“Time to Kill”(open)

[Sasha Horizon]

Sasha Horizon had been researching her target for a number of weeks now, she knew everything about him. Where he lived, his favourite restaurant, where he bought his expensive clothes. Sasha even knew how and where he concealed his weapons. Her only condition was that her employer didn’t ask any questions about how she killed him, she preferred it that way.

Jonas Gannick was his name, a political ambassador who apparently had one too many shady dealings and her employer wanted him dead. Jonas was highly predictable. He rarely had breakfast, lunch or dinner at home he always ate out. Either he couldn’t cook or was just down right lazy.

He always went to his usual establishments, he left early in the morning and never returned till late in the evening. Most nights it was always around eleven pm. His schedule would work to her benefit, he would arrive late and she would be waiting for him. Sasha had already gained access to his security and bipassed the security. She could come and go as she saw fit.

Sasha was impressed Jonas was very well organized, every nook and cranny had items that if he took them out always went back to the same spot. His closet was even colour coordinated, shirts and his jackets were always hung and never folded, even his socks were always matched together.

Sasha contemplated on killing him tonight, but voted against the idea. Earlier she eaves dropped on one of conversations and Jonas had a business meeting, another political figure was going to be accepting one of his bribes. Sasha enjoyed killing so much that couldn’t resist the temptation to kill both of them. The Assassin decided to wait. Sasha decided to tail his business associate the rest of the evening.

[Professor Mors]

Jonas Gannick. The sort of self-absorbed, near-sighted, grubby bureaucrat Sa'ato loathed. Nonetheless, his political connections, and the information they could accrue were of some value to the professor and his Order. So it was that the academic had arrived to this sleepy, forgettable world not as Sa'ato Mors, but simply 'Dilectus'– an otherwise faceless middleman, allegedly representing the interests of the Corporate Sector Trade League. He'd taken steps to shapeshift his upper body to appear as that of an Elomin, so as to keep his true self obscured. Gannick, lacking in more than just good sense, immediately bought the incognito Neti's story– and seemed eager to purchase his loyalty. Their latest meeting had gone well, and though Jonas had attempted to ply Sa'ato with drink, he elected to retire early.

So it was that 'Dilectus' made his way down the windswept, largely abandoned streets with little beyond the system's twin moons for company. Very quickly however, a sense of unease began to gnaw at the aged professor's bark. It was as if– as if he were being watched. Not one for superstition, the professor 'accidentally' dropped his dataslate, making use of the opportunity to glance behind him and check for possible interlopers. Nothing, not so much as a hair, much less a pair of eyes. Not wishing to stand idle, Sa'ato continued on, but the creeping sensation remained. His instincts registered that there had to be something odd at work, and he wasn't about to ignore that feeling. The academic doubled his pace and headed toward his temporary lodging.

Perhaps he would indulge in his evening reading longer than usual, on the off-chance a guest or otherwise came to call…

[Sasha Horizon]

The assassin watched him from afar for better part of the evening. Mostly the evening had been uneventful for the most part. He had dinner at a prestigious restaurant, exchanging a few words with some patrons, it was obvious they had met before. They were regulars so it would seem.

Sasha had learned from a young age to trust her instincts, she had the feeling earlier that this evening would play out differently than she had planned. Normally she would have been wearing dark clothing, a hooded rob to mask her presence. Albeit she did have some rather exquisite robes, Sasha did after all have rather expensive taste.

The assassins couldn’t help but give a creoles smile, the evening shined down in her favour. Her data pad sounded giving her a notification Jonas was having a deep conversation with a Elomin. Her senses tightened, an unsettling feeling that something more was at play. This was more than her target. She was more interested in the mysterious creatures. There was more to the Elomin than meets the eye. She could kill Jonas at any moment.

Tonight Sasha wore a loose fitting black silk dress, embroidered diamonds around the lower seems of her dress. If her dress wasn’t laced with diamonds and jewels. One would think she was wearing an extravagant night gown.

Sasha followed him from across the street, only two cross the street when he stopped to look over his shoulder. The Elomin swiftly moved down the street as she crossed. He didn’t see her but Sasha had the feeling he had already known she was there.

