazoned only five letters "M – I – C – K – Y" Upon seeing them, the Sith smiled with recognition and pushed the door open. Jackpot. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Good Ol’ Micky…[/font][font=Franklin Gothic Medium] Erin’s fingers punched a few buttons on the older model computer system on the desk and immediately found it booting to life. No security? Her mind questioned and she shook her head. Tsk, tsk.. People are far too trusting these days. Though, she wasn’t sure just how detailed the files she might find would be or how personal the information could be. She didn’t need much to go on, just a few addresses and she’d be set for her next plan. Quickly, she typed the customer name into the information files and immediately pulled up a list of facts which included the house dimensions, descriptions, and customer information. The data was transferred to a printer rather slowly, not fast enough for Erin’s liking but it got the job completed in plenty of time. Of the five men she’d printed out information out on, one struck her as a highly plausible target. He was within the age range she could work with and according to his financial summary, there was no question that he was wealthy enough to cover some expenses she and Kuro would encounter. Seth Vinda, CEO of Vinda Corporations on Bonadan. It said little more than that about him, but it was apparent that there would be no children or wives staying with him in this spacious vacation home. In the pale light coming from Micky’s desk lap, Erin’s lips were graced with a semblance of a smile before she flicked the lamp off with a touch of a button. She had her information and now it was time to leave before anyone came upon the showering of glass at the front door and she was caught inside. Erin never liked to be caught red-handed, though she knew she could handle herself if need be. To have an alibi and excuse was far better than being guilty upon first sight. Her heels crunched against the broken glass sickeningly as she moved back through the open front door and closed it behind herself. The deed was done, though it would be followed by an even larger role to play. A challenge excited her slightly and set the wheels turning in her head in preparation. Seth Vinda, along with several other powerful CEOs would be in town within the next few weeks, even days and Erin planned to cut them off at the chase. When they were unprepared and vulnerable… she would be ready. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium](Two Days Later)[/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]It began silently. It was nearing sunset and Erin stood outside of the beach house in a full, delightfully tailored business suit. Navy blue material hugged her body and accented the curves without squeezing to the point where breathing would be labored. Now.. To get into the house. She didn’t usually like relying on much other than her own talents to get her tasks done, but in times of need Erin realized that skills beyond her own were needed. The combination of technology along with her own striving force always seemed to help her prevail and for that fact, Erin was thankful. Tossing a suspicious glance at the almost humanlike, metal object beside her, the Sith walked around and surveyed the Droid, a Slicer to be exact. The way Erin had obtained the Droid was less than perfectly executed, but she’d gotten the job done with her usual graceful maneuvers. N580, the man had called him and after heckling with the stubborn Cimmerii woman, he’d still gotten her to pay the full price for it. He’d been lucky, but Erin realized that this machine could be of great value to her later on in her Still eyeing the contraption warily, she gave a spoken command. Immediately, it went to work on the main security computer, and in mere minutes, Erin watched the front doors to the expansive home swing open. Nice… Even she wouldn’t deny how lovely the cool, dark house felt to her after living out of hotel suites for a week or so. Somehow, the feeling that this place, though pristine, had been inhabited before brought a sense of comfort to her. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Erin glanced around her and she had to admit, she was a sucker for detail. The home that she had encountered when she’d finally crossed the front doors to the glowing white house positioned not too far, yet, not too closely to the beach, was exquisite. She left the front doors wide open and let the sea’s breeze flow through them. Micky Handle hadn’t been exaggerating when he reported that this man was wealthy and even Erin hadn’t known to which extent he’d been talking. Now, as she meandered around the entire beach home and peeked in doors with a slight curiosity, she admired the man’s taste. He definitely wasn’t cheap when it came to his furnishings. When the woman entered the private office, she realized she’d found the setting she’d been looking for in particular. To pull this off, she’d have to have the precision of her plans in perfect coordination. She had to ooze confidence with a slightly cold air, as to not reassure him too much but allow him to realize she wasn’t going to be heartbroken if he didn’t accept her proposition. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]She didn’t expect to have any problems swindling this CEO out of a small fortune. Erin had that way with people, she could either be their closest friend or their deepest enemy for a short amount of time. Sure, it was obvious that all business leaders had seen their share of scammers before, but had they ever met up with the likes of Erin Cimmerii? Doubt was the suspicion that filled her mind and she almost laughed under her breath as she sorted through a few papers on the man’s heavy built desk. She took the seat behind the desk and examined a clock for a moment, then glanced toward the closed doors of the office. Since she’d be here for quite some time, Erin took a measure or two to make herself comfortable. Sliding down in the chair a few inches, her long legs were instantly propped up on the desk. Her heels might have scratched the surface of the desk had she not been careful, but she wasn’t the type to destroy something for no particular reason, especially nothing she found elegant or discovered a use in. She slipped the suit’s jacket off of her toned arms and draped it over the corner of the large desk, making herself utterly at home without the slightest thought of the owner’s opinion. [/font]

[font=Franklin Gothic Medium]Erin checked the clock once again and eased her arms behind her, propping her head up on them. She looked like the picture of comfort in the man’s office. Though she was merely invading his personal space, the woman appeared to take to her environment like a second home. A smile lit her lips as she picked up a type of cigar from a case on the desk and looked at it curiously, then tucked it between her lips like a child playing dress up in their father’s room. Picking up a file folder from the desk she started to flip through it until she found a page that interested her and scanned it quickly, then began at the top again, rolling the cigar between her lips as she began to read the page in depth. The house was quiet but the noise from the beach outside echoed through the windows and she became absorbed in the file she was reading. The time ticked on as the Sith waited for this Seth Vinda to arrive, whenever he might appear. [/font]

Posts: 3599
  • Posted On: May 26 2005 12:06pm


Hyperspace - En Route to Etti IV


Onboard The Narcissus






“What? A talking fish!?... thats preposterous!” Snorted Vinda dismissively, and shook his head at the story his secretary, Zara, had just told him and Achinta.

