Private Flag on the Play

[Makai Dashiell]

Empress Teta, Cinnagar, "The Fields"
​

If Casteel wanted a drink, Makai was going to make sure the blonde bastard got a drink.

At the same time, he was going to make sure he enjoyed himself as well. Lucky for the half-Galan, his cousin was the exclusive supplier to a sports bar on Empress Teta, all nerf meat whether steak or ground came from the Saleucami ranch. Makai thought an impressive feat and promised to give feedback as a favor for giving advice on the nerf fencing back on the Farm.

Having mining business on Empress Teta and needing to pick up Ellie's ring, it seemed the perfect spot to take Casteel Mer'taal for the evening.

Dressed very casual in his favorite jacket, Makai was seated on the second level, smack in front of a massive screen. Makai had a lager in front of him, chatting with a middle aged man a few chairs down from himself.

The main screen was playing the Nunaball Draft Combine, with smaller screens playing everything from graviball spring training games, grav-golf, shock boxing, and more. Something for everyone, even if that everyone had to focus on one of the smaller screens.

Makai and his new middle aged acquaintance, Chaz, watched as one of the potential players caught two nuna balls during a drill. The bar had some scattered laughter and a few claps as the replay showed the clip again.

"Can't follow directions but that kid can catch." Chaz took a swig of his beer. "Terrorvores could really use a player like that." Referring to the Empress Teta team.

"Going to keep an eye on him for my fantasy team this year. If he's playing like this during the combine. Wasn't too bad in his college years either I hear."

Makai immediately pulled out his comm to text Rue, his little fantasy team partner in crime.

(( Remember the name Dollin Halker for our Nunaball fantasy team this fall. ))

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

A disdainful scoff pierced through the bustling noise of the neon-lit establishment, as glacier blue eyes, as cold as Hoth itself, surveyed the scene depicted by the glowing sign of 'T H E F I E L D S'.

"You insufferable ruffian," Casteel muttered under his breath, a subtle curl of his upper lip betraying his annoyance at Makai Dashiell 's audacity. He should have anticipated that the younger Dashiell would opt for a gravball sports dive instead of a refined five-star dining experience.

Raising his platinum head high, Casteel took in the chaotic atmosphere of flashing neon lights, sprawling holoscreens, and the clamor of patrons moving about. The raucous laughter, heckling, and excited shouts over the streaming sport sessions reminded him of a seedy Zeltron casino peddling watered-down liquor and greasy fare.

Next time, Makai would certainly need guidance in selecting more appropriate dining venues befitting their guest.

With a nuanced sigh of exasperation, the sophisticated executive entered the sports bar. Immediately, he was met by the hostess, clad in a form-fitting sports jersey and sleek black tights, a tad too eager to please as she inquired whether he would be dining alone or meeting someone.

"Meeting someone... regrettably," Casteel replied in his clipped, aristocratic tone. He stood out like a Gamorrean at a Mon Calamari opera, adorned in a navy blue blazer suit, a black cravat, and impeccably groomed platinum hair swept back from his face. Every detail exuded nobility, earning him a few curious glances.

"The reservation is under Makai Dashiell. Perhaps he is already here... anticipating his reckoning," he added, a hint of sarcasm lacing his rich tenor voice.

"Of course, right this way!" the hostess exclaimed eagerly.

Guided by the hostess, Makai caught sight of Casteel approaching, the dry expression on the Anaxasi's face leaving no doubt that he was far from amused.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Come to find out, Chaz was a higher up for the Mining Guild Regional Headquarters here on Empress Teta. He was also a rabid Empress Teta Terrorvores fan, having his own personal box at the local stadium.

"You and your fiancée are welcome at any home game this upcoming season. Just give me a heads up and I'll be happy to have you both."

"Oh she will love that. Her favorite singer is dating one of the players. Never seen her watch nunaball before this. Its been hilarious."

The pair were exchanging contact information before Chaz left when Casteel was lead upstairs by the overly perky hostess. The blonde banker looked like a kitten that had fallen into water and was now angry at the universe at large.

A firm handshake with Chaz and the half-Galan turned to address the blonde, looking quite smug. Makai was pleased with himself at the ability to pull this off, surprised Casteel had not merely typed in the name of the establishment on the Holonet to see it was a sports bar.

"Casteel, a pleasure to see you. Glad you found the place okay."

Makai offered his hand in greeting, outstretched to the blonde.

