First Order: A Rose In Her Hand

[Valessia Brentioch]

Sumiko and Valessia danced to this beautifully played 'walzer,' she didn't care how many people were in the ballroom with them. "I reserved a room for us tonight," she probably mentioned it earlier but it never hurt to remind someone, "the benefit concert won't need my presence, in fact, I've told Ensign Günther to monitor the concert on my behalf, so," she glided along the dance floor, "you and I can finally have our little talk."

She'd have to ensure some donations to the First Imperial Orchestra, they were absolutely splendid tonight. "How long are you on Dosuun?" The brunette inquired as the vivid gold lights of the ballroom reflect off of the dance floor. The two were simply part of the larger dance moving about with the pieces, "just, thought maybe, I could show you around?" She knew Empires and Sumiko were things that didn't always bring up - no they never brought up the best of memories, however; this - this was different. This was her Empire, or it would be once she was done with it. At least between the work she and [member="Natasi Fortan"] have been putting in, and the efforts of the Field Marshall [member="Ludolf Vaas"] and not to mention the Supreme Commander [member="Aram Kalast"].

Tonight she could relax, and for a moment not think about contracts, companies, suppliers, and which trade route goes well and which trade route did they own, etc, etc. Valessia looked into [member="Sumiko Tanaka"]'s eyes and there was a blissful sigh as they continued to dance, "and how are your minions these days?" She was curious and genuinely wanted to know more about what Sumiko did when she wasn't with Valessia. The Scion felt as if all they talked about was, well, the Scion and her activities. As they continued to dance she looked around the ballroom and was able to spy the Grand Moff herself, but did little to attract the woman's attention - instead, Valessia's attention was drawn back to her date.

 

[Quietus]

"Neither did I."

A forward reply but quiet, to be heard by only him. Fingers gently curled at the man's jaw in acceptance of his brief affections. It was the barest and most private gesture between them that he was, in fact, on the road to redeeming himself where she could hardly stand to be in his company before, let alone endure touch and proximity. Making amends was a slow affair. Lorelei did not explain herself, but good words had come from their son and only just in the nick of time.

The last she'd attended a ball it had been to Bastion - a royally savage Primeval galla on the stately and presentable arm of [member="Gerion Ardik"], that witful gentleman. She recalled this briefly as that same hand now free of [member="Avicus DuSang"]'s lips moved to instead take his arm, content enough to be lead along this evening. It was, afterall, his party. One she had come less prepared for, given the circumstances, but at the very least she'd remembered her favorite necklace.

"and I am glad to be seen," green eyes lacking in that acidic glint from before looked the man over with a fleeting glance. He was back in his comfort zone, in the place between stature and power where she had grown accustomed to seeing him. Would he do great things there with this new lease on life? Difficult to say and Lorelei had long since run out of hope.

"You look well. First Order uniform suits you."

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Ludolf inclined his head ceremoniously as [member="Valessia Brentioch"] complimented his uniform, and by extension, his new rank. "Much appreciated, Ms. Brentioch. And yes, in fact we've just come from the raffle table," Then, to [member="Sumiko Tanaka"], "And lovely to meet you as well, Ms. Tanaka."

It was probably for the best that Valessia hadn't introduced her and Sumiko as a couple, as the First Order was in many ways quite traditional. Ludolf himself was an advocate of the traditional family structure and nothing more. Though he had an idea that there seemed to be something going on between Valessia and Sumiko behind closed doors and viewed their relationship as ultimately degenerate, he would not comment on it. Everyone had skeletons in their closet, it seemed, including Ludolf, with Marzena's impending pregnancy. Such things were harmful to the social fabric only if they were outwardly promoted, and Valessia at least had the social graces to keep the spotlight off her apparent relationship with Tanaka.

"Of course. Enjoy yourself," Ludolf said as Sumiko excused herself to the dance floor, followed shortly by Valessia. At that point, he found himself alone with [member="Marzena Choi"] as the waltz began to play. Turning to her, he smiled. "Shall we?"

Vaas didn't really wait for a response, instead placed his hand on Marzena's hip, his other clasped in her own, and gently pulled her body against his. The dance was a waltz, one of the few dances that Ludolf knew well, and so he began to guide her with his steps. Ludolf had been to enough of these functions to know exactly which formal dances were basically required learning, and had outfitted himself accordingly. His bag of tricks was rather small, but he had one to pull from nonetheless.

