First Order: A Herevan Rose

[Sara Lee Jones]

[member="Aran Piett"]

i much rather the inside of the tie then fancy foot work, my fancy dancing is within a tie and I think I have refined that art well

She said as the two danced moving around herself smilimg stepping on his feet every few times but soon stopping

i mean least you have some movement with it all that matters really is...well the date we are having

 

[Darth Metus]

If Striok were but the most base of pub crawlers, that would have been his queue to move on - pride intact. Yet this wasn't a pub, nor was this some glitter-faced Twi'lek looking to get back at her father. No, this was a man whose face was chiseled by the gods themselves. The Behemoth's heart raced a mile a minute as he clung onto every word, his eyes watching the succulent flow of Harrison's lips as they moved. Gods above could this man stammer. It seemed as though dancing was out of the picture...alright, Striok could live with that.

After all, such intimate contact couldn't be simply dived into. With some folks, it took time. Patience. Alcohol. So, with a grin plastered on his furry mug, the ape man plopped leaned onto the counter - putting himself right between [member="Connor Harrison"] and [member="Eldaah Aderyn"].

"Das alrit masta, I gets it," he began, nodding. "But I reckin yous a king o'swill. Haha! Barkeep!" he shot a glance at @Rocu. "I'ave wha he's avin'."

Striok then stared into those beautiful eyes and got lost. So lost that the First Daughter's comment zoomed over his head.

"So, whas you name masta? Yew onna them Order bigwigs?"

 

[Alleycat]

Dressed in a black evening gown, Daska Tess made her way singly to the main bar inside the ritzy opera house and theater where the military ball was taking place. One thing was for sure, the First Order knew how to put on a spectacular fundraising event.

Had it really been a year the Flight Captain had been gone? She was only here today by pure luck and personal grit. After a top secret mission went sideways, Daska was forced to crash land on a remote planet in the Unknown Regions. Because of the nature of the assignment, when the elite TIE pilot didn't check in she had been simply listed as MIA/KIA with no search and rescue mission initiated. It made for fun when the "Ice Princess" showed back up very much alive and with the intel Grand Admiral Kalast had originally sent her to get. Course, he was no longer with the FO so the post-mission interrogation by the current brass had been interesting to say the least.

Steely blue eyes gazed around the room as the slender blonde waited for the bartender to fill her drink order. There were a few patrons Daska recognized in the crowd gathered, but more she did not.

@Anyone needing someone to converse with.

 

[Darth Metus]

Whilst Striok continued to "wine and...well, wine" the object of his affections, Malok opted to know his place. He was but an apprentice - a fleeting speck - when compared to the titans standing before him. As such, it would not do to attempt base chatter with persons of their magnitude. No. He would know his place, he would stay out of their way, and possibly make sure his subordinates were doing a bang up job. As such, to [member="Darth Carnifex"], [member="Darth Prazutis"], and those who accompanied them, a polite half-bow was rendered. "My humble apologies but I must be off, duty calls." he said, keeping his exit short and simple.

Yet giants seldom notice ants.

Stepping away from his mentor and company, Malok set his sights upon the ballroom entrance. The check-in seemed to be doing alright - no unnecessary delays, no angsty patrons, and no dead bodies! Success. Upon drawing nearer, he came by the most recent entrant into the festivities: a woman dressed in a lovely, black gown. The Behemoth dipped his head, offered a polite smile, and motioned towards the swaying mass of patrons.

"Good evening miss." he began. "How are you tonight?" Simple, idle chit-chat as it were...but if [member="Daska Tess"] had any gripes about the security, she would surely share thirty seconds following the happening, no?

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Lydia would normally have been outside the event, covering the arrivals and skulking around for scoops and gossip, but tonight she was shown into the door by one of the doormen after showing her ticket. The lobby was crowded with people -- she spotted her brother, [member="Hector Finn-Camden"] loitering with the Grand Moff [member="Natasi Fortan"], and was tempted to stop by to say hello. The Grand Moff had been her friend as well, before she had become a Grand Anything, but for the moment the lady seemed to be engaged in a moment with Ambassador [member="Valessia Brentioch"], who Lydia didn't know, so she decided not to interfere. She looked around the room some more; in some ways it was a Who's Who of First Order capital-S Society: Petyr Calinda and his wife were engaged in what appeared to be a thoughtful discussion with Xander Belamo, a famed thespian on the Prosperia stage, under one of the banners advertising the symphony's season. In a corner nearby, Isobel Churchill -- the Minister of Defense -- was arguing heatedly between gales of laughter with Andromeda Mintzer, noted author of the best-selling book of last year: Omega's Lessons: First Order at War & Peace.

