Star Wars: Swords of the Force

[Armphid]

Ramza let out a moan as she handled his manhood, looking down at her. She was such a tease! He loved that. And the wide eyes faking innocence...it shouldn't turn him on, but it did. It really, really did. He set his arms on the table, bracing himself as she toyed with his sack.

"Or did you need something more, Ramza? Something like . . . this?"

His eyes went wide then, and he let out an explosive gasp, his head rolling back, then they closed and he let out a strangled cry, "Oh, yes! Ahhh..." He looked down again, his breathing having gotten noticeably heavier. "You're such a tease, and I love it so much. Yes, that's what I need. Please, Irina, don't stop."

 

[HookerBoots]

Her grin was sweet and only had a touch of wickedness in it. "Since you asked so nicely." Her lips slid slowly over his cock again, one hand still massaging the flesh of his balls gently. With a little moan, she began to slide up and down, letting him watch as she swallowed his entire length. Her tongue revolved slowly around the shaft as it slipped in and out of her mouth.

She didn't usually mind doing this - and the Force knew she'd done it often enough, for reasons as varied as the men she'd done it for - but this was far more pleasureable than any other time she'd ever had a cock in her mouth. Irina actually found herself enjoying both the process and the taste, and started to move more quickly, pausing occasionally to pull Ramza from her mouth and lick and blow on the shaft. The moaning and groaning and gasping that she was hearing indicated that he was enjoying it as much as she was, and she smiled as much as she could around her mouth full of cock.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza would be lying if he said he'd never had a woman do this before. There had been several. It was always good. There were few finer things, really, that having your dick in a wet, warm mouth. But there were better and worse, and this was simply the best he'd ever had. Irina was masteful, knowing just how to use her lips and tongue to stimulate just the right places! And the way she kept toying with his balls, the occasional pulling off of him to bathe and kiss his member....it was mind blowing. In addition to the other kind of blowing.

He was moaning and frequently gasping for air. More than once, he found his breath vanishing as she sucked his cock with skill, delight, and enjoyment. That was the best part. So many times women treated it like a chore. Irina liked it. It was in her eyes, the occasional hum or moan that sent a shiver up his spine as it rolled around and through his prick, the smile that tugged at her lips. One hand threaded through her hair, lightly taking hold. "Oh, Irina...Nass, that feels so good. So fucking good." He looked down at her, the sight of it making it all even better, even more sexy. "I've never...mmmm....never....had it like this. You're so damn good at this, ahhh, at sucking me. Best I've ever...ohhhh, yes..."

 

[HookerBoots]

His praise made her blush, which almost never happened spontaneously. Again, it was nothing new to get praised at her ability with sucking cock, but the fact that she cared about his opinion gave her a feeling of abashed pride. His hand on the back of her head felt . . . caring, more like he wanted to have another physical connection with her than guide her or force her. Sith lords, what was wrong with her?! She should not, could not, be having these emotions! She was a Sith, a diplomat, an assassin! This was totally out of character for her, and dangerous.

Her realism pushed through, pointing out that obviously, could and should aside, she was having those feelings, and this wasn't the time to consider them in any case. With a satisfying - if slightly sad - slurping sound, Irina let her mouth slide off his cock, and stood up, kissing him deeply. Some men didn't care for that, which she thought was ludicris, but she had a feeling that he wouldn't mind. When the kiss broke, she grinned. "I'm pleased to hear that after all that experience, I'm the best."

One hand on the center of his chest. "Now. Another demonstration of my skill." She pressed gently. "Lie back on the table."

 

[Armphid]

He returned her kiss with grateful enthusiasm, one hand on the small of her back, pressing her to him. Some might have balked, since his cock had been there but moments before, but for Ramza it was only more enticing. There was no shame or dirtiness in his mind when it came to acts of love.

Had he just thought that word again? Sithspawn.

Ramza smiled at her next words, "Undeniably the best, lover," he confirmed. When she pushed on his chest, he went with it, letting her gently 'push' him down onto the table. "Hells, Irina, I love you taking charge like this. It's so magnificently sexy."

