Images of five denizens of Rhy'Din flashed on different monitors. Images taken of them when they were not paying attention, when they were at their best, when they were at their worst. There was information, trailings, trackings, recordings. He understood these people, how they moved, how they worked, how they lived.

These were just the beginning. He turned to look at his desk. The latest batch of black ribbon was complete. He ran his fingertips over one strip, feeling its smooth texture and closing his eyes. He concentrated, allowing the dark engery that he commanded to flow gently into the ribbon, corrupting it, bonding the alchemy to the silk fabric. His focus caused his brow to furrow a bit, as he pushed the corruption into the flimsy fabric.

He was not dealing with simpletons, the simple minds were easy. What he was after, this batch was special.

This would be the beginning of the end. He opened his eyes, his fingers stroking the silk a moment longer before picking it up. "Come here," he instructed, without looking up. The slave girl in the room was still new, still fresh. She had only had her collar for a few days, and was not broken - specifically because he didn't want her broken the regular fashion.

No...they would fall another way. She walked towards him, showing only fear, not yet the respect and love the other girls..his girls...showed him. "Take this." He extended the ribbon towards her, nearly throwing it at her. She quickly figited to capture it.

Her eyes went wide, nearly the second it made contact, her fingers wrapping around the most prized gift. She fell to the ground, sobbing gently, curling into a ball.

He could feel the darkness consume her, no amount of will that she could muster could fight off the effects of this simple little ribbon. She muttered and mumbled - pleadings of submission.

The mumbles of submission began to change as she rolled to her side, curling up in pain. Her fist still cluching the ribbon, her eyes rolling back into her head before she simply stopped moving. The only sound left coming from her was her breathing.

"Stand, doll."

As she stood, her eyes opened, revealing nothing left - no soul, no mind.

At least, not on the surface. He could hear her deep down, screaming in the deepest, darkest pits of her own mind. But the voice was getting more and more quiet.

The man reclined in his chair, his beefy hands folded across his equally beefy middle. Large rings adorned each finger, and a large guard flanked each side of his massive desk. This was a man used to power, used to getting his way, whether by persuasion, or by force. He looked at the woman sitting across the desk like a lion eying up a herd of zebra.

"So there are no misunderstandings, let me summarize, Miss Hess. Your.. employer has product he wants to move through my territory, and you want me to simply allow him to do just that. Am I understanding this correctly?"

Katerrina smirked darkly, meeting the man's predatory gaze with one of her own.

"You understand perfectly, Mr. DeFranco."

"And you understand, Miss Hess, that such leeway does not come without a price. I've taken the liberty of drawing up a contract, with my percentage of cut in whatever it is your boss is taking through my territory." He pulled a folded paper from his jacket's inner pocket, unfolded it, and slid it across the desk to Katerrina.

She picked it up, and read it, looking at the man with a faint red haze in her eyes. "I have a counter-proposal for you, Mr. DeFranco." She set the paper back on the desk, and slowly stood, her petite frame perfectly outlined in her impeccably tailored suit. The guard closest to her moved to intercept, but she smiled, and laid her hand on his chest, gazing up at the simple man with eyes that smoldered, her right hand reaching to the small of her back to draw out a cylindrical tube, which she casually brought towards his gut, his attention held by her eyes.

A fwash of purple light, a sudden jerking snerk, and the bodyguard crumpled to the floor, his belly gaping open from where she'd ignited her lightsaber against it. She sprang onto the desk, slicing the other guard's gun hand clean off, the weapon and limb landing next to his head, which she severed on the backswing. The blade now was leveled at the heart of Mr. DeFranco, who was deathly pale.

"I.. I accept your counter-proposal, Miss Hess. My people will not do anything to interfere with your employer's activity."

"Good. Have a nice day, Mr. DeFranco." She swung her lightsaber down in a sudden arc, cleaving the contract, and the desk beneath it, in two. She then left the office, deactivating her lightsaber with a smirk.

