HNN Presents: 1st Galactic Palooza

[Khrusaes Akron]

Location: Coruscant | High Rise Party Galactic Palooza
Objective: Make a good impression
Tags: Ran Serys

Khrusaes was good at noticing people’s reactions. He could tell the Ran was a bit out of her element here in the party even before she told him so. The Pantoran business man also noticed the blush that took her cheeks when he kissed her hand. ‘Wonder what her reaction would be to a kiss on the lips,’ he thought with an internal chuckle. He led the way to the refreshments table. He looked over to Ran and was struck by the oddity of having to look up to look a date in the eyes (and not just because of the choice of shoes).

From close up Ran was even more intriguing than the fit physique in a beautiful gown that Khrusaes had instantly noticed upon his entrance. She had a very unique look, something that drew Khrusaes’ attention far more than traditional beauty. Her eyes looked like they had stories to tell, and Mr. Akron wanted to hear them all.

Ran questioned whether Khrusaes was used to this lifestyle, or so he thought that was what she was asking, until she asked about planned company. He gave a bit of a chuckle before he answered. “Parties like this used to be part of my everyday life until the Sith conquered Pantora so long ago. Now it is quite the rarity. Instead I find myself in a conference room or laboratory looking over new products for Akron Defense Labs. I am all about providing the best defense possible for my people these days.”

Khrusaes reached his hand across and patted hers where it sat on his arm. “As to planned company, my droid keeps my schedule. I never know who I am going to meet on a given day. Dates always came easy in my carefree days. I have been too focused on work of late. Something Zellay must have sensed the last time we spoke. She insisted I attend the Palooza, and said she would introduce me to someone. Zellay is a good friend. If she said I needed a break I believed her. And her taste is impeccable, so taking a rare blind date I decided was worth the risk. It was indeed worth it.”

 

[Dak Hobson]

OOC: Moving this down the posting order to give Kas Varad a break.

 

[Kas Varad]

Location: Galactic Palooza | Concert Hall
Objective: Dance. Have Fun. Long live the HNN!
Tags: Vyxxen

Crowd was growing! Vletti'azan'uosus and Dak Hobson's performance was well anticipated! The music came on as he was listening to Vyxxen's description of the artists go by, nodding when she finished.

Dance was a dance. If there was a nervous bone in Kal's body it wasn't on a dance floor. One of his loves. "Go on then twist my arm," Kas bantered back with a polite smile, resting his palm atop her hand and escorting her to a better space.

"Good evening Galaxy!" "It is good to be back on Coruscant and so happy to be a part of HNN's 1st Galactic Palooza. I'm going to start off with a song I've grown to love. I hope you all like it as much…" Vletti'azan'uosus announcement got a loud whistle and a round of encouraging applause from one Mandalorian.

Holding Vyxxen's hand out in front of him and looking right into her eyes, Kas moved so there was space between them. Sounds like the first few were slower ones. Zelosian and a Mandaroian, should be a fun mix. At first, Kas kept a comfortable distance, he'd just met her. He led a steady tempo but with flair to start with. Every so often he'd spin her by the hand, or step back, then lead her back to him keeping hold of her hand. "Looking good," the smile became a grin, "tell me if you can't keep up." he winked. Gentle touch when his hand met her arm.

Firm, steady fun in how he moved. That was him when he was dancing. Releasing her hand now, leaving her free to do her thing too, he was leading but he wasn't controlling. Always leaving space. Distance, but there was movement, behind her, and then to her side as they danced. Fun and freeing steps.

Taking her hand again if she let him, when that rendition came on the pace picked up and so did his steps. If she allowed it, next time he pulled back from her, he'd sweep her close, bend her back, and then straight to his chest. Dancing for a second or two closer, before again stepping back to a comfortable distance.

Could have maybe used a faster pace, he was enjoying himself anyway. The voice was perfect, Dak was going to have a hard time matching it! When the fitting mad world song was coming to an end to finish it, if she let him, he kissed her hand and then let her go. Only then did turn back to the stage and give a loud round of applause for Vletti'azan'uosus , which went on at least as long as anyone else.

"Call me Kas."

OOC Dak's Performance

Spoiler

Dak just beat me! Next post for that

 

[Rath Nihro]

Location: Galactic Palooza | Concert Hall
Objective: Provide Security
Equipment: Vibrodagger | Shroudsaber | KC-95 "Ace of Spades"
Tags: Open

Truthfully Rath didn't expect a concert to become dangerous, at least from his experience such a turn of events were considered to be rare. However, once he heard of a concert starting to brew he offered his services as a mercenary to assist with security of the event. The best part of the job was watching everyone from all backgrounds gather and have fun. With times as hard as it been going lately, with the wars raging on the frontlines. Such a thing as a concert was becoming a rarity.

