A Change of Pace [CIS Dominion of Nar Kaaga]

[Malok]

'Maybe this marriage thing isn't half bad...' thought the Enforcer wistfully as he led his spouse to the table. Though the very fact that she was there, dressed as beautifully as she was, caused his nerves to spike...he wouldn't have had it any other way. Abel truly enjoyed the pleasure of her company; so much so that he was willing to brave the sweaty palms and flustered thoughts. As the stepped along, drawing nearer to the table, he grinned at the thought of teaching her how to play Sabaac. Sure, he wasn't exactly the world's best gambler and he didn't want to turn her into a card-junkie; but it was something they could do and share together. "Alright, I'll show you the ropes...but I'd like to do it in your head, if you'd allow me. The 'pros' won't exactly be patient with my taking time to give you a full tutorial."

Like a gentleman, something that he...just really wasn't...he pulled out the chair at the table for her and waited for her to sit, then scooted it up for her slightly before returning to his chair. He checked his cards again and looked to the set that was in play...Two pair, excellent. "Alright, I'll call that." he said, matching the smoking woman's bet. Then, Abel looked to his wife and asked: "So, shall we deal you in?" The question was innocent enough, but it also carried another meaning...He was asking for permission to touch her mind, something very intimate, very personal, and very private. He didn't know if she'd respond well, but he hoped to the Force that she would.

@[member="Isabet Kote"], @[member="Ruusan"].

 

[Not Ordo]

@[member="CC-114 Una"]

"Ah shouldn't hurt him then?" he said just before she kissed his nose.

He smiled widely again as he forgot what it was he had been getting upset about. His dark eyes were glued to her beautiful face as she looked at him. He was happy when she was around and she didn't seem to mind that he couldn't remember thing sometimes or that he got confused. He didn't mean to and it made him a little angry when he didn't understand what was happening. She never made him feel bad though she just always knew how to make him feel calm no matter what. He leaned down in a strange moment of bravery and kissed her cheek.

"Do you want a drink, Cyar'ika?" he asked smiling like a child in a candy store.

 

[Revenchent]

Calico willed himself not to stare at Una and Oryuken's little scene. It was cute in the way that an old Jedi friend of his would have described. She was long gone now though. "I think our ad'ike has it taking care of." Calico chided, a hint of a laugh in his voice.

Still, the sight made something in the pit of his chest ache. He was glad that his boys were living the way they should. He wanted them all to be happy, have long lives, fall in love. It was his way of coping. Seeing a sight like that, however, blew that whole cover out of the water. As much as Calico tried to kid himself, a father wasn't all he was. His years were ticking down faster than he wished to admit. He was fourteen, going on thirty, and there was no guarantee that he would actually find the aging cure.

Yes, his reason for going on was to give his boys happy lives that any men could have, but it was times like these, those small moments were he looked upon others so happy, that reminded him that he needed to live life before it was gone himself. Galaar had often told him of such, as had Comic, Jackpot, and that di'kut Fi. That had been why Visri agreed to marry him, after all. Now, though, Visri was gone, and it was all he could do to pour his energy into his boys.

"I do need to take care of something though." Calico simply nodded at Isley, and walked on with a purpose toward Maverick. He clapped the boy on his shoulder, and took on his characteristic, I'm-your-dad-and-I-will-always-love-you-voice. "Listen son, I know we didn't agree on Nar Haaska, but you're still one of my boys, and your conscience is more important to me than some blown op. I'm still proud of you; you understand that ad'ika?"

 

[Placeholder 0143]

Norge wasn't having any of this lovey-dovey Nuna crap. No, he was a manly little man who needed testosterone, not feelings! "Hey, hey! Nar-Nar, Smadme, take it to Theed!" The drunken pig man stuck his tongue out at the couple, and sloshed his drink around all over the pazaack table. The Rodian stood up and walked off, but Norge didn't seem to notice.

"You...you think we wanna see yer' face kriffing?! I made three good movies! The sequels were good! Don't believe what the critics say! They're all liars! Every one of 'em! On Reevan Smielberg's payroll, I swear!"