He kept his eyes on Marzena's throughout the dance. The steps were sufficiently complex to preclude speaking during the event; instead their mingling bodies on the dance floor was but a silent affair. A smile would be offered every so often as Ludolf guided her, and simply enjoyed the feeling of his hands on her. Finally, when the dance had ended, Vaas stood still with Marzena in his arms amidst the dance floor as the lights began to dim, signaling a change of pace in the evening.

"You fill me with strange feelings," Ludolf whispered abruptly as the lights dimmed lower, shadowing his face. "Sometimes I feel like I should stay here forever, and never go back to work."

 

[Viktor DuSang]

Things didn't turn out as well as he had expected with [member="Lady Kay"]. Truth be told, he was quite positive he had successfully karked up the entire evening. It weighed heavily on his mind as he looked to [member="William Kerkov"]. The Grand Admiral asked him a strange question, and Viktor cocked an eyebrow. "My health is just fine, Grand Admiral."

Luckily, [member="Samka Derith"] had stumbled into the scene. She spoke of Anoat, and he nodded. She pulled Kay off to the side and [member="Horus"] and his entourage entered the scene. Flicking his Coruscanti clove off of the veranda, he turned to the officers. "Gentlemen." he said with a nod, straightening his jacket as he left the scene.

Sneaking back into the ballroom, he blended into the crowd. He found himself back at the bar, resting on it. The barkeep approached him as yellow eyes rested on [member="Natasi Fortan"] for just a moment. "Tequila." he said, his eyes moving back to the barkeep. The shot was poured, but Viktor motioned for the bottle to remain. Licking along his wrist, the noble sprinkled a bit of salt on the wet skin.

Licking the salt off of his skin, he downed the shot. The citrus hit his mouth, as the alcohol burned down his throat. Sighing to himself, he slumped on the bar. "Oh dear..." said his butler. "What did you do this time, my Lord?"

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi felt the prickle of something and half-turned to see [member="Viktor DuSang"] looking at her from the bar kitty-corner from her position with Irani. She had seen him speaking to [member="Lady Kay"] earlier -- it seemed he was exercising some extracurricular diplomacy of his own. He seemed to be either ignorant of where the lines were, detailing the confines within which his stated role existed, or in the alternative, he was fully cognizant of them and simply didn't care. Her jaw tightened, and as she saw Irani's attention going to some other matter, she locked eyes with DuSang and finished her champagne. "I will get a dance out of you before the night is over, dearheart," she told [member="Darell Irani"], standing on her toes to kiss his cheek before leaving him to his business affairs and strolling over to the bar.

"Dance with me," she told Viktor. It was not an invitation, or a request, but it wasn't quite an order, either. It was a statement of requirement, and she didn't appear to be interested in taking 'no, thank you', as an answer, for she immediately turned and strolled over to the ballroom floor, only turning to see that he was coming when she had reached the edge of the floor. His breeding was obvious, as was hers, when they both knew exactly what to do. She stepped into his arms, and away they went. Natasi was stoic as Viktor turned her this way and that. "Do you know how ancient I feel when I dance with someone your age?" she asked, her voice hinting at just a hint of humor that might have existed miles beneath her icy exterior. It wasn't quite a joke, exactly. She could think of four people living who had ever seen her laugh -- really laugh: Irani, cousin Pierce, Sioux Chambers, and [member="Ludolf Vaas"], though it had been ever such a long time.

"What was that kerfuffle with the President of Commenor?" she asked bluntly as they turned around the dance floor, her dark eyes boring into DuSang's yellow ones.

 

[Viktor DuSang]

"Nothing good, that's for certain. You know me, Sebastian..." Before he could shoot the second shot of liquor, [member="Natasi Fortan"] had approached him and demanded a dance. He wasn't the kind of man to refuse the Grand Moff, even if he wanted. "Of course, my Lady." he said, leading her onto the dance floor.

Olive fingers rested on her hip, his other hand entwined with her gloved fingers as he lead. It was so much more different than dancing with [member="Lady Kay"]. Nobles were taught from an early age how to properly navigate the dance floor. He couldn't help but chuckle at her quip. A cool smile rested on his lips. "Truth be told, you're one of the most graceful women I've ever danced with. Don't fret on such a trivial thing such as age. You hold more power in your fingertips than most will acquire in their whole life."