Then there was Beatriz Nordenhamer, Speaker of the Commission, chattering away endlessly to Milton Plum, professor of economics at Avalonia's most prestigious academy.

Then there was Lydia, and that was where the list turned from "Who's Who" to "Who's That?" She felt out of place among all the movers and shakers, so she made a bee-line to get out of there, before someone asked her if she belonged. Lydia wore a floor-length gown of some shade of pink -- the salesgirl at Grand Wardrobe had called it coral blush but to Lydia it was just pink -- Salmon if she was feeling fancy. It was swishy and it made her feel beautiful and charming, which was some task even as bruises peeked out from beneath the makeup she wore to conceal them. Her facial fracture was just one of those things that couldn't be fixed by bacta; she just had to live very, very carefully.

She had agreed to meet [member="Rolf Amsel"] at the bar, and she was already late. She followed the signs as best she could, resisting the urge to lift her skirts to make movement easier. By the time she found him he already had a drink and a smoke. She approached from behind, watching as smoke billowed into the air above his head, and stopped just behind him to speak in her 'reporter voice' as if she were covering a burning building -- her tone both matter-of-fact and intrigued: "Major Amsel cuts a dashing figure in the bar, inhaling sweet tobacco from a cigarette and exhaling pure elegance. A gentleman soldier, he seems to like single malt beverages and brooding." She stepped into the light next to him, dropping her reporter voice. "Don't worry, I left my camera at home."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay bowed her head to [member="Hyori Tal"] as she departed. The agent wasn't keeping her from anything, though perhaps her wandering eyes told a different story. To agent Tal's parting remark, she nodded. "I look forward to it, Agent Tal." No ddoubt their next meeting would be more official than this.

She looked to [member="Darlyn Excron"] and gave him an approving nod. "That went well. At least we know that you aren't going to be kicked out of First Order space during this trip." That was a good thing. The last thing that she needed was to be forced to leave. But that had reprecussions as well. It could strain their alliance. At least she held that ace up her sleeve.

"I think that I could use a drink. You may come with me if you like or keep an eye on me elsewhere. Either way, I'm going to the bar." Kay didn't drink often but she felt herself dipping into a bit of a brooding mood and she needed to lighten herself up a bit. So she headed over to the bar, stopping next to [member="Daska Tess"] and [member="Malok"] , signalling to the bartender. "I'll have a brandy, please." She looked to the two and gave them a polite smile before receiving her brandy and taking a sip. It burned a little down her throat, but it was smooth as well. Still not as good as Sapir tea though. She turned around and leaned her back against the bar so that she wasn't closing herself off to anyone. "Nice turnout tonight. The donations could be much higher than the last one."

 

[Kyrel Ren]

He gently walked his apprentice to the floor leaving his cane behind for the moment. He never usually felt nervous, and mostly kept a cold and expressionless face. But around the attractive Mandalorian that served as his right hand, and his servant for sometime he couldn't help it. It was as if for this night Kyrel Ren had faded and the old persona of Thomas Kyrel emerged once more. Before he became the Knight of Ren he was today, he was once a handsome gentleman who always had a thing for the ladies. But he thought such things were gone when he became the mechanical monstrosity he was now. Apparently somethings never change, or stay truly buried and attempted to hide such from his date.

