First Order: A Herevan Rose

[Connor Harrison]

Feeling that prickle over his skin as [member="Ara Ren"] appeared almost out of nowhere with the whispered tease, Connor didn’t react overtly, but turned his head and moved out of the way for her and her party to get past, with a furtive look to her.

Then, back to the familiar face. He nodded to accept maybe he didn’t know her, but her mother?

She whispered the two words and his glance froze for a second on nothing as he processed how much of a small galaxy this was.

Siobhan Kerrigan was no fan of Connor – well, of THAT Connor – and he certainly not of her and her unique methods of standing with the Silver Jedi when she had. It was hard to process his old train of thought to a new one. He really knew little of the real Siobhan, but she had a daughter?

"I see. Yes, I do know your mother, albeit not very…well.” He turned and took another drink, the ever faithful [member="Rocu"] on the glass re-filling duty. He’d need to pace himself now – this was number three already. "That makes sense then. I doubt you’d know me in that respect. Connor.”

He extended his hand for a greeting.

"And what place do you hold in the First Order?”

With a mother like Siobhan, it wouldn’t be a peaceful place or one behind a desk, that was for sure.

[member="Mishel Ren"]

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Mishel studied this man's reactions, watched as alcohol poured into his glass. Listened as he spoke, watching with a little more intensity. Indeed, she was the daughter of Siobhan Kerrigan, by blood at the very least. Hidden from Mishel was the small fact that her other parent was not Sieger Ren but Valessia Brentioch.

The Ambassador had been kept in the dark about her daughter's well being.

Looking down at the glass of Corellian Brandy, she slid it toward the bartender. Mishel would not have another, having decided the taste was ill enough as it was. She didn't know him, which was just fine as it was the daughter of Kerrigan would learn of him from one source or another. "I am a child of ren, this is my home." She motions to the building around them, "my mother neglected me and my father saved me."

The girl said it so straight you'd believe her, but a closer inspection would know this was a story fed to her and over time. She too believed it, the true nature of how she is now - was a dark one indeed.

"My place here is at my father's side, Seiger."

To her the Knights of Ren were not clouted in mystery, they were her brothers and sisters. Although, she knew better - and looked over as Sister [member="Samka Derith"] seemed to be searching for someone. "What say you, Connor? What place do you hold here?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Ria Misrani]

The eldest DuSang took the Marshal's arm and walked with him. Aria listened to him, hearing the warmth in his voice she smiled. Looking at his eyes, the blonde made note of his eyes and how similar they felt. Perhaps when one is raised by a dark lord, with siblings who quite often share the same unique coloring - it no longer feels foreign, and no longer holds the value of fear. The Marshal Graush asked her to speak of herself, and she thought on his question.

Pondered it.

"Not much to tell," she explained, "oldest known child of Avicus DuSang. My mother was a minor Coruscanti noble. I own my own business, right here in Prosperia in fact." Housed in one of the Carida Insurance Towers and the view of the river was spectacular. "I work too much to be interesting, so you'll forgive me if I'm dull."

Surveying the people around them Aria's hazel-green eyes then divert their attention back to [member="Asharad Graush"], "and what about you? Outside of the military?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor was mid-way in another sip when he stopped, whilst looking at [member="Mishel Ren"] for a second.

Child of Ren.

Seiger.

Two factors he was interested in.

The glass went back down to the bar, the warm feeling already spreading up his body from the alcohol.

"That’s just it, I don’t have a place here. Yet. But from what you’ve just said I feel I’m on the right track. I previously was blinded by the Light. Long story, but I clawed my way out to stand where I am today looking to serve an Order like this, and to use my ability for the right cause. And the Ren are something I’m interested in.”

[member="Ara Ren"] was a key player in that particular movement.

"Very interested indeed. And you say your father in Seiger? That Supreme Leader the woman banged on about?” Seems the alcohol omitted a few polite phrases right about now. "You must put in a good word for me.”

With a nod, he looked away and felt a little light headed. Damn that whiskey.

 

[The Page Master]

[member="Lady Kay"]

"Oh, dear, I apologize. Not a who...but a what...There."

He leaned in close to whisper to her and pointed with a bony finger where the crowds were naturally parting during the dance. You could see it fully for a bit before the crowds obscured the view: a very nightmarish hound.