"Can you believe this bar? Amazing. I haven't seen a place like this outside of a college town. Makes me want to visit Empress Teta a little more often. Maybe even set up a regional headquarters myself."

Perky hostess left to be replaced by their waitress, eyebrow perking at the sight of Casteel. Hand touched his upper arm in a flirty fashion.

"How ya doin' Hun? What drink can I start ya off with? We've got a local lager your friend here has been enjoying."

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

"I should have anticipated your penchant for such antics, Makky," Casteel remarked with the refined, polished tone characteristic of his aristocratic upbringing, but he took Makai's hand regardless. No one will call him uncouth. With a smooth motion, he unbuttoned his blazer and settled into the stool beside Makai Dashiell. As the waitress approached with a familiarity that bordered on audaciousness, Casteel arched a discerning brow, silently conveying his expectation for decorum befitting their social standing.

Though the waitress caught Casteel's cool demeanor, she mistook it for aloof charm, finding herself drawn to his undeniable allure and handsomeness. In her eyes, he exuded the sophistication of a wealthy Tetan businessman, and she resolved to earn a generous tip, perhaps even securing his contact information.

Turning his chiseled gaze towards Makai's self-satisfied grin, Casteel maintained his composure, resisting the urge to visibly scoff. Instead, he composed himself with cool elegance, murmuring wryly in subtle sarcasm, "Local Lager. How fortunate for me."

"I, however, prefer a more potent libation. Tetan whiskey. Neat," he ordered, seeking the solace of higher alcohol content to navigate the establishment's chaotic cacophony.

"And if you're considering establishing a headquarters, I can offer recommendations for the most suitable locations," he added, hinting at the superior districts of Empress Teta.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"No, no... Casteel. Whisky? Miss, change his order to a beer flight, I'm sorry, he's been so busy with his business he's forgotten what to do at a bar."

A small grin as he continued his further instructions for their waitress. Makai already planned on tipping her well just for having to deal with Casteel's presence alone.

"Also, we will have the steak nachos and cheese steak totchos."

"My, you must be hungry." The waitress not-so-subtly was making eyes at Casteel as she input the order on the datapad, voice a little too sultry for a casual conversation. "Be back in a moment Hun."

"Thank you."

Satisfied he had thoroughly ruffled Casties feathers enough for the moment, Makai sat back against his stool and picked up his glass of lager. This was amusing. Since their introduction, he had to play on Casteel's field, now the blonde was on more unfamiliar territory than he was used to.

Makai was genuinely surprised Casteel was not more into sporting events. Seemed the man would have been interested to be at such a bar and at least watch grav-golf that was playing on a side screen.

"How are you Casteel? How have things been? Must say, a little surprised to see you. I've been under the impression you view my presence lesser than the soil on your shoes."

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

Naturally, Makai couldn't resist inserting himself into the realm of beverage selection. Casteel cast him a measured look, detecting a hint of amusement in the younger Dashiell's demeanor. Yet, a man of his standing knew better than to make a scene; instead, he gracefully navigated the situation, adhering to the dictates of etiquette with the finesse expected of someone of his stature.

As the waitress departed, Casteel took a moment to survey the sports bar once more, maintaining his composure with practiced ease. He had weathered more challenging circumstances in the past, enduring the scrutiny of his older siblings at high society events and weathering their judgmental remarks about his chosen path to success. If he could handle that, he could certainly handle this.

With a mindset of viewing the situation as a form of research, Casteel found solace in the fact that even such establishments operated on credits and currency. It made the experience somewhat more palatable.

In response to Makai's inquiry, Casteel's arctic blue eyes flickered toward him, his chiseled features maintaining an air of aloofness as he addressed the matter at hand. Each word he spoke seemed to carry a weight of sophistication, resonating with an elegant timbre that could captivate even the most discerning listener.

"One might expect you to extend the same courtesy toward me, Makky," Casteel stated, his tone cool and composed. "My opinion of you is subject to six years of being in the presence of the ramifications of your prodigal son antics. Whether that opinion lingers is based on your present conduct."

There was no sense in avoiding that topic, as it appeared that the younger Dashiell kept bringing up that he believed that Casteel held animosity towards him. It was more akin to annoyance and consternation at his lack of adherence to etiquette or discernment for someone who replaced him as Myra's escort. "Yet it appears you fail to grasp the importance of your responsibilities as Myra's consort, which concerns me deeply. Simply put, you are not meeting my expectations."