Taking her hand, and trying to remember how to dance a waltz accordingly, he struggled to avoid making contact with his date's eyes fearing he would fall under her spell. He mentally cursed himself trying to destroy any trace of his old self that was coming through the cracks of his new identity at this very moment, and the alcohol wasn't helping either trying to override his judgement, and reasoning, but nonetheless he gave in anyway. His left hand locked with her hand and his free hand was wrapped around her waist. He looked into her eyes, and couldn't help but get lost in them thinking to himself. "She's so beautiful I never noticed before...Wait a minute Kyrel get a hold of yourself. That part of you is dead remember, their is no hope of that coming back. But her eyes, the way she moves. Kark it. No you fool Thomas is dead only Kyrel remains, besides any hope of you even gaining this servant as your mate, is highly ridiculous. Just look at you. Just Kark it all to hell."

His mind was locked in a eternal struggle between two halves, one wanting her, and the other not saying it was hopeless due to who, and what he was, and his devotion to the Supreme Leader, and his lack of a heart that belonged to a man that was once considered dead, but his first half the one that was once Thomas wanted his servant more than ever. Being in the suit he didn't notice it before but being out of it,and on this night she seemed to be the most beautiful creature that he had seen that it would make the galaxy weep at such a sight. He didn't know what to do so he moved with her to the music as he tried to shield his thoughts with the force, not wanting her to know or it would spell certain doom for him, and if anyone else found out what he was thinking of her.

[member="Skylar Walker"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Nodding politely as the Captain requested to leave, she paid little attention as the girl walked away. She kept her attention on Captain [member="Pharazon Draken"] as he spoke of their homeworld, a world she knew little to none about and honestly had never cared to ask. Regardless, she put on a pleased smiled and listened intently. As he scratched at his scar absently, she raised a hand, placing her fingers gently on the back of his hand.

"You sell yourself short if you think a simple warriors mark like that one does anything but makes you more attractive."

In truth, if someone ever left a scar like that one her face, they would be but a memory in the universe. But she wore her own scar with pride, and so should he. Besides, her friend, [member="Kaalia Voldaren"], had a similar scar and was still beautiful. Why did they all feel that visible marks of survival were meant to be hidden and ashamed of? She laughed softly as she realized they were similar words she had spoken to the ex-Jedi not but a few days ago. It seemed she was becoming a broken record.

She turned to the newcomer, [member="Jaron Lesan"], and offered a small half-bow. His force aura was much stronger than hers or Kaalia’s, and even the Hapan captain had a spark of it inside of him. And Jaron, as he introduced himself, seemed to know their names. Curious. Perhaps he was another of their shadowy group? She’d been true to Kaalia when she admitted she had met few Ren outside of her Master and the two, [member="Samka Derith"] and [member="Isla Ashen"], who had brought her into the fold initially. This Jaron might be another of their Order and she’d hardly know it.

”Not interrupting at all. In fact, I believe this is a much better balance to our little group.”

She laughed and indicated their small gathering of two women and two men. A wicked smile flashed Kaalia’s way as she was sure the younger Ren could guess what her next suggestion would be.

”Perhaps we can all dance now?” She turned and placed her hand lightly on Captain Draken’s sleeve, just above his wrist, ”And you can tell me more about Hapes? I admit I am sorely lacking in that department.” She bit her lip and looked up at the man from partially lowered lids.

She could sense her friend’s growing anxiety and turned to her, taking her hand in both of Ara’s and squeezing gently. Leaning in, she whispered into her friend’s ear, that glancing at both men from with a smile. ”It’ll be fine, just let him lead.” She laughed and pulled away, returning her hand to Captain Draken’s sleeve and tilted her head to look up to him.

"Shall we?”

She took the offered arm, linking hers with his and placing her hand lightly on his sleeve. She allowed him to lead her to the dance floor where at least two other couples had chosen to enjoy the music. As they turned, she lifted her free hand to her mouth to stifle a bit of the giggles. It seemed the ex-Jedi, [member="Connor Harrison"] had garnered the attention of a rather enthusiastic behemoth ([member="Malok"]). Her eyebrows crinkled with laughter.

Smiling softly, she took his left hand in her right and rested her left on his shoulder. He was taller than her by near a foot, even with the heels. It was lucky she was used to taller men. They danced and she allowed him to lead, unaafected by the height difference. The floating movements of the waltz felt like old friends. She had been to many a social event in her time as an escort and dancing had always been a favorite.

