Caught in Her Web

Setting

One year before the Battle of Yavin (34:9:7) aboard the Warspite (Imperial I-class Star Destroyer).

Characters

Captain Tiberius Anson and Inquisitor Aon Luvania.

Captain Tiberius Anson sat quietly at a desk in his cabin aboard the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Warspite. He was relatively young for a commanding officer, not even forty. His brown eyes studied one in a series of datapads that were cluttered about his workspace. He sighed as he depressed several keys on the datapad, finalizing the watch billet for the upcoming week. He was doing everything he could to take his mind off the fact that the Admiral had instructed one of the new Inquisitors to meet him with. He was instructed to brief her on naval deployments in the region. Normally it would be an easy task that he might even look forward to, but he never felt comfortable around anyone from Imperial Intelligence. He made a final adjustment of the grey Imperial uniform tunic that covered his torso. He wanted to appear at his most professional. He had served with officers that drew the contempt of Inquisitors in the past and he did not want to be one of them. His eyes descended down to another datapad to make a final review of the order of battle for the region, studying for the quiz that was sure to come. He cleared his throat a final time nervously and sat upright at his desk, awaiting her arrival.

Grand Inquisitor Luvania. Oh how she dreamed of the title, and some day it would be hers. Already she was hard at work spreading her influence, gaining the trust of some and the fear of others. It was far more legwork than she really liked to bother with, but some effort was necessary, after all, including a brief visit to a freezing planet that she would be happy to never see again. It was from there that she had arrived at the ship where she was to pay Captain Tiberius Anson a visit. The purpose of the meeting, on the surface at least, was to learn just what the Imperial Navy was doing in this region. Considering the appearance of a troublesome Rebel presence in the area, she knew it was as much for her own education as to ensure that the captain was not a potential sympathizer, or lacking in the ability to do what must be done. On the lift to the deck where his office was located, she placed a black cigarillo into the slender, silver holder and ignited it. Combined with her outfit...a bodysuit covered in insulating leather of a black color, with a white fur shawl to match...it gave her an appearance of expensive elegance, something she constantly attempted to ensure. Granted, it was not the best offset to her somewhat pale, cold complexion and white hair, but it still gave the correct impression. Knock on a door? Never. She simply approached his office and opened the door with a press to the small consul beside it. Even as an apprentice inquisitor, there were few doors ever closed to her. Stepping through, the door was allowed to close behind her. A draw from the cigarillo, the holder balanced between two fur gloved fingers, and slipped from her lips before she spoke, "Captain Tiberius Anson?"

"Ah," Captain Anson said in an enthusiastic tone, "Inquisitor." He rose from his seat and stood at a state of near-attention to present himself to her. She was not what he was expecting ... young, diminutive ... even attractive by most men's standards. If not for her position in the Empire he might be persuaded to flirt with her. Though that thought escaped from his mind after only a brief moment. "I trust you are enjoying your stay aboard the vessel?" he asked, as a polite smile formed upon his lips. He emerged from behind his desk to greet as she stepped forward into his office. He extended his right hand to her in a sign of informality in the hope that she respond in kind and ease some of the tension that was inherent in situations like this.

Oh, but it was that very tension that Luvania used to her advantage. While there were some who sought to make everyone more comfortable and gain their trust, she preferred to be the very kind of inquisitor that earned them such a fearful reputation. His question was met the slip of a smile, one that lacked any hints of kindness. If anything, there was a kind of cruelty inherent in the expression, "I've hardly been here long enough to get an adequate impression of your service, Captain, but I suspect that will change in the coming days, and hopefully I will not be disappointed." When he offered his hand, she gave it a glance, as if deciding whether or not such a motion was beneath her. The decision was evident, for she did offer her hand...however, it was held out to his palm down, fingers curled slightly. She was not going to shake, she expected a kiss upon it. A small thing that some saw as chivalrous, but she saw as submission.

Tiberius was raised in the Core and was familiar with the customs of high society. He held her hand for a brief moment before nodding his head to her briefly. He then bowed at the waist and placed a soft kiss upon her leather glove. He kept his head lowered for a moment inhaling the scent of her cigarillo and coughing lightly. He raised his head and smiled at her again before walking her forward to a comfortable seat opposite his desk. He reached forward and pulled the chair out for her and stood next to it, allowing her ample room to move forward and step down. He maintained his diplomatic smile while addressing her again, "Please ... make yourself comfortable. I will attempt to make this briefing as quick as possible."