 

[HookerBoots]

It was no less than she'd expected from him, really. Any man who was that thrilled over her fighting abilities was almost guaranteed to love watching her take charge of intimacy. But it still made her happy to know that he was enjoying it, and willing to let her determine it even though he clearly was excited and eager. A pleased smirk curved her lips as she climbed onto the table next to him, running a hand over his chest before she threw a leg over his hips and straddled him.

Irina could feel the hardness of his cock pressing against her, and smiled at him from her perch. With a grin, she leaned forward and kissed him, moving her hips to slide against him without letting him enter her. One hand on either side of his head braced her up, her breasts pressing against his chest, and felt his hands slide around her waist, tugging her close to him.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza's eyes rolled back in his head and a long, sighing moan escaped him as she straddled him. She knew how to tease in the bet way possible. The way she kept brushing his member with her snatch, but no more, the feel of her breasts pillowing and rubbing on his chest, and the smirk he could feel on her lips was both madly taunting and deeply satisfying.

His hands went about her waist, and he tried to pull her back down onto his shaft. Not very hard though. She wanted to tease, and he was delighted to let her. But that didn't mean he couldn't play too. "Want you so bad, Irina," he whispered as the kiss broke to allow them to breathe for a brief moment.

 

[HookerBoots]

She smiled, her lips barely brushing his. "I think I noticed that," she whispered back, letting his hands push her down onto him for a second before raising her hips again. It almost killed her, letting him slide out of her again, but Irina was too turned on by the noises he was making as she teased him to let it stop that easily. It was a new thing for her, this delayed gratification. She knew they both desperately wanted to feel his cock inside of her, and she wasn't used to holding off on things she wanted. It was nothing unusual for her to tease the men she was with, but to tease herself like this . . . it was sort of exhilerating.

The feel of his chest heaving beneath her, the heat of his skin on hers, almost drove her over the edge. A slight moan escaped her lips, and, after a few more seconds of teasing them both, Irina reached between them, gripped his shaft in one hand, and pushed her hips down and forward. The breath caught in her throat at the feel of him filling her pussy, and she bit her lower lip. "Oh, Ramza . . . ."

 

[Armphid]

Ramza actually cried out, almost screaming when she sank onto his cock. His back arched as his hips bucked, pressing himself up into her hot, velvety heaven. All gods in the cosmos, he was burning! He had to be! Heat and pleasure lanced through him almost painfully, they were so intense. "Irina! Ohhh, Irina," he chanted her name over and over, a mantra of sensual devotion and enjoyment as they started to move together.

This was just...it was impossible. There wasn't this much pleasure in the universe. The things she did to him were almost frightening. "Don't stop, lover, you're perfect...just...ahh...can't believe...how good..."

He looked up at her through half-lidded eyes, the look of impassioned lust on her face deeply satisfying and arousing. It almost didn't seem like this could be real. Had he been alive before this? Before her?

 

[HookerBoots]

There had never been anything in her life as sensual and arousing as the primal, lusty cry Ramza had made when she slid onto his cock. And then . . . almost more amazing was the way he met her eagerly, pressing himself fully into her almost desperately. A shiver ran through her body, which she knew he could feel, and she licked her lips. This was amazing, just . . . so damn incredible.

She was his lover? That was a title she'd never had before. Irina used men, she didn't love them. Maybe some of them loved her, at first, but she never . . . felt like this. The faster they moved, the less important anything else seemed to her, and she leaned forward, her hips still moving, riding him. "Ramza, gods, this . . . ohhhhh, so good, lover." She leaned in to kiss him, wondering if she should worry about how much she meant that, how much she wanted to please him as well as herself.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza returned the kiss with a hungry fervor, his hands coming up to grasp her shoulders, half pinning her in place. His lips danced over and with hers, mad, feverish kisses silencing their moans for the moment.

