Nar Shaddaa

She had no idea who this sith was supposed to be. I mean, the name was vaguely familiar from her security briefing, but that was about it. Whatever. Maybe she was the one behind the hit in the first place. Awfully convenient how she follows up with an offer to heal injuries. Layne wasn't even really hurt anymore. Just a light ringing in her ears, really.

"You," she stopped some random imperial grunt. "Where do I find Haydriss."

The grunt complied and sent Layne on her way to Lord Haydriss' designated room. When she arrived, she saw that the door was already open. The room inside was uncluttered, either ridiculously orderly or unintended for long use.



"Excellent. You decided to heed my call." The masked woman gave a curt nod and then gestured to her laid out medical equipment. "What is the extent of your injuries?" she asked with a curiosity echoing in her voice.

She chuckled, and then nonchalantly looked around the room for a moment as she stepped in.

"My injuries aren't so severe that a sith would be interested in healing what a droid could probably do just as well. What do you want?"

She paused. "Why did you heed my call if you did not require my assistance?" The Lord let out a robotic sigh. "I had much to gain from this exchange. Medicine is one of my pursuits. I believe in aiding my fellow Imperial for the betterment of us all." A pause. "And finally, I saw opportunity. Would you fault me on that?"

"I came because I was interested in what you were up to. You obviously want something. Depending on what it is, that something might still happen for you. Though not for the cheap price you were hoping for."

Lord Haydriss stepped away from her equipment and strode closer to her. "You will understand that I will not reveal all of my secrets. However, I will say that I am aware of your capabilities as a warrior." Another pause. "I do not have a current objective for you. My aim was to garner your favor and create a mutually beneficial relationship."

"What, that's it? You didn't even have a particular goal in mind? That's pretty disappointing."

She crossed her arms and thought about it.

"Tell you what, I let you do your doctor thing since you're so into it. And if at some point you think of a mutually beneficial objective, I'll give it my honest consideration. How's that sound?"

The room shuddered for a brief moment, a wave of anger, before it was restrained. "Do not presume I am without goals. I separated myself from my studies to meet with you." She let out an annoyed sigh. "I may need you to retrieve objects of note. I do not have any in mind for the time being but if you are willing then that would benefit me."

She smirked at the wave of anger. Rather than being intimidated, that sort of outburst tended to just let Layne she was making an impression.

"I'm sure it would. And how would it benefit *me*?"

"I may be convinced to share the results. At the time being, you will understand that I will keep my studies guarded." A pause. "I could also continue to address your wounds if necessary. I am certain that today's incident will not be the last," she stated plainly as a matter of fact.

"Share the results huh? You're going to have to give me at least a hint of what kind of results you're hoping for if you want me to no doubt risk my life in some tomb or collector's vault for just the vague promise of you maybe sharing the results of your studies with me."

Lord Haydriss approached her medical table and gestured to her tools. "My research is interlinked with my fascination with surgery. The ties may be uncertain to an observer but they are firm." She looked back to Layne. "I am certain that all Sith would appreciate my results if I succeed."

"Unfortunately I have no interest in turning myself into some mechanical freak, so if that's the aim you're not making me very interested unless you throw in regular compensation."

The Lord shook her head. "On the contrary, I have no interest in cybernetics. My mask distorts the voice but it is nothing more than a tool." She straightened out. "I welcome you to harbor another guess. Remember: any Sith would benefit."

"I really don't know what you're implying. Why don't you spell it out for those of us who aren't surgical geniuses."

"You will discover more in the future if we are to work together. You will recall that I must keep my secrets under guard." A small laugh escaped her. "You must be used to that. Darth Baras, of any Sith, has secrets of his own."

"Well," she seemed unimpressed with the answer, but not particularly closed off about it. "I suppose I can consider it when things come up. Provided you cover my expenses."

"You are so concerned about expenses and payment. I would have hoped you could see the grander vision for both of us and our Empire." She shook her head. "It is no matter. We can arrange monetary compensation in the future."

"I am a pragmatic person. Credits let me buy and maintain the shit I need to carry out my duties and fulfill my goals. Making them a bit more obviously valuable than mysterious promises that may never pan out about stuff I'm not trusted to know the details about yet."

She raised her chin up and folded her arms across her chest. "Plus, with Sith, it's best to make sure things are spelled out clearly like that. I'm sure you can appreciate the logic."

"I can see the logic. To say that I appreciate it is not entirely accurate." She folded her hands behind her back and straightened up. "Does Darth Baras not privy you to why he sends you on your tasks?"

"He does not waste my time with peprallies about my duty to the empire, no."

Lord Haydriss remained silent for a few moments. "I do not envy him if you are this willful with him as well." A sigh escaped her. "Results are often the most important aspect. Results are a commodity you can offer in spades."

"Indeed. So, we have an understanding then? How about you take care of this headache then, and we can talk about things less likely to involve frustrated sighs. Or I could get out of your hair, whatever you prefer."

"I suspect it may be the headache which has rendered you difficult," she stated plainly. She motioned Layne to the operating station and proceeded to successfully operate on the lingering injuries. "Debris. That is to be expected from the explosion I heard about." The Sith Lord set down her tools and looked to the plate of removed foreign objects. "You may browse them at your leisure."

Critical Injury of Average Severity on Layne: 3eP+1eA+2eD+1eB 6 successes, 1 threat

"What a treat," she remarked dryly once Haydriss made her 'generous offer'.

"Don't suppose you have any idea who'se behind it, do you?"