"You have demons, Kay, and I don't mean the emotional kind."

The crowd parted again and you could get a better look at the creature, because it had moved slightly towards them. This dog-like beast was lithe, had a spiny back, a long swaying tail and green glowing eyes. Its short fur was a mottle black and grey. Naturally, its teeth and claws were sharp; its lips parted in a growl.

"They're standing guard in your mind, Kay. Beasts of the mind beset upon you by darker masters in hopes to keep you the way you are; that you may not deviate. This one's name is Alaric and the other one...Ah, there."

Another dog-like beast came from another direction from behind the crowd. This one was short, dark brown fur and was incredibly wide for a dog. It was a muscular wide that suggested it could easily tackle the man ape to the ground. It's eyes glowed orange, its teeth and claws were sharp and its front paws held wicked claws that befit its powerful nature.

"That one is named Brutus, naturally. I'm helping you see them, now, but no one else can see them and you wouldn't normally see them without practice and patience. They're coming to remove my presence, so I'm afraid I must be going."

The beasts were closing in on Aldwin.

"And, remember: you shall always and ever will be..."

He spun her away from himself, as was part of the dance, as he bowed in her direction. When she looked back, she would find him gone, but would hear the sound of his voice echoing through and past her.

"My Lady-dy-dy-dy-dy..."

With a warm, autumn breeze, he was gone and so were the dogs.

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=11pt]Pharazon supposed, watching Ara smile and take his arm to approach the bar area, that they both must believe that they had taken more from the other than they had given of themselves in their interaction. Pharazon was not entirely sure, neither did he particularly care, if she tried anything against him she would come to regret it before the end, and he suspected the same was true if he did anything against her. So there he found himself, walking arm in arm with a beautiful and engaging woman and enjoying the moment, if planning multiple contingencies for future interactions between the two. An equilibrium characterised by a rather cunning struggle for dominance and gain in their interactions, but an equilibrium nonetheless. Pharazon returned the smile, his smile both genuine and knowing, he could play this game too and deriving satisfaction from it did not negate his instincts and cunning. No matter how much he wished he could let his guard down around this woman he knew he could not, and he hoped she did not think he was now her supplicant as he knew she was not his. So long as both knew that from the other Pharazon predicted their future interactions would be most interesting indeed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As they approached the bar and Ara ordered her two drinks, one for her friend apparently, Pharazon looked to the attendant's eyes, “A Corellian brandy for myself as well if you would be so kind” he said richly and firmly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Receiving his drink and taking an initial sip and giving the attendant an appreciative nod, Pharazon once more looked out over the ball, seeing that his compatriot Captain Lunor had indeed proceeded to the musical seating of her own accord without any fuss or spectacle. Independence is good... and entirely expected from one such as her [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pharazon thought amusingly to himself.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I am sure she will be grateful for your thoughtfulness” Pharazon said, another slight smile of mirth on his lips as he spoke. [/SIZE]

He had yet to interact with this [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] enough to properly understand her and create some initial assumptions about her. He supposed if he was to see more of Ara in the future he may also see more of this Kaalia as well, regardless, Pharazon knew he had to be careful around her as well, as both of them gave him a similar feeling. A similar feeling that felt almost too similar to that feeling of power and understanding he had felt of Kaeshana, and in his moments of what he had once thought was luck. However, that similarity further increased his wariness around these two mysterious women regardless of his enjoyment of their company and thoughts of the future. I have a horrible feeling they know more about this than I, but best they think me ignorant than think too much of it [SIZE=11pt]Pharazon reaffirmed to himself, he did not know what was going on within himself and part of him did not want to know. All he knew was that if he could sense their power and presence, even if in an extremely limited fashion, he knew they were likely able to sense whatever was within as well, so he knew he must be [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]extraordinarily[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] cautious to avoid discovery or exposure. He was privately trying to learn more, and had been reading broadly searching for any similar accounts or experiences in historical archives and obscure texts. He had been doing it off the military holonet, so as to avoid any suspicion. He was not sure of anything yet, but the more he learned the more concerned but darkly intrigued he became.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]However, those were thoughts for another day so Pharazon quickly put them from his mind and returned his focus to Ara’s outstretched arm.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Of course my lady, I suspect she is, and from what I have heard of it so far I would like to experience this orchestra in person as well” he said taking another sip of his burning drink and taking her arm.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]When she peeled off from his to whisper something into the ear of a man Pharazon did not recognise, Pharazon once again fixed her with an appraising eye and state of mind. This one likes to involve herself in the business of others quite frequently it seems... [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pharazon thought as he cocked an eyebrow at her when she returned to his side. He did not say a word to her on the matter, however, and merely walked back toward the orchestra area and toward her other companion and the man who had been with her previously.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“You must speak with Captain Lunor should you have the chance tonight or in the future, I believe you would quite like her, she is a most capable and diligent officer” Pharazon spoke to Ara as they crossed the hall. ( [member="FN-888"] )[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I would also be curious to know more of your friend, the Lady Voldaren, she seems… a bit unsettled, I do hope I am not the sole cause of it, I would hate to think I upset her with my little comment earlier” he said, tone interested and curious as well as apparently slightly concerned. He still desired to know as much as he could about these two and was not done with weaving his words or tone yet.[/SIZE]

