First Order: A Herevan Rose

[Samka Derith]

There was no sign of [member="Mishel Ren"] in the main hall. She threw a quick glance over at the dinning area, concerned the girl may have instinctively followed her stomach preemptively but she wasn't there. She wasn't by the main statue either. A panicked thought crossed Sam's mind, what if the girl got out? Samka still wasn't sure just how much Mishel understood of the galaxy yet or whether her unique circumstances had any unforeseen side effects. What if Sam had lost the pet project of the Supreme Leader himself? She had to double her efforts to find the tank grown girl.

On the way she saw a variety of familiar faces from her order: [member="Ara Ren"], [member="Kaalia Voldaren"], [member="Skylar Walker"] and what may have been the true crippled form of [member="Kyrel Ren"]. All of them apparently indulging their base lusts in a most unfitting way. Perhaps she'd have to discipline them later. Scandalous acts with the opposite sex in such a public place would be most unfortunate.

Then there was a flash of raven hair in a red dress amongst the crowd. Sam weaved between guests to catch up and place a hand on Mishel's shoulder. "There you are!" the relief clear in her voice. "Don't run off like that without telling me. Is everything okay?" Her eyes flicked to the unfamiliar figure of [member="Connor Harrison"], lingering there for a moment before turning back to her fellow Ren. "You have every right to enjoy yourself here but I do need to-" She paused sniffing the air for a moment then moved her face closer to Mishel's and sniffed again. "Have you been... drinking? Who let you-"

Suddenly, perhaps mercifully, Samka was interrupted by holoscreens coming to life around them as the Imperial March began to play and Ambassador Brentioch appeared on the screens. Sam stood by through the silence and the salutes but at the mention of the Wrath her teeth gritted together. She'd been there. She'd been the one pulling survivors from the wreck. If the crippled and burnt messes she found could be called 'survivors'. Her gaze travelled downwards, seemingly lost in thought but the mention of dinning tickets brought her back.

"Tickets," Sam repeated. "Did you have tickets? I don't remember if I gave them to you, Mishel, or..."

Sam paused again, recognising the tune which began to play. "Oh no," she muttered under her breath. "The time where everyone pretends waving their legs back and forth and finding an excuse to manhandle a stranger counts as a dance." Samka glared daggers at the unknowns around her, ready to slap back any attempt to force her to join in and have 'fun'.

 

[BE-183]

Bee awoke to darkness. "Hhhgkkk... mm..." With a guttural snort and smacking lips, she lifted her face out of her palm and blinked at the ballroom around her.

The music had changed, she realised. They went through some more speeches, and then it was time for the salute. She stood uneasily when it was the corps' turn and tried to ignore the likelihood of eyes on her, even if they may have regarded her with respect. Working the sleep out of her legs, she pushed her empty glass forward on the bar and sought the dining room entrance. Might as well get a table early. At the very least, it would make for a quieter venue to doze off in.

The trooper found she had to focus slightly to keep her walk straight, the brew a tad stronger than expected. Momentarily distracted by this observation, she brushed past some couple along her way. ([member="Kyrel Ren"], [member="Skylar Walker"]) "Uh... 'scuse me." Not really paying much attention, she carried on.

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Mishel had been walking away from [member="Connor Harrison"], and curious to learn more about this @Ara Ren, she did recognize [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] though. The younger Ren did not approach her however she felt perhaps it would be best to leave her be. She had seen Sister Sam approach long before she arrived, and stood there listening as Sam went about talking about the things that Sam normally talks about. Mishel jerked her neck back as far as it would go doing her best turtle-like expression as she tried to avoid Sam's nose in her face. "Corellian Brandy is disgusting," she said plainly and then looked up overhead as someone spoke, and music began to play. The music was captivating, as were the colors on the screen, Mishel was engrossed. Sam started talking about tickets, tickets to what, Mishel didn't know and she looked at her little snap purse. "Perhaps you placed them here?" She handed the purse over and then a tune played and the people here in the ballroom began to dance. Delighted, the young Kerrigan Ren squealed and grabbed, "we must join!"