”So tell me, what brings yourself all the way out to the outer rim? As you said, our people don’t travel far from Hapes.”

 

[Connor Harrison]

At least this chimp didn't mind a bit of gentle conversation and a drink. Connor could live with that.

"Me? Oh, well I'm just here to see if there's a place for a guy like me to serve the First Order and meet some friendly...faces.”

Raising his now full glass again - thank you [member="Rocu"] - Connor toasted [member="Malok"] and took another sip, before the chimp seemed to give an approving gruff and move on.

Connor let out a relieved sigh, and shook his head at [member="Eldaah Aderyn"] at her amusement.

"Well, I'll find my own way don't you worry, but that doesn't involve dancing with primates quite yet.”

Leaning back on the bar and glancing through the crowds as the music played - a soaring pieces that sounded as if it were played by a thousand piece orchestra - he spotted [member="Ara Ren"] and her "date", and her friends, hitting the dance-floor. He was sure she giggled. Perfect first start, Connor.

Perfect!.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

As soon as one left, another joined the group. [member="Jaron Lesan"] introduced himself. Kaalia remembered him, having been on a mission that he was on too. They did not interact however, as the group quickly split, leaving no time for interaction. The woman gave him a small but nervous nod. "Please do excuse my demeanor, I am not used to events such as this." She turned towards the newcomer in the group, still with an anxious look on her face, shifting a bit awkwardly on her heels. [member="Ara Ren"] was clearly pleased by his presence, alluding to something that made Kaalia's heart drop in an instant. Her face became a bit pale, with a slight bit of panic when her friend suggested they dance. The supportive words helped little, and the woman felt like she had nowhere to run as she looked at Ara with desperation written over face.

The Hapan duo made their way to the dancefloor, leaving the two Ren as each other's company. The woman had no idea what to do, her only thought being that she had to get out of there somehow. Jaron wasn't the reason, Kaalia just really didn't want to be here. She could only hope that the man would understand her situation. Silence fell, having no idea what to do. "If only you knew..." she thought to herself. The redhead straightened up a bit, hiding some of the anxiety from Jaron. She hoped to get it over with quickly.

[member="Pharazon Draken"]

 

[Cyrus Tregessar]

Though it may have come as a surprise to some, there were in fact several variations of the uniform worn by a Grand Admiral. The standard command variant was still brilliant white, but lacked a certain panache that was expected of a 'dress' uniform. The semi-formal version added epaulets, and perhaps more significantly was simply tailored better. Then there was the full dress, with gold buttons, white boots, and a cape (or greatcoat). It was the height of absurdity, especially for a faction that seemed to love it's silver, black, and red, and yet it evoked a memory of a grander Empire, and the unique nature of the men and women who wore the white.

Today he had no companion. That in of itself was hardly unusual, but normally when he was obligated to attend a large event like this he was at least able to bring an aide or senior officer along. But all had pleased excuses of some sort, the kind he was unable to, and so bitter and already quite well-oiled, he entered the Reimalai Opera House without once being troubled about passes or tickets.

That was one of the advantages of wearing the white. Nearly everyone here either recognized him or at least knew what he was. Conversely, he recognized almost no one, though he was able to pretty clearly identify the various military officers milling about.
He'd resigned himself to a boring evening of drink, fake politeness, and practicing anger management techniques when he spotted something just slightly out of place. Nothing so obviously out of their element as the primate-like alien making a scene of himself, but a person trying to be something they were not. A girl, young and rather pretty, but where she was dressed as just another socialite or upper echelon hanger-on there was deftness to her step and a particular we she moved that made out the image to be a lie. It wasn't obvious, but when you'd been around the block for forty years you got an eye for this sort of thing. An assassin, perhaps?

