[Shadowdancer] "Diamonds in the Rought" Pt. 2

“Diamonds in the Rough” - Part Two
by Destis
(as played by Shane Taggart)

Special Guest Writer:
Jet Grey as Simon



The man they called 'Boss' burst through the doors, nearly knocking them off their primitive hinges. His face was red and his eyes were a close match, but it was the pulsing vein in his forehead that totally gave it away: he was pissed. "We're floundering! Explain to me our financial situation with a good spin and I'll have you on Risa for a week!"

His desk was cluttered when he walked in, but when he was in arm's reach it suddenly became the cleanest it had ever been. The floor... well, that was another story after that. "The tariffs are staggeringly low, the smuggling rate is through the roof, and even the Promenade's Union is starting to protest. You know you're in trouble when a backwater station such as this somehow manages to see a Union form."

"I told you to get rid of that no gooder bar owner. Him and that Orion guy that works the brothel," The Boss' own advisor- Simon- calmly replied, following in the man's wake. He placed his hands behind him, looking at his employer, "As for the tariffs, it's time of war, no one in this back water quadrant is doing better than us."

"Good try, Simon, but Risa is going to have to wait for you. Our associates are getting restless. I had a note from Captain Ryloth that he no longer felt that Rahm Izad was a safe enough port of harbor. With a crew of almost a hundred and a ship needing constant repair we've lost a large source of income!" He slammed his hands down on the desk, his eyes falling on his aide. "I am not happy."

"Offer him an incentive, we all know Ryloth loves to bargain. Give him some, take all," Simon advised again. When his boss frowned at him, Simon revealed his padd and slid the device across the metal table. "If all goes south, kill the Orion- as I said- and sell the women. Slavery always fills up the quota."

Another man barged into the office, glasses almost falling off his nose, "We, uh, we have some trying to hack into our dat-dat-abase."

Simon huffed, "Nice of you to notify us, who is it!?"

"I-I-I dunno," Simon gave a warning glance, though he was willing to be that their boss' was down right terrifying, "I'm working on it!" Squealing he left. Simon turned, "I'll be right back."

"Simon," The Boss said as he watched his advisor head for the door, "Please make sure to inform Mr. Danforth that if anyone hacks into our database for any reason at any time, that he will be the first person sold into slavery." The words came out emotionless and stiff and, as he had practiced so often before, serious and sinister.

Simon made a graceful nod before leaving and standing next to Danforth, "Who is it?"

"Destis.. though she's not stupid.. could be Malana, just as good as Destis..."

"They cannot do this so soon," Simon hissed. They were doing a delicate dance and Destis' hastiness was going to ruin their careful planning. "I'm gonna stop this," hitting the comm panel, "It's Destis, Boss, she's trying to hack us from... deck nineteen, section C."

The door creaked open again, "You're as stupid as you are ugly, Simon. I continually wonder how a man of such distaste manages to stay on the good side of such a prominant individual as the Boss." She was decked out in black leather, her sexiness aided only by the professionalism that was radiating off her.

Destis strode the full length of the room towards the doors that would lead her to the Boss. Another woman entered after her, blonde and clad in a tight blue number with the same type of distinction as Destis. "Destis," Malana began casually, barely giving Simon and Danforth a second glance, "Besides the Boss are there any real men on this station?"

"They try to be, m'dear, they do try to be."

"Destis," Simon gave a polite smile and a mere nod to Malana, "You should've called for an audience, you know He is a very busy man." There was a flash of warning passing through Simon's eyes, as if to say this was not the best time to grand stand. "I suggest you go back to whatever hole you and your little servant crawled from and make an appointment."

Destis stopped, the room reacting as if the world was stopping with it. She turned slowly on her heel, the only sound in the room was the sole squeaking slightly on the hard marble. Taking three steps she was in Simon's face. "I may not be his right hand, but at least I'm not his bitch. If I wish to see him, I will."

"You know what they say Destis," Simon closed in, "It's better to be the Devil's right hand then be in his way. Are you so eager to die?"

Danforth stood up, "Whoa, we're not..."

"Be quiet, Danforth," Simon's glare stayed on Destis, "Turn back, I cannot gaurantee a warm stay otherwise."

A malicious smile wafted its way upon Destis' stone cold exterior. She pushed her body against his, her right palm gently gliding down his left cheek, "What is it like to want, Simon?" Destis' mouth got close to his, her warm breath slowly floating out to meet him.

Simon grabbed her hand, pushing it away, "I wouldn't know at this minute, Malana is itching for her gun."

"I wouldn't waste the energy," Malana practically spat, her hand leaving her sidearm quickly as she folded her arm. She eyed him cleverly, "I would waste my energy on you in other ways..."

Destis stopped, realizing her seduction was useless. "Malana, don't degrade yourself. I'd as soon share a bed with the computer genius than this scum."

"Destis, darling, those words aren't very becoming of you." The group turned as the Boss parted the doorway they thought was closed and sealed. "It's a pleasure as usual, but I would like to know how you managed to get here so fast from Deck Nineteen Section C."

The woman smirked, pushing Simon back a couple of steps as she shoved her palm into his chest. "Don't be ridiculous, what would I stand to gain by betraying you?"

"Everything."

"Hardly," Destis said, a slightly girly laugh escaped her lips. "I know where my loyalties lie and they are with you, sir. I wouldn't imagine going elsewhere unless the price was right. I would pay more attention to those that you trust with all your secrets." She shot Simon a look, letting it linger for the Boss to see.

"I suppose this is where I have to reaffirm my loyalty. Need I remind the very person that staged an assassination attempt on our boss. The very person that tried to cook the books - as they were - right from under me. It is not I that needs a closer look on, Destis. If I could convince my Boss that sticking a phaser to your head at all times would benefit us all, I would. It's a pity you actually have something worth while, I wouldn't mind adding you to the list of people to sell."

There was suddenly a whine coming in, and Simon rolled his eyes, "Put down the weapon, you dolt, or you'll kill us all." Simon turned to look at Ace, his weapon out aiming for the Malana. There were times that Simon's patience was truly put to the test. "Gun down. Now."

Malana looked at Ace, not in the slightest bit afraid of the so-called 'bodyguard'. "Need I remind you, Simon, that Destis was cleared of all blame for any of that. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time and everyone agrees. The fact you hold onto such a notion that she would do anything to jeopardize her career is astounding."

"Stupid is more the word," Destis added. "Shall we talk business, Boss? I've got some ideas. Malana, would you entertain these gentlemen for a while? I'm sure your superior intellect and overall knowledge should keep them amused for quite some time."

The Boss nodded to Destis, ushering her into the office and closing the doors.

Malana smiled, "Where shall I start, guys: addition, subtraction, or long division?"



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