First Order: A Herevan Rose

[Poro]

Heavy breathing emanated from below the sweets cart, but it was easily drowned out and unheard by the cooks and butlers bustling about their business. Poro had tracked the scent of delicious treats down to this position. Alas, there was nothing to be found from under this cart. He licked the ground. No, it was not the ground that tasted good. He licked the metal cart. No, it's wasn't the cart that tasted good. He licked the plastic wheel...No. It was DEFINITELY not the wheel that smelled good. As if to enunciate this notion, Poro spat at the ground to attempt to dispel the nasty taste in his mouth...to little avail. He "needed sweets" and he "needed" them now.

He was so close, they had to be nearby. He looked up and realized there must be more levels on this cart. He didn't know earlier because of the curtain shroud placed around the cart to obscure its contents. Yet, to attempt to climb higher would open him to the risk of being spotted. He sat there and pondered his chances for a moment, his mouth open in repeated panting as he desired tasties more and more; his pink tongue poking out.

Soon enough, he forgot why he was worrying so much about this and creeped out to try and climb higher. He crawled out from under, wiggled his butt and pounced the short distance to the lowest level. He somewhat got caught up in the curtain shrouding the cart and almost lost his footing. However, the power of goodies compelled him and he thrust himself up, on to the lowest ledge and crawled underneath the edge of the curtain.

The lighting was poor, but Poro was now in heaven. Before him lay plates and plates of cheesecake. Drool slobbered out of his mouth as he made a beeline for the nearest plate and forced himself upon it with gusto. All thoughts of danger were gone as his brief existence had reached its ultimate culmination.

 

[Grrwunhoooll Agaburry]

Now was the time to Gruag! Now was the time to GRAUG! " My warrior steal there shin bones and fancy lives! Tonight we give praise to our lord Vulcanus!" And with that said a group of graug marauders marched steadily striking military units without warning. Death flowed in the streets for both sides and in the midst of it all the biggest of them all stood back and merely observed. Covered in Orbalisk armor his maw was left gaping open, drool pouring out.

" VULCANUS!"

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Matsu Xiangu"]

It always surprised him how easily they settled back into the rhythm.

They got out of the limo, her hand in his and it amazed him how light she was with all the darkness inside of her. From there it was ritual, automated processes that safeguarded them all. The journalists did their job, shouting questions at him, some about Fortan and why she wasn't hanging on his arm, who the beautiful lady was at his side and what project he would move onto next now that the shipyards over Rakata Beta were completely repaired again. But they knew not to push him -- Natasi had always been the one answering questions.

He had always been silent - stark contrast to the eternal song of his voice leading the charge for the Sith, but maybe that was why he cloaked himself in silence now.

"Not today." Irani promised softly, as they passed past the attache and entered the theater itself. "Today is a day of enjoyment."

His eyes were already scouting out the prospects. Some of that old fire she had known started to catch in his eyes, a grin tugging at his mouth without him even realizing it was there.

This too was automatic. Old instincts that had been buried and restrained after his death, but you can't kill them. Not completely.

"Are you going to partake with me then?"

The offer would always stand.

 

[Ellie Mors]

Young and Beautiful

Things were beginning to look up for the Alua'an, although she still wouldn't quite say that the enjoyable change of pace was much of a sign that things were going to be better. Although Braxus had almost insisted that she allow him to have some kind of formal dress made for her, something to demand the attention of those that saw the pair together, but Braith was uninterested in unwarranted attention, receiving enough of it when she was forced to display the talents she possessed with the force. Rather than wearing something as sterile as a military dress - as she was certain she would have been given were she to have accepted the man's offer of clothing - the witch was dressed in clothing of her own making. She had opted to do without the mask for this occasion, feeling it would have been inappropriate to hide behind one in such a gathering.

Though she nearly hung from the arm of her partner, [member="Darth Prazutis"], Braith was not exuding the same sort of confidence that he was - she preferred to remain contained, far shorter than the Anzati-Epicanthix. Perhaps several thousand years ago, when she'd still believed the divinity that she had been worshiped for, she might have carried a pretentious air about her as well, but that was a bygone era and remaining passive ensured far less conflict with others. "I do hope you know those of attending beyond your circle." She said in response, her gaze passing over others that had been filtering into the theater. She'd forgotten the blunt forwardness of Braxus's nephew, which he'd told her about, and rolled her eyes at his warning - they were at an evening ball, and there was far less of a chance of something like a fight breaking out in such a formal affair. She, for one, had not brought any form of physical weaponry or armor - she wasn't as paranoid as the two Sith.

