First Order: A Rose In Her Hand

[Progflaw99]

As Rolf sipped lightly on the glass of scotch in his hand, he noticed he was one of the few infantry types in attendance. He guessed he should have figured, he'd known many a grunt who'd rather spend a month in the field rather than be forced to clean up and get in dress uniform. He didn't mind though, besides, he had his eyes set on something much higher than the trenches he was so accustomed to. This was a great break from that. The uniform he wore was fairly constricting but dang if he didn't sport a striking figure. He smirked. He'd gotten some face time in the public eye during Avalonia's games, huttball specifically. That entire debacle had been... he searched for the word. Interesting was probably the best way to put it, but with the help of his teammates he was in a great position to score, and he had. First goal of the game too. It had been... interesting, but not quite as interesting as this..

His eyes tracked over towards the entrance as a small cadre of fighter jockeys entered. They were all fairly small, as was usual for fighter pilots, the cramped cockpits not ideal for men of muscle and brawn. He examined their uniforms briefly, glancing down at his own. Silently he noted that he was fortunate not to have to wear those uniforms. He much preferred the crisp and form fitting dress uniform over the ballroom style uniforms of the fighter corps. They might give each other crap outside of combat, but Rolf very much gave pilots credit where it was due, on more than on occasion he'd had to rely on air support to accomplish their objective, even getting them out of tight spots at times. It looked like most everyone had a date, not surprising for a ball filled with officers and key political figures, he was closer to the bachelor type. Outside of work, his social life consisted of solo hobbies and rarely included adventures involving people other than himself or his squadmates, tonight was an exception.

As he looked back over the people in attendance, he recognized a few people mingling through the crowd from either news releases or bulletins, their images the faces of the First Order. It was almost strange to see them in person, whoever the editors were should be applauded, if he had thought they looked larger than life before it was doubly so now. Tilting his head back and raising the glass to his lips, he finished the last bit of scotch. He savored the taste, excellent as always. That would do for now, he'd had enough to wet his whistle and wasn't particularly fond on the idea of being overindulgent at such a high profile event such as this ball. Casually, he moved from his spot near the wall, setting his glass on a waiter's tray as he passed. While wandering he'd seen a few other milling near the edges of the room almost as if they were uncomfortable in such a social setting, not sure whether to plunge into the fray or stay on the fringe. Setting his eyes on a particularly lost looking young woman, he slowly made his way across the room, weaving up and down in a roundabout fashion so as to avoid detection and blend with the crowd, as far as anyone else seemed concerned he was just another uniform, a dashingly handsome uniform.

Arcing around the room, he pulled up next to the woman, she was in a pilot's dress uniform, obviously part of the fighter squadrons. He looked her first up, and then down. He might have been a gentleman, but he was also a human, and a grunt. Despite his baser instincts, he made a slight noise with his foot on the floor so that his presence wouldn't startle her unduly. He gave the woman a smile before speaking.

"How are you liking the ball? Pretty extravagant yeah?" He motioned towards the open hall, many people flitting about, forming social circles. "I noticed your uniform, you're with the fighter squadrons? Your pals just arrived, how come you're not with them, I know you flight types like to travel in packs."

He hoped she wouldn't get offended at the slight jest. It was friendly, not meant to be a dig, at least not really. He stood, casually watching people as they wandered.

[member="Sara Lee Jones"] | First Order​

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

He wasn't the greatest of fans when it came to public gatherings such as these ones.

In truth Darell preferred more low-key events and parties with the closest of his associates. It felt more... real, less pressing to act a certain role in front of others he did not know on a first-name basis, there were fewer expectations -- but on the other hand the challenge was something that his other side enjoyed to a certain degree, so perhaps it wasn't all bad.

"If you wish, my dear." Irani quietly responded while patting her hand softly. Before they could move towards the bar, they were intercepted by the rather elegant appearances of a pair of ladies, [member="Valessia Brentioch"] and [member="Sumiko Tanaka"], neither of them known to him, but that was to be expected - if the man would have had to make a study of all of Natasi's new associates... he'd probably be going for the next century at the least.

"The pleasure is all mine," The polite reply came with an inclination of the head, a sign of acceptance. They disengaged just as swiftly as they had arrived, clearly the duties of being the hostess demanding a lot of commitment from Valessia.

"Champagne, you said?"

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Sioux greeted Pierce like an old friend, which of course he was. She had spent enough time among Natasi Fortan's inner circle to know Pierce relatively well. She returned the kisses to his cheeks and shook hands with his lady friend -- whose name she would not bother to remember, since they would likely not meet again -- before studying his appearance. "I'd say he's all right," Sioux answered [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]. "But I don't have my handbook of SFC regulations handy. Or at all, because I couldn't fly a TIE fighter if my life depended on it."

