invicto | open post.

[ The concept of the Force is still a relatively new thing, to James. To the whole of the Terran Empire, actually, having just recently found a way out to this new galaxy, so far and yet now within their grasp. Of course that Captain Kirk would be the one leading that charge, mapping the way that would lead the Empire straight into new, fertile ground.

A series of unexpected events, including the betrayal of his First Officer, have led him here, however. Not the first time he's captured, but definitely the first time he's handed over as a gift. It carries a taste of slavery that James isn't unused to, he just tends to be on the other side of it.

So naturally he resists the very notion of it. No matter how accessible Finn is, how he tries to offer him some (a lot, too much) freedom, James doesn't trust; he's never trusted anyone in his life, and he's not about to make the mistake of starting now. And when Finn goes away for the day, how can he not take that opportunity to try and find a means to escape?

To his credit, he nearly makes it to the hangar bay of the ship. It is of course crawling with soldiers, which James expected but wasn't quite ready to handle, especially without his phaser. He does fairly well for a man with no weapons, though, swiping the rifle from the first that comes at him, then landing a series of shots that end up with a lot of injuries and, sadly, only three of them dead. They manage to get him well before he even gets close to one of the vehicles in the hangar, and he ends up getting knocked out just so he won't struggle as he's dragged back to Finn's quarters.

If Finn expects to find him calmer, he might have another thing coming. He's quieter at least, not quite so restless, but there's a fire burning in his ice cold eyes, an anger that bleeds into his very voice when he speaks. ]

Thought I'd just sit pretty and wait for you? [ He huffs, looking away. ] Your mistake for letting me do as I please.

[ Sit pretty and wait? No, that's the last thing he expected. James is too used to power, stalking the confines of his cage like a beast set on tearing out the throats of his captors. If anything, Finn's surprised it took this long for him to kill someone. An escape attempt while he was away, though? Not a bad plan. If executed even slightly better, that is. ]

Some would say that my absence made you act out.

[ But that's just a little jab at the fire, really. He steps closer, comes within reach. ]

They kept you shackled since it happened?

[ It's a jab and it works, angering James further, but he resists the sudden urge to lash out. He doesn't even make a move as Finn steps closer, eyes flicking back up to stare at him from where he's kneeling, not really able to move elsewhere with the way they shackled him. Not that James should complain about that; were this to happen on his ship, the prisoner would've likely been shoved into one of the agonizers.

Then again, he's well aware that the reason why he hasn't been harmed (or worse) for what he's tried to do is precisely because of Finn, and... whatever interest he seems to have taken in him. He's still debating on that. Trying to figure out how he can use that to his advantage.

He doesn't actually answer the question, but it's likely obvious by the red around his wrists and neck that yes, he has been like this since he got caught. ]

Didn't want to risk me trying again, I'm guessing.

Probably smart.

[ Finn doesn't particularly like it, though. At least James wasn't really harmed. His marks should fade quickly enough. For this, considering the deaths today, Finn decides to let it slide and not punish anyone for it. Besides, protectiveness of that degree wouldn't be wise to show.

He doesn't show it now. Rather, his hand moves to trace along Jim's jaw line, unafraid, while looking down at him with a cocked head and honest interest. ]

You're pretty like this.

[ Entirely true. James is a handsome man that knows it, uses his looks to his advantage. He's probably not used to those looks being turned around on him like this.

Or maybe he is.

When Finn drops his hand, the shackles unlock and fall around Jim in a clatter. He walks away, removing his cloak and going about his own business like Jim's own adventures were nothing more than what he called it a moment ago. Acting out. ]

So. The hangar.

[ Going somewhere? ]

[ Oh, James isn't arguing with that. It was definitely the smart move, which is more than James has expected so far of most of Finn's men, so he has to commend them for that. They'd have to be really fucking dumb to let him continue to roam about freely, and honestly he can't fault them either for the few blows they landed on him, under the pretense of dragging him back to Finn's quarters with slightly rougher handling than usual.

He doesn't complain about it, though. He's never had any issue dealing with a few scrapes and bruises, and it's certainly not the worst he's had to survive through.

His head tilts up as Finn reaches out to touch him, a line of tension making his spine straighten, lips parting in the faintest trace of surprise, before it all settles back into a neutral expression. Despite the circumstances, he still finds the attention weirdly flattering, but above all else he's pleased to learn something that he could use to his own advantage. Wouldn't be the first time.

The shackles then loosen promptly from around his wrists and neck, and he realizes Finn's used his unique abilities to release him. Eyes going down to his hands, he rubs around his own wrists, lingering there for a while before he finally pushes himself to his feet, wobbling only briefly due to having been on his knees for so long. ]

You've got ships there. Seemed like my best bet.