"You two should relax - even if conflict were to find us you should hardly need a weapon to defend yourselves here." Braith said tersely, suddenly interested in enjoying herself with Braxus away from the looming mood-killer that was [member="Darth Carnifex"].

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=11pt]As Pharazon was milling around in the entryway of the opera house he was rather unceremoniously bumped into by seemingly another military officer. Suppressing an angry or at least passive aggressive retort, Pharazon turned to see who this figure that had bumped him was before letting his emotions get in the way. He had a tendency to get angry, but Pharazon was not an unreasonable person. As he turned the officer spoke, offering him an apology which mollified Pharazon and then she seemed to just simply stroll off before Pharazon’s eyes. I simply must meet this officer, and see what her hurry is… [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pharazon thought amusingly, no malice in his thoughts. He did seem to recognise the voice of the officer though, but he could not place it. This was not surprising to him as he was still having some difficulty remembering the events just before, during, and slightly after his medical treatment. However, he [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]knew [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]he had met this woman before.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]There it was, the golden hair, he knew who this mysterious bumping assailant was, the memory of a filthy hospital tent back on Kaeshana and the accompanying horrific pain had seared the scene into his memory. Casually disengaging himself and slipping through the crowd with a drink he had picked up earlier Pharazon strode over to stand by the side of this woman.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Angling himself slightly toward her Pharazon looked down at her face and smiled slightly, a knowing look in his eyes. ( [member="FN-888"] )[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Ah, Lieutenant Lunor, or should I say Captain Lunor” Pharazon said, genuinely warmly. He had been there when they had received their promotions but he was not exactly in the right state of mind. Pharazon glanced over her insignia approvingly as he took a sip of his drink.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“It is a pleasure to see you again and to be able to actually talk to you properly, as it is to be properly dressed in your company this time” Pharazon continued with a slight chuckle at the memory of his bloody and broken body covered only in slimsy sheets and the remnants of his body glove the last time they had spoken. He doubted his mother would approve of him having met a lady in such a fashion, regardless of the circumstances [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pharazon thought broodingly as he pushed down the rising tide of anger and disgust that came over him whenever he thought of his mother.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I do hope that your new command is proving satisfactory” Pharazon offered as he watched and listened to the opening ceremony from his non seated vantage point, going along with the rest in the oath. He did not know if he actually bought into the ideology and the cult of this ‘Supreme Leader’, but Pharazon was cunning enough to know that there was nothing to be gained by public disobedience and everything to be gained by the appearance of conformity.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Those under my former command have proved a great aid in assisting my transition to company commander, as I assume those of your own former platoon have” Pharazon continued, taking another sip of some scotch like drink, he was never particularly interested in the finer appreciation of food or drink so he had asked few questions about this one.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Though I would wager we are expected to refrain from talking too much of operational matters and ‘enjoy’ ourselves, regardless of whether we want to or not” a knowing and cunning grin and eyebrow movement, in addition to his emphasis on enjoy leaving no doubts concerning his opinion on the matter.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“So if you desire to participate in the… festivities, do not hesitate to ask” Pharazon finished, lowering his voice while his eyes gazed out across the crowd, evaluating, analysing, and criticising all in one glance.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He did see one woman that caught his eye ([member="Ara Ren"]), though not for simple reasons. He could see that she was Hapan, Pharazon could spot Hapan heritage anywhere, he was half Hapan himself and looked it, but of course he did not know if she was actually from Hapes, one would have to talk to determine that. Locking his eyes onto her’s for a moment, Pharazon inclined his head to her in a respectful and knowing nod. If she could see him there was no way she would be unable to tell he was looking at her. Even with the size of the crowds within the opera house Pharazon strongly assumed she could see him, one does not simply miss a two metre tall stormtrooper officer in full dress uniform, black and imposing, even if that was the only thing one could perceive about Pharazon from a single glance. He made no move to approach her or her companion ([member="Kaalia Voldaren"]) but he could feel [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]that there was more to those two than met the eyes in addition to one of them being Hapan. If there was one thing Pharazon had learned since his departure from Hapes a year ago and his experiences on the outer rim and then the First Order was that there was [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]something [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]more to his feelings, something he could not ignore.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Taking another sip of his drink Pharazon stayed put, not moving to dance or toward the live performance, content to continue to listen to the music, perhaps the thing keeping him from just quietly leaving or secluding himself in a corner.[/SIZE]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Attention turned to the main stage. Lights focused in, the sound dropped and the atmosphere grew. Connor turned and stood, watching and listening, making note of key names and players. Brentioch. Seiger Ren.

