Ziost - Crown of the Sith Empire

Raela waited for her guest in a meeting room, sitting curled up in a comfortable chair, glass of wine held in one hand as she went over the information in her mind. Her black dress spread across the seat, hiding the shape of her legs within. The expression she wore was pensive.

Her guest walked with the chauffeur dressed in his formal armor and robes. He came into the meeting room and offered the woman a graceful nod.

"Good evening Lady Ausar. I thank you for inviting me to your home. I only got lost a few times on my way." He said with a charming smile.

Raela rose and inclined her head. "Thank you for visiting... It is meant to cause visitors trouble," she replied with a chuckle. "You you like a glass?" She held up her drink, heading over to the carafe for a moment.

He shook his head, "I was just at another friend's residence and imbibed. I have a meeting in a bit that I'll need my head for... so regrettably I must decline."

He smiled, "I was excited to hear about your breakthrough."

"Fair enough," she replied, returning to her seat and gesturing one nearby for Sylvain. "It was fortunate. I had some frustrating working on the cure itself today, but I have high hopes."

"You've done more than a slew of researchers have done with much more time. I am confident you will continue to make strides... Have you been approached by anyone about your research?" He asked.

"No... not yet, though I suspect it's only a matter of time... Why do you ask?" She asked, looking over toward him, head tilting to the side.

"A Watcher from Imperial Intelligence confronted me about the project. He had your name and the others working on it. He warned me not to pursue further information about the source of the plague's engineering... Said everything was 'under control'." He replied.

"Interesting... I can't decide whether or not I'm surprised by that," She shook her head and looked over at him with a serious expression. "I mentioned the other day that I thought it went pretty high up. I guess this is another piece to help confirm that thought."

He nodded, "They were pretty direct in their threats... I would take any extra precaution you find necessary. We have already seen how easy it can be for people in power to access the ones we care for..."

He tilted his head, "Have you recovered from the Emperor's 'mercy'?"

"They've accessed my research, as well... Bastards," she bit out, scowling. "Yes. No permanent damage."

"... To him, we're all just victims in waiting. Now or later."

He tilted his head, "Hm?"