She had been given some background on Tiberius before her meeting with him, and was not surprised to find that he in fact knew of the customs. Not that she intended to make her desire for them to be followed so obvious. No, now that he knew what was expected, she would see how well he adhered to it without her prompting. She also noticed his slight cough. Not used to smoke, then? She would remember this. Coming to the chair, she made a slight flourish of the cloak before sitting, allowing the fur to spread wide and all but cover the chair, hanging down over the arms and leaving her body, and the suit that covered it, exposed. One leg was crossed over the other at the knee, and another draw was taken from the cigarillo. Inhale, and then the smoke was released, "I have plenty of time, Captain. Don't feel a need to rush on my account." Slight contradictions, but constant. She wanted to keep him just a little uncomfortable, just a little intimidated. After all, a part of her research had told her that he knew several of the right people, people that could be more than useful if someone gave them a few nice words on her behalf. If she had Tiberius in her pocket, he would be in an ideal position to do just that.

Tiberius swallowed nervously as he watched the deadly woman get comfortable across from his desk. She was deadly in many ways and he made a mental note to watch his steps around her. He walked around his desk, never taking his eyes off her. He adjusted his trousers as he took a seat at his desk once again. He smiled politely as he pointed to a tactical map of the Ringali Shell on a display next to his desk. He cleared his throat and began to explain the situation to her, "This as you know is the Ringali Shell. Effectively it is two sectors ... Darpa and Bormea ... but because the Ringali Nebula extends throughout them both High Command has made this region a single theatre of operations. It is home to several strategic worlds including Brentaal, Chandrila, Corulag, Esseles, Ralltiir, and Rhinnal." He paused, giving her time to take it all in.

Luvania took the opportunity, while he found his seat, to make a physical appraisal of the man. In all rights he was attractive, and the uniform suited him well. A few more badges and he might even be worth more frequent visits. The cool grin remained on her lips, broken only as the tip of the slender cigarillo holder came to rest between them. An easy inhale and the cherry on the tip of the black cigarillo glowed a dull red, taking the smoke down the tube and into her mouth. It was drawn into her lungs, and remained very briefly as the holder was plucked from her mouth. Then, with a gentle exhale revealed by the slight movement of her chest, the smoke was allowed to pour across her lips and drift into the air, lingering for a moment or two more before dispersing about her as though it had never been there before, "Please, Captain...continue."

Tiberius coughed as she exhaled. She had succeeded in throwing him off his prepared position. His brow furrowed nervously, but he maintained a polite smile upon his lips. He nodded to her before continuing his briefing, "Of course ... Brentaal is by far the most important planet in the region. Our squadron's flagship, the Star Destroyer Warspite, remains in the system constantly. Here in Brentaal we are supplemented by the 622nd Pursuit Squadron ... small, fast warships that we can deploy throughout the region at a moment's notice. Those vessels are also used for convoy escort duty. The 130th Attack Line is built around a Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser and is responsible for patrols around Chandrila and Corulag. The 218th Attack Line includes a Victory I-class Star Destroyer. That line is responsible for the entire Darpa Sector and is currently based at Ralltiir."

So it was certain, then. He did not cope with the smoke well. The furrow of the brow, every slight shift in his expression was noticed. Luvania prided herself on being able to do her job with the most minimal use of force abilities possible. Being able to deteriorate another's soul through skill alone was a valuable one in her line of work, to say the very least. Again she took in all he had to say, committing certain points to memory. However, most of it was information she would need to know little about. Provided she could clear him for continued command, it was his duty to ensure the combat readiness and effectiveness of these ships. She took another, very deliberate draw from the cigarillo, which was constantly resting between her fingers, elbow resting on the arm rest of the chair so as to keep the holder at roughly mouth level, if perhaps a hair lower, "In your opinion, Captain, are these forces adequate in light of the latest rebel attacks?"