Was he speaking of her position or the assassin that she had in her position? Perhaps both. The tone was open-ended, a rather playful bit of conversation. He twirled her, his hands resting back to their default position as she posed the question. Her gaze suggested that all playfulness was gone. A cool chill ran up his spine. "Nothing I can't fix myself, my Lady."

Yellow eyes left her gaze as he leaned forward, his lips near her ear as he spoke softly, but with enough volume she could hear him above the music. "There was a slight... misinterpretation on my part. It shan't happen again, your Excellency. It will not hold any negative repercussions upon you or the First Order. I humbly beg your forgiveness..." He stood upright once more, his gaze once more meeting her piercing stare.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Very true," Natasi answered, not moving her head. She was like a statue in motion, moving only that which needed to move. It was an impressive sight to behold, the obvious discipline and control it took to perform a dance without moving her head more than was absolutely necessary. "And I'm not finished yet," she admitted, her lips curling up a little at the edges. "I'm relatively young -- not relative to you, perhaps, but in the grand scheme of things." They moved rather well together, Natasi had to admit. There was something to say about nobility; everything seemed to be easier among her own class of people.

"I would prefer you not to engage in diplomacy without adult supervision," Natasi said quietly. "That's why I employ a Ministry of State. But the truth is that the current President of Commenor is more or less irrelevant to my concerns," she said. "Commenor is important, true, for international trade. But as for who leads Commenor? I couldn't care less if there was a pill to achieve it, as long as whoever it allows First Order goods to travel through Commenor without molestation."

She turned her head a fraction of an inch to meet the gaze of [member="Viktor DuSang"]. "The problem with what you say is that you cannot guarantee that what you do will not hold negative repercussions for me or the First Order," Natasi said coolly. "How could you possibly?"

 

[Viktor DuSang]

"Your Grace, please stop fretting about your age. You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman in attendance. Dare I say on all of Dosuun. Besides, I'll have you know I am quite experienced for my age. I've been dealing with politics and leading both of my parents' houses since I was 16." She was an impressive sight to behold. Such grace and discipline.

"I know you're far from finished. I'll be right here by your side every step of the way, my Lady." She spoke of Commenor and the young noble nodded, his fingertips dancing along her waist. "As you wish, my Lady." Her word was law, after all. He was in no position to argue with her. Nor would he really want to.

"Kay is a gentle and kind woman. I'm sure a simple apology will fix the problem." His gaze once more rested on [member="Natasi Fortan"]. Cold tendrils of the force wrapped around them as they elevated off of the dance floor for just a few steps. "And more importantly, my Lady. I am your sword and shield. I will endeavor to be all things which you need me to be. If I can't make amends for the blunder I have caused...

"Then I am simply unworthy to be in your presence."

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


"Little talk, yes? Well, that sounds pleasurable," they glided across the dance floor while the elegant walzer played. Would the talk involve tasers? "I can be here for a few days. I'd love it if you showed me around." Her own Empire was ash, though she did not miss it. There was some truth to the Sith Code when they spoke about breaking chains and overcoming one's limitations.


Today she could relax, as much as someone like her was capable of that psychologically. She did not need to think of contracts, power plays, the risks of playing with dangerous Sith artefacts, dominating her minions or pursuing revenge against Archangel.


She was a bit surprised when Valessia enquired over her minions. "I have a bet going with the sword whether [member="Illyria"] and Zyanya will copulate or try to kill one another first," she remarked dryly. Neutral Evil sociopaths tended to have a morbid sense of humour. Presumably by now Valessia had made the acquaintance of Souldrinker. The name was awfully theatrical.


"They're very resourceful, but have the petty, surly mannerisms of children fighting for mummy's attention. They were useful in raids, so I gave them some acolytes to train. They'll probably be in fierce competition to match my expectations."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena watched as the two women made their way to the dance floor, her eyes following their heels as they walked away. Before she could even begin to form ideas about the two ladies, she looked up to see that [member="Ludolf Vaas"] was smiling at her. It wasn’t long before the couple had joined the other dancing forms. Their hands still clasped, she felt Ludolf’s free hand slide gently onto her hip, and let her own rest comfortably along his broad shoulder.