Rath came to the concert wearing a leather jacket over a grey shirt. Clipped on his belt was a vibrodagger from the looks of it, and holstered on his left thigh was the heavy blaster pistol that he often favored. Underneath his jacket, clipped on a harness over his left chest, was the hilt of a peculiar lightsaber that remained hidden from sight. Just because Rath wasn't expecting some confrontation to occur didn't mean he couldn't be ready for it. Whether it was some thug, a high ranking officer too deep in his cups, or worse case scenario a jedi gets roped in a bad situation. Granted his dark presence might have set them off too, or at least any sensitive users could feel it. While Rath remained partially oblivious of how much his presence can affect Force Users. The bright side of it was that no one knew who he was, but his very demeanor spoke of his background. From how he's dressed to how alert and thorough he's being spoke of his soldier history.

The performers were phenomenal as they enchanted the audience with the energy of their efforts. Some took to drinking the hard stuff to get into the mood, others were just danced on the floor. However, Rath's eyes were not on the crowd, but rather on those who acted suspiciously. Whether that was suddenly breaking character to get to a particular spot, or to watch those who were trying to keep a low profile. Positioned on a catwalk to the side of the concert along the hall, shrouded in dark lighting compared to the rest of the hall. His corrupted eyes looked down upon the crowd as he attentively watched upon suspected individuals, but none have deserved him to track them down. So with a sigh, Rath leans on the railing with his hands.

 

[Dak Hobson]

ALL THE GALAXY IS A STAGE… AND IT'S SHOWTIME!​

Tour Stop: Galactic Palooza
How did you get there?: "The Golden Wings"
Yep, I'm wearing "The Eye of Pantor", and have my lightsaber nearby
Who are you playing to?: EVERYBODY now!
_______________________________________________

No matter how long I've been doing this, it still amazes me just how many people appreciate what I do. How can you NOT love this showing? I mean really, this is what it's really all about, isn't it? The people. Making them happy by doing something that makes you happy. I love my job! I'm hungry, I needed to get something to eat so I hit the bazaar. Wow, that reminds me, 'Tiaza puts on a fantastic show! Wish I would have seen her show live sooner, I am definitely glad that I had the chance to see it through. I was a fan before, definitely more of one now, from how one song flows to the next. How engaged with the crowd she is.

I would say how much it's been an honor for me to have such a superstar be one of my openers, but I don't think she was "an opener" anymore. I think she just happened to go on ahead of me. It's alright though, I'm glad to close out a night like this. She's put a lot of pressure on me, I'll step up.

I had to double-time it backstage to get ready in time. Only had about a half-hour between her closer and my opener. So I hopped in the refresher and got changed. We did sound tests, I just needed my normal smoothie before the show to soothe my vocal cords, and I was good! I wish this journal could have picked up on the crowd, they were crazy! All screaming my name like I was some kind of cult deity! I swear, if I had an ego… well… bigger than the one that I have… that I would run with this! But I digress.

So I'll just hit the "record" button on this journal and let you listen.

Crowd stomping in unison to the rhythm of 1,2… 345 "Give us Hobson!"Crowd stomping in unison to the rhythm of 1,2… 345 "Give us Hobson!" Crowd stomping in unison to the rhythm of 1,2… 345 "Give us Hobson!"

Okay, I'm going to stop the recording right here to describe to you how the light show started and they just ERUPTED. It was so great, all the people just so happy to see the lightning system go OFF… then as my little platform is slowly lifted to the stage there was joy, there were tears. I tell you, this is what it's all about. Anyway, back to the recording.

"Well! Lookee here! What are YOU guys doing here?!" crowd cheers "It's almost like you waited around for someone to sing!" more raucous behavior "Though before I do, let me ask you something. How many of you came out to the stage to see Vletti'azan'uosus ?" Enthusiastic response "That's what I thought, I did too. Let me ask you, does she put on a show or WHAT?!!" The boisterous applause became much louder. "Man, let me tell you... my 'Co-Headliner' was great! It's an honor for a little kid from Corellia with a dream in his eye to have shared the stage with such a star."

The band started to tune up as the excitement level skyrocketed.

"It looks like the boys are ready! You ready?" Cheers "I'm ready! Hey boys, you ready?!" The band responds with their instrument "Well then let's do this!"


"YEAH!" Crowd erupts "I love that song, it really sets the mood for the night, you know? Though I have to be honest, it makes me wonder..." More cheers as they know the song coming "How many singles out there?" Loud response "Oh yeah? How many 'Hopeless Romantics' out there?" an even louder response with more excitement. "You ever get that feeling after a breakup that "that special someone" is still out there and you just need to find her? I did... I still do! This song always speaks to me...





"ALRIGHT!" Crazy cheers Hey band! musical response "You guys look like you need to use the restroom or something!" musical negative response as he laughs to the crowd "Alright, one more? Okay, how about we do one more and you guys get a drink while I tell a story on my own, cool?" slow song opening as the crowd goes up again "You guys good?!"