There were the coerced: Those that needed to be convinced to go along with his ideas. Just because it involved extortion to get what he wanted didn?t mean a thing.

The controlled: Those that needed to be told what to do, how to do it, beyond the ties of slaves; they are those controlled through other means.

Then there are those that simply need some convincing. Someone simply needed to talk to them, let them know where things stand, and what needed to be done.

?I will provide everything you will need to get it done.? The dark form said quietly. ?You just need to provide *you*.?

?There is something you aren?t telling me, My Lord.? The sarcasm was dripping from the respondent?s lips. ?You are giving me all the supplies, all the equipment and support?but for what?? The man shrugged. ?I don?t even know what I?m agreeing to yet!?

Travanix chuckled darkly. ?That is because I have not yet told you everything. I need to know that you are in before I start filling you in on the details. And even then, you will need to wait sometime before I tell you even that.? A finger shot up as a motion to hold his next through. ?However, this is what I will tell you: If you stand by me, follow my guidelines, you will live a life you never thought possible. Glory and rewards thrown your way, fear and respect offered you. You will take whatever you want, as long as it fits my needs.?

The man sat back in the booth, folding his arms over his chest. Clearly the thought process had begun in earnest. ?And?? The thought was carefully formed into words, ?Should I decide not to follow your guidelines? Or my actions do not fit your needs??

A vile smile formed on the black uniformed figure?s lips. ?Let us say that would be a poor choice on your part. If you agree to my terms, we are partners with me as senior partner. I will set the vision and the goals of our partnership.? He extended an easy hand towards his ?partner?. ?You will use the resources I provide you to make sure those goals and visions come to pass ? by any means necessary. By doing so, you get a fair cut of all profits made from the business arrangement.? Travanix leaned back, folding his arms. ?Breaking the partnership entitles me to everything you hold dear.?

?What if you break the deal?? The ?partner? inquired carefully.

?I will not, provided you do not force me to.? Travanix was very sure of himself. ?Of course, if you would like I can provide you with references of those who trust in me enough, and made them disgustingly rich and powerful in the course. In addition, one of my pets can provide you with the list of grave sites of those who thought they knew better than I do. The choice is up to you.?
There was a moment of silence as the potential partner stared down Travanix, trying to determine if he was as powerful as he seemed. ?I?m in.?

Travanix chuckled. ?Yes..I knew you would be.?

Dragonlover: Talons scratch against the exterior door as the draconian watchman, Verbosk, enters the tavern, his wide and high girth barely able to fit through the door.

LordTravanix: ::And he had been enjoying his night as well...the drink with a Corrupted one, the girl beside him that was ever so willing to enjoy his dark company...and now this...::

Dragonlover: Forked tongue shooting out, scanning the tavern for scents, familiar and un-, Verbosk makes a B-line, but slow, towards the bar. Heavy feet pound on the floor as the mass of brown scales and membranous wings is carried to the bar.

Eiellani Rose: :: quicksilver eyes followed the draconian, before dismissing him to again devote her attention to Travanix::

Dragonlover: Grey draconic eyes follow his nemesis from previous days and his company as he passes.

LordTravanix: ::The dragonkin at least learned its lesson and avoided the dark being. Judging by its mood, it decided not to take him up on the offer to join. The mug was lifted up to his lips as the girl's thigh was drawn on with the finger chilled unnaturally.::

Dragonlover: Proceeding through the break in the bar, the draconian looked around, wondering if this tavern had firebreath. It was more modern, and more than likely didn't appeal to as wide a range of tastes as the Red Dragon. Much to Verbosk's un-surprise, there was no firebreath. Shrugging the draconian pulls up a clear bottle of Grey Goose vodka, then went back around to a stool at the end of the bar.