She half-turned, spotting [member="Ludolf Vaas"] and [member="Marzena Choi"] making their entrance, then leaned over and murmured to von Brinkerhoff: "I, uh, need a drink. Back in a few." Without further ado, she lifted the hem of her skirt and hurried across the hall, taking the steps down to the ballroom quickly. Natas Fortan and [member="Darell Irani"] were near the entrance, surveying the room. She strolled past Natasi and muttered, "They're coming," as she passed the pair on the way to the bar. Sioux ordered herself a Boulevardier and a glass of ice water, then grabbed several hors d'ouvres from a passing caterer on her way back up to the lobby, the entire process taking less than three minutes. She passed the water over to Roderik before holding out the napkin with the pickety bits on them.

"Looks like crab-stuffed mushrooms," she said, passing the napkin around to the others. "Only thing I passed on my way up, but I thought it'd be better than nothing while we wait for the others."

 

[Sara Lee Jones]

Despite [member="Rolf Amsel"] wanting to weave and sneak up she managed to see him for a little bit, not many could escape a pilots eye given you needed good sight to be able to fly expertly...though now she had a general idea where he was heading...he looked handsome from afar...definitely the type she'd go for the nice crisp uniformed men of the ground forces....at least that is what she could see

Now where did he go, the sound behind her gave a clue that and feeling the eyes on her she gave a smile as she turned to him and looked up...she was pretty short for her age but seems it didn't stop her"

Hmmm not so much used to these party's but it is quite amazing"hmmm not officialy with them yet paperwork is having to be processed and such now shouldn't you a grunt be out there in that crowd? Or am I your objective?"she looked sharp spoke sharp yet still had that attitude of someone who was pretty positive and quirky"names Sara Lee Jones pleasure to meet you who might you bever? I sued can't call you handsome man can I? "She said poking back with a kind smile

 

[Natasi Fortan]

The greeting she gave [member="Valessia Brentioch"] was cordial, almost warm. "Everything looks beautiful, Valessia. Well done," she said, before shaking hands with [member="Sumiko Tanaka"]. "Delighted to make your acquaintance." She smiled as they wandered off, Valessia to return to her hostessing duties, Natasi supposed. It was nice not to be the one running an event. She could relax and enjoy it -- well, as much as Natasi relaxed and enjoyed anything -- instead of worry about what was going wrong in the kitchens, or whether the bar had run out of someone's favorite libation.

Natasi's head turned as she heard Sioux's murmured warning, but the woman hurried past, clearly on a mission. Natasi cut her eyes to the side, mildly irritated, but there was nothing to be done, or said. She simply wrapped her hand around Irani's forearm, tucking her gloved fingers into his elbow as they strolled over to the bar. A few moments later they each had a flute of champagne. They moved away, Natasi guiding them to a quiet alcove near a window, where she turned to face [member="Darell Irani"]. She clinked her champagne glass against his lightly.

"To you, Darell. Thank you for coming with me. It's so lovely to see you after I've been away for so much time." She took a sip of her champagne and wrinkled her nose. "Hmph. Virgillian. I understand patriotism but would it kill them to spring for Daruvvian?"

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

"You'd be surprised how splendid reading some of those regulations can be." Roderik responded, his tone an indecipherable mixture of sarcasm and truth. He could deploy a formidable poker face, on occasion.

"Of course." Was his response as [member="Sioux Chambers"] leaned in to whisper, his head shifting as his eyes tracked her departure, before his attention turned back to his compatriot [member="Pierce Fortan III"] and his date for the occasion. "So you pass the Sioux test, good on you." His smile had transformed into an ever-present half grin - further distorting his prized mustache.

"We'll see how your fashion smarts rub off on your little proteges." He referred to the members of the flight lead by Pierce himself. He continued to small talk with Pierce and his Duchess companion for what felt like only the briefest of moments before Sioux hurriedly approached, bearing gifts as well.

Roderik took his water with thanks and eyed the crab-stuffed hors d'ouvres, taking one before helping pass along the napkin to Pierce.

"That's considerate of you," He said to Sioux before turning to Pierce and adding teasingly, "She'd have made a great starfighter coordinator - looking after us like this, wouldn't she?"

He meant it, too. Sioux was the pinnacle of a principle private secretary, her career had been tailored in that direction by her ambitions. In another life, perhaps those ambitions would have been directed towards what Roderik perceived to be the finest, truest military force in the First Order -- although, what dedicated officer didn't secretly believe their branch was the best?