[ Clearly his odds weren't the greatest, but it's not like a better opportunity was going to present itself. He's close to becoming a slave to this Sith Lord as it is, he had to take his chances. ]

Where did you go?

[ Asked as if he's in any position to demand information. ]

[ Finn does note that brief, fleeting look of surprise. Perhaps he just gave James some ammunition, but the comment was honest and the look he got in response was worth it.

It's also amusing, Finn thinks as he drapes his cloak across the back of a chair, that James doesn't even try to hide what he'd been thinking. Of course, lying about it would have been ridiculous since it was so obvious, but the boldness of the way he speaks about it brings a tiny smile to Finn's face. The question even manages a quiet laugh.

The demand for information is nothing short of cute. ]

I think the better question is, where were you going to go?

[ Finn falls into a chair, turning to face James and prop his feet on the desk, dragging over a glass bottle of something brown towards himself. ]

It'd be a difficult journey to get back to your Empire, if they even want you back by this point. [ They seem just as ruthless as the Sith. Finn would be surprised if they wanted to kill him for desertion or treason or some perceived nonsense. Unless he brings back useful information or something.

But Finn doesn't seem to be worried about all that. ] Or were you going to try to look for me? [ Jab jab jab. ]

[ There hardly seems to be any point to lying. There's no reason why he'd be trying to make his way into the hangar, at least no reason outside of wanting to escape, and he knows Finn's not stupid. He'd just know James was being an ass for the sake of it.

Which yeah, it'd also track for him, but anyway. ]

What does it matter to you?

[ He could very well just fly to his death, crash and burn on a planet somewhere. Or force his way back on board the Enterprise and murder that piece of shit Vulcan traitor to claim his ship back. That's how things go, in the Empire.

He scoffs at the last remark, eyes rolling and arms crossed, ignoring the red marks around his pale wrists. ]

Don't flatter yourself. I have better things to think about than what you're up to.

[ Lies, but you know. Whatever. ]

[ Finn can sense there are untruths in there but he's not sure where they are. His teasing about James getting attached to him has been just that, teasing. James can get so riled up from his jabs and sometimes he'll even jab back. Hard.

Finn enjoys it, if he were completely honest. Though, he tries not to be. ]

Which is why you asked what I was up to, right?

[ He opens the bottle and pours himself a few fingers worth, still surprised James hasn't tried to poison him yet or something. Likely knows Finn would sense the danger in some form. ]

But, you are my prisoner, you know. I'd be a bad jailer if I didn't keep you imprisoned. Or, in case of your escape, at least manage to recapture you... It matters.

[ Finn's not going to let him fly to his death, that's for certain. He sips at his drink and points at Jim's wrists. His neck is marked, too, and Finn's pretty sure there are bruises speckled all over him. ]

Does it hurt?

[ Well, Finn's got at least some honesty out of him, which is already more than most people could say. It may be for his own personal advantage that James has decided on that, but it's nevertheless the case. Doesn't mean he'll be honest or open all the time or about every little thing. ]

Ah, I see. So what does that mean, are you going to lock me up on one of your cells? Get a cage in here? Tie me down to your bed?

[ Not all the options are equally unpleasant, for what it's worth. James still sounds dismissive when he presents them, unafraid that Finn could easily go with one just for the hell of it. ]

No. I've had worse.

[ He chews on the inside of his cheek, uncrossing his arms and approaching Finn, walking around the desk as he gestures to the bottle. ]

Are you sharing that?

[ Now there's an idea. ]

If you ask nicely.

[ Locking him in a cell would be boring. It might teach him a lesson if he were in there for a week or so, but Finn would miss him. And a cage? Well, James would really hate that, it's the truth, but Finn's pretty sure that having the perception of freedom pisses him off more. And that last one-

Well, that depends on James' thoughts on the matter, how he'd view it. Finn's not about using that sort of thing as a punishment. He's also not about rewarding bad behavior.

When James asks about the bottle, Finn seriously considers telling him no, drinking it in front of him. But, if James liked it, there would be less of a chance he'd try to poison and ruin it or throw it against a wall or something. It's clear enough that Finn considers the question, though. After all, rewarding bad behavior.

Eventually, he shrugs and motions towards the other glass. ]

Help yourself.

Only when I let you, though. I'm not coming back to you drunk one day.

[ That'll be a headache. ]

[ James rolls his eyes. Apparently asking nicely is completely out of the question, if that reaction is anything to go by. James doesn't ask for a damn thing in his life, much less so in a sexual context where it might land him in a position of less power and control.