Grabbing Sam, Mishel then looked over at the 'Silver Jedi.' "You must unlearn what you have learned, no? Come, Connor! Sister Kaalia!" She shouted - as it seemed the Brandy was working its way through her system, her legs went back and forth because the young Ren had no guide for shame or even a way to tell you what it was. All she knew was that people were having fun. The room seemed to be moving quite fast, and Mishel wasn't so sure if it should be moving this fast, or if it was her. A giddy feeling crept into her system as she lurched this way and that, not having a care in the world.

 

[Zef Halo]

Sig was laconic with his response and despite the man's humorstic attitude to it, Kad believed there was more to it. He didn't prod further, he was a good soldier. When both took their leave from the smoking area, they were one of the last to enter back where the whole ball was running. Merging with the crowd just in time to catch the speech by some blonde who Kad complimented her looks mentally and with a raided eyebrow.

Then came the recognition to all serving bodies here who chanted in unison. Not Kad, though. It was just another foreign element to him. It didn't take long for Sid to lead him away to the emptier bar for a refill. It was there when he was faced with a question asked by his former superior.

"Special Forces." He replied bluntly. "It's where they found my skills most fitting." Kad explained and continued. "Good, trained men they got here. Just. Different, you know. I am still getting used to that." The sergeant motioned his head at where the ball was taking place.


[member="Sig Avenir"]

 

[Asharad Graush]

The names of seemingly important people were things that A'sharad tended to forget. At least, he thought these names were supposed to be important. The majority of the time he just tended to nod his head, figuring it to be the expected reaction, or, he'd question it. Such was the case upon Kaeshana when some metal automaton had claimed that a certain Darth Carnifex had been incapacitated. Having never met the apparent Sith Lord, A'sharad's snarky response of 'Whose that?' Was all his opponent got as a response before he made his escape, lest he be snared by his... Fourth hostile.

[member="Aria DuSang"] was fortunate enough to receive the former when she identified herself as a daughter of Avicus DuSang.

Whoever that is.

There was a smile on his face as he listened to her speak, albeit briefly before continuing the conversation.

"On a planet in uncharted Space," also known as the Unknown Regions, "Is a planet that holds my Father's home and company," he started. "I've inherited it from him." There was a pause, a thoughtful look crossing his features before he continued, "It appears that I do not have much of a life outside of the military," he said before forcing his face into an expression that it would typically not be found in; a warm smile. It'd likely be best to not reference [member="Kayden Thorn"] and his exploits in what would've once approximated as Hutt Space. Private military and all that. He imagined the First Order wouldn't take kindly to that, even if he was a highly decorated Officer.

And then he recalled something that she had said, "Your own business?" Well, that wasn't expected, especially after he dubbed her as working for the Government, hence her greeting people at the door. Unless, her business was that of contracting out hosts. Then - oh, sidetracked.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Worried you're going senile already? You've got plenty of good years left." Darlyn chuckled and shook his head, draining the glass of water and placing it back down on the counter with a small sigh. "I sensed something with you if that's your concern. I think. I couldn't tell you much at all about who or what was with ya but I can tell you weren't alone. Didn't feel you were in danger either or I'd probably have broken a few rules to make sure you're safe." He made no effort to hide his willingness to break the rules. In many ways it was an asset in his job, after all, when concerns of safety came to mind.

Of course, he'd only do so if he had to. Though he'd frequently remind [member="Lady Kay"], either as a warning of his 'protective instincts' or as a plea to make his work more exciting. When more announcements were made, and little traditions preformed, Darlyn just shook his head lightly and placed his forehead to the bar counter. "I don't suppose you intend to go to dinner then? Fancy feasts aren't much my thing. Such small little portions, never enough."

