OOM: Mission: Shopping!

[last_kallig]

This is Kaas City, the Dark heart of the Sith Empire. The planet of Dromund Kaas is saturated with the Dark Side of the Force and the city itself is mere klicks from at least one incredibly potent Dark Force Nexus. Compared to THAT, the hundreds of Sith here are mere pinpricks, raindrops in an ocean of dark power.

And Quinlan Voss, former Jedi, is here to.....shop. The Force works in mysterious ways, perhaps.

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[the_force_abides]

Quin is happy for Ibani's presence. Not only because it allows him to not be deceiving his wife, but because she offers some measure of security. He has been in many dangerous situations before this, but any claim the Sith of his time had to the title is quickly proven to be a weak one.

Still, he plays the part of an apprentice well, walking behind Ibani as her servant and guard, focusing on his anger to hide his presence as well as can be.

[last_kallig]

The comparative weakness of the Sith in his time is not surprising. This point in time, this era, is the strongest the Sith Empire ever managed to make itself. Here and now they are at the apex of their power while the Sith of Quin's age were believed extinct for more than a thousand years and are far more limited in number and potency by their 'Rule of Two'.

For all that he's displaced more than three thousand years in time, there is much to see here that is jarringly familiar. The crimson sigil of the Empire, the grey uniforms with their red, blue and gold insignia, the stark, imposing bulk of the government buildings, all things stolen by Palpatine for his Empire.

It seems the ruse is working, as nobody is paying them any particular mind as they head toward the main shopping district of Kaas City. The crowd parts around them respectfully, going about their business and letting the two 'Sith' go about theirs with the occasional salute or 'my lord' in passing.

[the_force_abides]

It's funny how similar their times are. There are differences of course--fashions, ship and vehicle designs, slang--but over all, he could almost be in any Imperial city. The number of gray uniform helps of course. In fact, he's spending so much time tracking those uniforms, he misses another difference for several minutes.

Then it hits him, there are no younglings. There are, also, very few civilians and those that are present seem of high rank or status, if his read of fashions is correct. It is very much beginning to feel like he's on a military outpost rather than a city.

All in all, it puts his senses on high alert, though he maintains a calm, if fierce, expression. He even keeps his hands away from his weapons.

[last_kallig]

He's doing very well, especially considering the circumstances! Ibani can't tell Quin that right now, but she intends to later.

She alters her path down a side street and it's not very much longer before they reach their destination. This shop doesn't have a sign, it doesn't need one. If you don't already know where it is and what it offers, you're not likely to need or want what it makes.

The inside of the shop is well-lit, with a few pieces of armor on display. It's not the kind of armor that gets issued to soldiers, or the kind of kit put together by smugglers, criminals or other underworld types. This is armor designed to allow and endure maneuvers only possible with the Force, the material capable of taking incredible punishment for its weight.

[the_force_abides]

Quin doesn't bother hiding his assessment of the promises--eyes darting about looking for exits, threats, and possible hiding places--since he is supposed to be an apprentice, and really, what use is an apprentice that doesn't keep his master alive?

Through the Force though, Ibani will likely feel a surge in interest and joy at the look of the armor. He's seen and worn armor in his time, but nothing so clearly designed to be used with the Force. He does wonder if it will merely deflect blasters and other typical weapons, or if it there are any that can protect the wearer from lightsabers.

[last_kallig]

Ibani smiles, though the sight is hidden behind her mask. She knew this was a good idea.

The craftwoman who runs the shop is a tall, lean woman, hair gone completely steel gray with age. She's ex military, from the way she moves, although her steps are just a touch stiffer than they should be. Prosthetic legs hidden by trousers, perhaps?

She greets both of them with a half bow and a "My lords," before beginning her explanations of the armor she makes. Yes, her armor WILL protect from lightsaber blows. Not forever, of course, but all of the armors have cortosis alloy in them for such a purpose. She asks about how he prefers to fight, watches how he moves. She even knows the proper names of all the lightsaber forms and what they're used for! The craftswoman may be Force blind, but her knowledge of how combat works with Force sensitives is considerable.