 

[Viktor DuSang]

He gave a sincere smile to [member="Lady Kay"]. "I insist you call me Viktor, Kay." He listened to her talk about the Grand Admiral's son, nodding. "Always a keen strategy. Finances were never really my strong suit. We have a whole team of accountants who work with our money."

Sipping his champagne, yellow eyes fell upon her. "These are Jacob Courtier's. They cost me 25,000 credits. Not only do they keep my feet perfectly safe, but they wrap them in obscene comfort. However, they're so very last season. So I promise no matter how many times you accidentally step on my feet, you are certainly not going to ruin my evening."

The young noble set down his glass of champagne, his eyes still fixated on his date. He gave her a coy, playful smile as he extended his hand to her. "Shall we have this dance?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

It took her a moment before she realized that the 'Jacob Courtiers' that [member="Viktor DuSang"] was talking about were indeed his shoes. She looked down at them, not being the type to know what brand was what or even what the current styles are. She just picked up whatever she thought was useful or pretty enough. But shopping wasn't something that she did often. And her closet wasn't full of clothing either. She always had just enough.

And now he was asking her to dance. Of course she was dreading this part of the evening, but it had to be done. This was a ball, afterall. Kay set down her punch and took his hand. "Alright, but don't say that I didn't warn you, Viktor." She walked with him to the dance floor and placed her other hand on his shoulder, doing her best to resist the urge to look down at her feet, and to let him lead. Hopefully the dance wasn't too complicated.

 

[Viktor DuSang]

Taking [member="Lady Kay"]'s hand, he lead her to the dance floor. "Stop worrying and try to enjoy yourself, Kay." he said, her hand moving to his shoulder as his own moved to her waist. And with a step, they merged into the crowd of dancers. "Just follow my lead."

The music was swing. So the dancing was mostly well timed steps and grand arm gestures. Viktor kept the timing, moving to the rhythm of the beat. He gave her a twirl, his fingertips dancing along her abdomen. "So what do you like to do for fun?"

Bringing her back in front of him, his fingers danced down her side before once more resting upon her hip. "And I don't mean the diplomatic answer of a President. But from the real woman. The real you." Yellow eyes gave a passing glance over the dance floor before returning to his date. His head began to nod to the beat of the music.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"Thank you for coming your Lordship," Valessia said in greeting to an Earl who had come with his wife, they lived in Talbot County just outside of Avalonia. "And thank you, for your generous donations," she said to another socialite who had been a retired Colonel, he resided in Branson County outside of Prosperia. She looked to Sumiko and smiled, managing to slip away back into the Atrisian's arms, "sometimes I wonder if these nobles know which fork to use." She said somewhat deprecatingly, she gave the former Inquisitor a kiss to the cheek, "now about those barkeeps..."[/FONT]

They walked toward the open bar across from the ballroom's entrance, "how are things going?"

"They're going well, m'lady, although we had one cat who thought himself clever to get free booze. He'll be a bit disappointed in his next paycheck," the barkeep says with a smile, "and a few waiters have reported some folk getting handsy with the wine, again, they'll notice something different with the next invoice."

"Good, we must not let them get free anything if they are not members of the military, this night is for our troops," she says with conviction, "do you need anything?"

He looks around makes sure no one's looking and asks, "I heard you got that Anna Yun girl to play at the concert, is there anyway some of us staff could get in?"

"Mhmmm, if you're a good lad I'll consider allowing you and yours work security, alright?" She says to him and he nods graciously before turning to tend to a new guest. Valessia slinks away with Sumiko in tow, "sorry you couldn't scare this one, maybe the next one?" She offers and looks around at the ball seeing an odd face, or one she didn't recognize at least, a woman with - was that DuSang's boy? She wondered, but did nothing more than that oh and there was a woman she did recognize. "Oh that's [member="Sioux Chambers"], the Moff's little secretary, but don't tell her I said that." She whispered and looked over her shoulder seeing more people arrive, "Sumiko."

She says almost abruptly, "tonight, after the festivities, would you meet with me?"

Valessia doesn't have a lot in the way of mentalism but what she can do, she does with effort. She takes hold of Sumiko's hand's and projects the image of her hotel room number. "I've added you to my list of private visitors, just go to the front and get a card, I'd like to talk with you." She concentrates for a moment looking into Sumiko's eyes and projecting a very intimate moment between the two of them, a memory they were both quite fond of.