Lover. He'd had lovers, but the word was not one he used lightly. Or at all, since the Academy. To hear it back was a balm to all the hurts that his pride had suffered in his disguise as a buffoon.

His hips continued to drive upward, fast and hard, Irina pressing down with the same rhythm. She matched him effortlessly, easily, naturally, like they'd done this a thousand times. She knew his most primal wants and drives so deeply it was wonderful, and a little frightful. Why? Did it matter, in the end?

He pressed his face to the side of her neck, kissing and biting down it, listening to her pleasured cries and the slap of their bodies, the wet joining of their sexes, over and over and over. It was so much glory! So much wonder! He was a slave to it, and in the throes of his passion, he wondered how he would ever live without her now.

 

[HookerBoots]

The more they thrust and ground together, the less Irina cared about whether she should be doing this with him. Everything was vanishing except how good their bodies felt together. Ramza's lips and teeth on her neck made her moan even more loudly, and she felt as though she might be drowning in sexual pleasure. As they kept moving together, Irina could feel another orgasm approaching her like a runaway land speeder.

Her head tipped back, and she let out a low groan. "Ramza, gods . . . I think I'm . . . ." She managed to pant out, before her body tensed and released, her pussy clenching tightly around his thrusting shaft.

 

[Armphid]

"Yes, that's it!" Ramza bit a little harder at her neck, almost growling, "Cum, lover! Cum for me!" He felt her tremble, then tense, and then her pussy began to clench and release around his cock. "Irina, yes!" "Hellfire!"

Force and all gods, it felt so good to have her cumming on his dick like this. Brain numbingly, heart stoppingly good. His hips continued to buck and plunge upward, sheathing himself in the sopping wet heat of her core, the young Jedi feeling his own orgasm rushing up on him. "Irina...I'm going to...I'm going to...flood your snatch with my cum! Fill you up with my jizz, lover!" His eyes opened wide, then half-lidded, "Ahhhh, fuck...Irina, oh, Irinaaaa..."

He came hard, and longer than he would have thought possible after earlier. He writhed and then stiffened beneath her, joyous tension filling and then escaping his body. He pulled her down to him, kissing her with celebratory ferocity before they broke, both panting for air.

He suddenly laughed, looking up at her flushed face. "You know...I think these negotiations...won't be so boring...after all."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two weeks passed, for Ramza, they were among the most bizarre, the most busy, and the most happy he had ever lived. The days were full of meetings and deliberations for his Master, Ramza spending them investigation claims on her behalf or trying to find out what had become of the Emperor's Children. It was a little troubling. They'd started acting differently that then ever had before. Smarter, more secretive. Someone new was in charge.

His nights were full as well. Often of social gathering and reports to his master, but as often as he could, they were spent with her. Irina. His wonderful, sensual, brilliant Irina. At the start of the second week, he'd acknowledged to himself that he was falling in love with her. He'd told Master Shahazdra, who was less than pleased, but did not say he shouldn't do so. She said she'd "consider the matter."

This day had been long. His air speeder slid up next to Irina's building, the black haired young man looking up at it. There was nothing scheduled for tonight, and Master Shadazdra had confided in him that the Guild Master had already decided to ally with the Republic. Which meant they'd be leaving soon. Neither he nor Irina had discussed what would happen once the negotiations were over. But that time was almost upon them.

 

[HookerBoots]

Over the next two week, Irina found herself juggling more different personalities than she'd ever thought she'd have to deal with. With the 'Emperor's Children', which she was considering renaming - it was stupid and foolish to call them that, when they weren't - she was a stern, unforgiving leader. With her delegation, she was a stealthy, soft voice that pushed them in the right direction. With the Guild Master, she was a strong young woman, who managed to make it in a man's world - the kind of girl the Master herself had been. And with Ramza . . . she was herself.

It was strange that after all this time of being someone else, she almost found herself feeling uncomfortable in her own skin with him. It was odd being able to be open with someone about what she was thinking and feeling. Not everything, of course, but the important things. They'd spent almost every free moment with each other - thankfully, he had things to occupy himself with during the day, so she was free to pursue her own mission, and nights were usually dull as well.