"The Admiral's primary goal is to keep the local civilization population at ease. 'His' first concern is to maintain the appearance that all is well. 'He' feels that if we deploy more forces to the region that the people will feel we are struggling with the rebel threat. From this he concludes that fear will spread through the masses and those previously unlikely to support the rebellion might be inclined to lend their support," Tiberius explained to her. His thoughts on the matter were different than the Admiral's, but he did not want to play that card yet. He smiled at her across his desk, leaning back slightly with his continued smile.

Luvania had found that people took one of two routes when answering the questions of an inquisitor, no matter their rank. One was to offer up their own opinions and views, in hopes that they might show up those they worked beneath or with, and distract the eyes of the inquisitor to other more suiting targets. The second was to play the safe route, to offer the official opinions of superiors, in fear that doing anything other than that would bring the wrath of these feared people upon them. However, and this was rare, some chose to play the thin line between these...to offer some kind of honesty. Not that she intended to let him think his answer was in any way satisfactory. The slender grin disappeared, leaving her features colder, expressionless save the slight touch of disappointment, "If I wanted to know the opinions of the Admiral, Captain, I would have asked as much. I want to know what you think, Captain....not others."

"Admiral Rodney is the ranking officer in the region, Inquisitor," Captain Anson was quick to point out, "However, he was selected for this assignment because of his background as a politician, which we all agree he is quite adept at, not because of his prowess as a tactician. The locals on the planet Ralltiir have already turned against us. I have not seen the results we had hoped for." He paused for a moment, sizing her up in his head before continuing, "I believe that lack of success is why you and others have recently been assigned to this theatre. Perhaps your ... unique ... way of dealing with situations is the way to go. Only time will tell of course, but I am merely a Captain and not paid to make such decision," he said with a sly grin.

He was cautious, but not overly so, and willing to offer what she asked of him. Tiberius was a more cunning man than most would give him credit for, it seemed, and she understood how he had come to command the flagship of such a troubled sector. Experienced as she was at discerning lies, it was rather clear that his opinions were genuine. Of course, only now would she be able to ask the questions that would begin to reveal his true feelings. The next few answers would tell her, first of all, how willing he was to do what had to be done for the benefit of the empire, and second of all...if he was daring enough to be worth the extra attention she was prepared to give to him, "How would you handle the situation on Ralltiir, Captain?" She loved such loaded questions. Another draw from the delicate cigarillo holder, the smoke gradually pouring into the air. There would not be a great deal of the cigarillo left, and she never let the formal part of the interview last beyond one.

"The situation on Ralltiir is particularly delicate," Tiberius began to explain to her, "In terms of Imperial policy ... it has been nothing short of a disaster. Two months ago the Storm Commandos attempted to ... remove a politician from officer who was suspected of being a rebel collaborator. Unfortunately not only did they kill the politician, but they killed his entire family in rather ... spectacular fashion. The locals became outraged and took to the streets for several days. Within the last two weeks the Imperial Security Bureau authorized the destruction of an entire village while the Admiral was away on personal matters. The planet is now on the verge of open revolt and the Admiral has instituted a blockade, which he feels will contain the spread of news from the planet to other worlds in the region. It may very well be a sound tactic," he continued, "But there really are limited ways to deal with an insurgency like this. They can no longer be supplied by the Alliance and the Rebels that are on the planet are now effectively contained. Yet we have been unable to win the hearts and minds of the local population ... without going house to house it will be an incredibly difficult nut to crack. Our garrison there reports causalities almost daily. Perhaps more troops are needed, but again is concerned with how other worlds will react to such a move. He would prefer ... it seems ... to fight a losing battle contained to Ralltiir than have to carry on an engagement across several worlds."

It was this discussion that took much more of her attention, and she was appraising his answer as another draw from the cigarillo was taken. Eyes never once abandoned him, though, no matter how deep in thought she seemed to be. Maintaining an unwavering lock of the eyes was one of many little tricks she liked to use. Gently the smoke rolled from her lips, and then she spoke, "Even one slip in judgment can have fatal consequences in a situation like this, Captain Anson. Sometimes such situations have to  be answered with an immediate, powerful response. From the reports I have seen, Ralltiir is beyond our control at this point. Perhaps it would be best to remove our troops from the planets surface and eliminate the resistance entirely." Another pull from the shrinking cigarillo, and she watched for his reaction to her suggestion.