As she spoke, Connor knew this was an Order he envisioned the Silver Jedi to have been under his rule. Mighty, proud, strong and confident. He didn’t even know the First Order, but he already respected who they were and what they fought for.

As Valessia closed her speech and the room erupted in applauds and cheers, Connor applauded her drive and passion. And then, the music began and the atmosphere blossomed once more. He knew where he needed to be.

Focusing on the lady speaker [member="Valessia Brentioch"], Connor started to make his way through the various guests, with a gentle touch here to squeeze by and a pardon there to excuse him. He couldn’t help smile at times because he felt auras of those around him with the Force – he didn’t feel sensory dead anymore. It was a wonderful feeling.

Now and then, he felt twitches in his mind of people he felt were here. But he couldn’t be certain in the sea of bodies and assault on the senses.

He tried to catch Valessia’s eye with a raised hand and eye contact as he edged to the stage as best he could. She may see him, she may not, but he would try again if that were the case later. She was obviously a key player and that’s who he needed to target to get into the service of the First Order.

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Ara leaned in and caught her friend's eye with a steely gaze. "You fit in fine, you are beautiful." The simple thought of the younger girl downplaying her charms pissed the disciple off to no end. Too many women didn't realize the power and beauty they had.

She turned and as [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] stood silently during the pledge, so too did Ara. She wasn't sure words parrotied from the mouths of hundreds constituted any sort of loyalty or patriotism. Instead, she'd prove her commitment with blood, flesh, and even her life if it came down to it. As everyone relaxed and continued on their own interests after the opening ceremonies, she smiled softly and tugged her friend away from the bar and towards the main foyer, intent on finding their seats for the music.

She considered needling Connor about his presence, but dismissed the notion easily. She'd find him when she gave Kaalia a break from the lime-light. For now, she was content to see how uncomfortable she could make her friend.

Her gaze was drawn to another, bright green eyes and sharp chiseled features that remind her of her own. Surprise crinkled her eyebrows softly before smoothing away into a pleased smile. "He's staring at us. Let's go....say hello." Her voice dropped into the low purr it always did when she was about to enjoy some good old fashioned flirting. Without giving her companion a chance to protest, which she would, Ara walked them deftly up to the Hapan man and the woman next to him, both in dress uniforms.

Soldiers, hmmm? She never broke eye contact, approaching with a soft smile. "Good evening-" She glanced at the marking of their uniforms, discerning their ranks easily. "Captain. Captain." She inclined her head respectfully.

[member="FN-888"] | [member="Pharazon Draken"]

 

[BE-183]

An official popped up on the holoscreen by the ballroom bar, giving her speech. Bee acquired a lopsided hint of a grin, reminded what this event was really about. They could legislate, they could persuade, and they could donate. But how many of the Firsts, their politicians, had a history of military service? How many of them knew what it was actually like?

Her platoon had been one of the lucky ones, no losses. She must've had their luck combined and doubled to escape death's grip like that. All that trouble, and the unit they were assisting ended up pulling out anyway; she couldn't blame them but that had left hers in a dangerous position. If she never had to challenge a dreadguard alone again, it would be too soon. It was only because of that damned cyborg bastard Ren that she'd ended up there in the first place. The trooper's anger flared and writhed around her - what were Force users good for if they didn't support the military? Well... some of them did, at least. She didn't know if that Samka girl would show up here, but she hoped so.

Somewhere in her reflections, her glass had drained away. She went to get another, finding the bartenders had rotated, some Chiss kid at the counter now. "'Scuse me lad, can I get another amber ale?" She put on her best talking-to-civvies smile. ([member="Rocu"])

A bloke in a suit occupied the space beside her. It couldn't hurt to get social. "Hello there. What is it that you... do?" Yes, yes it definitely could hurt. ([member="Cain Olper"])

 

[Hansen]