"Are the two of you quite close? You seemed as much as you made your way over to me earlier, even though you appear to be the more... adventurous" Pharazon asked and stated, pleasantly curious, noting their behaviour and demeanour towards each other earlier. He was hopeful Ara may give him some free and easy information so he asked as if just curious about her friend given their growing association. However, he knew she was clever herself and did not want to seem as if he was overly prying for someone the pair had just met.

[SIZE=11pt]As they grew closer to both Joan and before her Kaalia, Pharazon wondered what else this evening had in store for him.[/SIZE]

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Mishel lets loose a smile, a smile that is lined with the venom known to the Kerrigan clan. Deception. She looked down toward the counter of the bar, and then drew her attention back to this Connor. Truly he was an outsider, and as she surveyed her surroundings she picked up on the unique force signature of those around her, Connor's as well.

"Seiger Ren is my father, and the father of all children in our Imperial society," Mishel's fairly direct, she's not here for points. "One cannot just put in a good word, you must show that you are dedicated to our family. You say you were with the light, such trivial binary scales." Her voice reeks of a Tygaran accent twisted into Avalonian. "We care not for light, or dark. We obey father's will and carry out his orders to the letter. If you are to serve us, then you serve him and you further the goals of our land."

"Know this, Connor." Her voice continues to hold its firm grasp on the words she speaks. "To learn our ways, you must first unlearn yours. Then, and only then can you truly serve my father." Getting down from the bar the young Kerrigan. "Have a pleasant evening." She softly adds before heading toward Sister Sam.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Late as always, Fleet Admiral Fiolette Yvarro arrived with her daughter Cadet 1st Year Lucy Yvarro. The two women were dressed in their uniforms, opting for black Fiolette looked her daughter's uniform over one last time before giving the go ahead.

Taking a moment, Fiolette looked at her creation - the Opera House. She commissioned a Galidraani architect to not only design but to build the Opera House. Reima Fortan - the woman of whom the building is named for, was more than her sister-in-law. Reima was a dear friend, and a beautiful spirit taken much too soon in Fiolette's opinion. "Mom." Lucy called out to her mother, "c'mon I'd like to get in before they seat for dinner."

"Of course," Fio acknowledged taking her daughter's arm into hers. "Have you been here before?"

Lucy shook her head. "No, I've been meaning to though, wanted to see auntie Reima's statue."

Leading her daughter into the opera house, Fio smiled. A smile that held back emotions, of sadness, joy and a mix of feelings that one feels when they recall a lost relative. "There she is." The older blonde manages to say, as she fetches a hankerchief from her pocket.

"A pleasure to meet you auntie," Lucy greeted the statue then and read the plaque dedicated to her. "Reima Fortan, a patron of the arts, free spirit and the heart of Herevan. You are truly missed, today we dedicate this opera house to you, in your loving memory. - Fiolette Yvarro."

"I think cousin Natasi looks a bit like her," the younger Yvarro remarked.

Fio nodded with a smile, "indeed she does, indeed she does, my dear."

 

[Kay-Larr]

A what? Demons? She followed [member="The Page Master"] 's pointed finger, her breath caught in her throat as she saw the beat, or demon, whatever it was. But in a blink it was gone. Still Kay held a faraway look in her eyes as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. Why wasn't anyone running away? Surely such a beast at a ball was uncommon....