With his words of wisdom said, Norge slumped over, and began to vomit violently into the nearest trashcan.

 

[Isabet Denko]

If this were any other time, Isabet would have given the woman a free nose job, but today was her chance to prove she was more then a dim witted, war crazed, cigar smoking brute like her current company. She sat down on the chair, feeling it's weight support her from underneath. She had a cold sweat going on, but was thankful for the hum of the air conditioning that regulated the rooms temperature. Sabaac was a confusing game and Isabet was entirely too involved in trying to work it out when Abel first spoke. He had taken a wrong turn. Isabet's shoulders crunched up a little as she sank herself against the back of the chair.

"No...I'll just watch for now." The thought of someone racing through her head was by far unsettling. She had already let Abel in enough to make her feel uncomfortable. She wouldn't give herself to him fully. The sudden intimacy of his question had put her into a small shock. She remained quiet, sipping on her drink and watching the game until spoken too directly. It was strange for someone with so much courage on the battle field to be afraid of letting someone in. But even the thought of it made her freeze in fear.

@[member="Abel Denko"]

 

[Malok]

Releasing the Princess' hand momentarily, the clone snapped to attention when the Grand Marshal entered his field of vision. Suddenly, he felt like a private again, about to be drilled into the dirt for a screw up. He had been insubordinate on Nar Haaska and metaphorically spat in the eye of his commanding officer. He had contributed to the blowing of the Confederacy's cover and was a leading player in the media fiasco that ensued. "S-Sir!" he stammered out, his nerves getting to him. While an official Court Martial had yet to be issued, Maverick knew that a man of Calico's position could easily have him removed. He was a clone, a number, a designation in a suit of armor. One of ten thousand. No family, barely any service record...he was practically expendible, and he knew it. Maverick honestly expected a huge reprimand to ensure, but instead, he was clasped on the shoulder and...and his mind was blown.

"Thank you, ner'vod. That means a lot..." he said, grateful that his helmet was on to hide his face from view. He wasn't expendible after all...

@[member="Commander Calico CC-247"]

 

[Malok]

The Enforcer knew that it was a long shot...and he had failed miserably. Of course she wouldn't allow him into her head! He didn't even like @[member="Serian Loria"] being in his head! Now he felt like a complete and total ass. If the former Sith mentor of his had some sort of power in the Force to cause people to painlessly evaporate, he'd have taken it right then...but alas, he was stuck in the current situation. Looking to his wife, he gave her a look that said many things. "I understand" was among them, "Forgive me" was another, and "Hey, show me that cute smile" was in there too. He didn't dwell on staring into those beautiful eyes that gave him weak knees too long, as obviously he had made her...uncomfortable...and wanted to change the subject as quickly as possible. "Alright Is'ika." he said softly before turning his attention to the game.

Reaching into his jacket pocket, he produced a pair of aviator-themed sunglasses and slipped them on without another word, hiding his eyes from view. It was a great way of hiding his tell...and masking the stolen glances at his spouse. "Game on." he said with as much confidence as he could muster.

@[member="Ruusan"], @[member="Isabet Kote"].

 

[Revenchent]

Calico let a real, genuine smile slip. If there was one thing he really did love, it was his boys. Even the smallest forms of approval from these boys was enough to make him realize what Kal meant when he said the Nulls broke his heart. He slapped his hand on the lad's shoulder once more and spoke. "I raised you boys to be men. You aren't droids, and you have every right to make choices, even if I disagree with those choices. I'll never abandon any of you son."

My lads.

"Now, enjoy your evening with the Princess." He cast a bright smile down at Miss @[member="Ginnie Verd"] "Please don't break him. Underneath all that plastoid we're all soft and fragile." With that said, Calico flashed his smile once more and went down toward Oryuken.

It was time to remind all his boys that they had a father, if they ever wanted one.