"As for business matters," he continued, shifting the conversation to a more professional realm, "Corseca Bank's expansion has proven fruitful. I have established branches on Corellia, Alderaan, and Etti V, and I am currently in negotiations with the Hutts regarding exchange rates with peggats." He delivered the information succinctly, choosing to focus on the business aspect unless prompted otherwise.

Inwardly, he couldn't help but recall the recent early morning drunken messages from Myra, hoping they were nothing more than intoxicated ramblings rather than genuine revelations. "And how is Aina Holdings faring?" he inquired, seeking to steer the conversation toward Makai's own endeavors.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Casteel looked like a father incredibly disappointed in their firstborn son. That weary, I've dealt with too much of your shit type of look all fathers seemed to be able to pull out and use at a moments notice.

"Not meeting your expectations? How can I meet them if I am unaware what those expectations are? I'd be willing to hear how I am falling down on the job."

It looked as if Casties bank was doing well, yet Makai wasn't surprised. Connections coupled with the cool charisma that somehow drew people in made success easy. He had been meaning to getting around and using Corsuca Bank for his own payment systems, or at least attempting to negotiate with Casteel. Perhaps he would make Thirty-Seven handle it.

"Busy. I'm handling Aina Holdings as well as Salacia Consolidated right now. Bids were put in for mining and extraction contracts in the Centrality region ; the scar worlds."

Pausing to take a sip of his lager as their waitress returned and placed the flight in front of Castie, he continued.

"With the contracts granted, we're putting a space station in a central location. Ellie and I will be working out there and bringing the family along until the wedding."

The half-Galan motioned to the beer flight.

"Start with the lighter one first then work your way to the stout."

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

A sharp raise of the brow directed at Makai's inquiry about meeting Casteel's expectations without knowing them managed to strike Casteel with a touch of logic. A subtle nod of his platinum head towards the younger Dashiell silently acknowledged Makai's correctness.

A gentleman never shied away from acknowledging the truth.

"You make a valid point, Makky," Casteel admitted with a composed demeanor, his gaze coolly assessing the array of beer flights before him. Makai had resumed his sampling, starting with the lighter brew and progressing to the stout. "I shall make it a point to outline the expectations and responsibilities of a gentleman required to stand beside Myra."

As he contemplated the range of brews from light to dark, the look Casteel cast Makai Dashiell was one of deadpan consternation, as if the younger Dashiell was intentionally attempting to mock him. It soon shifted to one of weariness upon catching the keyword dropped by Makai regarding Aina Holdings -- a wedding.

"I had hoped that Myra's late-night, drunken comm messages were nothing more than fleeting fancies as normal," he confessed, reaching for the Ithorian pale ale.

Glacial blue eyes pierced the space between them as Casteel continued, "Please don't tell me you proposed while she was inebriated?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It seemed Casteel skipped right over the list of expectations and latched onto the word wedding. Makai's brows furrowed, didn't Ellie tell him the news? He could have sworn a message had been sent late that night, or technically early morning? By that time, he had been dozing in and out of consciousness.

"I thought she told you? No, we were sober. Stayed up to celebrate and you have me to blame, I got heavy-handed on the wine and just kept refilling."

Picking up his next glass, he was pleasantly surprised by a hoppy Ithorian Pale Ale, the same one Casteel had picked up.

"I know you're not aware, but one does not joke about marriage with Ellie. Not unless you want to be in the kathhound house for the next month minimum. Found that out the hard way ages ago."

Not repeating that experience. Makai wasn't even going to think of a lighthearted joke regarding matrimony. Not even a joke regarding the most banal of wedding preparation ; he didn't want to end up sleeping on the couch.

"I am aware you are one for formalities Casteel, however unofficially, I would like to extend an invitation once the date has been finalized."

Curious gaze looked back to the blonde again. Never could get a good read on Casteel ; either he looked like he had a stick up his backside or had the look of a children's super villain. There was no in between.

"I assume this changes your list of expectations."

Positive my stock just fell even further.

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

There was little room for choice; one must partake in what has been presented to him. With an expression betraying none of the inner thoughts of the Anaxai banking executive, Casteel accepted the pale ale Ithorian IPA and took a sip.

Surprisingly, he found it rather agreeable. The hoppy flavor didn't bother Casteel at all, eliciting a subtle raise of his eyebrows in acknowledgment. To Makai's amusement, the blond took another sip without hesitation. Not bad for common fare.