"There you are, m'lady, are you ready for your speech?" An intern, Natasani Yvarro, says, "beg your pardon, it's a crow-"

Valessia turns to the young girl, and puts her finger to the girl's lips. "Stop, take a breath, shoulders, posture, and composure."

"The orchestra's leader is ready for you when you are, I believe it is time to give the opening speech." Natasani says and clears her throat, "and I apologize for intruding on your moment, m'lady."

"It's quite alright, next time, you should begin with, excuse me, I know your mother must have taught you better than that," Valessia chides and looks to Sumiko with a look, "later, I promise."

---

---

---

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNv5sPu0C1E[/media]​

The music slowed down coming to a full stop allowing for people to take a moment to gather their thoughts. Lights were drawn down, and the ballroom's spotlights were directed to a stage where members of the First Imperial Orchestra were assembled. From behind the thick crimson curtain emerged tonight's hostess. She came to a black podium where draped on the front was the First Order's banner and behind her two large banners of similar making were let down. As the music died down, Valessia began her speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, members of ministry, moffs, and Grand Moff." A smile tugged at her lips as the light was spotted on each member, and of course on one [member="Natasi Fortan"]. "Thank you all so much for attending tonight's Military Ball, where we give our own salute to the men and women who give their all to protect our lives, our hopes, our dreams and our freedom," she pauses for the applause, "we are here to celebrate their efforts and to help those who did not make it back home, to those gave their all to His Lordship, our Supreme Leader."

"Let us all take a moment to recite our pledge to His Glory and to the Order."

We pledge to thee, Leader Supreme.​

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.​

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.​

"Thank you," she says while taking a moment for those in attendance to get comfortable once more, "tonight your contributions, will help us build better memorials, honoring those who honored us with their lives." Valessia looks around the room and then continues her speech, "tonight as you dance, as you enjoy the evening with your loved ones, remember, we would not be standing here without the efforts of our military. Let us spend a moment in silence honoring those who are no longer with us."

---​

​

She expresses her thanks once the moment has concluded, "and now, I have a few announcements before I step away from the stage. The first of which is that there will be a benefit concert held in the Grantham Courtyard which is at the back of the hotel, before you reach the gardens, the benefit concert is being conducted by Seoul's newest pop star, Anna Yun, she has graciously agreed to sing for our troops after the ball." A moment to allow that to sink in, "tickets are on sale now and you may purchase them out front, members of the First Order Military will get in for free when they show their ID, those who are not members of the First Order Military will get a discount with their ID, and if you are not a member of the First Order... A, what are you waiting for, and B you will have to pay full price." A moment to breathe now, "and my next announcement is in regards to the raffle, we are giving away beautiful vacation packages which will include trips to Bespin, and Lanteeb, a new speeder, and a collection of some of the finest wines from around the First Order, along with other smaller prizes, a full list of which can be found out front near the raffle ticket booth."

"Again, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for attending, and I hope you will all enjoy the evening, thank you!"

The curtains are drawn down as the Imperial Song plays her out, and then transitions into something more respectable, such as a waltz, while the ballroom lights go up.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"] | And every one of you in this thread...

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay followed his lead, laughing a little in spite of herself whenever she stepped on his toes. She was starting to get the hang of it. And when [member="Viktor DuSang"] spoke, it allowed her to focus on something other than dancing, which in turn improved her movements and timing. Funny how he had already guessed that she'd give off some political answer. In truth she had very little time to herself, ever since she was elected. She was on call for every moment of every day. "Well....I used to ride my speederbike through the canyons by the ocean, and then explore the beach. On Bakura I would go hiking and--"

Her words were cut short as the song stopped and new music was played. The Imperial march. Kay stopped dancing and slowly lowered her hands to her sides. She looked about at everyone as the pledge was recited. It was the first time that she had ever heard it. How often was such a thing ever uttered? The First Order wasn't exactly the kind of government that she wished to follow. But maybe they had ceased their oppressive ways? She would have to find out.

Her gaze passed along the crowd, spotting [member="Charlotte Miraak"] . Kay recognized her during her election campaign. The woman was asking her a lot of questions. So what was she doing here?

Then came the announcements, the clapping, all of which she joined in for. Perhaps later she'd make a donation. Her eyes fell on Viktor again. "What is it that you do when you aren't safeguarding others?"

 

[Asharad Graush]

High Colonel A'sharad Graush arrived late and all that. Late enough so that when he entered the establishment, he could hear the faint sound of the First Order pledge to the Supreme Leader. It was tragically amusing to see the resemblances between the early One Sith's reverance of the Dark Lord of the One Sith, and the similarities the First Order held for the Supreme Leader. Brushing back his officer's dress uniform, he descended the steps into the ballroom and snatched a wine glass from one of the passing servant's trays.