Then it was back, albeit closer. The motted fur and skinny appearance reminded her of how she looked when she was forced to see herself in a mirror after months of torture, malnutrition and sleep deprevation.

Another growl caught her attention and this time it was from the other side. Brutus. No doubt he was brutal by nature. But they were inside of her mind? That would explain why no one else seemed to see them.

Aldwin's gaze held her own while he tried to explain, but all the while, she felt as though she was losing it, going crazy.

He spun her around for the end of the dance and then she lost him in the crowd. Kay stood there for a moment, clutching the white rose in her hand before she turned and made her way quickly to the bar. Not trusting her last glass of brandy in case someone drugged it, she looked to the bartender and ordered a new one. "Brandy please. In a new bottle. And wash the glass first. No ice."

She spoke to [member="Darlyn Excron"] without looking at him. Her eyes were soley on the bartender. "I wasn't just....dancing out there by myself, now was I?"

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

While [member="Ara Ren"] and [member="Pharazon Draken"] danced, Kaalia parted ways with [member="Jaron Lesan"] with a nod as she excused herself. "I unfortunately have some matters to attend to in this moment, please excuse me." In reality she just darted around the room aimlessly after getting a drink, watching he . Seeing the two of Hapan heritage return towards her however, she came to a standstill. The redhead found comfort in Ara's presence, the only person in this room she knew. "I trust you two enjoyed the dance?" She still felt anxiety, afraid of being noticed and taken interest in. She wouldn't know how to react to such a thing, and hoped to avoid it. It had gone well so far, but the fear still built.

Taking a sip of her glass of brandy before getting back to speaking, she turned to the two. "You two seem to have enjoyed each other's company during the dance."


[member="FN-888"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Ara nodded thoughtfully as he mentioned the other Captain. "I will have to do that, thank you for the recommendation. I'm sure she appreciates your vote of confidence as well."

She smiled as they approached her friend, noting that the girl had already procured herself a new drink. She saluted the girl with the freshly filled glass of champagne before she returned her attention to the man at her side and his questions about their friendship. She chuckled kindly as [member="Pharazon Draken"] mentioned her friend’s nervousness.

”I’m afraid it’s a bit my fault to be honest. This isn’t her type of event and I convinced her to join me.” She made no mention of the prank that led to this particular avenue of revenge, but merely smiled brightly at [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] as they came within earshot.

”Kaalia is my closest friend.” She disentangled herself from the man’s arm and hugged her friend gently, passing the full glass of champagne to the younger Ren. A whispered ”Drink this, quickly.” accompanied the move.

She turned, resting a hand on her friend’s arm to keep the skittish woman from running, given her next comment. ”I hate to be the one to monopolize your time, perhaps you would honor Kaalia with a dance? I cannot think of a better dance partner for her. Besides, you did say you wished to know more about her, and she would be a better source than I.”

She pushed her friend forward with a gentle had on her lower back, the steely glint in her eyes indicating that she would not take no for an answer, from either. ”Please. Then we will leave you to enjoy the concert in peace.”

She stepped back, sipping from her glass of brandy with a self-satisfied smile.

 

[Jaya Tandris]

Jaya went to thinking, bringing her right hand to her forehead, tapping it with her index finger. A few seconds of silence were followed up with the start of an idea. "How about..." she said, "We get to the roof, find our way in from there and work our way down?" It wasn't much of a plan yet, but [member="Dax Fyre"] was the fancy Force user of the two. He'd surely be able to flesh the plan out. "Of course we need to figure out how to get to the roof in the first place, but how hard can it be? Security would never expect it, either. Foolproof if you ask me."

A final swig from the bottle of brandy emptied it, leaving Cupcake with a disappointed look. A careless toss saw it land onto the street, somehow not breaking. It rolled away from the duo as she commented on finishing the bottle. "Well, that bottle isn't going to be refilled anytime soon and I really want to know what the interior of the place looks like. Shall we?"

 

[Matsu Xiangu]

The question floated across her mind and she fought the urge for her face to fold in to a picture of exasperation. Of course. Instead she pushed the feeling towards Irani’s mind and replied: ‘First of all, don’t call me dear. It makes me think of Ovmar and that’s just strange. Secondly, you can do whatever ‘that one’ finds acceptable, and that is all.’ Though her tone implied that she was internally rolling her eyes so hard they threatened to fall out of her head she wasn’t truly mad.