Dancing was easy for Marzena; the movements seemed to come naturally. After all, her career on stage called for a lively presence that could sing and dance at the same time. Her normal dances were set to fast beats, usually involved quick movements and far more hip shaking, but her experience still translated quite well. She stood tall, with all of the poise of a trained dancer, and a fluidity that kept her from ever looking stiff or ridged. Marzena moved with an amount of grace that almost made it appear like she was simply gliding across the floor.

She let Ludolf guide her about, pleasantly surprised and impressed by his dancing skill. Her dark eyes looked up into his blue orbs, and she remained silent, not wanting to break his concentration. And each time a smile appeared on his otherwise stony face, she returned it immediately, for she was truly enjoying herself. As the music slowly died away, Marzena lingered in the Field Marshal’s arms.

The lights dimmed, and she heard Ludolf’s whispered words next to her ear. She leaned close, so that he would likely catch the scent of her rosy perfume that had been dabbed on the side of her neck.

“You shouldn’t tempt me, Ludolf,” She said in a quiet and playful tone, “Or else I will steal you away on holiday again.” Marzena laughed softly, pulling back slightly, so that she could see his handsome face. Of course, there was part of her that would delight in him leaving the dangers of his career behind... but it was an impossible thought – the First Order without Ludolf Vaas.

“Maybe we should go back to Skye.”

She couldn’t stop the grin that formed on her red lips. Marzena took the Field Marshal’s arm, and she glanced around as they made their way from the dance floor.

“Should we continue making the rounds?”

 

[Sentiri]

Irritation and embarrassment. These were the emotions swirling around Sentiri's mind as she approached the Rosamund Hotel. A speeder courtesy of the First Order Security Bureau slowly glided in front of the building and let her off outside. Patrons, guests, and officials from all over First Order space and beyond trickled in, around and out of the grand, vaulted entrance. The door of the enclosed speeder opened and she let out a breath as she rose from her seat and moved away from the craft. A draft wafted towards her as the vehicle's repulsorlifts pulled it as slowly away from the promenade as it had entered. She smoothed her dress for a moment and found her irritation increase slightly at whatever subconscious impulse had triggered her to do so.

Then Sentiri looked up... to see stair after stair rising to the doors of the Hotel stretched out above. The irritation and embarrassment remained, though those feelings were shuttered aside for something more akin to distress. Her feet twitched nervously in her heels and she recalled the exact reason why her mood was less than cool.

The Chiss woman was still getting used to the feeling of walking in heels. She would never admit it, but the frustration from being unable to do so fluidly had actually caused her to practice while alone in her apartment. Albeit, when the time came for the military ball, Sentiri was really only adept at walking in the raised footwear while moving across a flat surface. This was less than convenient considering Sentiri lived in a highrise in Avalonia with plenty of stairs to manage. One of her subordinates had been tasked with transporting the Deputy Director to Prosperia in time for the social event and she had attempted to avoid as many stairs as possible when leaving her apartment and meeting the speeder. She managed well, except for the walkway that led to one of the landing pads.

The Chiss woman was unsure how much high heels cost to repair, but she imagined that [member="Marzena Choi"], her would-be fashion coach, would simply suggest buying a new pair. After a disgraceful tumble in front of her subordinate, a shower, a change of clothes, throwing out her broken shoes and matching a new pair to the new outfit, she was finally ready to attempt descending stairs once more. Fortunately the tumble had awarded additional practice. Unfortunately the additional time needed meant she would be considerably late. The entire trip had been made in an uncomfortable silence and the slicer was well aware that her inability to walk in heels would spread in short order through the Media Department. Though lucky enough that they were less likely to talk with anyone outside of their department.

All of that effort, and it still confounded her why anyone would care enough to go through so much effort.

Looking back up at the stairs, Sentiri sighed audibly. To an onlooker, her face would remain unchanged. But inside, the Chiss woman forced her attitude to cool. Never had the colloquialism "one foot after the other" been so appropriate. So she started. By the fifth she was feeling more comfortable with her balance. By the thirteenth she felt her leg muscles tighten. By the twenty-first she had figured out how to position her bodyweight. By the twenty-fifth she had arrived and felt comfortable enough to be satisfied that she had learned something, however impractical that particular skill was.

