A criminal mastermind and a prize

[empires_heir]

Armitage Jade had amassed quite a tidy little criminal empire.

Though, really, not so little any more, he had recently gained control of a handful of planets along one of the shipping lanes that the First Order had previously held. He didn't remove it from their control out of any sort of altruistic reasoning, but simply because it was something they wanted, which meant that it was something he didn't want them to have.

His mother had told him, and often, not to let himself be dragged into helping either side of the ongoing conflict because they would both use them for what he could do, whether that was his minimal abilities in the Force, or his brilliant analytical mind, or both.

So he'd gone about building his own side to the thing, though not allied with the Rebellion, he still thwarted the First Order here and there, if only because he knew it must be infuriating to his father that his bastard child -one of many as likely as not- was proving to be such a formidable foil. That was, of course, if the man even admitted that Armitage was his blood.

He didn't have any audiences on his schedule that day, which was why he was surprised when one of his advisors came to tell him there was a small delegation arriving, and, not one to turn away visiting allies -or potential allies- he instructed that they be brought to the great hall where he'd meet them.

People looking to describe Armitage usually settled on 'severe', or 'intense' and he could certainly be both, a shock of red hair tied in a stub of a tail at his nape and a wardrobe that consisted of varying levels of 'black', with a vibroblade in a magnetic sheath at his calf and what could only be a lightsaber at his hip, he was intimidating enough even before he spoke, a clipped Coruscanti accent that most people didn't expect from someone of his reputation.

Comments

hope this works

[happybeeps]

The delegation in question wasn't of any particular reputation, not yet, though they were rising through the ranks, and that may be why they'd chosen now to try and pre-emptively curry the favor Armitage.

Among their offerings, a Kijimian pleasure slave, though they assured him if he wasn't to his taste he could be put to other uses.

The slave in question gave a small scowl at that, though he tried to mask it. It was a clear enough indication that while he had been trained, he wasn't born to this life.

He wasn't sure whether he hoped this new Master refused him or not. He hadn't had much luck escaping from his current owners, but this new man didn't look as though he'd make things any easier. The saber at his hip though- that drew Poe's curiosity, head turning to try and get a better look.

Yessss

[empires_heir]

That barely-contained curiosity and obvious distaste for his current situation made Armitage curious in turn. Mostly it made him curious whether bringing him a half-trained pleasure slave was a calculated move on the group's part, whether they knew -or had at least heard rumors- that he might like to finish that job himself.

In the end, what actually closed the deal for them was the fact that this Poe hadn't tried to broker a deal for himself while his current owners were present, as some would have done -and had done- in his place.

Of course, all Armitage told the group was that he would accept their offering and take their request under consideration, but more than that, he would let them leave after arriving unannounced and unscheduled, there was a barely audible threat in the statement, one that had them hurrying to comply.

When the doors slid closed behind them, Armitage settled back in his chair, not a throne, though it certainly served as one as often as not, and looked over his new acquisition, "What, in your own opinion, is your specialty?"

[happybeeps]

Poe looked back at the closed doors before turning his attention back to his new Master, trying to gauge in that short moment what sort of man he was. Was he the sort that would allow him to push things, or the sort that demanded absolute obedience?

"Piloting," he replied with a certain confidence, despite being sure that wasn't the realm of expertise he was looking to hear about. It was a test of sorts, pushing just that little bit to see what he could get away with.

[empires_heir]

"Is that what they're teaching in brothels these days instead of how to properly address one's new owner?" A warning filled that question the same way the threat had sliced through his tone earlier.

Poe was testing him and Armitage was laying out a test, or perhaps a trap, right back, because while this one might end up being more trouble than he was worth, Armitage was going to enjoy himself finding that out if nothing else.

[happybeeps]

His gaze flicked briefly towards the floor, showing he was at least aware of warning in those words.

"...No Master," he murmured after a short delay, "I've...been told I'm good with my mouth," he offered with a certain begrudging look, a faint heat to his cheeks that all but confirmed his relative newness to this life.

