In what seemed the blink of an eye, two hours had passed. The speed at which time seemed to move when she visited her mother often threatened to give Lycuneae a headache. There were so many things she could have been doing in this same stretch of time; she could have been reading reports, preparing strategies and plans for their upcoming missions, furthering her focus and training...
No. None of that interested her in the least at that moment. After the events of earlier that afternoon, she wished to spend as little time aboard her ship as possible. Maybe that was why she always appreciated her mother's impromptu invitations for tea; they always seemed to show up when she was feeling less than ideal, and they cheered her immensely.
From their fine parlor table, she cast a glance over at Pierce; immediately she pressed her fingers to her lips to stifle a laugh. Her mother had insisted on extending the hospitality to her companion as well, and a small table had been set out for him with identical settings and foodstuffs. Although Pierce appeared to be enjoying the food and tea, the clashing of the fine linens and tea settings with his dingy armor and large physique was quite amusing. As she watched him, Lycuneae's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she observed another man joining him; this one had a leaner build and a tattoo covering one side of his face.
"Your man I assume, Aeryss?" she inquired, blowing gently on her tea to further cool it.
Her sister nodded. "Andronikos Revel," she replied. "One of the most infamous pirates in the known galaxy. He seemed so bored just sitting in the ship's cockpit day in and day out, so I thought I would extend him an invitation."
Eneveh drained the last of the tea from her cup, the servant at her elbow swiftly refilling it without wasting a single drop. "What about your man, Ceska?" she asked. "Is that the captain I hear you've grown so fond of lately?"
Lycuneae shook her head. No, and I'll thank you not to remind me of him right now," she answered brusquely. "Captain Quinn and I are having...difficulties. Ones I would rather not divulge."
"Oh?" An eyebrow raised over a chill green eye. "When you say it like that, it almost makes me want to pry. You leave yourself entirely too open, sister."
"Now now, girls. There will be time for that shortly," Lady Detasa interrupted before Lycuneae could reply. "It is time for me to divulge why I summoned you both here. You both may remember Kovraak, that upstart lord who dared try to challenge me."
"Yes," Eneveh replied. "A most disagreeable little man."
"I remember too," Lycuneae added. "Lord Baras had few praises for him, and a whole list of complaints."
Lady Detasa nodded. "Yes. Him." As she spoke, a servant appeared, carrying a small tray with two keycards laying on it. "When my spies uncovered his treachery, I was able to send an assassin to deal with him for good. As the wounded party, once he was dispatched, I laid claim to his wealth and holdings. Among them was a large apartment on the top floor of the finest tower in Kaas City. I wish you girls to share it."
Lycuneae shared a shocked glance with Eneveh. "Mother, you...you are far too generous," she replied, her voice a bit shaky. "This is far more than I could have ever expected."
"I know, dear. Use it well, and enjoy."
As the speeder glided through the streets of Kaas City, Eneveh finally broke her silence. "So, what do you plan to do about your troubles with your captain?" she asked pointedly. "You can't just wait for him to decide to come around, after all."
Lycuneae shrugged. " I don't really know how to handle this," she replied. "I've never been in this sort of scenario before."
Eneveh widened her eyes in mock-surprise. "Really?" she said, a mischievous purr edging her voice. "In that case, I'll have to help you handle things, won't I?"
"What do you mean?" Lycuneae regarded her sister suspiciously.
"Oh, nothing that would cause any real damage," Eneveh replied sweetly. "You simply have to broaden his horizons a bit. Show him there's more to being a good servant of the Empire than hanging onto the words of your superiors and jumping ship at the first sign of trouble."
The speeder slowed to a gradual stop, and the small group exited it. The rain was coming down pretty heavily; only the canopy over their heads was shielding them from getting soaked. They stood silently for several moments as they waited for the lift that would take them up to their new apartment.
As they waited, Eneveh leaned over her sister's shoulder. "Allow me to assist you in this...slight issue," she whispered into Lycuneae's ear. "When you're through, he won't think twice about remaining loyal to you, no matter what the cost."
Lycuneae nodded. "Lieutenant," she said. When Pierce stepped before her and bowed slightly, she smiled her superficial, cold smile. "Return to the ship and fetch Captain Quinn. Bring him to this apartment, but do not divulge any further information."
"Yes, my lord." Pierce bowed again. "I'll do as you ask."
As he returned to the speeder, Eneveh gently took her sister's hand. "While we wait for them to return," she said. "Why don't we...prepare you for what is to come?"
Lycuneae's dubious look returned. "Are you sure it's a good idea?" she asked.
"Of course I'm sure," Eneveh replied. "You can't walk around like you just fought every Jedi on Coruscant; you need to dress up a bit."
The lift doors opened with a soft ding, and the two girls entered, followed closely by Andronikos. "And above all," Eneveh whispered. "He must know his place not only in the military hierarchy, but your affections."
Lycuneae nodded. "So, where do we start?" she asked.
"I'll show you," Eneveh replied. "He won't have a clue what hit him when we're through."