 

[Hansen]

Joan Lunor
Reimalai Opera House and Theatre

Joan doesn't notice Pharazon on the Opera House's floor. Joan herself is becoming quite interested in the Orchestra and leans forth from the seat, folding arms on the ornate guard railing in front of her and perching chin across forearms. Joan's blue eyes examine the movements of the Orchestra's leader, how did one do that? She doesn't understand the intricacies of these classical music performances. Joan prefers the Jatz genre of music. Leather glove scratches at the gabardine sleeve, Joan leans back and leers over the right shoulder to a passing waiter. "Pardon me Sir, I would like you to bring me a jug of water and glass please." The uniformed human waiter offers the Stormtrooper Officer a nod and disappears down the Hall. Joan's attentive gaze returns to the Orchestra floor with a slight smirk across lips. Eyes give a glance to the First Order armband above left elbow, it never failed to fill Joan with pride in her purpose; Serving the First Order and these fine citizens even unto Death. Joan is completely indoctrinated, as shown earlier by her salute during the recitation of the Oath.

[member="Pharazon Draken"] [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=11pt]“I see…” Pharazon said, curious as Ara told him of her friend’s disposition as she went over to hug her as they arrived back from the ballroom. ([member="Ara Ren"])[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I have quite enjoyed your company so do not worry yourself, though I would of course not dream of ignoring the opportunity to learn more of, as you say, your closest friend” Pharazon said warmly to the two, giving this [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] a polite nod and friendly glance.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I hope to show you that I am not solely a large brute, and perhaps help you enjoy yourself a little more, I am at the least a capable dancing partner and if I say so myself quite pleasant and engaging company”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Pharazon said with another kind smile.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]However, just as he opened his mouth again to offer directly to Kaalia to dance, there was another series of announcements. His scar itched, and he had to force himself to not move his hand toward it. Throughout the sixty seconds of silence Pharazon fought to keep the swirling maelstrom of images assailing his mind at bay, he struggled to crush the thoughts, emotions, and memories of the battle. Throughout the rest of the evening he had been able to mostly keep such thoughts thoroughly under control. But now it seemed it was the intention of the organisers and the Ambassador who he had protected during the annexation of Rakata Beta to focus entirely on commemorating the battle. It did not surprise Pharazon, he knew that this was what it was for, but he was still quite uncomfortable with his memories of that day. Then the image of this Major Leona Eldrel began to be broadcast throughout the building.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Pharazon stood quiet during the rather rousing and jingoistic odes to each of the branches of the military. As he was not in the seating area he made no move to stand as he was already standing, and he made no move to draw attention to himself as one of the Kaeshana veterans. He did not know if this Major Eldrel had seen direct combat on Kaeshana, all he knew was that he did not like the names and spirits of the twenty one men that had died under his command and all others who had had their lives taken that day being used to urge the civilians on for more war, a war he suspected few of them would fight in themselves. He knew exactly why they were doing it, if he had been in charge he likely would have ordered it done himself as the political and monetary gains were too much throw away for sentiment, yet still, his reaction remained the same. It made him angry, rage and grief surged through his body, his breathing began to slowly increase in pace, his heart rate rose, and he began to stare. This single spark then cascaded.