That would certainly make for a much more entertaining evening than otherwise. He settled in (drink in hand) to observe.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=11pt]As Ara took Pharazon’s hand and they made their way toward the ballroom he felt himself beginning to enjoy this woman’s company more than acting the fop. No matter how cynical Pharazon had become on many subjects, this woman stopping him from scratching his scar genuinely moved him. He knew it was likely a part of the game she too was playing, but in that moment he did not care, no Hapan woman other than one of his sisters had ever made even an effort to make him feel more comfortable. The scar still unsettled him, but for the first time since he had woken up inside a bacta tank he was able to put it aside, at least for a time. ([member="Ara Ren"])[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Thank you for your kind words my lady, truly, it seems the old traditions live on within myself as well, no matter how far from Hapes I have travelled” Pharazon said, smiling rather meekly for a single moment before he composed himself rapidly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Though if I may be so bold I would suggest your beauty puts my features to shame” Pharazon said, flattery was an old favourite in his social repertoire, the noble ladies of Hapes would admit that Hapan men were attractive, though they always liked to be reminded that they were more so from Pharazon’s experience.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]They began to dance almost as soon as they had entered the ballroom, Pharazon silently thanked the mists he still remembered his old dancing lessons. It would not do to crush the foot of his decidedly smaller though likely more dangerous partner. As they danced, Pharazon’s previous feelings about this woman were made more apparent, he knew he could perceive something [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]and that something was enough to keep him wary and on his toes so to speak. She may play the rich flirting socialite, but Pharazon had observed and could feel there was more.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]It was an odd state of being and set of emotions Pharazon was experiencing as he gracefully danced more than many would expect the large man capable of. One the one hand he was beginning to genuinely enjoy Ara’s company. On the other hand, he was growing fearful he was falling into some trap she had been laying for him since the moment he had first looked her in the eyes. The creatures that appeared to be some form of large apes further confused him, like Ara he found them amusing, but decided to not let it show, he would rather not have to deal with an insulted alien today.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As the dance continued, Pharazon decided that he would tell her about Hapes, and be a bit more honest with his choice of words this time. They were dancing and thus able to conduct a fairly private conversation so long as they kept their voices low given the music, and Pharazon wanted to test if she was mining him for information about himself, flattering him, or if she wanted to know for another perhaps ulterior motive. He would make his opinions known and gauge her reaction.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I would not worry yourself over any possible gaps in your learning in regards to Hapes, for those not born there it is rather difficult to learn much about the Consortium from the outside” he began, locking eyes with her as they moved with the music. By the mists she is beautiful, if potentially extremely dangerous… [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]regardless of who or what she was, Pharazon was intrigued.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Which I suppose is the first thing you should know, Hapes and Hapan culture is incredibly insular, xenophobic towards even other humans, and extremely socially stratified with hierarchies from the Queen Mother down” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“The planet itself and the architecture is exceptionally beautiful, style and design valued by commoners and nobles alike across the worlds of the Consortium, though this great beauty in the planet, buildings, and indeed the people belies a horrific culture of oppression, corruption, abuse in every level of society just beneath the surface” Pharazon said, still managing to appear cheerful to others even if Ara could likely hear the venom in his voice.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“The noble families and the Queen Mother have near total control in all areas of government, culture, the economy, trade, the military while all those below them serve or suffer the consequences”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Lives are wasted and shattered in the petty squabbles and conflicts for position between the noble houses to gain or retain the favour of the Queen Mother”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“To be a male of any social level is to be near property, to be used and disposed of at whim, to be illegitimate is much the same, to be both illegitimate and a male… no matter the class one would be born into the results are... unpleasant” Pharazon said, a hint of anger and a deeper story behind those words infecting his voice as they continued their dance, the music managing to calm him from his memories.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“If you have any specific questions I would of course be happy to answer them, there are many wonderful things about Hapes and Hapan culture beyond what I have said, but suffice to say to your question about myself and why I am here instead of there... I believe you may now have some idea what has brought me to the outer rim” Pharazon said, flashing his partner a rather savage and serpentine grin.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“To not bore you with the sordid details of my life, my presence within the Consortium was made untenable by a rather unfortunate series of events which left me searching for safety and a purpose, both of which I have found in the First Order” Pharazon said, surprising himself in how much he actually believed the last part of what he had said. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Initially the First Order had just been a means to an end for his survival, but serving with the 189th and leading men into battle, being responsible for people, sharing in their triumphs and failures, sending them to their deaths, it had changed him. [/SIZE]As his partner laughed and fluttered her eyes, however, Pharazon once again assaulted by her charms, she knows how to manipulate people, being born away from Hapes has not stopped that Pharazon thought, once again having to reevaluate what he was doing. He enjoyed her company, she was beautiful and she was at least making an effort to accommodate and flatter him for whatever reason. However, Pharazon wanted to know more. He had changed since his time in the First Order but he still knew how to look after himself, self preservation was still among his concerns and considerations.