"Oh, she informed me. In the cryptic language only an intoxicated Myra could manage, a code I've spent years deciphering," he remarked dryly, his tone laced with irony. "I had hoped she was merely indulging in drunken fantasies, as she often does."

Setting the sample aside, Casteel turned his attention to another glass, this one an odd hazy blond. A sour, perhaps? He lifted it, inhaling the malty citrus aroma before taking a sip. He struggled to maintain his composure as he swallowed it down, determined not to spit it out. The glass was returned to its place with a resolute clink, deemed unworthy of enjoyment.

With pursed lips and a tilt of his blond head, Casteel gazed up at the various holoscreens, settling on one displaying the latest gravgolf championship tournament semifinals.

"I am well aware of Myra's seriousness regarding matrimony," Casteel informed Makai, recalling a particular drunken incident involving the angry tale of a mock proposal with a tin of mints and the displeasure afterward -- idiotic thoughts and how could yous a plenty - with a rueful smile. "I can only hope such preparations did not involve a mint tin."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It was becoming clear to him that one of the main reasons Casteel had such a dim view of himself was the fact he only knew the drunken, negative stories about his antics. Ellie was good at weaving a drunken tale and coupled with her penchant for dramatics and waterworks, Makai suspected some of the tales were worse than the reality.

"No mint tin. No ring at all, I just picked it up."

Makai patted his jacket, right over where the inner breast pocket was. He could still feel the box, much to his relief.

"Before you go on some rant about being unprepared, save it. She has to wear this the rest of her life, I wanted something that would reflect our journey and my love for her."

Seafah jewels he had collected himself. Two twin Tetan diamonds set in a thin elegant platinum band. Makai wanted the connection to Empress Teta, especially after her fathers recent untimely death.

Just as he was finishing, their waitress emerged with their food. Makai imagined steak nachos and cheesesteak totchos weren't exactly main fare for the young blonde banking executive.

"Here you go."

The waitress wisely brought two plates and forks, having picked out the appearance of Casteel as one who didn't want to eat with his fingers. She leaned in a little too close to Casteel, bright grin on her face.

Then another one of her co-workers called for help, her eyes not leaving the blonde executive.

"I'll be back to check on you. Name's Jade by the way, just holler if you need anything before I make my way back."

Makai snorted with a hint of laughter before pulling out his comm, taking a holo of each dish before they dug in. Caspian would be keen to know.

He slid the comm back into his pocket, not needing Casteel to chastise him further.

"My cousin supplied the nerf meat. I promised to check in and make sure its being done justice. Any feedback you want me to share with him let me know..."

Fork was picked up but his head turned to Casteel once again instead of eating. A feat for him.

"So you only know the worst parts of me. Maybe you should come hang out with Ellie and I and see I am not a villain. The Oseon sector used to be very wealthy, I can see the need for your banking services."

A pause.

"You're important to Ellie. Which means in order to keep her happy I want us to at least be able not to roll our eyes at one another constantly."

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

The ensuing deadpan stare from Makai bore all the weight of judgment Makai had anticipated regarding the absence of a ring during the proposal. Despite the Half Galan's explanation that he sought a ring symbolizing their journey and his affection for Myra, it seemed insufficient.

Makai may have advised Casteel to temper his thoughts, but in such matters of utmost importance, a gentleman persisted. "A gentleman ensures he has all in readiness before seeking the lady's hand," Makai retorted, his arctic blue gaze locking onto Casteel's, reaching for the first beer of his flight again to hasten the dulling of his irritation, even if it meant enduring the common fare longer than desired.

Oddly, the scent of nerfsteak totchos managed to stir a contemplative hunger within him, distracting him momentarily from the situation at hand. He was grateful for the fork; not so much for the thirsty waitress. Jade was ever poised to be overly accommodating and tested Casteel's patience. Did she not possess an ounce of self-respect?

"I shall be sure to provide my commentary with bulleted points," Casteel quipped in response regarding the nerf steak totchos, a blend of jest and seriousness tinging his words. Makai's reference to Casteel's possibly skewed perception of him due to Myra's tales elicited a faint acknowledgment from the Anaxi. Perhaps there was truth in that assumption.

Though the prospect of witnessing their affectionate display held little appeal for Casteel, a solid banking recommendation intrigued him. Despite his esteem for Myra, his primary concern was leveraging additional connections for Corseca Bank, even if it meant enduring rolling eye-inducing frolicking.