The wind flowed around her while she followed him, she couldn’t run in knee high six inch stiletto boots. A little over the top with her dress, but they were concealing a dagger in each one. On her they were deadly weapons, and the boots too.

Sasha could have picked the lock and helped herself, but something odd about this made her feel uneasy. It’s not often a women assassin barely 5’5 who looked like she could rip the arms off a Wookie is knocking on what she thought was a Elomin ‘s resident. Who she found out was talking with the one person she is going to assonate.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato set about adjusting the heat and humidity of his temporary lodging to the desired values, then sat down in the flat's surprisingly comfortable easychair. Closing his gilt eyes for a moment, the Neti reached out with his thoughts, probing the immediate area outside his makeshift domicile. A presence persisted, lingered there, but its shape had changed, transformed. What had felt like hostility before had shifted towards a more neutral phenomenon: curiosity. A thin smile stretched across 'Dilectus' face. This might be interesting after all. Still, the academic had to keep up appearances, and browsed his various holobooks until selecting a treatise on rare plant life local to the region.

Leaning back in his seat, Sa'ato turned the page and began reading, simultaneously lifting a hand to signal the rooms integrated computer. "Command, unlock", the disguised Neti spoke in his usual, gravel-like tone, "Door, windows, roof access". Unseen within the walls, the internal security system beeped softly in compliance, followed by the various clicks of latches now undone. The professor then devoted half of his focus to the text in front of him, all the while keeping the edges of his mind sharp for whomever or whatever accepted his silent invitation. It occurred to them that, if his inquisitive stalker had followed his route, some refreshment might be in order. "Command, drink station", 'Dilectus' rumbled once more, "Langmyre tea, two portions".

Finally, with his preparations complete, Sa'ato waited, and listened…

[Sasha Horizon]

The assassin had already calculated how many cameras she saw or felt staring at her from numerous locations. Smirking into one she was absolutely positive was recording every one of her movements.

Analyzing every moment till now only to arrive at a residence that had more security than more than half of her previous target. Which led her to believe who ever it was, was hiding or he was just like her. She had to know and see everything around herself. Or they were just paranoid, which she knew and understood that was not the case.

She was expecting a greeting, but only a remotely activated unlock. This could really only mean that whoever unlocked the door believed she was not a threat. Which gave her pause that she was about to meet someone here was more than what they seem.

Most would be struck with fear, she saw it as an opportunity, she wasn’t here to kill him, but knowledge and she felt there was scheme being laid. She had to know what is was.

Sasha felt the calling, opening the remotely u locked door. She embraced the unknown. She had clarity that whoever it wasn’t going to kill her, well not yet anyway. Although there were cameras hidden through out the entire place, above the ones she could see, her instincts told her other wise.

The owner didn’t need them to know she was very close to him, one more left and a swift right. He sat in front of her with two cups of tea. Which if it was poison it probably wouldn’t affect her, through her training as an assassin she was succumbed to many types of poison to give her immunity. Sasha could drink many types of poisons without being affected. Unless he was a sorcerer than she would be dead either way.

“Tea for two” with a sly smile”

“I’d prefer a tall glass of wine, then again you might get more than you bargained for”

“But I can see you are not exactly how you seem. One you have cameras hidden every where, but yet the holo centre is on the other side of the room. Yet you opened the locks without even watching them. I am intrigued. How?”

Sasha sat down across from him. She didn’t wait for him to acknowledge her. Sitting cross legged, she was beyond the point of intimidation She understood that would get her nowhere. She would at least wait for the invitation to drink the tea.

“Do you always leave your door open. Or do enjoy luring unexpecting women. Perhaps I should feel privileged” giving a slight smile.

“I think you’re a man of many faces. Those can’t be trusted”

[Professor Mors]

'Dilectus' smiled at his guest when they finally made their appearance, remaining seated and silent while they made their opening remarks. "I thought wine would have had a worse connotation", the professor spoke at last, sliding one of the simmering mugs toward the woman, "For our future meetings, I will be sure to procure a proper vintage, if that's your pleasure". The disguised Neti paused to let his visitor sample the brew, and blew softly on the surface of his own beverage before addressing their query, "The doors and so on? Most of this apartment is automated– a computer in the wall behind me handles most things I believe, including security". Sa'ato's smile went crooked for a moment, "The cameras are all Jonas' idea– I assume for blackmailing purposes".