Sentiri walked through the doors, left a credchip with a predefined amount for a donation with the greeting staff and made her way inside the ballroom. Her irritation and embarrassment were gone now, replaced entirely by stoic evenness. It was unbecoming for a Chiss to lose their nerve, certainly over something so trivial as attire.

Time to be social, she thought as Sentiri made her way inside. Her eyes scanned the crowd and saw many faces she recognized from datafiles. Though few were those who were people she had interacted with previously. She casually strode about the room. Finally, she caught a glimpse of someone she had conversed with previously: none other than her fashion coach, hand-in-hand with Field Marshall [member="Ludolf Vaas"]. Sentiri found herself subconsciously smoothing her dress once more.

Approaching the couple directly, Sentiri offered a bow to each. "Miss Choi. A pleasure to see you again. Is my attire to your approval?" Her blunt frame of mind was quite on display. Turning to Ludolf, "And I don't believe we have had the opportunity, Field Marshall. I am Deputy Director Sentiri of the Security Bureau's Intelligence division."

***​

Spoiler

Sentiri's attire for the evening:

 

[Asharad Graush]

The High Colonel offered a short nod in the direction of [member="Rolf Amsel"] when he made his excuses to depart. The reasoning wasn't lost on him. One only needed eyes to have spotted [member="Greta Kohler"] waving to his subordinate, but all the same, the man went off. The slight would be remembered. All the same, the Sith Hybrid gave off a knowing smile as he disappeared off into the crowds and left him alone with [member="Sara Lee Jones"]. He almost twitched when she... Flirted with him?

"Doubtful. I lack in the entertainment department, girl." He didn't care enough to remember her name. He cleared his throat as he swiped another glass of wine from one of the passing waiters and held it delicately in his hand as he regarded her, his visage appearing to be tired of the entire situation within the space of only a few moments.

"Just out of the Academy," he said feigning as much curiosity as he could, though it still came out dry, even with the cup of wine snaking a path over his tongue and down his throat. There was a flicker of amusement in his face when she noted the look in his eyes, but that sort of reaction was normal amongst lesser folk, yet it still... Entertained him to some degree.

"So you're a child."

Not that he was much older than her. She acted like a preteen, all that stuttering and fluttering of the eyes. Or was it a wink? It didn't really matter, he couldn't see the reasoning as to why she was doing such things.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8_4CFBwZW4[/media]​

​

The ball continued, the First Imperial Orchestra played the next song. Valessia and Sumiko danced beautifully among the crowd, a crowd that glittered with black uniforms from the members of the First Imperial Military, each one wore some manner of distinction so that you could see who was Army, Marine, Navy, and Starfighter. Women who were not in the military were dressed in elegant gowns, the waitstaff was moving around the ballroom taking empty flutes of champagne and handing out full ones. Horderves were also making their way around as various members of the ball were being led to the dining areas that flanked around the dance floor. And so the dance floor would empty a little as people went to take their seats and be served a complimentary meal of their choice from Rosamund's exquisite menu. "Splendid, and yes just a little one, there will be less talking when I'm through," she gave Sumiko a wink as she surveyed the waitstaff, and then drew her attention back to Sumiko, "oh do tell me what that lovely weapon has been saying these days."

Souldrinker was not nearly as stoic as the name might suggest, no, the sentient sword was mouthy as far as Valessia was concerned. "Are we still doomed, or does it continue to mock with wedding bells?" As this waltz came to a close, the Orchestra played softly before going into the next one, and Val motioned to a table reserved for them and the Grand Moff, it was one of three reserved tables meant for the executive, judicial and legislative members of the First Order. "We should dinner now, dessert can come later." Valessia teased as she slipped her arm into Sumiko's as they walked toward the tables. "I should hope that they would do more than simply meet your expectations," there was a smile when she said this knowing that Sumiko was more than capable of handling her own minions.

"Your ladyship," Edra bowed, even Edra was dressed to the nines for the evening, as were Paddy and Cin. The Zabrak and her Devaronian friend helped Valessia and Sumiko, if she wanted it, to their seats. "Your menus, just relay your order to Paddy." And with that, two of the three members of Valessia's personal staff had gone to through the servant's entrance into the kitchens disappearing into the crowd as they did so.

