Nar Shaddaa

Sylvain walked down to the bar in the imperial compound late that evening. He pulled up a seat in the empty cantina and asked the barkeeper for a bit of sharp alcohol to help him wake up a bit and loosen up. The early sleep he had gotten had done very little to help him get what he was thinking of off his mind. He had his holopad out which kept buzzing with every communication from his spy networks on the fallout from Baras' 'death'.

In between texts he flipped to a map of the sector and kept wondering just how far Makeb was...

"Well hello there handsome," Salreia announced herself, "Or should I say 'beautiful?'" She gave a sultry laugh before looking to a seat nearby. "May I?"

Sylvain looked over to the woman and offered a nod with a quiet smirk, "Good evening... Salreia, I believe? It's what the intelligence report said at least."

He then turned back ahead and took a sip of his drink, "So you saw Lucena then I see."

"That would be my Core Name, yes," she said with a smile. She then gave a nod. "I was one of the many alluring Vera Hawkes. However, I believe you managed to put me to shame."

He smirked, "What can I say? I've got the proper bone structure in my face. Didn't even need to go all out with the creds."

"Oh? Then I am doubly impressed, my Lord. You were the most impressive of the bunch and it was," she trailed off, searching for the word, "Crossplay."

"It's my pleasure to do whatever needs to be done... for the Empire..." He smirked as he teased a bit.

"Frankly it was something my sister always mentioned when I was a kid. Figured it'd be something funny to fill the time this afternoon." He took a sip of his drink.

"But you are a real life Lucena Darklight now aren't you? No need to get dressed up to pretend to be that for you huh?"

"I suppose I am the Chiss Ascendancy version of Lucena Darklight." Salreia took a seat and looked him over. "As for your, darling, I am starting to wonder which get up I like better. Handsome or beautiful..."

He smirked, "The question is whether you are drawn to that which is real or that which is imagined. Both can be quite appealing."

"There is a certain appeal to a fantasy world." She leaned in and smiled. "If you ever took me out to Club Vertica, I'd asked you to wear the costume."

He smiled, "Lucena is 'business first, business second, and passion third'. So it'd have to be after work hours."

"It's after work hours now, isn't it? But boo, you aren't in costume." She then batted her eyelashes. "Don't tell me she's 'always on the job' or something."

"That's what the shows tell me." He chuckled.

"And you? Always this flirtatious with random men at the bar?"

"Oh you are anyone but random, my Lord." She gave him an obvious wink before continuing. "Though I will say that I like to think it boosts the image of the Chiss Ascendancy. Many other Chiss can be so dour."

He smirked, "Well damn... here I was hoping for a bit of happy coincidence for a change. Could use a little more 'random' in my life... little less premeditation."

He took another sip, "Chiss are quality citizens of the Empire. Whether they be dour and business oriented... or attractive like yourself." He paused, "And yet still undoubtedly business oriented in your own way."

He smiled and took another sip.

"If you're worried that I was searching for you, then don't be be. I approached you after I noticed the beautiful Lucena."

She gave him a wry smile. "Not a citizen, dear. Your Empire hasn't assimilated the Chiss Ascendancy yet. But yes, you are correct. I suppose I simply mix my business with my pleasure."

He nodded and smirked, "Must be hard at times with a man like Xevious as your boss. Any pleasure there is sure to be only on his end."

She perked her brow. "What exactly are you implying, my Lord?"

He chuckled, "Looks like I can't make a joke about the guy's looks without his attractive spy lady getting upset."

He took a sip, "I meant nothing by it my dear."

"I wouldn't exactly call myself a spy. Although I do gather intelligence, of course." She smirked. "I am sure he has heard everything and more regarding his appearance."

"And killed many a loose tongue." He smiled.

"So... can I get you something. Or are we getting a buzz off of my good looks?"

"How could I refuse a drink from such a handsome man?" A pause. "Or lovely woman?"

He chuckled and waved to the barkeep, "Drinks are on Lucena and her winnings then."

He took another sip while she ordered, then asked, "So how goes business on Nar Shaddaa as of late?"

"It has been a busy week. I have been interacting with some socialites up in Club Vertica. It surprises me to not see so many other delegates there." She shrugged. "I did my best to tell my new friends how the Kaggath is nothing to be concerned about."

He nodded, "I've made my way up there a time or two. Who are you having to talk down off the windowsill?"