If there was one thing he had learned while being amongst Imperials, it was to better mask his emotions on his face. Mainly to mask the always boiling rage within, and to project a polite smile to the outside world. Inwardly, this was all a grand waste of time. Donations to the First, a dance, the Sith Hybrid deemed it beneath him, but he showed nonetheless. Obviously he didn't enjoy it, but it wasn't for the enjoyment, it was for the Order to see him, even if he didn't overtly project himself around the room, all he'd have to do was mingle enough so that it'd be impossible for any to deny his being there.

There was a tipping of his glass to his lips as he maneuvered through the groups and social circles, giving his greetings to familiar faces, but the cold High Colonel soon found himself by the same bar that [member="Rolf Amsel"] and [member="Sara Lee Jones"] were conversing at. Setting his glass down with a sound that appeared to be overlapped by the surrounding sounds of the rest of the Ballroom, A'sharad gave a nod to the man that served within his Regiment.

"Enjoying yourself, Sergeant?" A smile cast out to him, almost friendly. He'd been practicing that one. A lot. Still some flaws, plenty of them. For one, the smile still appeared as if it did not belong on such a face as his. Great similarities to a predatory appearance.

 

[Darth Caecus]

It was fortunate that this event was nothing like ones she had been to in the past. It was easier, and Zee looked around with genuine interest as she and [member="Cait Falcor"] moved through the crowd. The opulence had the potential to be intimidating, but she was long familiar with keeping an expression of polite detachment on her face. It wasn't even something she thought about, simply the expression she slipped in to for large, social gatherings without conscious effort.

She threaded her way through the gathering, Cait at her heels, with a far more obvious excitement on her face. A smile ghosted across Zee's lips, glad her friend was enjoying the spectacle. The crowd made her slightly uncomfortable, but it was an easy enough feeling to set aside- not ignore, never ignore that middle of the shoulders itching she got when there were people all around her. It was a lie, that old habits die hard. They never really die at all.

The pair stopped as the lights went down, an expectant hush rippling through the crowd. Zee had, against all inclination, not dug in to the First Order- it had been a difficult shift and she'd busied herself in other ways for the week leading up to this event. As former Imperial ISB and Black Ops, *not* studying where she was going to be and who would be there was anathema to the original Xyra Sizhran. But the cloned Zee was trying, very very hard, to see if there was another way. Some other person she could be.

​She had her doubts, and those doubts intensified and redoubled as the words of [member="Valessia Brentioch"] came rolling over her. Though the unknown woman was speaking to the crowd at large, every word struck right in to the core of the sandy haired clone. In the dark, she actually had to close her eyes, her heart beating rapidly, a roiling of conflicted emotions in her gut.

We pledge to thee, Leader Supreme.​

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.​

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.​

​

There was a flicker of something- pain, betrayal, longing as the lights went up and Zee opened her eyes. She carefully blanked her face, but it was harder than she would have liked and she was certain Cait had caught some hint of it.

"I'm going to need a drink or ten to get through tonight," she said, glancing at her friend and then away quickly. "Drinks on me. Come on."

Zee used the press toward the bar as a moment to get her thoughts and feelings under control.

This is not my empire, she told herself, This is not my empire. They can call themselves whatever they like, but it's not my empire.

Anger flared up, because, for a moment, she had forgotten. Forgotten that she was not Xyra Sizhran. It was too easy. The conditioning of the clones had been as replacements should the original fall- so that the Empire need never be without her. They knew they were clones- it was better that way, it saved some of the inevitable crisis of self that came with hard discovery of that fact at a later time. But the conditioning prepared them to *become* her as needed, without hitch or flaw.

It was not Zee's empire. She blasted the thought over the ennui that bubbled up in her for a life she had never lived. It was Xyra's Empire, 500 years dead, never hers. She was not that woman- not that monster.

This is not her empire, damn her eyes, it has no power over me, Zee thought furiously. So why did it ache so much of loss?

Beneath it all, some part of her knew that she couldn't change. But she refused to acknowledge it, even in her own thoughts. Beneath the cadence of the repeated it has no power over me was a longing for a time she had never directly experienced, no matter how clear the memories might seem. The divide between who she was cloned to be and who she thought she was trying to be was a very narrow and precarious one.

One that was about to be tested again swiftly on the heels of it's first reeling blow.

They reached the bar, Zee sliding up next to a dark haired man who had his back to her as he chatted with another.