Joan Lunor
Reimalai Opera House and Theatre

Joan's blue eyes peer around the opera house for a familiar face, perhaps one of her squad leaders or Sev himself would be here. Joan feels a great sense of isolation for a moment, surrounded by the faces of those she does not recognise; Nobles, Aristocrats and Important Government Figures. There is little any of these people could offer Joan in conversation that she would find of interest. Joan's eyes look towards the concert hall where the music itself was being performed by a live orchestra, thoughts turn curious and Joan takes a step in that direction before a familiar face wheels from around her back. Joan's eyebrows beneath her visor shoot up, outwardly surprised. Her right-hand rises up and peels the cap off of her crown, revealing clearly her golden head. Strands neatly tied back into a short ponytail, tucking the service cap beneath left arm. "Lieutenant Draken? What a pleasant surprise. I've been promoted to Captain since we met on Kaeshana." Joan offers up a pursed lip smile to Pharazon's face and this is followed by an awkward pause while she tries to figure out how to speak to him after that ordeal. "I see you've also been promoted, my congratulations. I will not begrudge you for not being in your gear when we first met, it is good to see you're alive. Your sergeant Cain is a good soldier. Very loyal to you, I admire that quality in a Stormtrooper." Joan's thoughts contemplate the foul mood that seems to sweep over Pharazon, Joan's leather gloves rises and rubs across the bridge of the nose. "I will not lie, I've wanted to take over Alpha Company for a while. Now I just don't want to disappoint my troops."

With the Nation's Pledge being recited, Joan pivots like a woman possessed in her shin-high leather hobnailed boots. Standing to attention, she raises a clenched fist into the air with extreme pride and visible fervor. "We pledge to thee, Supreme Leader. We First Imperials, Glory, Honor and Loyalty. Glory to the Order. Honor to the Empire. Loyalty to His Lordship. Sacrifice in His Name. Hail to Him, Hail to the Order." Joan pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath up into her flexed nostrils. "Raise our colors for all to see, raise our banners. So they might see, the Glory and the Honor. Of His First Order Supreme, we Imperials true. Bestow to Him, Glory, Honor, and Loyalty. Hail to our Heritage, Hail to the Order. We are Heirs of the Empire. We are the First Imperials. We are the First Order." Joan's fist returns to her right thigh, the display made one thing very clear. Joan had been born and raised in the First Order, raised by the Army. "Yes, they have been most helpful. But we really shouldn't talk about this here, would you like to find our seats? I believe I've got a balcony ticket. You should have one too if you're a commissioned officer. We receive priority" Joan explains and makes a gesture to the Balcony sections that look over the concert hall's floor. A woman approaches the two of them and Joan studies her carefully.

"Good evening Ma'am." Joan greets her curtly. "Is something wrong? I don't believe I recognise you."

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

 

[Ria Misrani]

Aria like most patriots here watched the opening ceremony with frevor. She too recited the pledge and when it was over opted to try and find something to do. People to meet - of course, the DuSang name would be heard around the nation again if only ever so briefly. Her line of work kept her out of the circles of government and military, so tonight was a welcomed change of pace. The Heiress had been heading for the ballroom when she caught the eye of [member="Asharad Graush"], and judging from his uniform he was certainly an important fellow. Giving him a cordial smile she waited for him, "evening."

"Aria DuSang," she introduced herself and took a breath, "drink, people watching, care to join me?" Aria offered if only because her choice in drink would most likely boil down to, a non-alcoholic one. Soberity was something she needed to keep. Her eyes manage to catch [member="Rolf Amsel"] as well but then her attention was diverted back to the High Marshal as she motioned for him to lead the way.

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes I now command the 189th as well, an unexpected but not unwelcome honour, I just wish my former commanding officer did not need to lose his legs to have given me a chance at being deemed worthy of the commission” Pharazon said, genuinely happy to have run into Joan.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I will have to pass on your compliments to Cain, he will appreciate them as do I, he is a talented soldier and is of great assistance to me, I may have to convince him to become an officer, I fear his great potential is wasted as an NCO, but so long as his skills are at our disposal I am happy” Pharazon continued, reciting the oath dutifully when it came up in between talking to Joan.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I do hope to be found worthy of my new position as well, but I am sure we are both up to the task, I do believe I have the same ticket as you as well, indeed the benefits of my new commission so I suppose we should make our way” Pharazon said before having his attention pulled away from Joan.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]This is going to be interesting… Pharazon thought as he turned to see the Hapan he had nodded at not only returning his gaze, but grabbing her companion and making her way over to himself and Captain Lunor. She held his gaze for the entire time it took for her to reach him, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]A confident one, hopefully not manically so, one can never know with Hapan women… [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pharazon thought as he in turn kept her gaze. As she grew closer Pharazon became able to see more than a distant head. She shared a similar profile to her facial features with Pharazon, unsurprisingly given their in some ways shared heritage. Indeed, she also had a similar skin tone and eye colour, though her hair was not the same obsidian black as Pharazon’s, being several shades lighter though still dark in its own right.[/SIZE]