[the_force_abides]

Quin gives her a nod of greeting but closes his face when she asks how he prefers to fight, turning to Ibani with an expression seeking permission. It's quite amazing how not only his posture and body language have made him someone completely different but that he can communicate, "Can I trust this person?" with so few facial movements.

Once Ibani gives him the all clear, he explains he prefers forms V and VI, but draws from Vii as well. He uses the Sith names of course. When the woman requests him to demonstrate a form, he does so, first slowly and then near combat speed.

When he is done, he offers the seller a slight nod of respect to placate any hard feelings his seemingly suspicious nature before might have suggested. It always pays to be polite to the person who is making equipment that will save your life.

[last_kallig]

She seems pleased at the slight nod. She's accustomed to suspicion, working with Sith as she does, but respect is always nice!

She nods occasionally, listening intently as he answers. It won't be long before they've narrowed the possible options down. In fact, Quin is in luck! There is a set of armor, nearly finished, that would be a good fit for him with only minimal alterations.

[the_force_abides]

The armor feels both perfect and odd. It fits as if it were made for him but it also is an unfamiliar weight. He tried a few forms, both lightsaber and unarmed, before deciding he not only can work with it, but that he likes it. He doesn't smile but the glint in his eye might be noticeable to the merchant.

"How difficult would it be to apply temporary paints? My Master requires discretion at times and I do not always know the terrain I am to work in."

In other words, how easy is it to apply a camouflage layer to the armor.

[last_kallig]

There's a slight, internal, wince from the armorer at the idea of her work being covered over, but she hides it well.

"Paint could certainly be applied, although it won't hold up well to being struck by weapons," she replies. "Paint designed for armor would last a little better, but the likelihood of it needing a touch up after an altercation would be high."

[the_force_abides]

Quin catches it and would love to assure her it would only be temporary, but that wouldn't fit his current persona. Still, perhaps he can offer some assurance her work is appreciated.

"No matter. The paint would only be temporary in any case."

[last_kallig]

That reassures her a bit, though she doesn't let it show on her face. "Are there any other questions I can answer?"

She'll answer any questions he has before the idea of him actually purchasing the armor is broached. Thankfully, the Bar at Milliways is capable of changing money from Quin's era into the Imperial credits of this one. His normal money would definitely be no good here, being minted by a different Empire entirely!

"It suits you," Ibani says as they leave the shop, her smile hidden behind her mask. The streets seem too crowded as they head back into the main thoroughfare, something must be obstructing traffic ahead and things are rapidly progressing into gridlock.

[the_force_abides]

Quin might leave a little extra in his payment; a simple way to show how impressed he is with the armor.

"It does feel good, though I am not so sure of the mask. I will have to spend some time sparing with it on." The walk feels good and oddly enough, wearing armor makes him feel slightly less as much a target. A foolish thought, he realizes and forces himself to go back to caution. His scanning eyes pass a face before they come back to rest on a face which shouldn't be familiar at all.

Quin hides this by continuing to scans the area and chat with Ibani, but a few meters later, he remembers why he knows the man. Harkun, Ibani's old overseer whom he saw when he read her lightsaber.

[last_kallig]

"It does take some getting used to," she replies. "But the protection is well worth it."

That is right about the time she also sees that familiar face where she was definitely not expecting it to be. Ibani doesn't twitch, doesn't stop moving, but Quin might feel a brief, sharp, spike of hate from her that's quickly suppressed.

"It's a surprise to see one's former instructors outside the classroom," she remarks, tone entirely conversational. Harsh and unforgiving necessity has made sure she's very good at self-control. "He must be taking a break from his weeding on Korriban."

[the_force_abides]

"Oh," Quin replies just as casually as he scans the area. He spots a sinister (well, even more sinister than the average) looking fellow stalking down the street in Harkun's direction. "It must be difficult to 'weed' as you call it. Must require frequent breaks to recharge."

As Quin watches, an idea occurs to him; a very un-Jedi-like idea. He waits until Harkun is just about to pass the obvious Sith and then just gives a slight Force push to the overseer's feet. Just enough to trip him up.

[last_kallig]

"It's possible," she replies, tone dry. "I was only in his charge briefly, so I couldn't say for sure."