LordTravanix: ::The dark form only sat at the bar, playing with his girl's thigh and drinking ale.::

Dragonlover: Taking up a shot glass, the watchman takes his vodka straight--it was alcoholic, but it carried the same fiery taste as Verbosk's choice drink from his homeland. The draconian turns in his seat, now facing Travanix and his company, but regarding on Trav. Oh yes, he knew the man's name now. A tap of the shot glass on the bar top. Was he trying to get attention, or just a nervous reaction?

LordTravanix: ::His eyes looked up, but his head did not move.:: Is there something you want, officer. I assure you, I have not killed anyone tonight...I simply supplied them with a drug that is so powerfully addictive they will never be able to have a normal life ever again. Would that violate any sort of law? ::He smirked in the shadow of his gaze.::

Dragonlover: "Don't patronize me, Travanix. We mussst talk... without the prying earsss of your guestsss and lady friendsss, to put it lightly."

LordTravanix: ::He looked over his shoulder, then looked the other way, then back to him.:: I have no secrets that no one here does not already know...What is on your mind oh so brave and honerable warrior... ::A tendral of chilled air was creeping up the girl's leg like a snake.::

Eiellani Rose: :: She made no effort to move, this was her place and no lizard would oust her from it.::

Dragonlover: A growl. "I insissst."

Eiellani Rose: Growling gives you wrinkles. You really shouldn't do that.

LordTravanix: You can insist all you want, officer. Or, you can, like a gentleman, sit down at this barstool and allow my lovely pet to gather some dinner and a drink. Else...I am sitting here, and enjoying the memories of the excellent day I have had.

Dragonlover: Is this what happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force? Nope, because the draconian yielded. Apparently privacy was impossible with this man--Verbosk stood up, took a final shot, and, leaving behind the bottle of Grey Goose, went to sit by Travanix.

Eiellani Rose: :: She rose without a word when the draconian sat, and moved to collect his bottle::

Dragonlover: The watchman regarded the female with an eye, then nodded. "Thank you."

Eiellani Rose: Will soup and sandwiches suffice Lord? Or will you be wishing richer fare?

LordTravanix: No, pet, a sandwiches and soup will be delicious. ::He turned his attention to the officer.:: What is it I can do for you, officer?

Eiellani Rose: :: A neat bow and she slipped away to inspect the kitchen facilities::

Dragonlover: The draconian brings his head in, looking at Trav directly in the eyes from maybe a quarter of an inch away. He whispers, "What is in it for me, joining you? I have a very fine living already, and I'm not much interested in jeopardizing that quality right now."

LordTravanix: ::He chuckled as he sat up straight, folding his arms over his chest.:: Perhaps I did not make it clear what it was you would be rewarded with. Power and honor. You would want for nothing. Everything you would want would be given you on a silver platter. The people that you protect would honor your name for a life time...Or two. ::Reminding himself that dragons live a very long time.::

Dragonlover: "I have claimed all the power I desire--I have a healthy harem back home, one of whom is pregnant with my kin--and my honor as been proven time and again in battle. Now, what is in it for me? Silver platters? The strongest of bodies hunt and kill their own food."

LordTravanix: Survival of the fittest, yes, officer? ::He picked up his mug and took a drink of it.:: There are things in motion that will make you question everything. Who you are, who you serve, and what you can become. ::He shook his head.:: You have been handed a life ::He extended out his empty hand towards him.:: That has only the things assigned to you. Your position. Your duty. These things are told to you, that you must do. And when you do them, you get a small bit of freedom in return.

Dragonlover: "And how will that condition change working for you?"

LordTravanix: I do not give something I cannot. You said it yourself, only you can have honor. No one else does, no one else can have your honor. So how is it that someone else gives it to you. Those that you serve now say it is an honor to serve with you, am I right? ::He turned to face him.:: Even in battle, did not someone else bestow your honor on you after you completed your duties? For me, you have honor before you even step to the battle field, because you made the choice to.