She caught the lift of Irajah’s eyebrows and stifled a laugh. If Irani had caught that too however, she would never hear the end of it.

The doctor’s answer to Irani was truthful but perfectly vague, something Matsu noted immediately. Irajah was protecting her own secrets of course, but just as importantly in the Sith Lord’s eyes, she was was protecting Matsu’s. Trust, even among friends, was difficult for not only Sith but Matsu in particular. At some point she would tell Ven that Irani could be trusted with everything but good sense around a pretty face, but for now that the doctor took pains to shield Matsu’s business did not go unnoticed.

Old friends, old friends. How did she explain this overly complicated and long-standing partnership? “Very old. We met when I was just an Acolyte in fact, and now I can’t get rid of him.” She laughed at the sensation of indignation that crossed her mind from his, a joyful sound revealing a row of perfect white teeth.

“Come on, let’s get something to drink.” They cut through the crowd, unlikely trio as they were, towards the bar where it seemed all manner of beverages could be found. “I know what you’d like,” she said to Irani before turning her gaze to Irajah. “But how about you?”

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

 

[Aran Piett]

"Funny, then again as a Commanding Officer, I get a cook to cook my meals so I don't get anything from the mess hall."​

​

Aran sat at the table looking over what was being offered in the dining hall. Sitting across from his date he would occasionally look up at her and smile. He was happy to see that more made it back than he thought. Though many were lost this ball hopefully would raise enough money to help the widows, and families of the fallen and wounded.​

​

​

[member="Sara Lee Jones"]​

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Matsu Xiangu"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]

If Irani was a pouter he probably would have pouted there and then.

But instead he noticed the subtle eyebrow action between Ven and Matsu, which only made him grin just a little bit on the side. All that Xiangu would feel in reply was intense satisfaction rolled into a steady and heavy purr at the back of her mind.

If there was one thing that always pleased him it was a stroke of the ego, especially from an attractive lady and especially when she thought he didn’t notice.

"She promised to teach me her fabulous fashion style." Darell responded after a moment of delay and very light indignation. A hand gestured towards his plain black tuxedo, old fashioned vintage and dignified at the tips. "Only recently have been getting my money's worth."

They moved through the crowd and it amused him slightly how they instinctively moved aside.

He let himself rest against the bar, waiting patiently for the ladies to decide on a drink. There was no real hurry for tonight, but it seemed to finally be going rather well for him again.

 

[Sara Lee Jones]

[member="Aran Piett"]

I usually eat with my squadron helps build up a brother and sister ship strengthens the fighting capabilities of the entire squadron

She said as she looked at him, a smile grew on her face as she looked away to around her, more people from her squadron here, she simply smiled at them then looked back to [member="Aran Piett"]

so I've been hearing rumors I'm to be assigned to you

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

As the music played and the orchestra seen in full color on the holoscreens around them, Valessia gave Natasi a sincere smile. "Thank you," she said with acknowledgement toward yet another successful evening. Duke. Oh so this was indeed the man she had heard of and as he presented his hand she shook and replied. "The pleasure is all mine, your grace." Valessia watched as [member="Gunther Creed"] greeted the Duke [member="Hector Finn-Camden"]. The brunette watched with a careful eye of the ongoings around her, her attention diverted upward toward the chronometer. Time was of the essence she needed to run and ensure the opening of the dining area and get on with the ball itself, and still manage time with Colonel Creed on her own. "Perhaps we can see one another a bit later? The Colonel and I were just about to head upstairs to enjoy the orchestra from the balcony suites." Linking her arm back with Creed's she gave a small nod and bow, "if you'll excuse us, Grand Moff, Duke - a pleasure once again."

Leading Gunther away toward the stairs, Valessia only gave Natasi an encouraging wink. If anyone needed a little bit of fun this evening, it was Natasi. "I believe we can have a few minutes alone," whispered under her breath, "but quickly, I have to open up the dining area and get on with the next part of the ball." Reaching the second-floor, Valessia's long flowing gown trailed behind them both. Leaning her head against his arm the woman seemed so petite when compared to Gunther's frame. Above the orchestra, in a secluded balcony suite sat the Ambassador and the Colonel. Checking the time again, the Scion of House Brentioch threaded her small fingers with the Epicanthix's. Her thumb ran along the top of his listening as music surrounded them. "I hate to run so soon, but duty calls." Leaning up she gives the Colonel a kiss on the cheek and another on the lips before detangling herself from his arm, and heading back down toward the first floor.