[empires_heir]

Not so quick in correcting his behavior as to be suspicious was a point in his favor, at least, though Armitage arched a brow at the statement, fingers trailing an idle figure-eight along the arm of his chair, "And if I wanted to know what you'd been told, that's what I would have asked."

A considering sound, a quiet hum before giving his head a little shake, regarding Poe again, "Let's try this again, pet." He lifted his hand from the arm of the chair, flicking his first two fingers towards himself sharply, something that brought a quick force push against the back of Poe's knees, enough to knock him to the floor but not enough to pull him any closer, "What is your specialty?"

[happybeeps]

"Nnn-" Poe caught himself as he fell forward, head turning to look back in confusion, but of course there was no one there. He straightened up in confusion, looking back to Armitage from his knees, clearly flustered.

"...Kissing." At least he thought so. It wasn't something often requested, but it was at least an honest answer, if not perhaps what was expected.

[empires_heir]

That response was enough to have both of Armitage's brows lifting, curious all over again. In his experience, limited though it was, that sort of thing was generally frowned upon.

Though with Poe's obvious predilection towards pushing the rules, that might be one of those things. Which was why he just nodded once, apparently completely at ease in his seat, "Come here then, give me a demonstration."

[happybeeps]

There was a brief beat of unease, a sort of question in Poe's eyes before he moved to push to his feet again so he could do as he was told, uncertain if that would be allowed after having been pushed to his knees. It seemed he was the sort to ask for forgiveness rather than permission, even when faced with powers he couldn't quite comprehend yet.

"Yes Master," he attempted to put on a sort of bravado, a persona that tended to work well for him, it was closest to his true self. Though went it went wrong it tended to get him in the most trouble.

[empires_heir]

He tutted, "Ah-ah, I don't recall saying you could get to your feet." He was clearly going to have his hands full with this one, and he'd be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to it a little.

It had been... well, quite some time since he'd had a plaything, and this one definitely looked sturdier than the last one, would probably last longer as long as he didn't raise Armitage's ire to the point of simply booting him into the trash compactor.

[happybeeps]

He faltered a moment, the flush blossoming again as he sunk back down to his knees, a quiet glare directed away from his Master before he was able to school his features.

If he behaved this new Master might underestimate him enough to give Poe a real shot at escape.

"Forgive me, Master," he mumbled, crawling across the remaining space between them. His hands easily fell to rest on Armitage's thighs, pushing gently to spread them so he could settle closer as he rose up on his knees to steal that kiss.

[empires_heir]

The particular bent to Poe's thoughts amused him more than he let on, and in time he might at least pretend to give him that chance, if only to see how often he actually took it before realizing it wasn't actually going to happen.

But that was for later. For now he watched that progress, letting his knees drop apart so Poe could settle between them, he even leaned forward to catch that kiss, allowing Poe to guide it for a few long moments before one hand darted up to catch hold of Poe's chin, fingers cool against his skin, keeping him in place with a light touch that tightened easily to a vice-like grip if Poe attempted to pull away as Armitage deepened the kiss himself.

It was only a moment before he'd sucked Poe's lower lip between his teeth, biting down sharply, not enough to do any real damage, but certainly enough for a sudden sting and a lingering ache as Armitage lifted his own head, humming softly and keeping his hold of Poe's jaw, tilting the other man's head this way and that as if to get a better look at him, "You'll do. Easy enough on the eyes, though we're going to have to do something about this costume."

[happybeeps]

If it weren't for that strong grip, Poe might have been able to imagine it was a real kiss, and for a moment at least it was easy enough to pretend, lips curled as he pushed close with an eager sigh.

Poe winced at the bite, giving a hushed hiss, a hint of sulk on his face as he was turned about for inspection, though he didn't resist.

"What's wrong with it?" he muttered, as though he took some personal offence to the critique.

[empires_heir]

His smile was an all-too-predatory, sharp-edged thing, "Oh I'm sure it was fine for whatever hole they pulled you out of on Kijimi, but around here we take a certain level of pride in our appearance."