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As he listened, he was unable to keep his hand from his scar, scratching at it in the most subtle way he could force his right hand to, though if anyone looked long enough they could tell he was not scratching at an itch. As if that was not enough, the joints of his cybernetic ring and little fingers on his left hand began to itch, and his right leg grew stiff. In his mind he could see and hear the intersection. He could see the hordes of Eldorai guerrillas swarming through his vision, chanting their savage death hymns, throwing themselves at his men screaming with murder and fanaticism in their eyes and brutal weapons in their hands. He could feel the blood mixed with mud coating him, he could smell the horrifically sharp and acrid smell of blaster bolts burning flesh. The cataclysmic booms of Alliance artillery shattering his platoon’s position cracked through his ears, the screeching of X-Wing fighters strafing the ruins echoing after. He could see his men being drowned in the muddy blood of their comrades, he could see the piles of those who had died together, helmets or exposed faces staring blankly towards the sky, he could see the twenty one handwritten letters on his desk addressed to their families...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]I will not lose control! Pharazon savagely thought back, crushing every memory with the full force of his mind and the great strength of his will. For every horrible image of his men that he saw he replaced it with one of him slaughtering an Eldorai, or of his savage thrashing of the great Klatooinian, Xerrzyk the Ghastly. He willed his body back under his control, lowering his right hand from his face and clenching his left hand into a fist to prevent his cybernetic fingers from twitching. He brought his breathing under control, forcing his heart rate lower, calming his mind. After some time he managed to completely bring himself back under total control. However, he knew that this could not have gone unnoticed by the observant of those around him. Nothing he had done was obvious, only his scratching and slight finger movements being visible and even then only noticeable to those in his immediate vicinity and then only to those who could see them to be nervous rather than regular fidgeting.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The ode and salute finished and the strange dance began, Pharazon stayed out of it, far more concerned with protecting himself at the moment to engage in the revelry. As it stopped, and the dining room opened, Pharazon did not even hear the final section of the Ambassador’s speech, his mind screamed for him to get out of there, save himself any potential embarrassment, and to stop others from seeing him if he lost control. But he forcefully reined himself back under control and managed to breath a haggered sigh of relief once he had done so.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“If you will excuse me… I must apologise but I do not think I could manage another dance… I think I will retire to the dining room… my sincerest apologies… I hope your ladyships will enjoy the rest of the evening should you wish to continue the festivities on your feet...” Pharazon said in a low, tired, and not all together there voice as he made his excuses. As soon as the words had left his mouth he quickly strode away toward the dining area, quickly moving through the crowd with great, powerful, and [/SIZE]purposive [SIZE=11pt]strides with his long legs. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He had regained control, but he could not stay around those women like this, not considering how dangerous they were. He could only hope dinner would not contain any surprises, perhaps he would run into Joan there ( [member="FN-888"] ) but he was not sure. All he knew was that he just had to sit down and eat something, perhaps make mild dinner conversation to whatever self-important guests that may be at his table. He had firmly reasserted his mask, and he was not letting it down again even slightly before the night was done. He would present the picture perfect image of a dashing officer, his expressions and demeanour[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] would align to this and he would say all the right things. None would see his true emotions, even now as he approached the dinning area he had completely changed his movement style, self assured and imposing once again, and he smiled to any who looked his way as he walked the final distance. He had completely locked down his true emotions, inside they still raged and coursed through him, he could not and did not want to deny them. But he would let no one else know this, or even give them the slightest idea that he was anything but enjoying the ball.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As he entered the dining area, presenting his credentials and being waved through, Pharazon sought a table, internally relieved that he was no longer in the centre of the crowds in the opera house.[/SIZE]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well, at least she wasn't going crazy. Kay sipped her brandy while the ceremony took place. [member="Valessia Brentioch"] sure knew how to host a grand event. Having not been to many of these, Kay wasn't sure if they were all like this.