The Captain's face did not change at her suggestion, but his reaction was quick and blunt, "The Admiral would never agree to such a strategy." Privately, the Captain would rather be fighting an organized military than a disorganized resistance throwing rocks. "Destroying the population would seem to eliminate the problem," he continued, "But at great cost and while it would solve the immediate problem on Ralltiir, I believe the Admiral is correct and it would undoubtedly cause other worlds in the system to rise up in protest." He leaned forward towards her. His eyes examined every inch of her as he continued to size up what exactly was before him, "I still believe the more subtle methods associated with your position may indeed prove the most effective."

Luvania had learned all she really needed to know...or at least everything she could in this conversation. Tiberius was a worthy adversary when it came to the tricks and tactics of casual conversation. Either he had experience, or he was simply less concerned with good favor than he was honesty. When he leaned forward and gave that most obvious appraisal, she saw that touch of a challenge for what it was. That cruel grin spread to her lips once more, "So tell me, Captain Tiberius Anson...," unusual to use the full name with the title...but she did so anyway. She took in a breath of the smoke, leaned forward so that their faces were not so far apart, and exhaled the cloud into his face, "What do you know of my methods?"

Claudius coughed loudly and uncomfortable as she blew the smoke into his face. He sighed as he tried to catch his breath and regain his composure. He knew this woman was trouble from the moment he laid his eyes upon her and she had proven it. He paused for a moment, using his discomfort at the smoke to buy him the time needed to provide a response. "Only that they are highly effective and best not spoken about in public," he said with as a coy grin firmed upon his lips.

If only he knew just how much trouble. Luvania had every intention of making him as much a victim as she did those she interrogated, just in a different fashion. Oh, it would still involve a fair amount of suffering, but suffering she could guarantee he would crave by the time she was finished, "They are most effective, Tiberius...more so than you may know." Without withdrawing, she inhaled from the cigarillo once more, taking the smoke deep into her lungs. Then, with no warning, her free hand came to capture his jaw, fingers tightening to keep him firmly in place as she leaned over the desk, allowing for a most alluring view of breasts clad tight in the black leather before she pressed her lips hard against his own. Tongue made its presence known to force his own lips apart, and then she exhaled the smoke directly into his mouth, her grip on his jaw tightening as necessary to prevent him from pulling away as she did so. Luvania did not permit him a chance to evade the smoke, holding till he was forced to breath in and take it into his lungs.

Tiberius was caught completely by surprised. He began choking on the smoke that was forced into his mouth by the beautiful young Inquisitor. He was overwhelmed and gagged for air, but the feeling of her lips against his own began to compensate for the displeasure. He closed his eyes eventually and relaxed into the kiss. Secretly he yearned for close contact with her, but this was not the way he expected it. Still ... who was he to complain? His cheeks reddened from the smoke and his eyes began to water, but he could not pull his face away from her grasp, nor could he express his discomfort to someone in her position. He submitted, willingly, to her desire, because a man in his position had no other choice.

He was handsome and useful...the right combination to draw the attention of the ambitious inquisitor. Oh, if only he were wealthy as well, but the military failed to compensate most for their jobs, at least not well enough to suit her. Only when he was ready to exhale the smoke did she break the kiss, but she did not move far. No, there was but an inch or less between their faces, and she took in a deep inhale as the smoke left his lips, catching the combined scent of the smoke and the man. Eyes closed in a moment of brief pleasure, opening to focus on his own, "Too much talk of Empires and Rebellions bores me, Tiberius." The harsh grip upon his jaw relaxed to allow the caress of a leather glove across his whiskered cheek. "Tell me there is more to you than this," she leaned back into her chair, plucking the cigarillo from the holder, which was then placed upon his desk. A draw directly from the cigarillo, the smoke once more inhaled deeply before billowing out past her lips. The slightest lean in the chair and her words were his invitation to take action. He would need to be man enough to make some advance.