​

On the first floor, she makes her way through the crowd her purple gown so easily spotted. She first approaches the dining room, opening the doors Valessia was pleased to see that all the arrangements had been completed. "I believe we have completed everything," Mr. Kyriacou began as he stood beside the doors, "menus are laid out on the table, the waitstaff have been properly briefed and all that is left, is for you to be our guest." Standing tall, the manager clapped his hands. "We shall begin dining shortly, to your stations everyone."

"If you insist," Valessia replied.

"Oh we do," he didn't try to hide the smile on his lips, "soup du jour, hot hors d'oeuvers, bantha ragout, well." Kyriacou cleared this throat, "I can assure you we are more than prepared for the finest members of our nation to dine. We live to serve."

With a curtsey, "as you say Mr. Kyriacou, I shall make the announcement shortly." Walking back out of the door marked dining, she whistled for security to bring a velvet rope to keep the lines orderly. "Check their tickets here, and get their names." Valessia instructed as a podium was brought out of the door to ensure that those who purchase dinner tickets were able to get in before everyone else. A satisfied sigh escaped her, the Ambassador turned down to get in between the crowd. Checking on raffle donations and the overall flow of currency, and when that was done she whisked herself back down the hall. All in all, those in the main hall could see the hostess running to and from ensuring everything was in order. Had it been an hour since the initial opening ceremonies? Not quite, not quite - walking into the open bar, heading straight for the main bartender, "prepare the teas, and desserts."

"Of course." He acknowledged.

Down into the ballroom, a smaller bar was off in the back. [member="Rocu"] was there and while Valessia did not recognize him nor the countless others that were there, such as [member="Ara Ren"], or [member="Connor Harrison"]. She moved to speak with someone who seemed to be in charge of the bar. Tea and desserts were said, and with that the Ambassador was gone again. The ballroom seemed to be a dream, something out of a fairytale. Valessia only hoped she'd get a chance to dance tonight, and was once again gone, with her gown flowing behind her. By this point, an hour had passed and it would be time to get on with the next part of the ball. She'd have to announce dinner and she might as well get on with the ball - all in all, it'd been about two hours since the ball had begun. Making her way back through the authorised personnel door, back down the long corridor and down again to another corridor.

Conductor Laan Kenmen slowed his music and transitioned into the all familiar imperial song.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Ambassador Valessia Brentioch once more."

Once more lights were drawn down toward the centre of the stage, and holoscreens throughout the venue broadcast the orchestra, and the Ambassador as she waited for the music. Whistling along with it, standing off to her side as the orchestra continued to play. When the decrescendo took place, Valessia stepped up to the microphone and started with the half-way mark of the ball's ceremonies. "Good evening again, ladies and gentlemen, patriots, friends and supporters of the First Order." A pause as the applause comes to an end, "as you know tonight we're here to honour the men and women who have fought and sacrificed everything to ensure the safety of our nation. Before we begin our salute to the armed forces, let us all take a moment of silence and remember those who gave their lives. To the sons and daughters who did not come home."

After the sixty-seconds of silence, the Ambassador picked right back up where she left off. "Now, ladies and gentlemen. It is my honour to introduce to you, Major Leona Eldrel of the First Imperial Medical Service." Valessia took a step back and the spotlight went to the Major, who walked in from the opposite end that Valessia had come in on. The blonde took to the microphone with ease, as she began.

"Thank you so kindly, Ambassador Brentioch and good evening, ladies and gentlemen." Her uniform was simple, a black dress uniform with her ribbons on display and the red cross marking her service. "We would like to salute all the men and women who have served in all branches of our armed services, beginning with the Planetary Defense Guard." The orchestra under the lead of Conductor Laan Kenmen began to drum up, "and as we begin our armed forces medley, I invite those of you - when your branch is called, to stand as we a humble and grateful nation, salute you." On the large holoscreen off to her side, the colors of each branch were shown.

"The First Imperial All-Surface Guard!"