After it was over, she looked to [member="Darlyn Excron"] whom seemed bored out of his mind. More than likely others were like that too. "After what happened to me, I don't turn down meals. Small portions maybe, but it should be really tastey."

Did Kay hear the magic word of 'tea'? To be served with desserts? Oh what a joyous thing to hear. Tea. The one comfort that will never ever let her down. The one thing that she could always count on. People come and go, but tea is forever. She set the brandy down. "You can stay and watch things if you like, but I am going to the dining hall."

And with that she was off, heading first not to dining hall but to the raffle and dining ticket booth. To the latter, she bought an extra ticket and informed the attendant. "This extra one is for my head of security, should he choose to come. If not, then consider it another donation."

Soon after she was handing her ticket and having her identity checked before being led into the dining hall. It was early still, so there wasn't very many people inside. That was good. Not being a part of the First Order and not knowing many there, she didn't feel any more noticable than the table cloth. Or perhaps it was the fact that most that she knew and had spotted here chose to ignore her instead. Was it always that way? Or was it only that way since her return from captivity and rise as Monarch? Many people that she couldn't remember had turned their backs on her, full of disappointment. But she was disappointed in them too.

Kay took a seat at an empty table in the middle of the room. Whether or not she'd stay to the end was still uncertain. For right now, there was a meal to savour and tea to follow soon after.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Kaalia couldn't quite make out what [member="Ara Ren"] said as she and [member="Pharazon Draken"] came within hearing distance, apart from her mentioning of the redhead being convinced by Ara to attend the ball. As the woman in front of her confirmed their friendship, she responded with "Ara makes sure I get out from time to time, I have a tendency to focus too much on my work." The hug was somewhat unexpected, but not without reason. A glass of champagne was pushed into her hand, and was told to quickly drink it. It confused her, but decided to go along with it, quickly finishing the glass. The alcohol kicked in quite quickly.

Then, Ara did something Kaalia should've seen coming, and yet she didn't. With nowhere else to go, her friend asked Pharazon to dance with the redhead. She looked at Ara with a face of slight panic, whispering "Ara, I know I haven't told you but-" before the sentence was cut off by a slight shove and a step back by her friend. Pharazon was about to speak when they were interrupted by the voice of the hostess, who requested a minute of silence for the fallen men and women on Kaeshana. The woman's mind was cast back to the conflict, a whirlwind of emotions quickly going through her mind. She was ordered to kill, but shed tears doing so. She swore to protect an innocent soul, but failed. The experiences tore at the walls of her mind, and that pain returned during that minute, making those 60 seconds feel like hours. Once people got back to talking however, the young woman was able to shut it out. Now came the scary part; the dance.

Or, that would've happened if the man hadn't excused himself. It seemed he had matters to attend, and strode off. There was sigh of relief, after which Kaalia turned to Ara. "I... Need to tell you something. Not here though. In private." As the woman signalled her friend to follow her, she heard her name being called, the voice being a familiar one. The fact she was referred to as 'Sister Kaalia' could only mean one thing, and that was that [member="Mishel Ren"] had to be somewhere. Kaalia quickly looked around before finding the source of the voice, dancing on her own clearly under the influence of alcohol. Being a bit buzzed herself, the redhead couldn't help but giggle a little bit at the spectacle that played out before her. "I'll have to tell you later, I can't leave her unattended. Have you met Mishel already?" The woman didn't know if Ara had interacted with the Ren's latest member yet, and wondered how she would react to this.

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Ara's attention was on the captain at her side, not the Ambassador as each branch of the Military was recognized and a moment of silence taken for those lost. She watched as he grew still, his aura rolling with a mix of emotions she was still could not identify in their entirety. Unconsciously he scratched at the scar beneath his eye, his expression and movements betraying his mask.

She wasn't surprised in the least when he took his leave, heading towards the dinning room. She bowed politely as he left, her calculating gaze watching as he strode away. She could respect the sacrifices he'd made, the events that led to the injuries he'd sustained, even if she had yet to fully experience them herself. Death and pain was no stranger to the young Ren, neither was anger. And she suspected he had enough anger for the rest of them.

Her friend's comment broke her reverie, her smile returning as she took Kaalia's arm once again.

"Whatever it is can wait, we need to find you a dance part-"

As the two began to head away from the busy ballroom, a voice calling out to [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] and [member="Connor Harrison"] stopped them both. Ara raised an eyebrow at Kaalia's giggle and glanced to the figure of [member="Mishel Ren"] dancing, clearly having enjoyed an alcoholic beverage or two. She nodded politely to the familiar girl who accompanied the newcomer, surprised at [member="Samka Derith"]'s now blonde hair. When the girl had brought Ara into the fold of the Ren, she'd been sporting lavender hair.

"I have not."

She chuckled and watched as the pair approached, noting Sam's frown and disapproval.

