Scene 6 – Ante Up

Darmas had informed the C2 unit he had in his foyer that they'd be coming, and it escorted them into his sitting room, encouraging them to make themselves comfortable, and apologizing profusely for their host's delay in receiving them.

"Damn," said Vacy. "I am so glad I don't hafta deal with one of those things. I think if it'd had a tongue, it'd be lickin' my boots."

But it wasn't too much longer before Darmas came through the doorway. Vacy stood and walked over toward him. "Mr. Pollaran, it is soo good to see you again," she said, extending a hand.

Corso was a bit impressed by how little she wobbled on the way over. But he didn't bother to say anything – or to stand up.

Darmas took Vacy's hand and gently pulled her closer, placing his other hand on her shoulder. "Captain Fiorst, as always, it is a pleasure to have you here." He glanced over to Corso, still on the sofa. "Mr. Riggs," he said with a nod.

Corso just lifted a hand. "Hey."

Turning back to Vacy, Darmas smiled, his impossibly blue eyes crinkling at the corners. "My dear, I'm afraid what I have isn't anything terribly special, but even so, I hope that it can help to keep you safe." He squeezed her shoulder gently. "I know, I know… you're quite capable of taking care of yourself. But a few interesting medical supplies might make that a bit easier, mm?"

It's amazing what he can do with those eyes. Darmas wasn't saying anything particularly intimate, but Vacy found herself drawn to him just the same. "You are so thoughtful. And it's not an insult. It's… sweet of you." Her gaze wavered, and she looked down with a soft smile. "I'm 'fraid I can't pay you very much fer it, though."

Darmas let go of her shoulder, and instead tilted her chin up again. "You have the most captivating smile I've seen in…" He winked at her. "Well, let's not say how long it's been. How about this: a short, friendly game of sabaac. We'll play for points, and if you win, the supplies are yours. No charge."

Over at the sofa, Corso narrowed his eyes. Don't like where this is going. Don't trust him, Captain. Please don't trust him.

Vacy realized that her throat was suddenly dry. "An' if you win?" she whispered.

Darmas looked over at Corso, and this time his smile had a touch of the smirk that Corso had seen earlier, the one that said I've already won, and there's not a blasted thing you can do about it. "Then you pay the standard rate for the supplies – and our friend Mr. Riggs takes the next speeder back to his room at the cantina. I'll go over the instructions for the supplies with you, alone."

Vacy grinned impishly and reached up with her free hand, playfully tapping Darmas on the nose. "That seems awf'ly tilted in my favor. Where's th' catch? I mean, I win, I come out hundreds'a credits ahead. You win? You get t' tell me 'bout some medical supplies." She shrugged, wrinkling her nose. "Can't see how it's worth it. Sounds kinda dull."

Darmas cradled her jaw in his hand, stroking his thumb along her cheekbone. "Oh, I'd say it's definitely worth it." He smiled at her again, and an electric shiver danced up Vacy's spine. "And I promise you, it won't be dull."