Nar Shaddaa

Hala strolled into the Cantina early in the morning. It was less packed than it got to be later in the day, but still enough din to keep her entertained. She grabbed a caf at the bar while she waited for her first appointment of the day.

Durasay had woken up to a message on his comm. After grabbing a quick shower in the 'fresher, as well as a pressed military uniform, Durasay was ready.

It didn't take long to get to the Viper. Walking to the bar, the Pantoran found his meeting. He recognized her easily, especially with her sharp Sith empire unifoem.

"Colonel Moraal. Good to see you again. You wanted to speak to me?" He nodded to the tender, ordering a Caf of his own.

"Yes, I did," she said, sipping her drink quickly before she stood and offered her left hand to her guest.

"I was wondering how your investigation was proceeding. I've heard that there have been a few encounters, but I haven't heard of success. I take it something keeps frustrating or interfering with matters?"

Durasay took the offered hand, taking it firmly. His yellow-amber eyes locked with hers, examining her features for a moment. His smile was genuine, and warm as he listened to her questions

"Your information is correct. Azanak has continued to evade capture. The resources I've had on hand have been adequate for confrontation, but he's a slippery one." There was frustration, and an edge of rage to his voice.

Harness that anger. Don't push it away. Use those passions... He could hear Wraith's voice whispering in his ear, her breath against his flesh.

"I don't have the means to prevent his escape."

"What help would you require in order to secure his capture? I could join you if you need to talk him down. I don't get a lot of time in the field any more, but with the week I've had it's certainly coming back to me," she offered with a supportive smile.

"There are ways to physically restrict him, of course. Stun grenades, glop grenades, electro-netting.... there might even be a cryo-rifle in the area if that's the sort of weapon you like..."

I need him to stop being so well trained in combat... There was a slight surge of anger at the thought. His caf finally arrived, and he took it, thanking the tender.

"Stun and glop grenades would be perfect. The team I've been working with is quite effective, but unfortunately, we seem to constantly fight on Azanak's turf." He appreciated her smile, the way it softened her features.

"I always appreciate field help. Especially from talented individuals."

"Glop grenades are doable, though I think there may be more economical options in the long run. And help from talented individuals is always appreciated... which brings me to the other thing I wanted to discuss if you don't mind? There is a far bit of politics to be done today, and with several Sith caught inside the wedding reception during the gas attack we are down several members of our diplomatic revenue. Would you care to lend a hand?" she offered, sipping her caff in between small breaks.

Durasay drank deeply from his caff as he listened to the good Colonel.

Ah. Now it makes sense...

Setting his cup down, he leaned against the bar. His smile never faded, as a hand idly tapped the bartop. "A trade, then. Information and aid to end the Azanak problem. In exchange, I assist with some diplomatic issues for the Empire, correct?" He mused for a long moment, considering.

Make someone else set up, you take the advantages... The dark words and passionate thoughts swirled at the base of his skull, oozing down his spine like a viscous ichor.

"As a freelancer, I would require a small fee for that help. I'm sure your government could easily part qith that. That, plus the assistance, I make my silver tongue available to you..." His eyes flicking to hers as his lips curled into a slightly darker grin, "... and your government."

"I wouldn't say anything so simple as a trade," she said with a playful smile, "But that our interests might be co-aligned. Send the embassy your credit account and I will make sure that you are compensated for your time. And in the mean time, I will make inquiries about Azanak's location and we can bring his bloody delights to an end."

"I'll just need a brief, declassified, on the pertinent details of this little act of diplomacy. I understand that what I receive will have reactions and omissions, but I need to have as much information to best suit the needs of the Empire." He slowly swirled his cup, steam billowing from the hot liquid.

"Will this uniform be fine? Or should I get a loaner for presentation sake?"

"You'll be fine as is, no need to ask you to wear a uniform unless... Unless you'd actually like to wear if?" she offered with a playful cock of an eyebrow.

"I'll ask for some datapads to be provided for you, but the main thrust is if negotiating with the Hutts go well then we can leverage that for the peace talks."

"Well, they are rather attractive to wear, if a bit severe." He laughed slightly, not mockingly, before shaking his head. "I only asked in case it was preferred. Regardless of uniform, I'll do all I can to secure terms with the Hutts that are favorable to the Empire."

"After all, anything that can help the peace is better for the Galaxy as a whole."

"This is so," she agreed, lifting her cup of caff ceremoniously.

"Cheers, then." He clinked his cup against hers, before finishing off his Caff. There was a quiet moment that lingered, as the Pantoran watched her.

"Do you think it can last?"

"It might. Either both sides need to find some reason to maintain the peace, or peace will only truly be had when there is one side remaining. Given the events from the past few days, how brazen the Republic has been, I don't know if they mean for it to succeed at all but we can only try anyway."

Again, Durasay remained silent. He had a lot of things transpire since the beginning of the talks, that has changed his perceptions.

"I'm not sure if both sides can maintain it. After all, one seeks change and improvement, and the other maintains the status quo." His eyes narrow a moment, before flicking back up to the Colonel.

"But a future of unending war doesn't sound great, either."

"It certainly won't work if no one tries," she offered with a smile.