“It seems we are about to have company, this should be very interesting… it has been some time since I have assumed my courtly mask... I’ll see you on the other side”[SIZE=11pt] Pharazon leaned over and whispered into Joan’s ear conspiratorially, grinning in a decidedly serpentine fashion. His [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]demeanour[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] and behaviour was about to change radically, and a part of him was thrilled to put the skills he had in this area into use once again, but he had learned to be more considerate during his time in the First Order and so did not want to completely blindside Joan.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As this mysterious woman and her companion approached, Pharazon seamlessly slipped back into the way he used to behave back on Hapes when he was an illegitimate child raised within the Royal Court itself. He was surprised how easily the great game of [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]maintaining[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] near perfect body posture, countenance, and the art of using the right words at the right time with the right intonation came back to him. A smile easily grew to grace his features, though he feared his scar rather ruined the once if he did say so himself, quite handsome display. His internal [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]arrogance[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] was certainly still present after this previous year for him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As the Hapan [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]woman[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] greeted the two stormtroopers Pharazon could tell from the sound of her voice that she was not raised on Hapes or had at the very least taken extreme steps to get rid of her accent and change her speech patterns. Of course, Pharazon thought, his own accent was quite subtle now though he could still speak the language fluently. [/SIZE]Of course, not being from Hapes has its benefits, being raised in that festering and stagnant pit is not ideal for proper development Pharazon mused wryly.

[SIZE=11pt]“I do hope you can forgive me for my interest earlier my lady, one does not see many Hapans this far out in the Outer Rim, or this far from the homeworld” Pharazon said cheerfully and respectfully as he executed a perfectly smooth and greatly extravagant bow, just as he used to give all the noble ladies who even came near him back on Hapes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Rising back up to his ramrod straight posture he had prior to the bow Pharazon nodded finally to both women.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“As such it is a great pleasure to meet you this night my lady” Pharazon said richly and warmly to the Hapan, “It is also delightful to meet you as well my lady, and do not worry, I used to dislike events like this myself, I am sure you will grow accustomed to them in time” Pharazon said to the second woman equally as warmly. However, he gave her a rather piercing and knowing glance for an instant. His courtly behaviour demanded outward respect and deference to ladies, but he could not stop himself from letting these newcomers know that he was not just a bumbling stormtrooper, he could play the game. He had noticed her anxiety and discomfort and had decided to let her know it, but he would do no more, he was not a cruel person unlike some in his family. [/SIZE]

His emotions were rushing, in part he was thrilled but in another he was scared he would make a misstep and ruin everything. However, Pharazon had long since learned to manage even with internal turmoil.

“I have the honour to be Captain Pharazon Draken of the 189th Grenadier Company of the Stormtrooper Corps”[SIZE=11pt] Pharazon said, reining in his emotions as he executed another just as [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]extravagant[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] bow, he could just pleasantly talk to these women after all. It was not all about social masks. His concern over his scar was also rising now as well, he had certainly not expected to see any Hapans here tonight. [/SIZE]I can only hope she was not raised in the culture regardless of where she is from… Pharazon though, once again asserting control over himself.

[SIZE=11pt]“Might you grant me the privilege of knowing your names? As you currently have my friend and I at a disadvantage” Pharazon said pleasantly and jocularly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]This evening was turning out to be far more interesting than the simple performance and dinner Pharazon had expected.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt][member="FN-888"] | [member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"][/SIZE]

 

[Jaya Tandris]

With a pissed off attitude and a bottle of brandy in hand, Jaya stood a few hundred meters away from the building. She'd shown up on Dosuun to be part of the security that evening, something that would've paid her well, but she was rejected at the doorstep. She had come here for nothing. Angrily taking a sip from the bottle, she imagined how amazing the ball would've been. Make sure nothing happens, then enjoy yourself with the leftover drinks, and wake up the next morning with a good amount of credits to your name. If only. Cupcake sighed. "You're too hard-handed, even the guards need class, blah blah..."