@[member="Oryuken CC-128P"]

 

[Malok]

Maverick was not the sentimental, mushy, or emotional type. When he was not being a serious, mission-oriented soldier on the field of battle, he was cracking jokes...or sleeping...but what Calico said left a lasting impression on him. It caused a lump to form in the base of his throat that just wouldn't go away. In all his short years of life, he had never been so grateful to have his helmet on, for it held the stray tear that formed and slid down his cheek. Son. The word burned its way into his mind and would stay there until they day he died. "Thank you sir, I will." he said, keeping his tone as un-emotional as possible. Maverick then reached down and took Ginnie's hand in his own again, giving her a nod. "We've got some desserts to hunt for now, don't we ma'am?"

@[member="Ginnie Verd"], @[member="Commander Calico CC-247"]

 

[Curupira Hawk]

Count of Bopa the Hutt. Apperently, that was an actuall thing. What Curupira wanted to know was why didn't those huge Hutts just stay in one place? The female walked into the room of the main event, her heels clucking as she moved. Golden eyes looked around around the room. Some people there she was familiar with, some people she couldn't recognize because they were in their armors and then some, she didn't even know. She also noticed the huts being fanned furthest away from the entrance but she didn't pay attention to them too long.

She noted the smaller group, with the one person she actually knew by name, her current trainer @[member="Isley Verd"], and walked over to him first, as he was talking about drinks. "Hey, Isley." But he seemed to be on his way somewhere, the redhead just let him go. She didn't actually plan of having a chat with him, it was just one of those things students were supposed to do when they saw their trainer. Right? Well, Curupira seemed to think so.

After a few seconds, she looked around the room, her gaze passing over the Hutts again but not sticking there long enough. She really wanted nothing to do with the Hutts even if they were throwing this thing for the Conferacy.

@Anyone

 

[Serian Loria]

Serian took his hand and returned his shake “I am not a part of any faction.” His reasons for doing so were many, but the most important was that he was happy to be beholden to no one, to follow his own will and not be expected to take part in the designs of others. He was not in a hurry to find himself in yet another place that he did not fit, to be ridiculed and disrespected, to be taunted, to see those he cared for come to harm. He looked over at Abel, spotting him at the table with female company, a wry smile touched his lips, he looked back at the man “Its a long story and, I hear it’s bad form to tell of sorrow and woe at an event supposed to lift the spirits, I do not wish to be accused of being a reaper.”

Oh, there was indeed a long story, the shadows in his eyes spoke of deep seated pain and the desire not to get trapped again. “So, I never got much of a straight answer when I asked him what this is all about, especially with the host for this event. Might I succeed with you?”

He didn’t want to have any relations with any individuals that were under the massive worm’s influence. If he got suckered into staining his reputation he’d not be in the least bit pleased. His lit ruby gaze watched the man intently, while his expression, like his aura, was closely guarded, his mind was assessing the situation closely. He would take everything this man said and pick it to the bones just to be sure he wasn’t a threat to him.



@[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Una Gal]

Una chuckled a little, nodding her head. "A drink would be great." She crinkled her face up gently as he kissed her cheek. He was sweet in a way that made her feel content. Content to be anywhere as long as he was there. She felt like more then just his stable guide. Though she wasn't sure if he completely understood it. Una wasn't even sure if he felt the same way. Regardless, she was smitten with him.

@[member="Oryuken CC-128P"]

 

[Revenchent]

Calico strode up to the couple-to-be of the Dreadguard. They fit well together, in Calico's opinion. He smiled at the duo and began to reach into the pockets of his slacks.

"Su'cuy gar, ad'ike." His grin refused to fade as he spoke. "Enjoying yourselves? I have treats!" The aged clone yanked out two small plastic baggies. Within these baggies were mounds of sweetened nuts with a honey flavoring. He held them out toward the popular little couple.

"One for you, son, and one for your lovely lady." The Marshal gave Una a quick wink as he shook one of the bags at her.

I'm doing this right. They need to know someone is going to care if they don't check in. My boys, my sons. No one else is going to care. The Dreadsisters too, they're all my kids.

