Nar Shaddaa

Slyvain walked through the streets of the upper markets until he came across the store he had heard of. Apparently this shop dealt in Sith and Jedi gear of different varieties. Sylvain was a cautious man, and figured that anything he could potentially do to prepare himself for what was sure to be a trying showdown, he should do.

He walked inside the store and began perusing the racks, looking at the different weapons, gear, and armor that force sensitives frequently used and wondered where all of this stock came from.

"Well now, what have we here?"

A large True Sith loomed over Sylvain in a suit of impressive armour that barely seemed to contain his muscles. There was an amused expression on his face.

"Sylvain Torsin, as I live and breathe. Looks like you're planning to start a small war."

Jo'ren stood at ease and picked up a few pieces of kit, scrutinising them carefully. He had gotten taller since they had last met.

Sylvain smiled and nodded a greeting, "Jo'ren Rath. It's a pleasure to see you again. It looks as if you are outgrowing your armor... here for an adjustment?"

He smiled warmly as he looked up at the bigger man.

Jo'ren flexed with a grin. "Heh, just had it done. It's actually a perfect fit, as long as I don't overdo the carbs, you know?"

He offered a hand.

"Been a while. Didn't get a chance to speak at the last Dark Council meeting. Thought I saw you with Darth Baras though. Wearing a mask?"

He nodded, "Been working for him since Korriban. Had a hand in your efforts with the Massassi actually, though my influence may have gone unnoticed. You're doing impressive work."

"Yeah, thought so. My master mentioned he was there in the background. I'm enjoying my time with the Massassi, Yavin IV has a lot of surprises."

He looked down at Sylvain due to the practicality of size, then around at all of the battle gear.

"I remember when we trained together back on Korriban. You refocusing?"

He chuckled, "I tend to be a fairly frugal and prudent man most of the time. I've come into a bit of wealth, and figured it was time to improve my own defenses a bit."

"Seems smart. You know there's a crazed cultist going around murdering Sith and Jedi. Probably makes sense to tool up."

He pointed at the armour display.

"You looking for a completely new set, or upgrading what you've got?"

"Probably something new. Thinking of perhaps trading this in..." He points to his armored clothes, "Maybe integrating my mask with some type of optical package." He replied.

"Seems useful. Probably best to do a trade in, yeah. I've got an old suit that I don't need anymore too."

He gestured to the rack. "Don't let me stop you trying shit on."

He nodded gratefully and moved to look at the racks, "So what brings you to Nar Shaddaa? Here for the peace talks?"

"Yeah, mostly. Peace talks, personal business. Becoming a Huttball star. You know, all that good stuff."

He looked at some of the merchandise for upgrading armour. "That looks useful."

"Quite." Sylvain nodded, "I wonder if this coating would even help divert a lightsaber strike..."

He smiled, "Huttball Star, huh? Taken a liking to the game then?"

Jo'ren looked at the armour and shrugged. "Sometimes the slightest deflection is all you need. Cortorsis would be nice of course, but that's more for when you do get hit."

He pointed to one armour enhancement kit. "That stuff right there would make you harder to hit. Only problem is it makes the armour a pain to repair if it does get damaged."

He chuckled at the star comment. "Yeah, I guess. It's a good distraction that allows me to use my violence. Plus I'm getting to know some Republic folks who might be worth keeping tabs on."

"Oh? Like who?" He asked with interest as he continued to look.

"Let's see." He began to count them off on the fingers of one giant hand. "There's Niall Organa, human, some sort of Republic Captain. He's got strong leadership qualities, leave no one behind, that sort of thing. Then there's Ashla Vyllis, Togruta doctor. She's got a mean streak and seems like the type who would do well in the Empire if she wasn't an alien. And then there were two newbies, Cole Ormont, another republic Soldier / medic (blonde human, weakling) and a former Senator called Adrianna Morindel."

He laughed. "Quite the bunch of misfits but we seem to do alright in the arena."

He chuckled, "I know a couple of them. The Organa was a decent enough fellow. And Adrianna is... an interesting character..."

"Heh, and I'm being too hard on the Ormont guy. He stepped up when we needed him, even if I had to goad him into it. Niall is definitely 'decent'."

He didn't mention meeting Adriannaa for the Project Evolution job.

"What kind of fight are you planning to get into exactly?"

"That unfortunately, I'm unable to disclose my dear sir. I'm sure Vengean also didn't send you just to shoot the breeze with some Republicans. The Empire always has threats that need to be dealt with; when the time comes for us to act, failure is not allowed." He smiled.

"It is my understanding that Vengean is interested in a temporary peace, though. My master has made Vengean's wishes his top priority."

Jo'ren laughed darkly at that. "Quite. Keeping up a positive interaction with the Republic delegates is useful. There are more things going on here than just peace talks though." He shrugged. "We all have our secrets. You'll want to carefully consider whether you need protection against blasters or sabers. Unless you go full powered armour it's not easy to get both in one suit."

He gave Sylvain a calculating look. "My master wishes time to rebuild his fleet. That is what these peace talks mean to him. Darth Baras' assistance in bringing that about is expected, from his point of view."

He nodded, "I too see the sense in a time for rebuilding. Whether Baras dictated it or not, I am in agreement with your lord."

He then moved to examine another piece, "And if sabers were my greater concern, what would be best?"

"Glad to hear it." He nodded. "Well cortorsis weave is the dream but it's damned expensive." The big Sith walked over to a display shelf and pointed at a row of canisters. "I was planning to pick up some of this myself. Low friction coating. Helps with avoiding melee attacks by making your armour move more freely."

Sylvain nodded, "That was actually on my mind as well."

He went over and handled the canister for himself reading it. "I'm not the biggest or strongest guy. I'll need to avoid strikes long enough to give me a chance."

"Did you start training in one of the Lightsaber forms yet, or just the basics?"

"Still basic training... my saber tends to be a last resort in most cases." He replied.