Now that she was here however, she'd have to make the best of it. The afterparty was in the local synthwave club, so at least she'd be able to be there. Jaya'd be damned if she didn't find a way into the ball before that though, she'd show them what happens when you deny Jaya Tandris, leader of the Eye of the Street! Shrugging, she took a stroll around. There wasn't much going on outside anymore, but one particular person caught her eye. It was [member="Dax Fyre"], the man she'd met on Tython. "What the hell are you doing here..." she mumbled to herself as she made her way towards him.

"Dax! Buddy! Pal! What brings you here?" Jaya was clearly under the influence of alcohol, sounding way more friendly than she did on Tython. "Has no one like, shot at you or anything? Here, have a drink." Jaya handed the bottle to Dax, as a way of greeting him.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

When [member="Connor Harrison"] made his approach to the stage he would just barely get his hands to the stage. A rather large man, a Chiss in a black suit cleared his throat. "Sir." He addressed, "please step away from the stage." The Chiss in question had often been part of Valessia's own private security, he only gave her his core name, Kharad. Whoever it was this man was looking for they were not here. The only ones who were now on the stage was conductor Laan Kenmen and the orchestra who played into another waltz.

Meanwhile, behind the stage in a corridor leading back out toward the lobby via the authorized personnel door. Valessia Brentioch in her long flowing dress was focused on a datapad. "Kharad, can you send my troops on patrol?" She asked him, "we want to be sure nothing happens tonight."

The Scion of House Brentioch heard a familiar voice and as she lifted her gaze, she smiled. "Colonel Creed, thank you - how you managed yourself back here is a question I'd like to have answered." As much as she enjoyed her time with him, she rather enjoyed it when it was the proper place. Once more she linked arms with the Epicanthix, opening the door so that they might rejoin the crowd. "How are you enjoying the evening?" She questioned as they walked back down toward the main entrance. Here she was able to meet the gaze of a few of the guests, and in particular her good friend [member="Natasi Fortan"].

"Grand Moff Fortan," she greeted formally, "a pleasure as always, Colonel Creed this is Grand Moff Fortan, Grand Moff this is Colonel Creed." Biting down on the inside her lip, Valessia looked over to the date... Oh, the date. "And who might this be?" She asked of the man standing beside Natasi. [member="Hector Finn-Camden"].

 

[Connor Harrison]

The Chiss, built like a hulking hunter droid, came from nowhere, and Connor wasn’t going to start trouble, but deftly tried to speak before he was ushered away.

"No… just want to speak….to someone in charge….”

His hands came up as he was pushed away a little more.

"Alright, alright...” Connor said, straightening his jacket arms, "…I’ll come back another time.”

With a false smile, he shook his head and walked away, giving a little bemused tut to those looking on. Great impression Connor, good work. Time to get a drink. The hall was filling up and there was certainly plenty going on as he made his way back from the stage to the stairwell leading in from the grand entrance.

There he had a nice view over proceedings, and would keep an eye for [member="Valessia Brentioch"] if she came around. As he came to order a drink at the long bar, he was lost for words, not actually knowing what was really on offer or a good tipple for such a gathering. He couldn’t exactly wander around with a Blue Milk, could he.

"Ah…whiskey, please. Ice.”

He gave a little smile. Talk about out of his comfort zone. He tugged the collar of his shirt and waited for his drink, ready to mingle with some courage inside him.

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

"Guess you need some work on your social skills," a voice would say from behind [member="Connor Harrison"]. Eldaah would step up to the bar next to him, placing a small purse on the counter. One of the other bartenders came up to take her order before she would talk to Connor again. "Tonic water, if you please."

She regarded the fallen Jedi, now emanating a dark aura completely. Her master hadn't said the ritual was successful or not, and Eldaah hadn't asked. It wasn't her place to question her master as such, plus she had been enjoying her task on Aleen at the time.

"It suits you, the dark side," she said, accepting her drink and sliding a tip to the bartender.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Kaalia's nervous eyes locked with her friend's steely gaze, sensing a small bit of frustration over her last remark. She honestly didn't know what to do, say or think. Still, maybe [member="Ara Ren"] was right. Nothing bad had happened so far, and it could be that she was just overreacting. If she didn't attract too much attention, maybe it'd be alright. Perhaps she did fit in on the outside.

That spark of hope didn't last very long. A man was looking at them, and Ara seemed very eager to meet him and his companion. "Ara, I don't know-" She was silenced as her friend dragged her along to the two. Greeting the two with a sheepish nod as the woman let Ara take the lead. Kaalia repeated Ara, letting out a silent "Captain. Captain." as a show of respect.