The academic's grin then vanished– creased over by an expression halfway between disdain and indifference. "To answer your other question, no", Sa'ato continued, lacing his slender fingers together in front of him, "My door is seldom open– and it is indeed a notable honour". The professor tilted his head slightly, looking at, or perhaps through the female assassin currently in his presence. "Your instincts serve you well", he praised openly, "Both in your judgment of my person, and in your command of the shadows". The 'business associate' smirked, "It is also true that I've given you no reason to trust me– apart from this offering of hospitality". Sasha's enigmatic host then leaned back and shifted their shoulders against the finely upholstered chair.

At last, he laid bare his intentions, "I would like to offer you something else– an opportunity. The chance to impress me, and to experience a life far beyond your current lot as a hired blade…"

[Sasha Horizon]

He was right about a few things, her instincts served her well and saved her life on more than one occasion. As part of her earlier training it was commended to follow your internal instincts, one wrong decision could mean life or death. Which she preferred the shadows, the one place she felt the most at ease. To strike from anywhere she learned to use to her advantage, the less people saw the better. She thrived on the elements of surprise and the environment around her.

So he knew Jonas, for som reason she felt as though he was using him and this lodging. She highly doubted he would let her kill him until his plan produced fruit so to speak. Unless he wanted her to kill him with his help. But what could he offer her that she didn’t already have.

She showed little emotion. Except for a slight crooked smile. She was analyzing him, as he sat speaking only a few words, which she gathered he planned on exactly what he wanted to say and nothing more. While giving only simple answers.

Sasha was a little more than forthcoming, most times she would sit in silence, but she gave him more than she is used to. She thought he did the same, his demeanour stated to her belief he was a private person and the list was short on who invited in regardless of this was Jaonas’d place or not, she was willing to bet all his housings were just as secure.

She was determined to find out how close their ties really were. “I always enjoy a glass of wine, inspires the mind for something a little more intellectual. People enjoy tea often talk about. Shall we say exploits that may never happen again. And your right I don’t trust you” with a sly smile she opened a small door

“Trust me, if you are my enemy. I will keep you very close”sipping the glass of tea he invited her drink.

If he wanted her dead she wouldn’t have made it down the hallway, Still her thought was she understood that she may finally met the person she would have difficulty in assassinating.

“I will entertain your offer, I’m not one to hope. As tou can see I love killing, but you did it bring me here for that. Hopefully is has more of life of purpose than killing.”

A serpentine smile creeped her lips. “We’re not even on a first name bases. I don’t except any offers until I feel it benefits me, and I know who I am dealing with” Keeping a straight face showing no emotions”

“Shall I start?” Placing the cup of tea she had barely touched.” I would like to see the person you are hiding before we continue.”

She knew he was offering something more than killing, she has seen the force first hand and she knew it was a part of him. She tried to mask her anticipation of having such power. But she wanted to hear it. Sash didn’t lie she knew he was hiding something. Before anything she wanted to know or see,

Any body else she would have already smashed his head into the table a few time, Either she would have choked them to death, and a nice quick stab. Twisting the blade causing eternal bleeding. This was different.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato smirked with genuine intrigue, and commented softly, "I imagine those that see your true face seldom live to speak of it– the same is true of mine– I suppose there's little harm in our being on the same page". The Neti's grin melted into a scowl, "First however, I think we shut prevent Mr. Gannick from recording this next part of our discussion". The professor slowly lifted a hand toward the wall housing the flat's main computer, and calmly informed his guest, "This next part may be a touch dramatic. Be not afraid– you will not be harmed". The academic then narrowed his gaze, and sent his thoughts slicing through the various circuits and power breakers attached to the terminal.