The three had been relaxing in the onboard bar as they had finished their meeting about the next day’s up and coming business events. The three had found a rare moment in which to wind down, before arriving at Etti IV.

“..well , thats what my friend Melissa told me, and she swears its the truth!...” Replied the indignant Zara, matter of factly...

Vinda let loose a loud incredulous laugh in response and smiled as he took a long drag on his cigarra. Then with a deep breath expelled the blue tinted cigarra smoke outwards to add to the already steadily growing cloud of fog circling above his head.

“oh it must be true then” He uttered sarcastically, rolling his eyes ...

“...maybe it was a new undiscovered species, an alien of some kind?...” Interposed a rather confused looking Achinta...(struggling as always to attach a logical explanation).

Zara’s face seemed to brighten, as the bodyguard offered up something which might support her story, whilst Vinda’s smile dropped...

“Achinta don’t encourage her!...honestly!” Exclaimed the businessman, his eyes widening slightly in astonishment.

“...it could have been! Mr Vega has a point...” Zara continued in defiance...

“Zara! we’re talking about a fish here! A. Talking. Fish!” Vinda explained painfully and labouriously. His arms emulating his words as he did his best to get her to see the absurdity of her story.

“The Mon Calamari speak” Stated Achinta flatly, in defence of Zara...

Vinda threw his bodyguard a look of incredulity with his brow furrowed , annoyed slightly that his own bodyguard would take the side of his illogical secretary...

“thats different! they’re giant squids!” He protested!

Achinta frowned a little in response and was about to point out the businessman’s mistake, when he was interrupted by Zara...

“..well, my friends word is good enough for me!” She said, resolute in her belief.

Vinda shook his head once more and chuckled under his breath...

“Thank the Galaxy for people like you Zara...... you make the rest of us look positively dull!...” He anounced between cigarra drags, visibly amused by the whole affair.

Zara meanwhile, smiled to herself at what she took to be a compliment.

At that moment, Jaxx, (Vinda’s personal pilot ), came thru over the ship’s comms system, annoucing that they were about to arrive at Etti-IV, and in reaction, the three duly took their places in readiness.






* * *







Etti-IV

Mr Vinda’s private residence - Early evening




As the Narcissus effortlessly touched down, the nightsky and its stars held within, glittered across its flawless silver hull, reflecting what little light there was to be had across its curves.

Soon enough the gangway was lowered allowing Vinda and his entourage to meander their way down it. And as Vinda, flanked by Achinta reached the bottom they turned to say goodnight to both Jaxx and Zara...

“...don’t forget those tax-returns Zara!, chase up Jones in accounting, the deadline is soon, and if I get any charges because of them being late, tell him it’ll come out of his wages!...other than that I’ll see you and Jaxx in the morning, 8:00 sharp!”

She nodded vigoriously, writing down onto a datapad of some description...

“oh and just one more thing...” Vinda said as he turned to leave, before pausing for a moment and grinning...

“...thats the sea over there Zara, do me a favour and resist the urge to go talking to any fish , it might scare the locals...” He remarked dryly, whilst pointing to the beach with the cigarra still attached to his fingers...

Zara shot the businessman an unimpressed look and returned in reply a mock “yes sir” in banter, before waving goodbye and walking back up inside the ship.

Chuckling to himself Vinda shook his head slowly before following after Achinta.

The air rushed about the duo as the Narcissus lifted off again and blasted its way skywards. Vinda stopped to watch it for a while until it disappeared altogether from sight. He turned his gaze towards the sea and its lazy rhythm , and the slight breeze which was always present began to bluster around him. The Vinda-Corp figurehead liked coming down here , the air always smelt so fresh, it was just a shame he rarely found the time.

Taking in a deep breath he savoured the moment before joining his bodyguard, who had already entered the house.



* * *




“something’s wrong...” Came Achinta’s rather cryptic and ominous sounding comment...and Vinda looked up to see the look of deep consternation upon the bodyguard’s face...

“..what is it?..” Vinda asked unbuttoning his tunic around the neck a little, since he had already started to switch off, (so to speak)..

“the security system has been shut down, and a window is broken at the back, there has been a break in..” He reported, with his voice slightly distracted.
Vinda was about to respond until he looked up to see Achinta immersed in concentration slowly gazing around the house in a deep scrutiny, obviously seeing what Vinda’s eyes couldn’t...

“we are not alone.” He said eventually, levelling his gaze in the direction of what Vinda took to be the source of his alarm.

(His private study)

Following the android’s stare, Vinda bit down on his cigarra hard. His eyes narrowed as he threw a furtive glance back towards his bodyguard, (which Achinta duly returned in kind) before the both of them walked silently to the door of the study.

As Vinda pressed the button, the door slid away, allowing Achinta to step into the room and before the Android could stop him, Vinda himself straight after...

...and as his eyes took in the feline figure of a complete stranger, (albeit an attractive one), draped all over his desk. The indignant coporate figurehead couldn’t help himself...

“...who the frell are you!? ...and get out of my damned chair! “ He barked angrily, incensed by the sheer nerve of the intruder before him.