So really, Finn should appreciate how he has indeed asked instead of just reaching for the bottle, or stealing it from him while he's away. See, that's good behavior right there. Kind of. ]

You don't have to worry about that. I don't get drunk.

[ He certainly doesn't get drunk here, on an enemy ship, knowing that the slightest slip could mean very bad things happening to him. He doesn't get sloppy.

With permission given, he reaches across from Finn to grab a glass, filling it with a couple fingers of the drink, setting the bottle back down as he takes a first tentative sip. ]

[ Well, maybe James won't have to ask. Finn can find out what people want by other means. As far as he goes, he likes the idea better by the minute.

That aside, he should have figured that answer. James is smart, cunning, always looking for a weak point. Getting drunk will just expose himself further, and the other man is clearly not one to enjoy feeling vulnerable.

That's part of why Finn likes him. James isn't scared of him. Or, at least, he's very good at pretending he's not. ]

A popular ale from Corellia, a capital planet near the center of my galaxy. It's cheap, to be honest. I just like it for my own reasons.

[ His own sentimental reasons. He doesn't elaborate, though. Just drains the rest and looks back to his empty glass thoughtfully. ]

... If a prisoner killed three people on your ship in an escape attempt, what would you do?

[ James has heard plenty of stories about the Force, about these Sith Lords, so he knows Finn could easily get whatever he wanted from him. That changes nothing, for him. Being trapped here for the time being, he certainly won't give Finn the satisfaction of acting afraid towards him.

Not that he is afraid. If anything he's a little thrilled at the prospect of someone strong, worthy of his attention, in whatever capacity. Not that he'll admit to that either.

There's a slight frown on his face at the taste, but he hums and drinks it anyway. It's not the worst thing he's had, so there's that at least. ]

That would depend on whether or not I wanted something from them.

[ He looks at Finn expectantly, eyebrows raised, as though asking him if he wants anything from James. ]

[ Yeah, was expecting that frown. Wasn't really expecting that answer, though. Despite himself, it makes him smile again.

He takes his feet off the desk, turning in his chair again to face James on the other side of the desk. ]

And what do you have to offer me, Captain? I keep you around for the company, myself.

[ It's mostly true, to be honest. Jim doesn't have much value to them anymore, despite whoever he used to be. It's part of why he was given away as a gift.

He could have also been given as a test, though. Finn's master hasn't forgotten the kind nature he used to carry. Still sometimes carries. ]

[ He ponders Finn's answer for a moment, quiet and thoughtful. He doesn't answer the question, though; they both know James has nothing of value to offer the Order, any knowledge he has no doubt outdated at this point. It's the only reason why he's here now, alive, rather than cut down by the long reach of the Terran Empire. ]

Well, if they held no value to me... I would send them to the agonizing booth for a few days. Broadcast it to the whole ship so it would serve as warning. Then I would execute them as Imperial law dictates. No mercy.

[ It would only be a weakness, after all. ]

But things would change if I wanted something from them. I would have to ensure that I got what I wanted first. Assuming, of course, that 'something' was worth more than my officers' lives.

[ Not that he gives much worth to those to begin with, but still. ]

Agonizing booth.

[ Finn's lips curl into a sneer. Not because of the mental picture that invokes, but the name. He supposes it gets right to the point, though.

With a sigh, Finn lets the name go and glances around the room in thought. ]

Well, I am the law on this ship and I don't particularly want to kill you. Consider it mercy if you want, but you won't learn anything if you're dead. That, and I'd lose the company.

[ He leans back in his seat, watching James with a critical eye. Their banter is usually like this but something seems a little different this time. Maybe that's just because of that look of rare surprise on Jim's face earlier, but Finn would dare to say that James is trying to hint around at something.

It feels a bit like bait. Perhaps it's only meant to look that way, though. James is pretty proud, after all.

After a long moment... ] Maybe I will tie you to my bed. Not as boring as a cell, not as primitive as a cage, but should still help remind you how nice it is to have even some freedom.

[ Actually, tying him to his bed and just going to sleep would probably be a great way to really piss him off. It's like begging to be murdered in the middle of the night. ]

[ James shrugs. Well, they weren't going to call it a pleasure suite, that's for sure.

Anyway, he settles for being quiet, passive and listening for once. These discussions tend to turn more unpleasant, ending with James either getting pissed or ignoring Finn entirely. But not this time; something instead holding his interest, inviting his patience, curiosity winning out just this once.

And maybe something else, some sense of actual companionship, the foreign concept that anyone should even want his company. ]

Really, now? And is that all you'll do, just... leave me there while you go about your day?