[SIZE=11pt]“So tell me something about yourself Lady Ara, I would not wish to impose myself on our conversation for the entire evening... surprise me” Pharazon asked pleasantly, with just a hint of deeper and more serious curiosity in his voice.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]However, Pharazon could no longer pretend his interest was purely serious and suspicious, he was personally curious about her, though he knew better than to fall completely for her charms. They certainly were delightful in Pharazon's eyes but he was no fool, he knew she likely enjoyed toying with people with those very same charms.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Regardless, they danced on, the skill of both of them evident in their graceful movements as they waltzed across the ballroom.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=11pt][member="Kaalia Voldaren"][/SIZE]

 

[Progflaw99]

The sudden intake of tobacco was like a breath of fresh air - well, not really - but it had become his vice. Not necessarily by choice, but when thrown into the melee of war everyone had their own way of dealing with it - this was his. Letting the smoke gently fade into the evening twilight, Rolf heard a voice he recognized. The words however, put him on edge. The last time he'd heard that tone had been on a battlefield far from Dosuun on a heap of irradiated rock called Kaeshana. Turning to face the direction of the feminine voice, he put on a feigned smile. A brief flash of anger spiked within his chest. When he'd casually mentioned to Lydia that he planned to attend the First Order sanctioned event, he hadn't heard any mention of cameras or interviews, that was the last thing he wanted to deal with right now, in fact he felt almost betrayed that she would spring such a...

The smile that had been feigned melted as the Major's breath caught in his throat, a look of surprise clearly painted across his features. Breathtaking - in the literal and figurative sense of the word. Quickly trying to rein in his thoughts and say something he opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. Awkwardly he smiled and tried again.

"You had me going for a minute there!" He shook his head. "You look incredible, just wow."​

​

He quickly stepped to the side, tapping out his cigarette in an ashtray resting on the edge of the balcony before stepping back towards Lydia. The sharply dressed Major took a moment to just appreciate the woman's dress - or at least he tried to. He found himself beginning to let his gaze linger just a little bit long, though the distraction from his internalized horrors was appreciated. Meeting the avid reporter's eye, he motioned towards the interior of the venue.

"I'm surprised at the showing, quite a few important people here tonight - though I'd be in a grind if you asked me to name most of them." He mused for a moment. "How are you? Can I offer to get you something?" ​

​

[member="Lydia Finn-Camden"]​

​

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Jarven casually strolled about the party, sometimes with his hands in his pocket or behind his back. Although it might be partially considered "under dressed", he liked the casual comfort that his outfit afforded him. As he was about the party, he saw many shapes, some of a different size, and oh so many colors. However there was one particular color that stood out to him. He saw a flash of blonde hair and his attention was instantly drawn ([member="Daska Tess"]). He couldn't help but remember scatterings of memory he once held whole in his mind.

He had brought food over to her place. So many people had disappeared and they were of the few left behind. He'd brought her food and she cried. He held her and comforted her on the couch with the knife sticking out of the cushion. Her Romeo had fled, leaving her with two kids. She was so beautiful. He would do anything to protect her.

"Excuse me, pardon me..." came Jarven's polite voice as he tried to move through the crowd. He closed the distance between her; her back was to him.

"Patricia," he called out to her. He finally got to her, put his hand gently on her shoulder and tried to walk around 'til he could see her face.

"Patricia, is that y--" He saw her face. She wasn't Patricia...This was embarrassing.


[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Malok"]

 

[Rocu]

Rocu was visibly shook. Not only did Striok ([member="Malok"]) notice Rocu, he also wanted more alcohol. Anxiety didn't get much worse than this...until he noticed that his fellow bartender was shaking more than he was. This allayed his nervousness as he watched this other man, his senior, shaking like a leaf in the wind at the presence of the erratic ape man.