"Whatever top shelf scotch you have," she stood on tip toe to tell the bartender over the sound of the renewed music (catchy, she liked the music of the future). "Two, neat. Wait, Cait, is neat okay? You can order next, whatever you want for us after this, so long as it doesn't have umbrellas. If it has umbrellas, you can pay for it. Okay, one neat, one on the rocks."

The bartender nodded as Zee slid him a cred stick to cover the drinks. She kept her attention unerringly on him, purposefully avoiding looking around for the moment as she tried to center herself. She breathed in deeply, once, twice, then plastered an unfortunately fake smile on her face as she accepted the drink.

"Neat for you, Miss, and on the rocks for your lovely date."

Zee had been about to take a sip of her scotch when he said that. Fortunately, the liquid hadn't made it to her lips yet or she might have choked.

"No. No. Um. No. Just friends."

The bartender gave her a look, then shrugged, going back to his work. She turned around, handing Cait's drink to her.

"Cait, that guy thought we were-"

The words died on her lips as she locked eyes with the dark haired man beside her. He'd been facing away before and she hadn't paid him much mind. But looking him full in the face, the resemblance was striking. Uncanny. Her heart stopped in her chest because, impossible as it might seem, she knew that tawny gaze. Her own hazel eyes blinked, as she stood face to face with the doppelgänger of [member="Avicus DuSang"].

Xyra Sizhran's Emperor.

 

[Serah Oricion]

Serah watched the collection of musicians with most of her attention, more focused on studying their movements and the sounds made while her right-hand mimics the movements as best it could. The process wasn't hard for her, she had always found the mimicking of movements like those to be rather easy but at the same time, she knew she should be enjoying herself a bit more with the ball she had gotten dressed up for. Luckily it wasn't too hard to appear to be involved, in fact she held her hands on her chest most of the time where she could hide her right hand under her left arm and continue to mimic the motions.

She was an odd sort, after all, smiling politely and listening to the others who she talked to drone on about different things, including a particularly well-dressed pilot who found himself as something of an Ace. The problem was when he had spoken of his piloting skills and how he had shot down a few enemy fighters recently, she had inquired about the fighter he used. All he could tell her was the name though and as soon as he could say nothing more her interest was gone. He was just another pilot who flew without knowing anything about the machine they controlled. After all, for some of these men they assumed that the ground crews would always be on hand.

They annoyed her, those types.

So she moved on, continued to talk to people who could not hold her attention and continued to find herself drawn back to the music. One had even offered her a dance but she wasn't interested in being out on the floor. She, of course, gave the excuse that she had been waiting to talk with another but the result was the same.

Her eyes only refocused when the issue of a pledge was brought up, and in a voice that fell under the choir of others she repeated the words. Those words were something she had made sure to commit to memory months ago, when she had still been training herself to follow this group. She was not bred like some to be a servant, nor was she someone who had anything to gain outt of being here. What she was here for was the chance to find some form of ordered universe that she could bring her family too, knowing that it would be a bit hard for her mother considering the issue of her own blood but she was sure that would be something she could work through later.

Here eyes narrowed as she looked down at a datapad she had been carrying in a small bag, reading from it with a bit of trouble considering she didn't have her glasses. It had only been thirty minutes and she had already found nothing of excitemnet to draw her in. Maybe this had been a bad idea and she should simply go...

No she had come and she would stay. But for now she would need a drink, her body moving to try and find a server.

 

[Coffeeccubus]

Even if Charlotte asked [member="Lady Kay"] loads of questions, namely personal ones too, she couldn't let her guard down. But either or. IT was a party. Commotion shouldn't of been caused here. She sat down on a seat and glanced at the others talking, sipping her wine. She was a very quiet person, whom usually observed other people. She was not a fan of the talking types, for if she slipped too much about her trading company, well... who knows what might happen. She actually thought about what she should actually say to someone. She tapped her glass softly as she looked at it, swirling her wine. She meditated on an exact spot for a bit and drank it again. She fixed her hat a bit and her hair as she just thought about if anyone here had some goods to trade. After all, she is sure she could find some smuggler for hire so she can get some items to sell off the black markets of Virgilia for a good price.

But another thought occured to her. Charlotte also had to relearn her skills that she lost after that incident that happened to her. She forgotten many of those skills, and she had to find someone who is willing to actually teach her the ways once more so she can return back to full strength. She then glanced over at what was going on [member="Valessia Brentioch"], a noteable chappette that then mentioned to recite the pledge. Charlotte closed her eyes as she got up and repeated after everyone.

We pledge to thee, Leader Supreme.
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.
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.