The man spoke and bowed, eventually speaking to Kaalia herself. "I am sure I will get accustomed to such events, please do excuse my... Nervosity." The quick piercing glance didn't help matters much though, making her painfully aware that the man noticed her discomfort about tonight. The scar on his face reminded the woman of her own, still very much visible across her eye despite the makeup.

As the man introduced himself as [member="Pharazon Draken"], she, still with nervosity in her voice, answered. "Honored to meet you Captain Draken, my name is Kaalia Voldaren." She nodded, leaving most of the talking to her friend.

[member="FN-888"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Turning his head half-way to the bar, [member="Eldaah Aderyn"] did what she did best. Appear almost out of nowhere, but this time, Connor was glad not to be fighting.

"Thank you,” he said to her, and nodding his thanks to the bartender.
He swilled his drink and turned to rest his elbow on the bar itself to see both her and the crowds. Eldaah certainly looked different out of the whole Sith-plague-master-villain get-up. Connor raised his glass.

"To the future, and survival of the dark inside us all,” he said with a smirk.

He took a sip as the cold ice tickled his lips and the alcohol warmed his throat. It was strong, and had that kick straight after swallowing. He sucked in a little air. Looking up and out as he brought the glass down, he saw her – or rather now, them - chatting to a group of soldiers, by the looks of it. [member="Ara Ren"] and [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] with one [member="Pharazon Draken"] and his squad.

Now she certainly scrubbed up well out of the whole Ren attire. But, they were busy and will their comrades. That was how it was.

Connor swilled the drink and turned to his former foe.

"I would ask if you’re here on business or pleasure, but I know you and I you’re your Master, so I’m saying business all the way.”

There was a feeling of normality inside him. Calm. Acceptance. No hostility or resentment for the past at all.

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"To the culmination of plans long begun," she said, meeting his toast and taking a sip of her drink. She was smiling as he took in his surroundings. It had to have been disconcerting, at least a little, from going to the drab affairs of the Silvers to the projections of power and wealth that were hallmarks of those around them. There was always something about those of the dark that enjoyed having wealth and power, and showing it off to others. She followed his gaze to where a group of Disciples were along with some military officers.

"Of course, I'm here on business," she replied. "But there is nothing wrong with mixing business and pleasure, especially after being on such a hostile world like Aleen. These sorts of observation missions are always enjoyable for me. So, Connor Harrison, what brings you here? Business or pleasure?"

 

[Jaron Lesan]

The bar had seen plenty of activity for the night. Jaron for one had his limit of two drinks in the time it took for the room to fill. He'd seen a few familiar faces. [member="Zmej Ren"] was a notable one. Some of the storm troopers were there without their helmets on. Of course the Ren scout didn't know any of them by face. Many of the other founders had been there. They'd all climbed, and had it not been for his absences, and having been branded by his association with Belis Ren, Jaron too would have climbed to new hights.

Jaron was a people watcher. He caught a scene about to play out he knew all too well. @Ara Ran and her companion [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] had been dancing their eyes across the way at the storm troopers Jaron had seen earlier. [member="Pharazon Draken"] and [member="FN-888"] were their designations respectively. One enlisted the other a conditioned soldier by the name.

A few lengths down from him, [member="Connor Harrison"] sat drinking with a woman. The old dance of people pairing off was happening through the night and Jaron could only remember how that game had hurt him more times than he'd care to admit. He stood from the stool and approached the group he had been watching. It was time to be sociable, and the foursome seemed to be just as good a group as any.

"Captains, Ara, Kaalia," he said having remembered ranks and names from personnel files. "You all look wonderful this evening."

 

[Dax Perl]

A woman called out the Master's name and Dax closed his eyes and tookin a sharp, frustrated breath. He turned and opened his eyes to see a very, very drunk [member="Jaya Tandris"], stumbling her way over to him. Well at least he wasn't danger of her having him executed. "Hey, Jaya." he said as he took the bottle from the woman. He looked at it scrutinizingly before speaking to her again. "My fething droids pranked me. Thought it'd be funny to drop me off in the capital of the people who I just tried to kill...funny.". Dax then looked at the bottle once more...yea he definitey needed a drink. He brought the bottle of brandy to his lips and took a long drink before handing it back to the drunk gangrader. "Why're you here?"