Tiberius stared at her with a deep sense of lustful longing across his desk. Her kiss had both tormented him and caused a stirring in his loins. After all, he was a man and she was a very attractive woman. His brown eyes ran over her young form as he watched her lean back in the chair. He wanted her. He had to have her. She definitely had dug her claws into some deep part of his soul and gotten a tight grasp of him. He rose from his desk, the slight traces of a developing bulge visible in his trousers. He walked around his desk and came to a stop next to her. He sighed as he tilted his head down to look at her.  The thoughts that raced through his head were fast and uncontrollable. He moved his right hand towards her face and gently caressed her cheek with the exposed side of his hand. He closed his eyes and shuddered as he touched her. He was in a lot of trouble now.

Oh, if only he knew what kind of trouble he was making for himself. Not that Luvania had not tempted him to it, and she had intentionally done so. There was nothing quite so terrifying as being indebted to an Inquisitor, but she certainly made it worthwhile. Oh, she noticed that slight bulge, and knew that she would get everything she wanted out of this man. He would be a toy for her rise to power, but if he was good enough...maybe he could find his way to a favorite. For now, though, he was the object of her cruel, cold affection. She remained where she was, extinguishing the last of that first cigarillo on the tip of his desk if there was nothing else available. It was discarded. Oh, and then he dared to touch! Oh, she adored how he overstepped his bounds so easily, so carelessly. Then again, he knew what he wanted, and he seemed intent on taking it, did he not? She let a slender smile cross her lips as another cigarillo was produced from a concealed pocket in the cloak. She seemed to be mostly unaffected by his slight show of affection, lighting the fresh cigarillo inside of the slender, silver holder. With the holder perched in one hand, she let the other slip between his legs, wrapping around his thigh to draw him against the chair, fingers curling into the back of his thigh just below where it met with his butt. A sharp inhale from her cigarillo, and she shifted just so her lips were barely brushing against his uniform, and the smoke was slowly exhaled, pouring out of her mouth to drift across his chest and rise along the length of his body. When she spoke, her words were soft, lips never leaving their place. Their movements felt on his chest through the fabric of his pants, "This is a dangerous game, Captain."

Tiberius leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He sighed, arching his back slightly to push his chest dangerously close to her mouth. Beneath the fabric his loins began to surge in size as the feeling of lust came over him. He exhaled lightly as he frozen there in her grasp. He was both enthralled by her and terrified of her. The next move would have to be hers.

Luvania did not mind having to take control of things. As a matter of fact, she preferred, no, craved to be in control. She could feel it hardening against her lips, straining the fabric of the shirt. She drew her hand from his thigh, letting it drift between his legs as it came to find the belt of his uniform, unlatching it with skilled ease. It was fully slipped from the pants, pulled away and dropped to the floor. Fingers then unlatched the button, the zipper would be eased down, the pants allowed to spill onto the floor with a little tug. The boxer briefs got the same treatment, fully exposing him below the waist. A glance was cast up to him...cold eyes watching his expression. Then her hand was removed, and she rose, inhaling once more from the cigarillo, and canting her head in his direction, once more exhaling into his face, "Thank you for your time, Captain. I trust you will see to my comfort during my stay aboard your ship." Leave them wanting? Of course. It was the perfect means to see just how much he wanted her, and she had no doubt he did. So much stated, she left him where he stood, pants round his ankles and belt on the floor, departing through the door to find her way to the quarters in which she would be staying.

Tiberius groaned in discomfort. He had received the ultimate tease and immediately hunched over, leaning on the arms of the chair for support. He did not readjust his boxer shorts, nor did he make any effort to haul up his pants. Instead he just remained there, breathing heavily, face flushed red, and totally aroused by her teasing and brief touch. He sighed in frustration as he moved finally and took a seat in the chair she once occupied. Her scent lingered and he inhaled it like a starving child. He must have this woman ... somehow.

Luvania was in no rush as she walked down the hall for the lift that would take her where she was going. More or less ignoring anyone she passed. Not that they wanted her attention. After all, while Luvania had yet to establish her personal reputation, she still carried all the fear and apprehension that came with an inquisitor. Into the left she moved, a spin around to face out before the door shut, the fur shawl sweeping about her with the motion. The silver holder was brought to her lips, the smoke inhaled, and once more drawn deep into her lungs, chest lifting with the effort, only to sink once more as she released the smoke in a long, slender stream from between parted lips, the doors of the lift closing as she did, leaving nothing but the dissipating cloud and the scent of woman and smoke in her wake.