"We're always ready for the call, we place our trust in thee! Through surf, storm, howling gate and tempest fare. High shall be our purpose be! Always be ready is our guide, our fame, our glory too! To fight and to save or fight and die, aye! All-Surface Guard we are for you!"

"The Starfighter Division!"

"Off we go into wild space yonder, climbin' high into the stars! 'Ere they come, zoomin' to meet our thunder, down we dive spouting our missiles from under, off with one abyss of a roar, att'em boys give'em the cannons! We live in fame or go down in flames, nothin' can stop Imperial Starfighters!"

"The First Imperial Navy!"

"Sail Navy into hyperspace, fight is our battle cry and we'll never change our course. So vicious foe steer shy, roll out the baradium - docking clamps aweigh, and sail on to victory! Docking clamps away, farewell to foreign ports, we sail at the break of day!"

"The Stormtroopers Corps!"

"From the Halls of Avalonia, to the shores of Sor Yusan, we fight our nation's battles in the air, on land and stars. First to fight for right and order, and to keep our honour clean. We are proud to claim the title of First Imperial Stormtrooper!"

"The First Imperial Army!"

"The first to fight for the right, and to build the nation's might - and the army goes rolling along. Proud of all we done, we're fighting till the war is won, and the army goes rolling along. Then it's hi! hi! Hey! The army's on its way, count off your cadence loud and strong (two! three!), for wherever we will go, you will always know that the army goes rolling along!"

Major Leona Eldrel waited as the music died down and those in the concert hall took their seats once more. "Recently, I was deployed at Kaeshana and I bore witness to the brutality of war. The carnage in which our foes left behind, and I spoke with a young woman who had lost her sister. This young woman was a member of the Navy, she and her sister both served aboard the Wrath." Leona cleared her throat, "she said to me, Major. I don't know if I'll make it, but even if you tell me that I won't. I will, she said to me, because one of us has got to do our part and show the Galactic Alliance that we are not afraid of them, or their dark allies."

"She said to me that she wanted her sister to be remembered for the beautiful woman that she was, she wanted her service to mean something, and tonight as we dance and we dine. I want you to think of the men and of the women who did not come, who much like the sisters aboard the Wrath. Have felt the cold hand of death upon their shoulders, have seen death rip from them their loved ones." Major Eldrel looked out onto the crowd, "and now I present to you, your hostess, Ambassador Brentioch, thank you and enjoy the ball."

Ambassador Valessia Brentioch walked out on the stage and pulled the Major into a hug, and the orchestra stopped momentarily as the reality of the galaxy's current political state became all too real. "Thank you," Valessia told the Major before going back to the microphone and watching as the Major walked off the stage. "And tonight, your donations. Will help those much like the young woman that Major Eldrel mentioned. In fact, we are more than halfway to our fundraising goal, if we can meet that goal then I can offer you a stretch goal. And that goal will see to the construction of a medical station in orbit of Kaeshana to treat the radiation that our men and women endured there."

"And now, ladies and gentlemen." She looked around as the music quieted down, "if you have your dining tickets already purchased, you may proceed to the dining room as it is now opened. If you do not have a dining ticket, you must purchase one at the front." Clearing her throat she looked over as Major Eldrel came back out with a different set of shoes, "and now ladies and gentlemen, may I present a unique tradition here in the First Order."

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR1-3gYXsfE[/media]​

​

Valessia and Leona put their arms around one another and were joined by a few members of the orchestra, "we like to call this Zobra." Just as they had done in the year prior, members of the First Order participated in turn until the concert hall seemed to be in sync with one another. After a good five minutes, the venue seemed to settle down. "Did we go faster than last year?" Valessia inquired of Mr. Laan Kenmen the conductor who nodded, "oh we did, okay - great, alright now that I've gotten my exercise for the evening. I want to remind everyone that raffle tickets are still on sale, and we are offering trips to Cloud City, Aridente, and Sor Yusan. Along with speeders, and a lot of smaller prizes so please, if you haven't entered already feel free to do so, and now." She smiled, "I return you all to Mr. Laan Kenmen and the First Imperial Philharmonic Orchestra.

"Thank you so much Ambassador, and now we play for you a favorite of mine, Walzer Op. 79."