The access panel grew warmer, and warmer still, until its increased heat could be felt from where Sasha sat. As if in a panic, the computer began to whir loudly, until at last, it exploded into a tiny cloud of sparks. Darkness blanketed the room for a few moments, until Sa'ato gathered enough photons in the palm of his hand to produce a small orb of light. Like easing a young bird from its nest, the professor let the luminous ball of energy float harmlessly up toward the ceiling, before finally standing up from his chair. Easily reaching seven feet, 'Dilectus' towered over the toned but petite assassin. Grimacing, the 'Elomin' underwent a metamorphosis. His fingers stretched out like sinus roots while his face flattened into little but a mouth and two glowering, golden eyes.

His 'horns' lost their rigidity, flopping and falling back into many tendrils that seemed to mimic hair patterns. Whatever skin was visible lost its smoothness, taking on a rough, bark-like quality with jagged, zig-zagging trenches. It quickly became clear to Sasha that her mysterious host was no simple being of flesh and blood, but a Neti– a lifeform more plant than humanoid. "And now, a proper greeting is in order", the arboreal academic announced in their low, rattling tone, "I am Sa'ato Mors, high priest and aide-de-camp to the Dark Lord of the Sith. In this capacity I seek out new knowledge, resources, and when it can be found, new talent for my Order–". Sa'ato then swept an elongated hand toward his visitor, and placed the huttball in her court:

"Now I pose this to you, Young One: Who are you? Do you desire a simple existence of mindless bloodshed? Or one of purpose, power, and glory?"...

[Sasha Horizon]

Mr Mor’s guessed right, Sasha often didn’t reveal herself very often. The shadows was her comfort zone, those that did see her saw the end of her blade among a few broken body parts. If she was feeling discreet she always enjoyed strangulation in some form or fashion.

Now this was a sight she was expecting, watching the metamorphosis as he stretched out into a seven foot yeti. He towered over her by at least four feet. Sasha felt incredibly small, smiling up at the seven foot wonder, the assassin showed little or no fear. Simply because she didn’t have any.

She knew he was aware of her thoughts, as her facial expression changed. Her eyes burned as amber hourglass while he displayed his feats in the force. Sparks and flames filled the air as the heat of the computer system became nothing more than molten metal. Her eyes flared as the ball of energy exploded, she imagined herself having such power. She smirked as he made the insinuation she focus was mindless killing, although she was interested in why he thought so. SHe took pride in her work and how she finished the task. He spoke about something that would give her some sort of purpose in her art.

“Glory! I don’t care” she smirked.”now power, and purpose”she sat back down.

“ I will accept your proposal”
She knew of the Sith and at this point she desired it. She had a feeling this was just not like any other contract. It was all happening because down deep she always knew this would happen. Now the opportunity arose she had to take it.

[Professor Mors]

"Good– a wise decision", Sa'ato remarked softly, a relaxed smile slowly as he did so. Inwardly, the Neti was quite pleased. He could sense the woman's fearlessness: a wellspring of courage, or rather, an absence of anxiety that would otherwise hinder her candidacy. That she showed such little interest in glory or fame was likewise satisfactory. With time and training, the professor was suitably convinced that Sasha could become an asset to the Order– and might even ascend to that rank of an acolyte given enough persistence. Still, first impressions held little value without evidence to bolster their worth. To that end, the academic stretched a long, vine-like arm behind his chair, and produced a small suitcase which he set on the adjacent coffee table.

"I do not doubt your power to take life", the Neti half-commented, half-complimented, "What I would like to know now is whether you can temper your aggression– your bloodlust to serve more complex designs". A serious grimace hardened on the Neti's complexion, "Gannick's information is valuable but hardly one of a kind. He has competitors, and if he were to disappear, I could use that vacuum to negotiate for a more suitable exchange of services–". Sa'ato held up a finger, "That said, I do not want him dead– not before I can extract whatever intel he has left to give". The professor reached into the briefcase and tossed a handful of trifles toward the assassin. Arm bands, leaflets, even a small holograffiti emitter all seemingly wrenched from the hands of a political extremist.

"Here is your task", the Neti clarified at last, "Bring Jonas to me alive and intact. Kill any other witnesses, and use these to make it appear that he's been kidnapped by the disgruntled masses"...