Hearing that there were tickets for sale, and mentioned something about the military getting it for free, Charlotte started to question herself if she was even in the military. She did participated in the Battle of Thaawak after all with a military grade TIE Fighter. Either way, she was not really interested. She heard that there was also going to be some sort of Pop Star. Disgusting. She hated the planet of Seoul. One of the worst planets she had ever been to. She did not like any Seoularians nor wanted to hear any of their pathetic songs. She felt disgusted that she will sing for the troops after the ball. Something she was not interested. Hmph. But remaining with her calm looking demeanor, she continued to walk for a bit, not really interested in talking to anyone at a first minute approach. She had a very disappointed look on her face, namely from when Seoul was mentioned. Never again... she thought. Damn Seoularians...

Charlotte had a bad experience with Seoularians when she was conducting business on their planet. She usually doesn't like to speak about it, but whatever it was, it was defiantly a deal gone wrong type of situation. Perhaps it was some sort of slippery shady Seoularians? Who knows. She just has a grudge against them now.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

It was with some amusement made apparent that Irani saw Sioux bustle over, whisper a word of warning -- he noted their sudden attention towards that other portion of the room, the portion where Vaas and Choi were just arriving -- and then leaving in quite the hurry yet again.

"You know," Irani whispered while leaning in during their walk towards the bar. "I wonder if I should be jealous at the reaction he still garners from you, my love."

There was only humor mixed in his tone.

They both knew that Darell was many things, but jealousy was not a trait he possessed. Didn't even understand it, really, but that was a story for another day.

A wander and walk next, the glasses were ticking and the amber-y transparent liquid was flowing. He didn't frown nor sigh in disappointment, simply another sip was taken while mulling over her words.

"You were missed, Natasi. It's not quite every day a woman can challenge me to stay at the top of my game."

Even the champagne tasted better when he had her to enjoy it with.

 

[Progflaw99]

Rolf casually looked to the woman as she replied to his inquiry. He nodded in agreement.These social gatherings weren't his forte but he found them a nice break from the day to day grind. He smiled at the woman's quirky reply. True, he probably should be out there, dancing with officer's wives, generally being the scoundrel he was but today... he just wasn't feeling it. As for his objective?

"I wouldn't say I've got an objective exactly." He gave her a playful smirk. "So you're being re-assigned to which squadron? I've got a few buddies in the 173rd."

He casually swiped a small glass of wine from a passing tray, raising the thin glass to his lips. He frowned. It was't the worst, though truth be told he wasn't much for wine. He lowered the glass, regaining his composure.

"Oh, right. I apologize for my lack of manners. Sergeant Rolf Amsel, at your service."

He extended his hand to the woman, his eyes passively scanning the room. Returning his hand to his side he leaned up against the wall behind him. He could get used to this, the music, the people, the atmosphere. It was actually quite relaxing despite the form fitting uniform and stiff collar. As the lights dimmed slightly and the pledge began, he set his glass on a near table, standing at the position of attention while reciting it. It was something all First Order soldiers learned in basic training and he was no exception. The words came easy to him, almost automatic. And then it ended.


The waltz picked up and a few couples made their way out to the dance floor, he was not as bold. As he went to take another sip of his wine, he was interrupted by the sudden appearance of... oh feth. It was the High Colonel. Quickly standing back straight he turned to his superior.

"High Colonel, a pleasure to see you here Sir." He nodded politely. "I am indeed, quite the evening." He said, motioning towards the extravagant decor. "The music is great, and I might add, the scenery is quite... exquisite." He smirked at that last bit.

Again he extended his hand. Something bothered him about the smile the Colonel gave him though, as if it had been painted on. It reminded him of a novel he'd read not too long ago. It was as if it almost pained him to smile, if it could be called a smile. He didn't know much about the Colonel admittedly but he something seemed just a tad off. He pushed it aside, giving the officer a nod. Officers always had a way of getting under his skin, at least as an NCO, if he were of higher rank he suspected that would lessen the oddness he felt around them.

[member=Asharad Graush"] | [member="Sara Lee Jones"] | First Order​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi looked round at [member="Darell Irani"], her eyebrows furrowing seriously. "That who still garners from me, dearheart?" she asked, making a convincing show at being bewildered. The Grand Moff knew Irani well enough by now to know that he wouldn't feel threatened by any man, whether there was a threat or not. And he might tease her, but there was no threat -- from [member="Ludolf Vaas"] or from anyone else. Ludolf was happily involved with [member="Marzena Choi"]. Natasi couldn't change it. Wouldn't change it, even if she could. There may have been a time, but it had passed months before. Any jealousy she had once felt over them had dissipated long ago. Which wasn't to say there was nothing there.