The Guild Master had, regretfully, told her that she'd made her decision, and Irina had the sense that it was not favorable to the Remnant. That was fine, since her mission wasn't to ensure the success of the Imperial Remnant's negotiations anyway, and her Master hadn't minded - much - that there wouldn't be another planet added to the dwindling string of those around his neck. But he had chided her for taking her time with the mission, and told her that distractions would not be tolerated.

What troubled her was that the end of the negotiations meant an end to what was easily the best time of her entire life. And she didn't want it to end. Irina had even found herself on the verge of offering to join the Republic, which would have been a fatal mistake. No one simply left the Remnant, and no one just quit being a Sith. And she was fairly sure that the Republic and the Jedi Order would frown on her joining, but continuing to use the Dark Side. It was troubling. If she could convince Ramza to join her . . . it would never happen. After only two weeks, she knew that he was too noble, too good (and didn't that gall her) to follow the path she had chosen for herself.

Ah, well. Tomorrow was the official announcement of the Guild Master's decision, and with luck that would be interesting enough. Irina had invited some guests: The Emperor's Children. They would be a distraction, of course. While the guards took care of them, she could go after her primary target. The mayhem and destruction that little band of fools were now capable of would serve her well, and then . . . well, with luck, they'd all be killed in the melee in the palace. Without luck, she'd have to eliminate them herself afterwards. Either way, the only person who would know for certain what had happened would be Irina herself.

A pleased smile curved her lips. The political aspect was working out better than she could have hoped. The personal aspect . . . they might discuss that tonight. Perhaps, if nothing else, they could meet occasionally, someplace where they wouldn't have to be anything other than themselves.

A chime sounded from her bedroom, and she stood up with a start. It was late. Ramza was probably already outside, and she still hadn't gotten dressed. Not that it mattered, she thought with a smirk, since she'd be undressed rather quickly anyway. But sometimes he took her to see shows, or to restaurants, and she hated being underdressed. With this being one of the last nights they might have together, Irina was certainly not going to take her chances.

She dashed into the bedroom, pulling one of the gowns the Guild Master had provided for her - long, low-cut bronze silk with elaborate detailing - and slipped it on, and was finishing the final touches on her hair when there was a knock at her door. Over the last two weeks, the matron who ran the front desk had started letting him up without announcement, and Irina smiled as she patted her hair again. "Come in, Ramza."

 

[Armphid]

Ramza came in, a smile on his face. He was dressed a little more casually than usual himself, in the style he preferred to wear instead of the fancy suits and outfits diplomacy and hob nobbing required. Irina was waiting for him, and she was stunning. He slowed in his walk, his smile widening. "May the Force be with you, Irina...wow. You look amazing. I like that dress." His eyes flicked down to the great amount of cleavage the low cut neck revealed. "A lot."

He was almost regretful when he was up to her, but then he took her into his arms, kissing her deeply. After the kiss broke, he smiled, running a hand up her cheek, "How I got along without this, I'll never know."

Then the smile on his face faded as he looked into her eyes. "I know you know, lover. It's almost over...but I don't want to lose you, to lose us. I have, well, I have a...proposal."

 

[HookerBoots]

She turned her head into his caress, a small smile on her face as she relished the feeling of their bodies together. Irina's eyes opened, and she looked at him seriously. "A proposal?" She wrapped her arms around his neck, a slight grin on her lips. "I suppose we should talk about ways to stay together, yes."

A proposal? What an intriguing phrase. He wasn't going to suggest . . . no, not that. Irina leaned forward and up, kissing him again. "Well, we could talk about it now, lover, or over . . . wait, what are we doing tonight? And you can thank the Guild Master for this dress."

Irina nuzzled her face into his neck, breathing in his scent. It was so hard to think of leaving him, but there didn't seem to be any logical way to resolve it. She pulled back a little, looking at his outfit. "Should I change? I seem a little over-dressed."