The push is just enough to send Harkun stumbling into the other Sith. Harkun's lips twist in a sneer and it's clear he is about to throttle some poor, random Imperial behind him when the realization of just WHO he's bumped into registers.

Harkun's face goes pale enough that the red tattoos stand out like fresh blood on his skin, but he manages to keep his voice steady. His usual arrogance and superiority is gone, replaced by subservience and submissiveness. "My utmost apologies my Lord," he says with a deep bow. He glances out of the corner of his eye for someone to blame, but the rapidly widening circle bare of people around the two Sith is devoid of potential culprits.

Quin might notice that Ibani has gone very, very still and that's she's watching the unknown Sith warily.

[the_force_abides]

Seeing Ibani's shift in attention, Quin, very carefully, opens his senses to see if any others are currently using the Force. He also shifts to ensure his footing is sound and the saber he brought along, one with a Sith crystal, is free in case there is need.

He hopes his impulsiveness isn't about to get them in trouble. As to Harkun, well the man can fend for himself.

[last_kallig]

No one is actively using the Force right now, but the strange Sith is a well of Dark Side power, most likely the strongest Dark Sider Quin has ever encountered.

"That's the Dark Lord Darth Marr," Ibani explains quietly. "Member of the Dark Council and one of the most powerful Sith in the entire Empire." No wonder Harkun is so pale!

Darth Marr speaks, his voice a deep tone largely absent of emotion. "Inattentiveness to one's surroundings is a dangerous trait for a Sith to cultivate," he intones. It might or might not be a veiled threat, it's impossible to say for sure.

Harkun swallows. "Yes, my Lord, of course. I will take all possible caution in the future."

"Indeed," Marr replies. "I'm sure you will." The Dark Lord stalks on his way without another word.

[the_force_abides]

Quin watches the Sith's back and can't help feeling like he just made it safely from the claws of a rancor. His attention then shifts to Harkun and he decides he has done enough. The man likely deserves more, but Quin has no wish to become anything like the man.

"I believe your former overseer may be in need of new trousers." Quin says, not that he can blame the fellow.

[last_kallig]

"Perhaps," Ibani replies. "I won't deny a certain....satisfaction is seeing him frightened, but he may take his feelings out on someone or something weaker than himself." Like the next slave to cross his path, or the next student under his care.

[the_force_abides]

"That...would be unfortunate," Quin says, feeling guilt at his part in Harkun's anger and potential abuse. He looks about for any means to give the man an outlet, spotting a maintenance droid. Well, better than nothing right?

A subtle use of the Force a time or two and the droid just happens to nearly run over Harkun's foot.

[last_kallig]

There's a feeling of curiosity from Ibani at his use of the Force on the droid until she realizes what he's doing. She then nods subtly in agreement with his plan.

Harkun snarls at the droid and stretches one hand out toward the offending machine. Force lightning crackles through the air, sizzling and popping. The droid's distressed, pained sounding beeps, whistles and shrieks as the lightning blackens its outer shell and destroys its inner workings are loud in the unnatural silence around them. The citizens of Dromund Kaas are quite accustomed to Sith, but even they aren't used to seeing Force lightning at work. (And, of course, they're hoping that if they're quiet and out of the way none of that will be turned on THEM.)

By the time the droid is a blackened shell on the permacrete, Harkun seems back to his usual self. Nothing like putting someone or something else 'in their place' to restore your own sense of superiority, apparently.

[the_force_abides]

Quin spares a moment to worry that droid wasn't on its way to repair something vital before putting it out of his head. Not like he could do anything about it now anyway.

"Perhaps we should move on before he sees us." He murmurs to Ibani. He's not sure if she outranks Harkun but just in case. Plus, he could use less temptation right now.

[last_kallig]

"A wise idea," Ibani murmurs back. "And moving on gives us an opportunity for you to get used to your armor."

The traffic is still at a near standstill, but Force Sensitives aren't limited to traveling along the street. "Up for a bit of a challenge? I bet we can make it back there much faster by nontraditional routes."

It's hardly any effort at all for Ibani to force leap up onto a nearby roof, Quin close behind her. Milliways is calling.