With a subtle nod towards Makai, Casteel silently consented, stabbing at the nerfsteak and tots greasy concoction. After all, he was hungry. "Humor me, Makky. Convey this journey on your terms. Why should I believe you deserve to stand by Myra's side when all indications suggest otherwise?"

It was a challenge, an invitation for Makai to narrate his version of events -- his friendship, his disappearance, and his sudden return after six years, during which Casteel had been Myra's constant support.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

All indications suggest otherwise?

Makai looked amused, placing some meat from each dish on his small plate. He liked his cousin, taking duties of checking in on his product quite seriously. The half-Galan would dive into the dish soon enough, but first was business.

“Something tells me Casteel even with my story it won't sway you but I doubt Ellie has told you much. I will still be pleased to give some background information.”

Fork cut into a slice of steak, inspecting the meat as the thought of where to start. Makai had zero idea of what Casteel knew about him. He had limited time with Ellie and the blonde banker wasn't exactly high on his topic of conversation.

“We met when we were kids. Ellie was about..six or so and I was a bit older. She and Danger arrived in Dac and our parents kind of let us loose. Of course, I was introduced with her formal name and I shortened it to Ellie. She couldn't talk, mute, and she didn't protest, so Ellie was born. By the time she could talk years later, I was never corrected. So in a way, it's my pet name for her, like some people use babe or buttercup or what have you.”

Makai chuckled, realizing he was getting off track. He shot Casteel an apologetic look before he started to speak once more.

“So instant best friends, just add water, literally. Inseparable from that moment on, we saw each other at least once a month, a feat considering how busy our parents were. Then…then she got real sick real quick…”

A deep breath from the half-Galan, getting to a difficult part of the tale. Fork was set down as he wove what happened next.

“I had to grow up quick, quicker than I already did with my mother's abandonment. A man trapped in a boys body, sitting at her bedside in the hospital day after day. Trying to keep her mind off what was happening. I moved to the Farm to stay with her…it…I overheard it wasnt looking good. I was staring down losing my best friend before we even hit our teens.”

Makai shook his head, moving on from that portion of his life.

“I'm telling you this for a reason, don't worry. So, they find a series of treatments and she recovers. We spend a glorious amount of time together, with me realizing that I'm utterly in love with her. Ellie is so strong, she's like a thunderstorm. Powerful and wild but calming and fascinating all at once. I had fallen hook, line, and sinker in love.”

“So, in hindsight, we sort of start dating in the way two best friend idiot teenagers can. Dinners, holofilms, Life Days…holding hands and being overall goofy. Basically our normal selves with this added layer we both weren't quite conscious of.”

“Yet teenage hormones come into play and it creates a lot of misunderstanding and hurt feelings. Add in that I was going through my own personal issues regarding my parents…it was a recipe for disaster and we get into this huge fight. Biggest one we've ever had, we’re not the type to argue. We know each other too well….but that day…”

Makai scoffed.

“Just pure stupidity. Either way, that marks us not seeing one another for six long years. I tried reaching out to her several times but she never returned my messages, even though I know she read them. Last time being when she was with Blythe. Hindsight, again, I should have just went and asked where she was and talked to her. I wasn't thinking straight.”

Picking up his fork again, Makai put a few of each dish on his own plate before continuing yet again.

“So, why am I qualified to be at her side for all of her life? We've already been in the pressure cooker, through thick and thin. We know each other better than anyone else in the universe, we can look at each other and have an entire conversation. Ellie is the ultimate definition of what home feels like.”

“While I'm not as refined, Casteel, I do know my place and that's a step back and supportive until she asks for more. She has a lot of weight on her shoulders, carries a lot of burdens that aren't hers to carry alone. I know I'm the right one for her because in those quiet moments when it's just us, I see her posture relax and that smile come out more frequently. She can be herself, not the facade she puts on for all to see.”

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

To claim that the narrative deeply affected Casteel would be an exaggeration; however, it did shed light on certain missing pieces, offering a more comprehensive understanding. Despite his air of nobility, Casteel possessed a sense of honor and empathy. Yet, Makai's story did not absolve him entirely of his past actions.

The fact that the Half-Galan acknowledged his mistakes was something Casteel could begrudgingly respect. Meanwhile, amidst Makai's recounting, Casteel conducted his own assessment of the nerf-steak, meticulously sampling it with the precision one would expect from a seasoned restaurant critic.

