Act 01: Heavenly Bodies

[Captain Larraq]

“I understand.” Larraq said politically. “Nobody likes it when foreign powers take root in their back yard. But, culturally, the Adumari and the Clans have a lot in common. You can't deny that the two have got along quite well after the matter. And the economic boost, increase in job availability and pay, and added security from the might of the clans themselves have been an unprecedented benefit to those who live here.” Larraq explained as if giving a lecture.

“It's easy to be hesitant when submitting one's self to a stranger, but in time the Adumari will learn to trust and accept the clans as their own.” He finished as he likewise finished his drink. His hand quickly moved to the controls at the edge of the table and keyed the intercom. “Another round of drinks please.” He said into the intercom with a wink at the woman sitting next to him.

 

[Captain Larraq]

“I just hope that we can do enough for the people of Adumar that they appreciate us for what we are trying to do for them.” He said as he returned to the topic at hand. ”They are a good, strong people. They have a warrior culture that dates back nearly as long as the Manda, and both people's have much to learn from one another.” He said as he reached into his breast pocket and removed his lighter and pack of cigarettes.

“That's true.” Firaxa said with a hint of admiration and respect for the viewpoints of the man sitting next to her. “Have you tried a blaster-swords yet?” She asked as she nodded at the pack of cigarettes, silently asking if she could try one. “I hear that with the recent annexation of Bastion, some Adumar smiths are beginning to make them out of Phrik. Some even say they rival the Beskad saber in combat performance.”

 

[Captain Larraq]

Larraq pulled a cigarette from its container and handed it to the woman. She placed it between her lips and locked eyes with Larraq as he held his cupped hands near her face to light the cigarette for her. The flame illuminated her face briefly as the dancing fire reflected in her eyes. A deep inhale followed as Firaxa took in the smoke from the cigarette and seemed to enjoy the flavor and sensation;.

“I've heard that such attempts have been made.” Larraq said, momentarily transfixed the eyes of the woman. “I heard we sent Master level Beskar Smiths to help teach the Adumari some advanced techniques.” He added as he continued to stare at the woman. His own need for a cigarette momentarily forgotten.

 

[Captain Larraq]

“If that's the case,” Firaxa said as she seemed to blush slightly under the scrutiny of Rygel Larraq. “Then we should soon have some of the best swords Adumar has seen in centuries.” Her eyes fluttered slightly as she glanced away from Larraq to watch as her two friends removed themselves from the table and began to dance with one another. Apparently, a popular song had come on and the two of them simply couldn't resist the urge to move their bodies.

“I would hope so.” Larraq said as he also watched the two women. His hands reflexively moving to light the cigarette he had placed between his own lips. “We've been making swords and daggers out of Beskar for centuries. Working with Phrik should be easy for smiths of master rank.” He added, allowing a bit of his pride and arrogance as a Mandalorian slip into his words. “What I'm most interested to see produced is a true Beskad Blaster-sword.” He said with a smile.

 

[Captain Larraq]

“Do you really think they will go so far?” Firaxa asked eagerly with her eyes wide and alight with brief excitement. “I've only heard stories about the quality of Beskar. Even here, within Clan borders, we can rarely have access to it. And even then, it's nearly twice as expensive as it is on Mandalore.” She elaborated, clearly finding herself deeply interested at the prospect of obtaining a weapon forged from the unification of the two cultures.

“It's only a matter of time.” Larraq said as he reflected on her sudden interest. “If people like yourself continue to express and interest, I think it will come about all the quicker.” He said as he pulled a drag from his cigarette. “Nothing is more important to the clans than making their new members feel like a welcome and appreciated part of our culture. We are all family. And nothing is more important that family.” Larraq finished as he took another drag from his cigarette.

 

[Captain Larraq]

“That's something to look forward to.” Firaxa said before going quiet for a moment. Something about the family comment seemed to sit poorly with her. Noticing it, Larraq assumed that she must not be on the best terms with her own family and decided to try and make her feel more comfortable.

“That is, when your family isn't full of farbotts.” Larraq said flatly. From the corner of his eye, he could see Firaxa glancing at him with a facial expression that betrayed both confusion and bemusement. “Most of the time, my brother and sister can go frell themselves for all I care.” Larraq admitted. “But when push comes to shove, family is family, and I'll shove a blade through anyone that tries to harm either of 'em. No matter how much of a pain in my arse they are.”

 

[Captain Larraq]

A small smile played across her face as she laughed shyly. “Your family sounds like mine.” She said with a smile still hanging stubbornly to her face. “You sound like you'd love them no matter what they did, wouldn't you?” She said with a bit of hope in her eyes, as if she were asking about her own family. “I bet you'd probably do anything for them...” She added quietly.

“Yeah.” Larraq said with a sigh. “As much as I hate dealing with them, they're mine to deal with.” Larraq continued, pausing when the door to the room opened. The young blonde woman from earlier had arrived with their second round of drinks. Brilla and A'denla cheered her arrival and happily took their drinks from her. Before the young blonde woman could even reach the other end of the table to deliver the rest of the drinks to Firaxa and Larraq, Brilla and A'denla had swallowed their shots and returned to dancing with one another, occasionally sipping on the drinks in their hands.

 

[Captain Larraq]

Larraq smiled at the woman again, thanking her as he took his shot and his drink. The young, blond human smiled and welcomed him before collecting the discarded glasses and placing them on her tray. “Will you be wanting another round after this Mr. Larraq?” Asked the girl when she had gathered them all and wiped down the table. “Sure.” Answered Larraq, knowing that even if he or the girls found themselves at their limit, the price of the drink would be... inconsequential to him.

“What about you and your family?” Larraq asked, returning his attention to Firaxa. The idea that she wasn't close to her family worried him a little. Family bonds were an important part of Mandalorian culture and he hoped he could help her remember as much. He wouldn't hold it against her if she chose not to try and strengthen her relationship with her family, but he still wanted to try and help her make that decision.

 

[Captain Larraq]

“Fair enough.” Larraq said mercifully, giving the woman her privacy. “To better topics then.” He said, holding up his drink in a salute before knocking back his shot and putting the glass down where his previous drinks had rested.

The server picked it up, as well as the empty shot glasses before turning and making her way from the room. Larraq couldn't help but to stare at her as she left. She didn't seem the type to work in a club like this, and somewhere in the back of his mind it irked him that she seemed out of place. Partially because he was often paranoid about such things, and partially because she had a very nice butt that he was busily admiring as she left the room.

The two women dancing seemed to gyrate and move in impossible ways. It was mesmerizing. Larraq watched as their bodies twisted and contorted and turned upside down. The room spun and Larraq's head somehow found its way to the seat cushion. Swirling colors faded to black and Larraq vaguely heard an echoing voice as he slipped into unconsciousness. “Target down.”