Another thoughtful sound, "Which also means we're going to have to clean you up before dinner, and since I'm quite sure you can't be trusted any further than I can throw you just yet, I'm just going to have to make sure you aren't able to go anywhere you shouldn't." He was already scrolling through commands on the small screen embedded in the arm of his chair, apparently sending out orders even as he kept his hold of Poe's jaw with his other hand.

It was only a few moments before an ASP series utility droid trundled into the room, bearing a box, one that Armitage slid open to reveal the cuff it contained, one that he affixed to Poe's upper arm. It was brushed black metal with a single indicator light on it, currently green, "As long as that's green, you'll be fine, if you're going somewhere you oughtn't, it will turn red, and if you continue after that it will deliver a shock."

He gestured towards the droid, "For now, however, this is Serpent, he'll be keeping an eye on you while I'm otherwise occupied and right now will take you off to the baths. We've got actual water, which I've come to understand is something of a luxury for most of you. Enjoy it." There was some kind of threat in that last statement, though a vague one, shapeless enough.

[happybeeps]

A darker flush settled over him , gaze skirting away with a pout, rolling a shoulder as though he could shake off the slight. His eyes turned then to try and get a better look at that screen, though the grip at his jaw made that rather difficult.

He frowned at the appearance of the droid. An ASP couldn't even make a good conversational partner. There wouldn't be any bartering with Serpent.

Poe held still as the cuff was affixed, grateful at least that it wasn't a collar, wondering how bad a shock he should expect.

There was a very real sort of thrill that went through him at the promise of real water, though he couldn't help but bristle with the way he said it. He hadn't had a proper bath since he'd left home, only sonics.

"...I will Master," Poe promised, attempting to turn his jaw to free it from his grip so he could go with the droid.

[empires_heir]

It would be more than enough to simply be disorienting, but not enough to cause permanent nerve damage, unless he continued to push his luck after the first jolt.

"Good." Armitage nodded once, releasing his hold and flicking his fingers as if to dismiss the man. The droid did at least wait for Poe to get to his feet before trundling off again to lead the way, first to a turbolift and then two floors down, which, if Poe had been able to pay attention on the initial approach, was likely the first fully subterranean level of the moon base that Armitage's company called home.

He was led not to the public baths, but instead to what was apparently Armitage's suite, if the veritable trophy case in the entryway was any indication, it was hands, mostly, though there was at least on head and a few other various parts, all oddly artfully displayed, because criminal mastermind and borderline madman he might have been, Armitage did have an eye for aesthetics.

He also apparently had a small army of mouse droids, as one had only just dropped off a fresh bathing kit as Serpent steered Poe into the bath. It wasn't huge, but it was definitely large, and while it was definitely luxurious it wasn't ornate or ostentatious, clearly this was the way that Armitage liked things and not something he'd put together to impress anyone. Aside from a recessed bath in the floor, there was also a rainfall shower and even a sonic stall tucked away in the corner, apparently for days when Armitage was in a hurry.

The bathing kit that had been left consisted of not just soap and shampoo, but also a creme rinse for curly hair, and a depilatory cream as well as two separate wash cloths, and a large towel left on a warmer. With Poe inside, Serpent took up a station at the door, just to make sure he didn't try to leave again.

[happybeeps]

Following after the droid, Poe kept a keen eye on his surroundings, trying to memorize the place and build a mental map. This would be useful for any escape attempts, but also could be the key to avoiding an impatient master. They didn't often like the excuse that their slave was still learning their surroundings.

The trophies so proudly displayed had Poe blanching, and his assessment of Armitage shifted a great deal in that moment. Those threats had real backing, and Poe found himself less inclined to test that patience.

The bath was impressive enough to him, as was the bathing kit, giving him pause as he looked through it and found the creme rinse that seemed to have been chosen specifically for him.

He wasn't shy about undressing, eager to slip away into the heat of the bath and forget all about the cold of Kijimi for a short while. He made a few attempts to talk to Serpent, chatting almost idly, starved for conversation, even if it was one sided.