[member="Pharazon Draken"]

 

[Hansen]

Joan Lunor
Reimalai Opera House and Theatre

Joan arrives at the dining area with a cold glass of water in her left hand. Black hat with First Order roundel is tucked beneath the right arm and her Blue eyes move searchingly amongst the tables for her reserved seat at the many tables. 'FN-888' there she is, Joan pulls out a chair and perches herself in it and looks around to the other neatly placed tags straddling the white cloth covered table. Joan's table is situated closer to the Master of Ceremonies Table along with tables reserved for industrialists, royalty, dignitaries and Commissioned Officers with the First Order's Military. Joan sips at her water with other wrist sitting on the edge of table idly. Leather sheathed fingers cascade rhythmically against the laminated oak.

[member="Pharazon Draken"] [member="Ara Ren"] [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With [member="Mishel Ren"] walking away, Connor raised his brow. She obviously got her curt edge from the mother. Tapping his fingers on the bar, he decided to move on, see what else and who else he could find.

At least he hadn’t been thrown out or roughed up.

He moved past glamorous guests to take a walk around the food hall and see what he could get. However, his name being shouted caught his attention. Turning, he craned his head and saw Mishel once more, but looking more wobbly on her feet than before with a red-head.

Was she calling for him, or just…calling out.

A few other guests nodded and laughed, some ignoring the youth.

More people with her he didn’t know, but something about them all seemed to fit. To connect as one. If the Ren were populated with dangerous females like this…well, he didn’t know what to think. Whomever this [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] and [member="Samka Derith"] were, he guessed [member="Ara Ren"] would know.

What a night this had turned out to be.

 

[Jaya Tandris]

The turbolift of the neigbouring building shot up while Jaya wondered what kind of plan [member="Dax Fyre"] had come up with. After a bit of silence she was asked about her recent punching activity. "Hmm..." Cupcake recalled the recent things that happened in her life. "There was this guy who didn't want to pay off the debt he had with the Eye, so his are black and blue now. He eventually 'found' some credits in another jacket. Then there was this guy who looked at me funny in a cantina... I don't go there anymore. Not because I don't want to, but the guy turned out to be the owner and didn't appreciate the facial reconstruction. At least I didn't have to pay for my drinks when the security 'asked' me to leave. I'd have beaten them up too, but I was in a generous mood. Then there was this chick who thought she was tough and got into my face, and... Well, you can probably guess what happened. No day is boring on the streets of Tamanen! Love the place."

The two made it to the top of the building, and as they stepped out of the lift Jaya wanted to know exactly what Dax' plan was. "So how exactly are we going to get in there from here?"

 

[Samka Derith]

"Perhaps you put them in here?" Sam found a small snap purse being passed to her by [member="Mishel Ren"].

"Hm perhaps so," but as the Knight began to examine to contents, she found herself unexpectedly yanked to the side by the waist. Mishel was taking her to 'dance' to the Zobra and calling others to join them. At this point Sam wasn't sure if it was more awkward to join in or remain as stiff as a board, instead she commenced some sort of half jig, swaying in time with the others and moving her feet haphazardly. It seemed to suffer was her lot in life.

Sam offered a brief nod of acknowledgement to [member="Ara Ren"] and [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] but little else, she could practically feel how smug the pair must feel over her misfortune.

"This isn't a real dance you know," she said to Mishel over the music and stomping of other patrons. "A real dance requires rhythm and precision."

 

[Dax Perl]

Dax pointed to the tent shaped roofs of the opera house across the street. "See those windows?" he asked, pointing to the line of wide and tall windows that lay just beneath the lip of the roofs. Waving his hand one of the windows suddenly swiveled outwards, opening before them. "I'm gonna throw you in." he said, a wicked grin on his face...maybe it was the alcohol talking?

[member="Jaya Tandris"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Watch what?" He slowly stood himself up as [member="Lady Kay"] left him behind. What was there to watch? Beyond observing how comfortable most everyone was, there wasn't exactly much to note. No one was too threatening, and outside of Tal earlier there wasn't much for him to do in terms of greeting 'friends'. After all, he wasn't exactly.. welcome.