 

[Armphid]

"Irina, if you change out of that dress, you'll break my heart." Ramza smiled down at her. It really was spectacular. "In fact, it may not come off at all tonight...though it may be bunched up in a number of interesting ways."

"As for tonight...that's up to you, lover. I've made reservations at several restaurants, gotten tickets to every show I could, and found out the locations of some that don't need them, but I want you to decide. This night, our fate is in your hands." He grinned, excited. No matter what she chose, it would be magic. Part of him wanted to just stay in with her on this, what could be their last night for a while. For a while. It would not be their last. No matter what.

"But my proposal...Irina, I don't want to...the thought of not seeing you again..." He sighed, "Off to a great start, aren't I? All right. I know you said that you aren't treated well in your current position. And you know how I feel about mine. I talked to some people, and, well, I'm going to be put to different tasks now. I'm going to be allowed to be myself, after all this time." He ran a hand through her hair, "So you should you, my brilliant one. Come with me. It won't be work for the Republic, and it won't be against the Remnant. We can be together, be doing great things, and be true to ourselves!"

 

[HookerBoots]

He had . . . he had found a way for them to . . . Irina let herself have a moment of joy before she kissed him, hard and fierce. "That's marvelous, Ramza. I'm so happy." But she couldn't say yes, that was the hardest part. She wanted to, desperately, but there was no way she could leave her position. Of course, maybe once her mission was complete she could ask her Master for time off, and work with Ramza for a while . . . .

She kissed him again, then shook her head. "I can't say yes, yet, darling." The hurt on his face was like a stab to her heart, and she put her hands on either side of his face, holding him there. "Tomorrow, Ramza. After everything is over with tomorrow, then I can tell you yes." Irina bowed her head to hide the tears in her eyes. It wasn't fair that she had to make this sacrifice now, that she had to marr what might be the last time they'd see each other with this . . . this bantha fodder.

"Please understand. I want to be with you, more than I've wanted anything before. But I can't commit to it this second, because . . . well, I have to finish what I came to do here, first."

 

[Armphid]

He sighed bitterly. He'd expected this, to be honest, but it still hurt. He knew it was a long shot. As Irina spoke to him, tears unshed in her eyes, he felt the truth and sincerity in her words. Along with the fact that while she wanted this, even if she did complete her task, she still might not be able to. "My Irina, I believe you. I know that you want this as badly as I do. But...I understand. I've lived a long time putting aside what I want for what I had to do."

"Tomorrow then. All of our work will be finished, and we can...go from there." He placed a hand under her chin, lifting her sad but beautiful face up. "To whatever end."

He kissed her, a kiss that started light and gentle, but which became more firm and heated as the long moments passed. When their lips finally parted, he whispered, "No more tears and sorrow now. Let's celebrate this time together, my strong one, not mourn what may or may not be."

 

[HookerBoots]

Her arms wrapped around him tightly, resting her head against his chest. "As you say, Ramza. I'll try not to worry, for tonight." Irina wasn't sure she'd be able to pull that one off, but he was right. There was no reason, no logic in worrying so much about it now, and it would only taint their last night for a while with each other. A small voice told her that, even though the idea seemed outrageous, even if her master didn't allow her to go, she could always defeat him, and then do as she pleased, but she shook her head slightly. Not the time to be thinking of that.

Irina pulled back and smiled at him, as confident as she could be. "Now, what was that you said about all sorts of choices for this evening?" There was a twinkle in her eye, and she leaned up to kiss him gently. "I think I'd like to take in an early show, then go to a restaurant that offers carry out, and spend the rest of the evening in."

 

[Armphid]

The night was a whirlwind of passion and delight. They went to a show that was a showcase of martial arts from across the galaxy. It was quite remarkable, and the two young lovers had enjoyed not only the display, but critiquing the fighters and their styles. A stolen kiss at the end of the show had almost turned into a full blown make out session in their box, the arrival of an usher had spoiled that. Irina had just winked at the shocked youth as the two sauntered out.