Throughout Makai's tale, Casteel maintained a demeanor of attentive listening, his arctic blue eyes meeting Makai's, indicating his genuine interest. He savored each bite of the dish with a refined palate, despite the contrasting ambiance of the sports bar they found themselves in.

As Makai's narrative unfolded, Casteel made mental notes, both regarding the story and the culinary experience. However, by the tale's end, he was eager to conclude the remaining beer tastings, which ranged from a red ale to a cider, albeit one he deemed subpar, and finally, a stout that he found remarkably delightful.

"With a tale like that, you are apt to make millions in credits should you desire to sell the script to Starz Entertainment," With a wry jest, Casteel suggested Makai could profit from his storytelling prowess, referencing a popular entertainment company. Beneath the jest lay a subtle reminder of Casteel's awareness of Myra's preferences, tinged with a hint of frustration. It was something to cover the aggravating knowledge of relaxation and carefreeness Casteel had been unable to replicate for Myra in his company.

"Good show, a gentleman is quick to understand the error of his ways and is decisive in reconciling them," Casteel added, acknowledging Makai's effort to rectify his mistakes, Casteel delivered a gentle reprimand, reminding him of the consequences of his actions. As he took another sip of stout, his gaze locked with Makai's, silently conveying his expectation for better conduct in the future.

"You are still a bastard for making her wait." the undercurrent tone was edged with the unsaid words, don't do it again. It didn't matter that Myra had read the messages and not replied. In Makai's shoes, Casteel would have personally made it his duty to meet with Myra in person.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"No, I would never want our story out there. It's...it's something just for us, I didn't even want to tell you half of it but since you seem to know some things that had transpired."

Typically, when someone asked, Makai just gave the standard 'we were childhood friends who reconnected' and called it a day. Casteel seemed to know much of his missteps due to drunken ramblings and angry rants. He had gotten long winded trying to fill in some background information, besides, Casteel was Ellie's friend so he didn't mind sharing a little more than he was comfortable doing.

"Just do me a favor and don't mention or ask about the illness. I prefer she not dwell on that portion of her life, it wasn't easy, as you can imagine."

Makai didn't think Casteel would be so crude to ask outright about what had transpired during that period but one never knew. Silence stretched on as his fork cut into his nerf meat, inspecting it for overcooking or dryness. So far, from his limited knowledge on what to look for beyond taste, things were going well. He was proud of his cousin for expanding the ranch, to putting his meats out there to start making small waves in the culinary world.

"I am a bastard, I agree. I will be apologizing for the rest of my life to her. I'm aware I got incredibly lucky Casteel."

Quiet again before be broached the next subject, curious. Makai could never tell if Casteel was just a friend or had been jockeying himself as a potential suitor or both. The half-Galan could see Casteel moving in if he hadn't returned, it was only wise. The more Galas and business expos he attended he realized for some just being friendly with their spouse was rare, let alone being in love. If Casteel had been laying the groundwork....

"You're not going to stop being friends with Ellie now, are you? I hope not, she views you as a close confidant."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

oops

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

"If you are aware of her former illness, then are you aware of how to assist with her panic attacks?" In a hushed tone, Casteel queried Makai about his familiarity with Myra's panic attacks. Although Makai's sudden inquiry regarding if he would continue to be a part of Myra's life drew an immediate swivel of the blonde's head. Dark brows rose up as if the consideration was ludicrous.

"I endeavor to be as much of a part of Myra's life as I have thus far, Makky." he shot back the rest of the stout, but not before a slow, wry grin would curl over those pearly white teeth. "Never fear, I shall not be far at all. We are joined at the hip now."

The wry expression, however, suddenly turned into one of concern as the first rumble hit in the distance. He gave a frown, turning. Around them, the patrons were also confused. The concussive force and noise of another nearby orbital hit sent everyone screaming when the glass windows shattered. Reacting swiftly, Casteel moved to shield Makai as the windows shattered from the concussive force of the impact nearby.

The blast of a distant alarm klaxon began to ring, and Casteel's eyes went wide. They were distant enough from the windows not to be damaged by the glass, but those patrons who sat beside them were not so lucky. Briskly, Casteel muttered a polished "Fuck," under his breath, Casteel's expression darkened with the realization of the looming danger.

"We need to leave. Now." He knew what that alarm meant. Teta's planetary shield had been activated. They were under attack.


To be continued here.