---

---

---

Leona Eldrel, or Major Eldrel if you were feeling formal, arrived in uniform she was a member of the First Imperial Medical Services. An organization that comprised of members from all branches of the military and several civilian medical groups as well. Leona left her donations in a credchip and then purchased a few raffle tickets. As she walked into the ballroom she quietly marveled at just how successful this was, of course, she rarely attended such functions. Functions that were intended to bloat the already inflated First Order ego, still, this was a lovely evening. She could hear the orchestra playing, and see them - they were seated around a stage and at the moment were facing the dance floor, tables for dining were behind massive pillars that held up the second floor.

The second floor where some were gazing out onto the first, drinking, sitting and relaxing. Adjusting her uniform she brushed her shoulders off and smiled. The FIMS pin shined to perfection, you could see your reflection in the red and gold decorative piece of metal. Stepping further into the ballroom, and walking to the bar she noted several high-ranking members of the First Order. From the Grand Moff and Field Marshall to High Colonels and even a President, President of Commenor if she was not mistaken. She spotted an NCO, one she was not familiar with - well not all too familiar with. Surely his name had slid across her table at some point. [member="Rolf Amsel"], she gave him a small wave and decided to head in his direction.

As she walked toward him her eyes caught sight of [member="Sentiri"] a chiss woman. Leona kept her smile to herself as she approached the NCO in question. "I hope I'm not intruding on anything," she says softly coming to a stop right beside him, standing shoulder to shoulder. While awaiting his reply, Leona's attention was drawn to the ballroom's entrance as she and just about every other member of service noted who had just arrived. Admiral Fiolette Yvarro, "oh dear it seems Ironpants has arrived," she turned around, "would you care for a dance?" She asks the man beside her nonchalantly.

Fiolette could hear them all gasp and then scurry back to whatever it was they were doing before she arrived. Whispers ran throughout the ballroom, one of the toughest if not the toughest admirals in the entire First Imperial Navy had arrived. Some assumed she predated the Order and they would be right, Yvarro predated a lot of the Order and in fact had served several of the Galactic Empire's presumed heirs over the course of her lifetime. The Galidraani stood tall, shoulders squared as she came accompanied by her oldest daughter Lucinyia, or Luci as the young woman preferred. It wasn't Luci's first social engagement but it was the first of this magnitude. "Mom," the young woman asked, "are you sure I should be here?"

"Luci," Fio began, "think about the question, and then you tell me."

Luci looked away from her mother feeling a little embarrassed and nodded, "right."

"Be a darling and see if our table is reserved, go on," Fio shooed the young one away, Luci resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she quietly departed heading for the tables behind the red velvet ropes. The white haired admiral stood in her uniform, of course, a well decorated naval uniform befitting one of her station. Luci came back for her mother and escorted her mother toward the tables, while Luci was escorting her mother she caught sight of [member="Natasi Fortan"] and wondered if what her mother had said was true. Were they really related? Cousins? First cousins at that. Luci had just entered the service herself but would be starting her classes in spring at Dosuun's Imperial War College in Victoria City. "This doesn't look that tacky, so I supposed it will do." The admiral commented as she took a look at the menu, "am I supposed to be impressed that someone remembered what civilized people eat?"

Clearing her throat Luci looked to the waiter and gave him her order and then ordered for her mother saying, "not sure why you even have to comment, it's not like you're ordering anything different."

"You don't think I wouldn't try something new?" Fio challenged her eighteen year old daughter, "then perhaps I shall surprise you tonight."

Once more resisting the urge to roll her eyes Luci only feigned a polite smile toward her mother. She looked back over her shoulder toward the Grand Moff and then to her mother, "the Grand Moff is my cousin?"

"Darling, the Grand Moff is your cousin whether she accepts this is up to her," Fio looked at her daughter for a moment, "stop staring, you'll draw attention that we do not need Luciynia Yvarro."

"Sorry..." Luci turned around in her seat with her hands in her lap.

Fiolette had looked to Natasi when she first arrived but since decided not to, and was hoping to be able to show her daughter to some of the officers that would be present here. Surveying the ballroom she did note that there may be a few interested parties, but of course, with a mother like the Admiral - no man in his right mind would dare approach Luci. Still, this gave Fio the advantage to remember their faces and look up their records later on. "Do not slouch, it's unbecoming, Luci." Her daughter straighted up and took out a book from her clutch, deciding that if nothing else she could at least read, since the music was pleasant enough.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


"Will it involve ropes perchance?" Sumiko asked innocently while they danced elegantly across the floor, which was teeming with members of the Imperial First Order's military, aristos, bureaucrats and so on so forth. Ropes were useful for many things. Not all were family-friendly, but some were educational.