[ He steps closer, glass still in hand, knee nudging at Finn's chair. ]

You could at least make the most of it. I'd never let a good opportunity like that go to waste. [ He leans against the edge of the desk, moving his leg to instead bump it against Finn's. ] Might just make it worth your while.

[ Called that one. Finn's smile comes back again, gaze laughing and calculating in equal parts. Though, he isn't entirely unaffected by the idea either. It does sound like a wonderful way to spend an evening. ]

Oh, I'm sure you would.

[ He lets his eyes sweep up and down Jim's body, slowly, obviously. ]

Sounds to me like you would enjoy that kind of thing, though. It'd piss you off more if I just left you there. Wouldn't it?

[ Maybe not, likely so. Whether that's because James didn't get to have the sex he might as well be begging for or the possible opportunity for Finn to let his guard down, who really knows? ]

[ James tips his head back slightly, letting out a long, thoughtful hum, both hands curling around the edge of Finn's desk. ]

Again— that boils down to what you want from me.

[ To have him around for company, yes, he got that part. But from here on out, what is he aiming for? If he's just looking to piss him off and anger him, then sure, just leaving him there would likely do it.

Then again he's got his own tricks up his sleeve, should Finn decide he's feeling like a taunting bastard. One way or the other, James will find a way to tempt him. ]

[ Finn doesn't doubt for a second that James' game of temptation would stop if he were refused now. A part of him kind of wants to see how far it'd go, too. Although, Finn also doesn't see any reason to deny himself. When James was handed over to him, he wasn't ignorant as to what kind of prisoner they expected him to be.

The only reason Finn didn't use him was because interest is an important part to him. Considering that's been mixed in now, though, for whatever reason...

Finn looks him up and down again, head tilting a bit before meeting his eyes. ]

I want you to say please.

[ Sure, he's on board with dragging him to bed now, but this is still supposed to be a punishment. And though his smile is mostly gone, his eyes are still full of amusement. He's waiting. ]

[ That... just gets an inscrutable stare from James. He'll do a lot for the sake of his own survival, and to gain some semblance of control over someone whom he's well aware is supposed to own him. He's dealt with enough slaves, seen many of them with their own masters, to know how to play this game.

But some lines are drawn harshly, and nothing Finn could do would possibly push him to step over them. ]

Then you may as well tie me up and leave me there.

[ That's one word that will never make it past his lips, he's sure of that much. ]

[ And that just gets another laugh from Finn. ]

That's too bad. I was starting to look forward to it.

[ He places his glass next to the bottle again and stands. James made sure not to leave much room between them, and Finn clearly doesn't getting into his space, practically rubbing against him. ]

You would have been pretty, tied up and begging for me. Come here.

[ His hand wraps around Jim's arm like a vice but at least he doesn't grab him around his wrist. The shackles, long since thought to be forgotten, fly into Finn's free hand while he steers James towards his bedroom. ]

[ It's not disappointment that he feels. Disappointment would have to involve some sort of expectation, a hope for something better, and James has learned not to rely on such things a long time ago.

Still, there is some kind of sting, a quietly burning hatred when Finn just grabs his arm and drags him towards the bed. It's pointless to fight it but he does so anyway, yanking his arm away from the grip. He knows he's going to end up shackled on that bed anyway, but he sure as fuck isn't going to play nice about it, and he won't let Finn push him around like he's some scared, helpless slave. ]

[ James did this to himself so getting upset about it is pointless. He's the one that suggested the idea, that refused to ask nicely. Not to mention, the one that committed three acts of murder against Finn's men.

And is there really anything to complain about? How many other high ranking prisoners of war are treated this well?

Like now, for instance, when it made more sense to truly punish him than whatever Finn's doing, especially after this behavior. It's a good thing Finn likes the fight. ]

Change your mind?

[ Finn steps in front of him, hand on his chest and gliding up to his neck. Does he mean the touch or is he making fun of him?

Regardless, James isn't supposed to enjoy every aspect of this. It is a punishment, after all. So Finn's hand finds the collar of his shirt and tugs him towards the bed again. ]

Come here. Or I'll make you.

[ James doesn't do nicely, that much shouldn't be a surprise to Finn. Maybe he offers resistance just to spite him, just to be difficult, or maybe he likes the idea of a rougher handling. Pushing at Finn's buttons and see which ones garner a reaction from him.

Either way, he seems almost pleased with himself for a flicker of a second when Finn's hand makes it to his neck. He goes still, defiant glare locked with Finn's, letting himself get pulled by his collar towards the bed.

Rather than letting Finn get him onto the mattress, he uses the momentum to push back against him, stepping closer in the process, hands fisting at Finn's perfectly smooth uniform. He grits his teeth, practically growling in Finn's face. ]

Make me.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject