The interior of the ship was more spacious than the exterior allowed. There were many large rooms during their tour of the ship, duly named Soleil du Ciel, Sun of the Sky. And rightly so. Most of the interior was made of gold, including the seats. The Jedi were led into a huge ballroom, also adorned of gold with a marble floor. The hall held paintings dating back to even such artists as fabled van Gough and sculptures from the great, mythical Michelangelo, both artists from the imaginary planet Earth, and even modern works from all sorts of races and species. The prince knew how to throw a party, providing there was need or want of one. The prince turned back and smiled at Deltina.
"Perhaps you will be so kind as to grace me with a dance someday." Deltina flushed slightly, and Arbinger stiffened just as much. He was very protective of his little sister, even if they were only work partners and of different species.
After traveling through a few more rooms, they were led to a smaller room, one not adorned with any gold or metal of any kind. It was simpler, made of just fine silk. Kahama took a seat on a highly elaborate silk throne, while the Jedi took places opposite him on a small couch. The prince sat much higher than his two guests, and still his two guards loomed over all of them.
"Welcome to my personal hosting chambers. This is only where I entertain my most important guests. Wine, champagne? Whatever you wish, you may have."
"Hmm…. Whatever I wish…Alright then. I'll take your finest glass of real Amontillado. I'm amazed some bars can at least get half the taste right in their synthetic, but I haven't had true in some time. And I have a taste for it right now," said Arbinger, fully expecting nothing of the sort.
"Well, if Wine-Boy here's gonna have his Amotidalo or whatever, then just give me some hard liquor. Toughest you got," Deltina squirmed to try and find a comfortable position on the couch, which seemed to lack any sense of padding.
"A very fine taste," the prince replied, only looking at the albino. He clapped his hands twice, lightly, and a droid came in bearing what was asked along with a glass of champagne. "I always had more of a taste for champagne than wine. Leaves stain on neither breath nor teeth." The prince hefted his glass and the droid glided over to give the guests their own drinks. Deltina downed hers in one shot and her eyes widened in surprise.
"Wow!" she managed to cough out. "Strong." Arbinger sipped at his own drink, and his own eyes widened slightly.
"You truly do grant whatever we ask. My compliments." He lifted his glass in toast and took another sip of the Amontillado. He sighed contently for a second before resuming his business manner. "So, what have you called us for?"
"Again, straight to business. No small talk? Shame. Well, this is your last chance to back out if you wish. No? Then allow me to proceed.
"About three generations ago, my great-grandfather, Torma du Rocknai, led the army du Ciel against the Empire, trying to preserve our lands from invasion and destruction. Unfortunately, he failed and was captured by a small scouting party. Brought before the Emperor himself, Torma tried to bargain his way out of execution. He bent to the will of the Empire and promised mass amounts of gold, silver, mythril, and power crystals, those that make up your lightsabers. The Emperor agreed to this, and our people became enslaved, forced to mine all that was promised. My great-grandfather was murdered by his own subjects, and soon the Empire was destroyed by the Rebellion. Unfortunately, the remains of the once almighty Empire were never driven out, and little pockets still remain in the forests of my planet. They still mine, but they now mine for a different purpose. Along with his promise for materials, Torma also passed on an ancient secret known only to the royal family. Deep within the forests of Sigma IV lies an ancient temple. A Jedi temple, one said to contain massive power. It is said that with that power, one who does not even have the slightest affinity for the Force, even one who is 'allergic', can become imbued with such powers not even the great Yoda could comprehend. And one who already has a high affinity? Infinite power. Infinite wisdom. Infinite life. These pockets try to find this temple, yet I do not yet know what they wish to do once they find this power."
"'Once they find'? You sound as though they are very close to this," stated Arbinger. The prince nodded in acknowledgement.
"Yes. It would seem so. A very large pack of the Remnant has found the entrance to some ancient ruins, bearing an ancient mark of old. The rest of the forces are converging on their position. I assume you can figure out my request, ah oui?" Arbinger only returned the calculating stare of the prince.
"Actually, if you could define your request, life would be just that much simpler." Deltina had a way of lacking in matters requiring subtly, yet sometimes it was more of a blessing than a curse. "After all, even if we can figure out your request, if you tell us, you won't be able to bend to the contract to a smaller fee or none at all." Definitely a blessing. The prince sighed and smiled slightly.
"Very perceptive. And here I thought the albino was the one who knew what he was about. Very well. I shall state my conditions. Firstly, I want you to eliminate all of the occupation on my planet. Your best bet would be to destroy those at the temple and then kill the packs as they arrive. Your second task is to let no one touch the power in the temple. And third and final, you are to secure the power and then notify me once the area is cleared and secured. For your troubles, you will be compensated with," and here the prince coughed and muttered a bit, "250 billion credits. As well transportation back to Coruscant. Succeed, and you will be welcome guests at my home for life. Fail me, and the Remnant will be the least of your worries. You already have accepted my terms, so unless you wish to try and bargain and lose your heads, I suggest you return to your quarters and relax until we arrive in the next few hours. Enjoy." And with that the prince set down his empty glass and swaggered off to his own quarters. The two bodyguards took their places near the door. The duo set down their own glasses and walked out into the ballroom on their way back to their rooms.
"So," said Deltina, once she was sure her voice wouldn't echo far enough back for the guards to hear, "what do you think of the grand Kahama and his plans? Sounds like fun, don't it? And this power? He'd never know if we took for ourselves right? We could easily become so powerful, we wouldn't need any more jobs. We could rule the universe!"
"While what you say could prove true, Deltina," Arbinger muttered in reply, "I do believe the prince wants that position for himself. And he has us in quite the predicament. If we were to try and back out of the deal, we would have to kill everyone on this ship and become wanted criminals, both by the galaxy and particularly Sigma IV. And of course, the Empire will almost assuredly find that power. And then, if we complete all out tasks set before us and take the power for our own, he will surely know. And we have no other ride home unless we steal one. So, this is quite the sticky situation. Any ideas?"
"I already stated what I want."
"And I am inclined to agree with a few points. We will complete our quest as asked, and we will collect full payment, and we will even claim that power for ourselves. Of course, in doing so, you'll have to be less reckless, more paranoid, and without seeming so. Think you're up to the challenge?"
"Of course I am! When ain't I?"
They never saw the camera behind them.