"Souldrinker has been less surly these days since I gave it ample chance to kill things. Apparently the poor weapon was afraid that you'd domesticate me and it would be left to accumulate dust on a shelf. I suppose being stuck in an old tomb for millennia must've been terrible for it," their arms joined and they headed towards the table Valessia had reserved for them.


"I'm sure Illyria and Zyanya know to exceed expectations now. Elves have such lovely delusions of superiority, but once you break them in, they're as eager to fold as everyone else." This was not morbid at all. She greeted Valessia's personal staff, who were all dressed to the nines, then sat down and studied the menu.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Oh, you do flannel on," Natasi said, her tone dull and bored, but with a twinkle in her eye that told him that she wasn't totally immune to his earnest charm. "Just take care of it," Natasi said as they spun off the ground; she was apparently rather immune to this kind of charm. Being an Equilibriate, she was uneasy around those with the gift of the Force. They placed too much stress upon the scales that balanced the galaxy. Someone who was gifted with that kind of power, and who didn't understand the responsibility of it -- and seldom did anyone understand the true responsibility of it -- was a danger to the Cosmic Balance. Their advantage -- unearned, the scriptures hastened to imply -- meant that others would have to be disadvantaged. It was the way of the Balance.

Here she was, leader of a government whose Head of State was Force sensitive, with a bodyguard who was Force sensitive, and very nearly engaged to a Force sensitive. The thought made her squirm uncomfortably, and when the song ended, she hastened to disengage, offering [member="Viktor DuSang"] a curtsy. "Thank you for the dance, DuSang. See to it that you take what I've said on board." The Grand Moff straightened and strolled off the dance floor, taking a flute of champagne off the tray of a passing waiter before rejoining [member="Darell Irani"].

"Crisis averted, I think," she murmured, smiling up at the executive. "Now, come dance with me." She sipped her champagne, then set it aside and took his free hand. "Please," Natasi said.

 

[Avicus DuSang]

[member="Lorelei Darke"]'s fingers caressed his skin for the briefest of moments. He leaned into her touch, his eyes closing. Her touch was soft, his thoughts traveling back centuries. He had many fond memories of the woman. Perhaps, with time, he could form new ones with her. They had centuries more ahead of them, afterall.

The Sovereign took his arm and he couldn't help but smirk. "Thank you, love. The classic fashion fits you as well. But, I've always found you beautiful no matter what you wore, even if it were nothing at all." he quipped with a quick wink. Stepping forward with her on her arm, he looked to her once more. "The First Order certainly is exceptional. It's everything I wanted my Empire to be, truth be told." Perhaps the Galaxy just wasn't yet ready for his vision at the time.

Or he was too busy indulging to really put his vision into motion.

Yellow eyes spotted [member="Viktor DuSang"] as he danced with [member="Natasi Fortan"]. He couldn't help but shake his head as the boy lifted the pair up off of the dance floor. "That boy... He'll get nowhere showing off." he mused, voice barely above a whisper. His attention returned to Sila as a playful grin played across his lips.

"Shall we dance?"

 

[Samka Derith]

"Hmph," Samka snorted under her breath and drew closer to [member="Lady Kay"] as though she were a schoolgirl discussing a crush. "The truth is I've not attended a First Order event such as this before either. I've been far too busy, you see. Training and jobs to do. If I didn't do them then events like this could never take place. I toil through dirt and blood so that these people can enjoy their parties and balls." She cleared her throat realising she was going off on a tangent. "Erm my point is that we're both experiencing something new tonight. I attended high social events with my parents but that was many years ago, I was just a child. It is an entirely different experience when one is older," Sam swirled her glass of alcohol around in her hand to hint at her point, almost spilling some onto the floor as she did so.

"All you'll ever be? Nonsense a beautiful woman like you could easily remarry if you so desired. As tonight has proved." She shot a teasing grin over at where she had just seen Victor, now dancing with the Grand Moff herself.