"Just, just give him what he wants, Rocu..." came the other bartender's timid voice.

With a curious cock of his head, Rocu found a certain strength, a courage in the face of someone else's fear that was higher than his own. He shrugged and went to pour the ape man a glass of whiskey. He filled the glass full of whiskey, dropped three ice spheres inside with a pair of tongs and gave it to Striok. Surely, they wouldn't fire him for giving out more alcohol than he was supposed to? Surely, they would understand the threat of violently losing appendages before security could deal with an angry ape man...right?

_____________________________________________________________________​

​

Giving a nice, human lady a brandy was a far easier task than worrying over an ape man's propensity for violence. 1/3 full glass, two ice cubes and bam; done. He slid the glass along the table and into her Lady's hand, saying,

"There you are, ma'am."

Well, at least he wasn't stuttering anymore. That was a good sign that things were definitely looking up.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

A voice calling out 'Patricia' had caught her attention. She watched as [member="Jarven Zexxel"] made his way through towards [member="Daska Tess"] that stood beside her. The look on the man's face when he realized his mistake was a look that she knew all too well. Kay had gone through the same scenario herself, haunted by a need to see her late husband with her own eyes, only to find complete strangers instead. Such a memory tugged at her.

The bartender behaved rather oddly when [member="Rocu"] had arrived. But then again it was to be expected. The ape man wasn't exactly on the small side and Kay wondered just how many non-humans frequented the First Order's ranks. Probably not many.

She raised her glass to Rocu in a bit of a salute and sipped her brandy. She was used to larger than life persons and personalities being around her. She'd been caught by them, dined with them, tortured by them and hired them as well. Her old self had a Herglic for a best friend, was the godmother to his adopted children. But that was in her old life.

Now she had allies more than friends. Those that she thought she could confide in had scattered to the winds. Yet she did her best not to appear bitter about it.

 

[Zmej Ren]

A glass of champagne in one hand, yet to be tasted and appreciated, the blonde dressed in red strolled here and there, always searching for something and clearly not satisfied with the results. While most guests fell under the attractive category, they desperately lacked all the necessary qualities a good man should possess. What appeared like a pointless waste of precious time she could have devoted to productive activities suddenly shifted into the realm of unfulfilled desires when the Asenath’s gaze settled on none other than the Grand Admiral himself, his commanding presence impossible to miss. Perhaps the pristine white apparel played a role in getting her attention as well, but it was his maturity that she found hard to resist. Keenly intelligent, attractive, enough years to mark him an experienced leader, proudly bearing a high rank to further prove his capabilities and sense of responsibility. And yet, despite these qualities, the white clad man walked alone, no tail of young women begging for his attention.

Not entirely surprising given the age difference and modern preferences focused solely on the beauty of youth – but where others valued immature, hot blood, searching for fleeting relationships and wild one night stands, Zmej was considerably more family oriented. Indeed; someone like the Grand Admiral would be a perfect candidate had she intended to get married. It was one of her dreams; a healthy, stable relationship with roles clearly defined by gender, her being a loving mother and a good wife. A dream impossible to achieve, for the Force coursed through her veins like an ancient curse, even if many believed it to be a blessing. She was bound to the Supreme Leader, any other future than that with the Ren unthinkable – and if she could not fulfil her societal role properly, she would do everything to spread Sieger Ren’s will across the galaxy. Not a woman, Asenath Parnell – she was Zmej Ren, the Supreme Leader’s Hand. A living weapon, nothing more, nothing less.

Finally, a sip of the champagne graced her tongue and the disciple suppressed a grimace trying to twist her features.

But this evening offered difference, a single moment to temporarily stray from the ordinary path in life – and when her sight noticed the Grand Admiral’s attention, the golden haired woman’s gaze swiftly turned away, pale cheeks gaining a healthier, redder hue. In a way, she felt like a little girl again, trying to win her father’s affection, failing miserably. Changing the outcome became an obsession until the man was no more, yet his daughter’s desire remained. Perhaps this was a chance to change it. The desire to turn into a little kid and listen to war stories proved to be particularly tempting.

And then she stood right next to him, no longer able to go back.