Running his thumb down his chin, he shook his head and made his way through the crowd. What really was there to do but keep his Queen company? He moved through, slowly easing himself past everyone enjoying themselves, or trying to enjoy themselves, and making his way to the dining room. He handed over identification when prompted, and to his surprise Kay had purchased an additional ticket for him. He'd have to thank her later, after he went through the short additional security check. Mostly just double checking that his identity was a match to the official records.

Allowed inside after this brief moment, he walked through the entryway and made his way to Kay. He took a seat on her right side, where her drink would be, and sighed quietly. "Didn't want you to dine alone, that'd almost be as sad as drinking alone."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was half surprised that [member="Darlyn Excron"] decided to join her. She smirked at his little quip about her dining alone and then shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not bothered to eat alone. That's how I have most of my meals. Unless I'm having meetings with business leaders and representatives from other governments."

Two plates of food was set at their table. The portions were small, as Darlyn had predicted, but the food provided looked filling. Plus there was dessert to be had as well. And tea. Kay picked up her fork and had a bite. "It's quite good, actually. Probably a highlight of the evening. Though that could be reserved for the tea that will be served soon. And I don't think that we'll be staying here much longer either. I just feel so out of place and with what happened earlier, I'm probably going crazy as well. [member="Connor Harrison"] told me that I'm too stressed. Maybe he's right. I need to figure out some way to destress."

 

[Matsu Xiangu]

In classic Raj fashion, her mouth was much closer than Matsu would have expected anyone to get to her. For a moment she looked predatory, tilting her face so that she was still in profile to the woman next to her, but her eyes - covered by dark contacts - bore in from the corners as if deciding whether or not to take a bite out of the doctor. But as quickly as the glance appeared it passed and she nodded, her smile returning.

“Well, I’m certain he wouldn’t mind knowing your opinion.”

She surveyed the room as the trio took their places at the bar, watching as the room began to turn more comfortable. It was much the same anywhere she’d went, social events like this. Beautiful dresses, well-tailored suits, carefully selected ties. Polite conversation. But underneath the veneer of propriety there were things best left behind closed doors.

The bartender caught her attention once he’d served Irajah something suitably on the road between tacky and effective.

“Whiskey sour.”

He was quick and she had her drink within a minute. Taking a sip, she curled her tongue around her teeth at the strength. Clearly the First Order had not skimped on the booze. She leaned her back against the bar as Irani got his drink, looking to both her companions. These moments void of plot or potential backstab, wild idea or alternative motive were rare. She was not the kind to wait for it and she certainly wouldn’t tonight.

“Irani, I was so busy trading compliments with Irajah that I forgot to mention your suit is very nice. Somehow you always manage to clean up.”

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Darell Irani"]​

 

[Ria Misrani]

Inherited. Marshal Graush said, and Aria's brows rose in interest. If anything because she found it entertaining, the only thing Aria ever inherited from her family was a short temper and bad habits. The Unknown Regions, she had heard of it - although rarely bothered to look anything up there. Perhaps now would be a good time to begin that Stellar Cartography class, all things considered it would be wise of the civilian population to become more acutely familiar with the space around them.

Her smile had yet to fade, she heard the Marshal speak of his life and how it did not exist outside of the military. "Then perhaps someone should give you reason to have a life outside of your career, mhmm?" Aria said, but whether or not she meant herself was something else entirely. For the moment she couldn't be pulled away from her career either. She noted the surprise in his tone, "yes I do, Aria Insurance. I specialize in health and life insurance." Not caring for differing opinions, "outside of that I represent Primo Victorian Shipwright in their negotiations and deals with the First Order military."

"Much like yourself, I don't have much a life outside of my work. I rarely find the need for one," and if she was going to be honest, work just kept her out of trouble. "Why waste time on trivial pursuits when opportunities that have true value are at stake." It wasn't that Aria didn't value love or joy in the form of a relationship or anything of the sort. She just knew what she had, what she grew up with and knowing how ill-suited DuSangs were to a committed familial life; why bother starting one?

[member="Asharad Graush"]