They'd stopped for Zeltron take-out, and gone right back to Ramza's penthouse. The food was excellent, but neither had much appetite for it. Only for each other.

They spent hours in sensual embrace, bodies joining again and again, bathing in sweat, and each other's release. In the kitchen, on the balcony, and several times in the bedroom, their bodies joined and celebrated the fierce and sudden passion that had changed their lives. They made love with fevered intensity, as though each time was their last. After passion drenched hours beyond count passed, they fell into sleep, entangled in each other's limbs.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ramza awoke later than usual. The sun was already well up. He stirred, reaching over to hug Irina to him. His arms closed on empty space, and his eyes opened. "Mffhhuh?"

Gone. He sat up in the bed with a sigh. He hated it when she did that. But, he understood. Even on this last day, they still couldn't let everyone know the nature of their relationship. Whatever it was.

He glanced at the wall chronometer. An hour until the final session. Best get ready.

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina had woken up at least half an hour before she left Ramza's penthouse, and spent the time lying next to him, watching him sleep. It was possible that she might never get to do that again, and she wanted to get her fill before the day started.

During the walk back to her apartments, she tried to clear her head of the euphoria of the previous evening and focus on what she had to do today. The first thing, obviously, was a bath and changing into her outfit for the day. After that she had to contact . . . .

~ ~ ~ ~​

At the official announcement and signing of the agreement, the only delegates allowed on the main platform were the members of the Filgaian government involved in this, and the members of the Republic's delegation that were key in the process. Irina stood in the back, watching the Guild Master and the Jedi Master, barely hearing the words they were using to explain the decision they'd made here. She saw Ramza standing near the dais, and waved with one hand when he spotted her looking at him.

Just before the papers were to be signed, Irina slipped out of the room and activated her hand-held communicator. "Timak. The time is now. Execute plan 5-zed."

She walked quickly down the hall, smiling pleasantly at one of the guardsmen that passed her. As the fool turned a corner, she smiled, her lips curving meanly, and flicked the hood of her cape up so it cowled and hid her face. With any luck, the day would go swimmingly. Irina reached into one of the deep pockets hidden under the removable skirt she'd been wearing and pulled out her light saber, pulled a cord, and her skirt tumbled from her waist.

Beneath it, she was wearing snug trousers and a short tunic, and her nimble hands clipped the saber onto her belt. As she shoved the skirt into a large urn standing in the hall, Irina heard the first shouts as her men infiltrated the palace. "Excellent," she whispered, heading back towards the main audience hall.

 

[Armphid]

Three hours before the ceremony, Ramza stood outside his master's private chambers. He was supposed to meet her before the official declaration, to discuss the mission and go over the security. If anyone was going to disrupt this, or wanted to make a killing AND a statement, it would be at the ceremony.

He sighed, pacing down to the end of the hallway and around the corner. He should have spent this morning with Irina. But...even if he hadn't had to do this, she had duties of her own to do. At least she could have woken him up to say good bye. Or for some fast and dirty morning sex.

He heard a door open in the hall he'd just left. "About time," he muttered. He walked back, only to see a most unexpected sight. The Guildmaster stood in Master Shahazdra's doorway. Her clothes were rumpled, and her hair freshly washed, but that was now what surprised him. It was that she and Master Shahazdra were in each other's arms, deep in a parting kiss that was far from platonic. "By the Force...that sly old minx..."

He ducked back around the corner, knowing that he shouldn't be seen just yet. He heard a few whispered nothings and then the louder good bye. He stepped into the middle of the hallway, resuming his usual cheerfully blank expression. Guildmaster Phacia was walking slowly toward him, a slight smile on her face. One that faded when she saw him. "Good morning, Guildmaster!" He took her hand, bowing over it and kissing her knuckles lightly. The middle aged leader blushed faintly, and inwardly, he grinned. "What a surprise to see you."