“Excuse me, Grand Admiral,” she chirped, “Do you mind if I take this seat?”



[member="Cyrus Tregessar"]

 

[Skylar Walker]

Realizing that he left his cane behind to be able to dance with her, she gave a shy smile. She never acted lie this before and [member="Kyrel Ren"] acting like he was now, she realized that the Beast truly had a heart to him. There was a man under the hatred and there was a woman under the fear. They were truly one in the same for Skylar was Beauty and Kyrel was the Beast. He may have been disfigured now, but Skylar was able to see right through him. There was a mentionable amount of fear that had built up in her due to her power, but she couldn't bring herself to fear Kyrel. She was able to see the man he once was and it calmed her. He was in an eternal battle with his conscience and she wondered if that battle would ever have an ending to it.

Shivers went down her spine as he took her hand. A rosy blush went across her face and she knew it. Her feelings were betraying her as they both seemed to give into each other at last. Fear held it's icy grip around them for too long and as he wrapped his hand around her waist, the time seemed to stop as this moment seemed almost timeless.

As she was watching his shoulder as she slowly and gently placed her hand on it, she herself tried to avoid his eyes, but something made both of them look at each other and a refreshing breeze seemed to go through the two as an unknown realization went between them. Only they would notice the breeze and if not Kyrel, Skye would.

 

[Kyrel Ren]

The eternal struggle behind his mind was overpowering. Kyrel and Thomas were locked in what seemed like a battle of wits that would not end, and he sensed that his apprentice knew their was conflict within him, but luckily for him she didn't know what it would be. He moved with her to the music that was played by the orchestra, and it seemed like time was nothing more than an illusion to both of them, and it didn't help when they locked eyes with one another. He was still quite a bit drunk already and so at this point couldn't care what he did, or the image that he tried to maintain as a cold and harsh master to her. She looked so beautiful especially for a Mandalorian which were always a group of tough warriors but something about her drew him to her, but he had not the slightest clue of what she could think of him. All he sensed from her was fear, but he didn't know what or he didn't care as Fear fueled the dark side, and that is what made her useful to him.

After gazing into her eyes, something compelled him to lean slowly towards her, his breath now warm against her lips, as if at this moment her beauty had hypnotized him to do this single act. He squeezed her hand gently, and his hand went slowly up her back caressing it slowly his sensors on his hands enjoying what could be synthetically felt as the soft and smooth touch of her skin. At this moment he couldn't control himself he leaned in and kissed her deeply, enjoying the warmth and comfort of her lips but all the same time Kyrel was screaming at him to stop, but he didn't he kept pressing the kiss as time seemed to stand still and that was all he could think about, and it seemed as if at this passionate moment the voices and the conflict had stopped in the embrace of such a beautiful creature that stood before him, almost not seeming to reject it either.

[member="Skylar Walker"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

[member="Hyori Tal"] was given a short, polite nod as Darlyn stepped back, allowing her to leave with ease. To Kay, he simply nodded as to where she was heading, and turned to follow her. There weren't exactly many here he knew first hand, nor many he cared to know as of yet. There was one ren he recognized, but given their.. past.. he figured [member="Samka Derith"] would be a poor choice of conversation today. Still, if nothing else he did recognize at least one other, save Tal and [member="Lady Kay"]. For one reason or another, it did ease the difficulty of being out and about.

Perhaps it was a false sense of ease, but it was a welcome one. For once he didn't feel incredibly stressed to keep his eye open everywhere, all the time. Here, they were absolutely covered in First Order security, which put him on edge yes, but far less than when he was the one in charge completely. And knowing at least two individuals there, he was confident Kay was in a rather safe situation. Still, he followed close behind, taking a seat down by her on the bar. He glanced at a server ( [member="Rocu"] ) and held up a hand. "A water, please." He was working. He'd drink when he got back.

He glanced over at Kay when she mentioned the turnout, and smiled a little bit. Was that, optimism? He chuckled and shook his head lightly. "Perhaps. Though if I've learned anything in my time before your employ, it's the galaxy is a dark place. There aren't a great deal of charitable souls out there... and I've been employed by far fewer. You are, by far, the most charitable I've had the pleasure to serve."