Jealousy had been replaced by disdain for the singer, and shocked disappointment for the Field Marshall. Marzena had allowed her selfish feelings destroy a promising friendship and partnership, an ingrate of the highest order. Vaas' sin was worse, more damaging to them both than he had yet realized. As true as it might have been that he thought her dead, he had set a land speed record to jump into -- well, Natasi amended hastily, these are formal settings, so a better class of phrase is required -- move on with the starlet, before Natasi's body could even be cold, if she were dead. Knowing what she knew now, if Marzena died tomorrow or if they broke up, Natasi would never be able to consider him that way. He had ceased to be the man she had known. Whether he could be rebuilt was another story. But for the moment, as long as he did his job with the integrity she had come to expect, it was Marzena Choi's choice to settle for a passable knock-off and meant nothing to Natasi herself.

Things were different with Irani. Their life together wasn't perfect -- nothing ever was -- but it was real, and it was solid. She sometimes caught herself looking at him in the same way her mother looked at her father. If that didn't say something about the status of their relationship, she didn't know what did. Natasi stepped closer, was about to lean in when [member="Valessia Brentioch"] came out for her speech. She recited the pledge with all the fervor of a zealot, stepping out of the alcove to thrust her fist into the air in a salute as she did. When it was all said and done, she turned back to Irani, smiling broadly.

"I'm sorry, are there some women who have been trying?" she asked over the rim of her champagne glass before taking a sip. And despite her playful tone and question, she wasn't jealous, either.

 

[Sara Lee Jones]

She listned to him and gave a chuckle to his reply and looked to him as she stole a glass and looked at it...she didn't drink but...why not better to live now then nothing, so she took a sip and closed her eyes shaking her head at the tsste

I'm being assigned to the 100th my skills they said were perfect for the 100th"she said and then decided hell...let's flirt"well what if I have a objective hmmm?

She looked to him with a smile as she shook his hand and smiled"shame can't call you handsome now, oh well it's a pleasure to meet you rolf

They stood for a minute...kinda awakard but she looked around the room...she had been raised kinda in the rich part kinda not...definitely hadn't been to any party's like this.

Then the lights went down and the pledge started, she immediately turned and started reciting...it was something she was taught in the schools...burned into her mind that she'd never forget

The music picked up as she turned to rolf again and went to speak but was cut off and turned to give a smile bow"high colonel sir a pleasure to.meet you
[member="Rolf Amsel"]





[member="Asharad Graush"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

One shouldn't have expected Vaas to be particularly adept at social engagements - in fact by all accounts he should have been terrible with them, based on his training. Long ago, the Sith Empire had sought to deprogram his mind of such trivialities. Yet the Field Marshal had managed in recent years to shake off the social autism that was the residual effect of his former life as a top secret machine for the Sith, and now, he could even say he enjoyed these types of events. Of course, having [member="Marzena Choi"] at his side seemed to help greatly.

"State-approved pop star," He reminded Marzena in jest as the two stepped down the stairs, his gloved hand wrapped comfortably around hers. Of course, Ludolf himself had something to do with Marzena's status as one of the First Order's musical sensations, but the entertainment culture of the First Order was still something that was tightly controlled and finely molded through state media. "I wonder if we'll be hearing any of that new... what is it called? Synthwave music tonight. I've been hearing it's going to be all the new rage with the people."

Even through state-approved media outlets, the First Order still knew how to have a good time.

Of course, there would be formal dancing first before the evening took a more relaxed turn. Once Ludolf and Marzena had finally made it down to the ballroom floor, [member="Valessia Brentioch"] began to make her speech. Field Marshal Vaas stood rigid and recited the First Order anthem dutifully, all while keeping his arm raised in the air, fist closed, in the First Order's official state salute. This done, he took a moment to peruse the room a bit; [member="Natasi Fortan"] was impossible to miss, along with her date for the evening. Things between them had come to a head recently, but Ludolf felt confident that their relationship could be salvaged after the last heart-wrenching talk they'd had, and he was prepared to make the first steps. He would approach her later. He would stay well clear of her secretary [member="Sioux Chambers"] though; Ludolf wasn't going to embroil himself in any drama tonight. Marzena had made quite sure to inform him of the little incident between the two of them.

"I think I'm going to put in for the raffle," Ludolf answered Marzena's question. His aim was simply to donate, and if he won anything, he would most likely re-donate that as well. "Then we should probably say hi to Valessia... as well as the others."

That of course included Natasi and her new beau.