"My plans? To honour our fine men and women in uniform, of course." Samka gestured around the room. "And do something for myself for a change. I spend too long cleaning up after mistakes by the military to enjoy much relaxation." Sam quickly glanced around, she'd momentarily forgotten the company for the occasion so hopefully none had overheard her little dig at the First Order's armed forces.

There was another moment as Kay's words from earlier only just began to fully sink in. "​Wait. I'm addressing a President now? My lady! That's quite a promotion since last I saw you. You must tell me more over food, come," Sam dragged Lady Kay over to where a variety of fancy bit sized were lined up on a banquet table. "My apologies for the treatment of your pilot, by the way, a most unfortunate incident outside of my approval. I hope he is well?"

 

[Viktor DuSang]

"Yes, of course, my Lady." he said.

The dance came to an end. As she gave him a curtsy, his hand went onto his shoulder as he bowed low at the waist. "It was my pleasure, Grand Moff. You are an exceptionally graceful dancer." [member="Natasi Fortan"] than left him to return to her beau and Viktor slithered back to the bar. His second shot of tequila still waiting for him.

"How did it go?"

Viktor licked along his wrist, sprinkling salt on the wet skin. "Don't be daft, Sebastian." Licking the salt off, he took the shot and took a bite out of the fruit. This process repeated itself two more times before his butler spoke once more. "My Lord, if I may..." "You may not, Sebastian. I already know what you're going to say. I know. You don't need to rub it in."

"What will you do now?"

"What the Grand Moff asked me to."

Setting the shot glass down near the bottle, he stood up. The alcohol began passing through his system, calming him down. Everything about this evening was a catastrophic failure. He needed to appear stoic and indifferent. Slithering through the crowd, he began making his way for [member="Lady Kay"].

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded a little as she listened to [member="Samka Derith"] speak of her many tasks as well as her upbringing. They both seem to work very hard so that others can have the spoils. But right now Kay was in a leadership position and had to 'let' others do more of the work instead of doing it all herself like always.

She shifted her weight on her feet and almost blushed as Sam told her that she was beautiful and could remarry. Almost. But she didn't think that she was a viable candidate anymore. Kay was nearing middle age, was unable to have children and wasn't exactly an heir to a vast fortune, nor did she keep a lot her salary either. She was known for using it to help free slaves. Now however she was using it to cover medical and funeral costs to the fallen during conflicts, in an effort to try to keep the peace. Lastly she was afraid that anyone that got close to her would suffer the same fate as her late husband and she did not want to become a widow twice.

Sam seemed selfless and that was a great trait to have. "You honour many just by being here." Kay walked with her to the food table and sampled on a couple of small items. "Terrac still won't fly for me yet. He keeps making up excuses. Maybe he's really ready to retire now, I'm not sure. He's tough and always has my back. But thank you for asking." She took another bite and washed it down with her punch. "After Bespin, I was told of the election on Commenor. I used to be their Senator for a time. And after my friends pushed or rather encouraged me to enter the race. Once I was given permission from the Elders, I ran for it and was elected by two-thirds of the vote."

She then spotted [member="Viktor DuSang"] approach and bowed her head. "Have you come for a bite to eat? The little diamond shaped ones are lovely." Kay gave no hint of anything happening on the veranda. It just wasn't her way to point out things that could make her uncomfortable.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Okay," Sioux told [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]. "I don't want to go all high-maintenance on you, or anything, but I need to tell you that if I don't get some more food in the next three minutes I'm going to start chewing fingers. I can't guarantee they'll be mine." With these pleasantries settled, Sioux led the way down the stairs to the ballroom, where she snatched a tray out of a passing waiter's hand. Not an hors d'ouvres off the tray -- the tray. Once she had cleared the food off and onto her napkin, she handed the tray back and made a little hand-brush-go-away-now gestured, after which she once again passed the hors d'ouvres, she ate a few of the salmon toast bites.

"All right," she murmured to [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]. "I might not kill and eat you. For now. Do you feel like dancing? Or do you need to continue babysitting ... your people?" she asked, but when she looked up at Roderik with a smirk, it was obvious they both knew she meant Pierce -- who interjected by waving his hand at Sioux. "No, no, no. There's probably cigars somewhere, swank hotel like this, let's grab some and unwind a bit before we hit the dance floor."

Sioux raised her eyebrows at Roderik. "Isn't that just, like, a Tuesday for you two?"