@[member="Oryuken CC-128P"] @[member="CC-114 Una"]

 

[Isabet Denko]

Isabet could tell she had upset him. It irked her even more so then the thought of being completely intimate with him. She glanced down to her lap, lacing her fingers together awkwardly in an effort to stop herself from fidgeting. She looked like nothing more then a shy woman sat in a place worlds away from anything remotely comfortable. She caught his glance from the corner of her eye and responded with one of her own. It was accompanied by a rather gentle smile that showed she understood. Caught up in his features, it was a while before Isabet managed to tear herself away from him and look back to the game. It was nothing that interested her, but she had no desire to be anywhere else.

Isabet took a moment to glance around the impressive room. It was filled with high class furniture and half dressed women. Her smile turned into a gentle frown, a less then impressed frown. She stood from her place, with the intention of some unavoidable mingling. Before leaving the table she took a stand behind Abel's chair. Leaning forward, her lips found their mark on the top of his head. The simple action had made her blush, for the first time in...ever. She hoped that showing him some form of affection, even if it was mild, would prove she held no grudge. Isabet had desired to kiss more then just the mass of attractive hair, but socialisation called. Unfortunately.

@[member="Abel Denko"]

 

[Darth Metus]

Just as the Mandalorian had released Serian's hand from his grip, a feminine voice said his name in passing. 'Twas @[member="Curupira Hawk"], one of his current students and the spouse of @[member="Ket Van Derveld"]. He regarded her with a warm smile as she strolled on by and responded with a "Glad you could make it, Curupira." Of course, as she was walking away, Isley did not immediately rope her into the conversation and let her go. As such, he returned his full attention to the crimson-eyed man before he and lowered his hand. "I see, well, judging from your friendship with Abel I'd assume we'll be seeing more of you regardless. As I'm sure you're aware, he is the younger sibling of one of our first Masters and it would be distasteful of us not to stay in touch." He paused briefly, allowing his words to hover in the air for a moment whilst he hearkened to the rest of @[member="Serian Loria"]'s words. When posed with the question of the party's occasion, Isley simply responded with: "Well, our gracious host thought it fitting to throw a celebration in honor of Nar Kaaga's joining of the Confederacy. In all honesty, I'm grateful for the change in pace."

He then paused again, looking the man directly in the eyes. Any who worked with the Sith would recognize the dark side's presence in his very sight, but it would be uncanny to not sense him...Isley hoped the combination of these facts would coax questions or some form of reaction..."So, how did you and Abel meet? If you don't mind my asking."

 

[Placeholder 0143]

Now they were handing out candied nuts. Why did no one give any nuts to Norge?! Norge loved sweet nuts! He would not stand for this outrage--mostly because he really couldn't stand right now--but the point was still made!

The old film producer forced himself up out of his chair, set all of his bulging weight against it, and rose his voice loud to be heard above all others.

"Everyone!" He motioned toward one of the adjacent walls. A massive holovision screen had pushed out from the wall panel. "Tonight, I will be showing Blarg Trek! This movie made me trillions of credits, and it is art! Love my art!"

The screen crackled to life--cutting right to the main love scene of the movie. A young man with stupid hair and green highlighted braids was sitting in a meadow with an older, more attractive human female. They were talking about how water got everywhere, and how Smedi weren't supposed to make babies. They then began to kiss. Provocatively.


"This film has been brought to you by me, Norge Rucras, film director extraordinaire!" Nore adjusted his belt to let his gut hang out over his faded gray sweatpants. "Now, I know Nar-Nar isn't in this scene. He's busy promoting a Siff Lawd into power over the Local Tristate Area..." The director went on to discuss all the details of the Siff Lawd's plan in detail, as a very inappropriate scene involving the young man, the woman, and a Nerf appeared on screen.