"Ah! Young Orlandau, yes...good morning." The handsome woman put on a well practiced smile, "I was just consulting with Master Shahazdra about her plans once the negotiations are complete."

"You two are old friends," Ramza said. "Hopefully she can stay a while so you can have a more proper visit."

"Quite so." She glanced at her wrist chronometer, "I hope you'll excuse me, young one, but..."

"Of course, Guildmaster." He nodded as she moved past, then waved, "See you at the ceremony." He watched her go, much faster than before she'd seen him, he noted. When the door to the elevator shut, he started to laugh. He walked up to Master Shahazdra's door, hitting the intercom. "You old minx, you! I see you had a good night, indeed, Master."

The door opened, a slightly annoyed, mostly amused red haired Jedi master on the other side. "I see. Well, you'd have found out eventually. Come in, Ramza. There's a lot to talk about."

"There sure is," he said with a smirk. He followed her in, "I wondered why you were late in seeing me."

She shook her head, "Stop it, Ramza. Phacia and I...are old friends, with, ah, benefits, as it were. And both of our positions can lead to being lonely."

He chuckled, "I mean no offense, Master. Congrats though, she's a fine looking woman."

"I know," she replied with a naughty little grin. Then her face resumed it's normal placidity and she sat at the table, pushing a datapad over to him. "Now, it's your turn to come clean. So?"

Ramza sighed, "She said no. But after today, she said she might be able to say yes." He then chuckled ruefully, "I don't know, Master. I love her. I really do. And I found her so unexpectedly...and now I might lose her as easily as we came together."

"Don't be so sure, dear." Jakara took a sip of coffee, smiling a little whistfully. "You two have a...very powerful bond, a surprising one. The Force has a way of keeping people with such bonds together, or at least, making them 'accidentally' bump into each other until they give up and are together."

"I hope you're right, Master." Ramza then picked up the datapad. "But, that can wait until after. Now, let's see...well. That's interesting."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the first shouts started, Ramza immediately looked up at the dias. He caught Master Shahazdra's eyes, an unspoken question in his. She nodded almost imperceptibly. The robed wise woman moved to the front of the stage, her voice still amplified by the microphone. "Everyone, stay calm!" She reached out with the Force as she spoke, forcing the emotion down onto them. The guards around the room started to move, a pair going to each of the entrances near the front of the room and assuming ready positions, covering the hallways. "Head out the back, and follow the guards' instructions! Do NOT attempt to fight, just get out. We have made preparations for this eventuality."

As she spoke, Ramza was moving. He could hear blaster fire close by the east entrance. They must have infiltrated the building earlier, which they'd thought of, but hoped wouldn't happen. He was going to deck the Guild Security Chief if he saw him again. "They're almost here," he called back.

"Good. Then we'll see what this is all about." Master Shahazdra clapped her hands, "Gentlemen and Ladies, your services are no longer needed here. Fall back and protect the escape of the diplomats and their entourages. We will wait for our erstwhile guests." As the guards fell back, firing a few covering shots, she turned to the Guildmaster. "Phacia," she began.

"No, Jakara." The steely eyed woman had produced a hold-out blaster. "I'm not going to leave you, and don't even try to use the Force on me to make me leave. It's done now, even if they kill me, it won't change anything."

Master Shahazdra pursed her lips, then nodded. "Very well." No point in arguing when she was like this.

And so it was a small group that remained in the large ballroom. Master Shahazdra and the Guildmaster on the stage, and around it a handful of stubborn guards who refused to leave, a few of the braver (and armed) diplomats and bodyguards, and Ramza. The black haired Jedi ran his hands over the hilts of his swords. Finally, he'd get to show the little surprise they had. He smiled, a mirthless but eager smile. "Come and get us."

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina could sense that there were people inside of the main audience hall, and not too many of them. And two were Jedi, good. Wait . . . two? Her target was one, but who was the other? No matter. She could deal with two as easily as one. Thankfully, she wouldn't have to deal with the guards herself. On the way, she'd picked up a handful of the Emperor's Children, and carried them along with her.