Eiellani Rose: :: She returned from the kitchen with a laden tray, balanced expertly. Not a drop was spilled from the bowls on it's surface::

Dragonlover: Verbosk rubbed a talon on his chin, thoughtfully. Trav's words did make sense, but... "If you refer to the line between cowardice and heroism, my tribe already respects, and endows, orders, the latter. To be cowardly is to be shunned--but the couragous who take to battle become chiefs one day."

Eiellani Rose: :: The contents of the tray were laid before Lord Travanix and the draconian. A rich tomato vegitable soup, and a grilled cheese of some sort fragrant with herbs::

LordTravanix: Again, ::He said as he turned towards the food.:: Someone else tells you what you can become. With me, I provide you everything you need to do it yourself. I lay out only guidelines as to what must be done. With your culture, you are not assured a position of honor and responsiblity, its just a chance. Is that how you want to spend the rest of your life? Cowardace and heroism is in the eye of the beholder. You do not get to decide if you are the bravest in battle - someone else does.

Dragonlover: "So, you are saying with you, I won't have to answer to anybody except myself?"

LordTravanix: As long as my guidelines are met, you have what you need when you walk on the field. IN between that, ::He stressed it :: What good is it to provide a man a way to fish, but always have to tell him the only way he'll catch the big fish is to do exactly as told?

Eiellani Rose: :: a soft brush of fingers over Isir's shoulder in passing as she moves to return the empty tray to the kitchen.::

Dragonlover: The draconian takes a deep breath.

LordTravanix: ::He took a spoon to the soup and drank a bit down before dipping a small bit of the sandwich into it.::

Dragonlover: The draconian held up two fingers, talons on the tips. "Two requests, and I'm in."

Eiellani Rose: :: Returns from the kitchen and refills the men's beverages.::

LordTravanix: ::He nodded.:: I am listening.

Dragonlover: "Firssst... you keep away from Lady Icer and her brood. I know your... past history... with her clan, and I'm not much interested in having my hosts for several months terrorized by you."

LordTravanix: ::He chuckled.:: If they stay out of my way, I will avoid them. My word as a businessman.

Dragonlover: "How about your word as an actual man? Business isss... shaky and untrustworthy."

LordTravanix: ::He looked at him, nearly dropping the spoon.:: Officer, as a slaver, assassin, weapons trader and drug dealer if my word is not good, then my contracts are no good. If my contracts are no good, my business withers. In the end, much like you have your honor, I have only my word. And my word does not change, nor does it break.

Eiellani Rose: :: Settles next to her Lord, the serving finished::

Dragonlover: "What can I say? Traders in Tississk were swindling bastards."

LordTravanix: I will not harm the dragoness or her kin.

Dragonlover: A nod. "The second may be redundant, as you may not be aware of them, but I also want you to stay away from the Den."

LordTravanix: ::He looked up, sticking his chin out for a moment as he made calculations.:: I will put you in charge of their safety. You keep your end of the bargin, and I am sure there will be nothing to worry about. ::He looked back to the dragonkin.::

Dragonlover: A tiny smirk. "I will personally ensure they stay out of your way, Travanix." A taloned hand is offered.

LordTravanix: ::The sandwich put down and the hand wiped with a napkin before the unnaturally chilled fingers clasped with the clawed hand.:: Agreed.

Dragonlover: The draconian nods, then stands. "Then our business is concluded, Travanix."

LordTravanix: As if there was a doubt. ::He nodded as he picked up his sandwich and his spoon.:: I will see that your meal is paid for.

Dragonlover: "You are most kind." A nod, and the draconian turns to return to his lair.

'Invitations' were sent out, final preperations were completed.

The Corrupt were 'invited' to meet at the tower Tuesday night. They were informed that everything had come together, and there was nothing left to do but to act.

He stood in front of the tower, arms folded behind him, legs spread slightly as he waited for the Corrupt to arrive.

To the side of the tower rested a large transport, its aft bay open, awaiting its guests. Slave girls knelt easily next to the entrance of the ship. lani and nori stood but a few paces behind him - not wearing their normal uniform, but slick unitards.

It was time...Let the Corrupt come.