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBwNo8ew-nk[/media]​

 

[Dax Perl]

"Oh, I can get us to the roof." Dax said with a smile, remembering the crazy stunt he and [member="Leo Vandermolen"] had pulled off...twice. "C'mon follow me." the Master led the woman to a neighboring building, roughly the same height as the building within which was the ball. The Rogue called a turbolift and they both stepped inside, suddenly rocketing towards the roof. Dax sat there and twiddled his thumbs as the elevator musik played on their way up. "Sooo..." he finally said, just to break the silence. "Punch anyone really hard recently?"

[member="Jaya Tandris"]

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Sig inhaled, feeling the warmth of the smoke pass through his esophagus as he breathed in. Joined by Forgrin, the younger sergeant inquired as to the status of his new job. Forgrin was fortunate enough to have Sig's difficult to obtain trust, and as such, was privy to a secret known only to the Director of the First Order Security Bureau - Avenir was a special agent of the bureau, tasked with the investigation and prosecution of corrupt military and government officials. This was incredibly sensitive information though, with only the two parties knowing - not even the Grand Moff had clearance to access his files.

"It has it's ups and downs.", he said, obviously feigning a smile as he continued. "Friendliness is a part of the mask."

Though smiling was a rarity with Sig, he wasn't totally devoid of humor. His was just darker, sometimes more twisted than others. As he puffed the last of his cig, he heard the most thunderous yet polite applause of his life. Looking back, he flicked his cig off the side of the building and turned to walk back.

"Sounds like somethings going on.", he said. Taking a sip of his second drink, he mosied his way back on up the stairs, expecting Forgrin to keep pace. The sergeant always was a loyal companion, be it on the battlefield or at the bar. Joining a standing crowd, he recognized the voice of Ambassador Brentioch essentially toasting each service in the First Order's military. He had the common sense not to jeer, but he was salty enough to not join in the singing of any anthems or yell in support. Instead, he simply took a swig of his Corellian whiskey. By the end of all the branches, there was nothing left.

Luckily, it was time for the meal. Sig was surprised to hear they had to pay for their meals. He had no intention of paying for his own, and he was legitimately shocked that such a militaristic nation such as the First Order wouldn't foot the bill. He exhaled heavily through his nostrils, realizing this was just another example of the bureaucracy spitting on the working soldier. Of course one would have to pay for a celebration dedicated to them.

"Back to the bar. Let's let the chaos simmer down before we go to the dining area."

With that, he weaved through the crowd like a snake in the grass, ending up at the bar. Luckily, there were a few more stools open now that the drunkards realized their bellies needed filling. Tapping on the bar, the sharp bartender dropped a cube of ice in his glass and filled it three quarters full.

Leaning on the bar and bringing the glass to his lips, he asked Forgrin a question of his own.

"How go yiur endeavors? What do they even have you doing nowadays?"

[member="Kad Forgrin"]​

 

[Kuzo]

As they trailed behind [member="Darell Irani"] for a heartbeat toward the bar, Irajah leaned over, whispering softly, her lips almost against [member="Matsu Xiangu"]'s ear.

"There are far worse things than being unable to get rid of that one," she murmured with a playful smirk.

As they moved through the crowd, Irajah caught sight of someone she never would have expected to see here at all. [member="Darth Prazutis"] stood, his head bent over [member="Braith Achlys"], murmuring something to the unfamiliar woman on his arm.

Oh thank the maw.

The level of relief that flooded through her when she saw that was a little surprising in its intensity. Ever since... whatever it was they were.... had started, there had been a growing concern that this was far too serious. That his intentions were.... more than hers were. It was hard to not be concerned about it. How to tell the difference between gestures considered nothing to someone like that, and something that meant far more emotional weight than she was quite frankly interested in dealing with right now.

If he looked toward her, if their eyes met, he'd be greeted with a wide grin and a double thumbs up before she disappeared into the crowd at the bar with Matsu and Darell.

Sliding up to the bar, she leaned against it, hazel eyes casting over everything for a moment before:

"Something sweet and delightfully tacky, preferable with an umbrella in it," she declared.

The bartender grinned at her. Leaning in, he whispered conspiratorially.

"Something to just be social, or something that'll actually knock you on your ass?"

Her eyes sparkled.

"Oh, most definitely the later."

"Coming right up Miss. And for you Lady? Sir?"