@EVERYONE

 

[Malok]

Though unspoken, the words that Isabet uttered were loud and clear. He understood that there were no hard feelings, as evidenced by the affection that she showered upon his hair, but a slight sadness befell him as she stood. Abel knew that she would be walking away, whether to grab a drink, look around, eat, or socialize...but said movement would take her away from him. As she began to move in the opposite direction, the Enforcer raised his hand and caught her wrist in his grasp gingerly and looked up at her. His glasses slid down his nose slightly, revealing his blue eyes...which plead for her to stay. "Must you go so soon, my love?" He inquired, giving her the smile that he hoped would make her stay; and then he saw the crimson that stained her cheeks. This caused heat to rush to his own and he knew he was blushing furiously as well.

"Ah...kark..." He breathed, chuckling softly. They were both red as beets.

@[member="Isabet Kote"], @[member="Ruusan"]

 

[CC-848 Jon]

If we were all Calico's children, Jon must have been adopted, he wasn't like any of the others. He didn't enjoy the simple things in life, he didn't enjoy the social aspect of why he was here. He had been quiet the whole time, his arms folded across his chest and his behind firmly placed in a chair. He wasn't comfortable at all, watching the rest of the group socialise, he felt entirely neglected by the group. However he had earned it, the only things that brought him comfort were the armour he wore, the knife in his boot, the grenades attached to his belt, the rifle on his back, the blaster on his thigh and the thoughts of being anywhere other than here.

The night was dragging on and Jon had not moved from his spot since the beginning and no one had made a move to speak to him. He didn't blame then, his armour was not pleasant to look at. Some scratches here and there, a large crack that had been fixed but left a mark. That happened when a massive space viking stamped on his head. Thinking about it made him smile, he didn't want to be here. He didn't want to be conscious, he would rather have someone wake him up when it all ended. Possibly getting drunk might speed that process up.

 

[Serian Loria]

Darkness. He saw it clearly in the man’s eyes and that challenge alone was almost enough to break his fine control and respond in kind, almost. He let a grin touch his lips as he casually made a move to extricate himself from this man’s presence “I should grab myself some food and drink, I’m keeping you from conversation with your people. It was a pleasure speaking to you.”

He leisurely moved away after that, careful not to seem in a hurry, getting himself a few things to eat and, from the smell of the contents of the glass he picked up, something strong. So there was one who followed the Dark path in a position of power within this ‘Confederacy’. Did that mean the Sith had a hand in this? The last thing he wanted was to fall back in where he’d so carefully managed to leave. His retreat would probably say more than he wished, a clear sign that he understood though his aura was still hidden.

He saw a door leading outside and took it, leaning against the rail and setting his plate down while draining the contents of his drink in a single swallow. His hand shook as he set down the cup, not from nerves or fear, but because of the challenge. That part of him that still seethed, wanted nothing more than to test that man and it was a hard and almost painful thing for him to have walked away from it. Abel… You forgot to mention he followed the Dark path.

In the undertones of his mind-voice was a seething something that was at war in him, paired with the undercurrent of near pain and anger at him for putting him in such a position. I left the Sith for a reason and here you put me face to face with someone who follows their path!

Hurt, he felt betrayed, for he had trusted him to not put him in a potentially dangerous situation and now? He bowed his head closing his eyes, he gripped the rail and felt the stone start to give under his fingers. He wanted to go home, for at least there he was in a position of strength. He wouldn’t be so selfish as to demand to leave, Abel had the right to let loose, but it still hurt.



@[member="Abel Denko"] @[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Isabet Denko]

She felt the gentle tug of his fingers, forcing her to stop dead in her tracks. She turned to face him. To meet those beautiful blue eyes that pleaded she stay. They tugged on her heart strings, it was safe to say. There was no part of her that wanted to leave his side, so instead of moving she returned to his side, lacing her fingers through his. She lent forward, with her other hand lifting his chin upward softly. Her lips captured his in a tender kiss of as much affection as she could muster. As she pulled away, she couldn't help but spread an adoring smile on her face. "I'll be back soon cyar'ika. I'm only going to get something to eat." The sight of both of them blushing like tomatoes was more then enough to make her want to run. But the lingering taste of him on her lips was enough to force her to stay.

@[member="Abel Denko"]