The Spider and the Storm

Zee seemed content to listen.

"Well, we'll be ready if they do. And nobody wants a war. They'd have to be quite upset with us to instigate a proper conflict."

"It would be amusing if they tried. They wouldn't get far." Sirejj was not searching for trouble, but he would meet it gladly if it came. The urge to test his skills was slowly returning as he regained a sense of security under Thalassa's employment. He knew he would get that chance, and even if it wasn't this instance, there would be many others.

"Amusing?" Thalassa said dryly. "That's not the word I'd use. Annoying. A hassle. Dangerous. Public."

"Liable to draw the attention of the Empire," Zee added, and Thalassa snapped her fingers.

"Just so. As I said, nobody wants that." She glanced at Sirejj. "Don't worry; you'll be the first to know if I need to send people out to shed a little blood. It must be terribly dull here for you."

Sirejj sensed his misstep and backed down. Zee's words were intentionally sharp, but he admitted he deserved that one. His discernment had abandoned him for a moment. Even so, just a little indiscernible emotion showed in his eyes for a split second. Whether it was wounded pride, anger, fear, or otherwise, he hid it well.

"I wouldn't call it "dull". I've learned a lot by just observing." He nodded to Thalassa. "Poor choice of words on my part." He remembered where he was and that the very ground on which he stood was not to be taken for granted.

"Perhaps." Thalassa dipped her head in return. "We're glad to have you, of course. You're a valuable ally to say the least. But using your more...specific skills is something I'd rather not have to do. You understand, I'm sure."

For some reason, her words did not settle well with him. He agreed of course. One of his goals coming here was to find a place of employment where the Empire wouldn't be keen to look for him. His...skills, would draw attention. It was little different than the hiding he had done over the past year. The difference was, that had been of his own choice. He found he disliked when another made that choice for him, even if it was the most logical option.

"Only under the most dire of circumstances, My Lady." His neutral expression remained the same.

Zee was watching him openly, an odd little smile on her face.

"That time will come, don't worry." Thalassa looked back at him. "Dont forget what I said when I hired you. There's a storm coming--times are changing. We'll have need of your abilities. Just not yet."

"I've no desire to unnecessarily make a target of myself. I've been taught the lesson of patience over the past year and become accustomed to watching from the shadows." A faint smile crossed his face. "I've never been one to pick fights I can't win. I will tread as lightly as you wish."

"That's appreciated." Thalassa exhaled slowly. "I'm not sure who'll win this fight, but I'm going to try my damnedest to come out on top."

"Better get the husband on your side if you're going to win," Zee murmured, and Thalassa's countenance soured.

"I don't remember the last time I needed his help with anything."

Zee pursed her lips and was silent, tapping her fingers along the chair. She had some reservations about Thalassa's plans, which her mind made clear she'd brought up multiple times to no avail. She was resigned at this point.

One of Sirejj's nostrils wrinkled ever so slightly with disgust at the mention of the Governor. That was all he allowed. Though he knew Thalassa's attitude towards the man who condoned the death of her son, he would not yet take the liberty to express his similar opinion. It was out of respect for her rather than for Tarkin.

If the man could harden his heart against the truth that had strongly affected Sirejj himself, there was little chance he was betraying the Empire he held so dear.

"Do you suppose the Soobars are ready yet?" Thalassa asked wearily.

"Soon, I think," Zee said. "Not long now. Want me to check?"

"Please."

Zee slid off the chair and strode to the door. It shut behind her, and Thalassa looked after her with a pensive look on her face.

Sirejj watched her go before slighting his eyes back to the Lady Motti. He'd resumed his observant role. He appeared to think and debate speaking for a moment. He was careful around this subject and would abandon it quickly if she reacted poorly.

"Does she...know of the Governor's doings?" He asked in a way that questioned why Tarkin's help would even be considered after what he had said and done.

"Zee?" Thalassa blinked. "Yes, of course. She knows all of it, Sirejj--all of it." She paused, considering something. "...She hates him more than I do, I think. But she's no fool. Wilhuff is useful at times, and perhaps she thinks he'd help. But his assistance isn't something I want. Not now. The Treacle is perfectly capable without an Imperial officer's interference."

"I doubt he would be keen to give up his pedestal." Sirejj said, a tiny sliver of coldness in his tone. Sirejj became aware of the cat's tooth on its leather string around his neck. His thoughts went to Atoa again before he sorted them back into their place. "If what he saw didn't change his mind, nothing will."

Thalassa's face twisted at that, naked pain and hate showing clearly on the normally composed features. Her fingers tightened on the arms of the chair, long nails digging into the plush velvet, and she looked away from Sirejj for a moment until she regained control of herself. It took very little time, and when she met his eyes again her expression was mask-like and wooden, as if it was taking immense effort to tamp down the feelings she'd just betrayed. "He'll see that was a mistake," she said, and her voice was deadly even.