They reached the door and she motioned to them. A surge of the Force, and the door flew inward, knocking out two unfortunate diplomats that had been trying to act bold. Before it hit the ground, the Emperor's Children poured in, engaging and diabling the guards with a speed that was impressive. Her teachings plus their previous experience had taught them the key to successful coups: Kill first, monologue second. She stood in the doorway, a small smile on her hidden face, one hand caressing her light saber.

Then the smile faltered. Sith Lords, what was Ramza doing there?! She should have known that his ties to the Republic were strong enough to keep him guarding its newest member, and his boldness would keep him standing in the face of her men. It would be almost amusing to watch the fools try to attack him; they'd gotten better, but they were still no match for her lover. Which meant that she'd have to find another way around him.

Finally, numbers won out over the small group in the room, and the last guard fell. The bleeding Emperor's Children advanced towards Ramza, and Irina shook her head slightly. They couldn't beat him. But, she wondered, as she whistled shrilly and motioned out the door, where was the second Jedi? The Master Jedi was on the dais, and the Guild Master was next to her, holding a blaster, and Ramza was on the main floor . . . maybe the other Jedi was hiding?

One of the Emperor's Children looked at her. "Darth Xeres!" She'd insisted on them not using her real name. Irina Farlander was a pleasant young woman whom the Guild Master liked. Darth Xeres was their leader. Period. "We can defeat this puffed up nobleman!" Her anger flared, both at being disobeyed, and at the nerve of the idiot to call her Ramza in such a manner. Her hand shot out, shooting lightening at the man, frying him where he stood.

Then she stepped into the room, unclipping her light saber and holding it loosely in her right hand. She merely stood, giving Ramza a chance to leave her to her work without forcing her to reveal her identity. The sight of the hilt alone should be enough, unless he were a fool.

 

[Armphid]

Master Shahazdra nodded, as if these events were confirmation for her. "Darth Xeres, I see. The Sith remain, even as the Jedi do."

"Sith?" Guildmaster Phacia blanched, her blaster held ready. "Jakara, are you sure?"

"Yes." The aging Jedi Master's face was placid but stern. "Darth Xeres, I ask you not to do this thing. Turn aside from this path. It leads only to ruin."

Ramza stood in front of the dais, his swords in his hands. He watched the accelerated retreat of the Emperor's Children. "That answers quite a few things." The Sith Lord hadn't attacked yet. Why? Basking in the moment? Gloating? Hoping they were afraid? They were so arrogant. Sith Lords. They should know better. No one ruled the Force, they served it. Hence, Jedi Knights.

The hood concealed the Sith's face, and the billowing cloak the body. No way of knowing if he faced a male or a female. "I'm impressed, Lord Xeres. Doesn't happen often...so I'll give you a chance. Leave. Now. Do that, and you'll live. Try to harm either of them, and you will die." He wasn't angry, or threatening. His voice was calm, as he drew himself into the 'no-mind' of the Way.

He flipped his swords over in his hands, the blades pointing down at the ground. He reached out with the Force, taking hold of the pins that held them together, and pulling. The blades slid free of the hilts, thunking into the wooden paneling of the floor and sticking up right. The handguards and the ostentatious decoration of each weapon fell to the floor, the disguise no longer needed. He was left holding a larger, mostly hollow tube, and a smaller but longer solid one. With a deft motion, he inserted the small into the large, then twisted the upper part of the larger tube. There was a soft series of clicks as parts snapped together.

He lifted the revealed lightsaber in his right hand, still unlit, pointing it at the Sith Lord from across the room. "I am Ramza Balbanes Orlandau, Jedi Knight." His voice rang out, noble, strong, sure. "I do not want to kill you, but you will not harm my Master or the Guildmaster." The power of the Force filled him, and he felt alive as he only had in it's embrace or Irina's before. "You have given me a chance, I give you this one. Leave. There will be no success against the both of us. You must know this to be true."