[empires_heir]

Armitage liked it when people underestimated him, it made it all the more satisfying to crush them later. Though he wasn't giving Poe that luxury, Poe needed to know what he was capable of so that he didn't try anything stupid in his first few days. Though Armitage was sure he would anyway, most of them did. Though the more he behaved the more he'd find that Armitage did take care of what was his, which now included Poe, as the specificity in the bathing kit would attest to.

The droid was attentive, or at least attentive enough to nod now and again when Poe spoke, either in response or just to maintain servo movement, almost like a person with some kind of nervous tic.

Armitage had returned by the time Poe finished, and had laid out a few options for a change of clothes on a freshly-delivered cot in what was essentially Armitage's dressing room, a nodule off-set from his sleeping quarters, one that meant Poe would have to get past him to leave the room for any reason once they'd bedded down for the night. None of the outfits were the sort of thing someone thought of first when they heard 'pleasure slave', because they were nearly full coverage, though more or less form fitting, not close enough to pinch, but more than close enough to cling.

[happybeeps]

The nods were more than enough for Poe to imagine they were having a real conversation. Of course that could prove dangerous, if he started thinking of the droid as a friend. Serpent would without doubt side with his Master, it was a matter of programing. But there wasn't too much harm in pretending for now, was there?

Poe didn't want to the leave the bath, but eventually he was washed and dried, led out to the cot with his choice of clothing.

That there was a choice at all was surprising enough, let alone the amount of coverage they afforded. Poe almost looked as though he suspected some kind of trap, but figured he wouldn't be supplied with a choice if he wasn't meant to make it.

[empires_heir]

"I won't even insist that you keep them in the arrangements I've made, if you think pieces will go together better in a different configuration, by all means."

A twitch of a smile followed, "Though do keep in mind this is your clothing for the week, and things will have to be laundered once they've been worn." which essentially meant that if he were to go with the six complete outfits as presented, it meant he'd also be spending at least one day naked. Figuring out how to piecemeal things together for maximum coverage over the longest number of days was one of the things Armitage thoroughly enjoyed watching. A couple of them had been quite good at it, and a couple had given up trying after the first week. He suspected Poe would be one of the former.

[happybeeps]

A tentative smile had worked its way to Poe's face, surprised by the apparent freedom he was being given, but it dropped as soon as that twist was revealed, pausing in his sorting through his choices with a faint frown.

"But Master-" he started to question, biting back the words with an apologetic shake of his head.

He tried to preemptively work out how to best ration his clothing, but with those eyes on him, Poe opted to leave that work to his future self, moving to shrug on one of the prepare arrangements for now.

[empires_heir]

Armitage gave a little twitch of a smile at that aborted statement, gesturing with one hand, "Go on, say it, ask what you were going to ask or tell me I'm being unfair, whatever it was you were going to say, best to get that out instead of leaving it inside where it will only fester."

Considering how he'd dealt with the group that had brought Poe in, there was every indication that he did mean that, that he wasn't going to use the response as a reason to spring anything worse on Poe just yet.

[happybeeps]

There was a short beat before Poe answered, not sure he fully trusted the outcome of voicing his discontent, but there didn't seem to be much of a choice.

"...There aren't enough," he mumbled.

[empires_heir]

He just smiled, stepping around Poe to get to his own closet, selecting a clean shirt as he answered, "Luckily for you there will be days when you aren't expected to make any public appearances, you'll be here solely for my entertainment, and you're hardly going to need an entire ensemble for that, are you?"

The shirt Armitage had been wearing was dropped into the laundry chute and he swung the other one into place, smoothing it out and debating whether or not to tuck it in, though ultimately deciding against it, as it was short enough not to need it, and it was just his own people for dinner, it wasn't like there were any additional delegations incoming.

[happybeeps]

"...No, Master," Poe agreed a bit stiffly, finishing tugging on his own clothing, feeling a little unsure about the aesthetics, but glad to be properly covered for now.

"When you say public appearances-?" he questioned, trying to keep his tone casual, though it was clear enough what he was concerned about. Whether he was to available to others or just his new Master.