"Alright, you guys! Go get some water. I'm gonna chat with these lovely people at the center of the galaxy!"


(OOC: Got more to do, just watching two annoying, all too energetic, loud, rambunctious, cute nieces and nephews at the moment and they are getting into things that they shouldn't, having too much fun for me to do anything else! )

 

[Vyxxen]

Location: Coruscant | Galactic Palooza Concert Hall
Objective: Keep up with a talented partner
Tags: Kas Varad

Vyxxen’s attractive counterpart played along with her teasing which made her smile. Vyxxen never took anything seriously and sometimes, but she couldn’t always say the same for the other people she met. She had lost count of how many times what she thought was playful teasing resulted in someone storming off in a huff. That usually just had Vyxxen shrug and find someone else to socialize with, but she was glad that this man didn’t follow in that manner.

They danced the entire time Vletti'azan'uosus was on stage. The nameless man was a good partner. Talented dancer, and he knew how to balance taking his time and having a good time. Each song had the dancing evolve into something different with the rhythm of the music. Vyxxen couldn’t help but let out a laugh when her partner jokingly suggested that she would not be able to keep up. “Challenge accepted,” she beamed with delight.

Like her partner, she found herself wishing for a change of pace. Tiaza was a talented singer with one of the greatest voices Vyxxen had ever heard, but all of the songs were pretty slow and deliberate to show off that voice instead of the fancy music accompanying it. During the dancing Vyxxen’s new partner did a wonderful job of closing the distance between them and then backing away. Showing his interest, but teasingly backing away. Vyxxen was quite willing to see where this man would lead her throughout this very promising party.

Tiaza finished her set and the whole crowd including Vyxxen and her new friend applauded. Then he finally gave her his name. “Well then Kas. You are a very good dancer. I hope that I impressed as well. But this music really doesn’t show you how good I really am. Maybe after The Headliner is done we can find a place where they have something with better rhythm to just let your body go. If that is something that would interest you.” She giggled as she ran a finger up and down Kas' arm.

 

[Ran Serys]

The mention of the Sith invasion of Pantora was enough to make Ran wince. She remembered the invasion well. Images flashed in her mind. The memory of dead Pantoran officials came to the fore. All assassinated by Ran while under the control of Sith sorcery. She felt a pang of guilt but steeled herself against it. No amount of guilt would change what the Sith did to them, and did with her.

Although, it seemed the Pantoran people were resilient if Khrusaes was any indication. “I think the direction you have taken your business in is admirable. To protect someone is to show them that you care. It would seem you care an awful lot to devote such a big part of your life to it.” Ran observed with a smile. It seemed Khrusaes was more than just the handsome face and charming way about him.

The charm didn’t stop as the man commented on their current situation. A blind date that was worth the risk. It was a very smooth way of telling Ran he found her attractive. At least, that is what she took from it. It felt good to be praised and she needed a pause to compose herself. “I am glad that you feel it was worth it. I feel the same.” She replied with a shy smile as they reached the bar.

Taking a cursory glance around the room, Ran could see a few eyes fixed on her and Khrusaes. She locked eyes with both a man and a woman. Both looked away quickly, as they struggled to hold her intense gaze. Ran wondered why their date was drawing attention.

“Aside from operating your business, what else do you put your time toward?” She turned her attention back to the man before her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of being observed.

_______________________
Khrusaes Akron​

 

[Khrusaes Akron]

Location: Coruscant | High rise party Galactic Palooza
Tags: Ran Serys

Khrusaes was not usually the most observant date. But he used to be completely self-absorbed and cared nothing about anything except his own good time. This was the first date them at he'd been on since the change of attitude. The Pantoran noticed the tensing in Ran when he brought up the past dealings with the Sith on his planet. A subject he would avoid as much as possible for now.

Ran praised his work to defend his people against a repeat of history. It gave Khrusaes pause to blush slightly. He wasn't used to such compliments. This new endeavor had taken up much of his time convincing the Assembly the need for new ships, tanks and other equipment if they were to give a good defense. Fighting for every inch with his own people having an outsider see the good in his work was refreshing.

"The truth is I do it as much out of guilt as a sense of honor," Khrusaes admitted. "My family was wealthy and influential. My father, the patriarch, decided that it was not worth the risk to fight with our people. We fled the invasion and used our wealth to buy more influence. Something not all of us were happy about. When I met an starship engineer and physicist, I decided that I would find a way to use the capital my family built to do some good. And I returned home to do it."

The looks that Ran and Khrusaes received did not escape him either. Multi-species coupling was far from rare but it always seemed to get attention. Or maybe it was because she was taller and despite her attractiveness also had some unmistakably warrior traits. And he was quite obviously not. A reverse of the expected gender roles. Khrusaes let the looks go, but he couldn't help a chuckle at the gazes that shrunk away from Ran's challenge.

"Oh I am pretty boring these days," Khrusaes answered about how he spent his time. "My families home on Pantora was left near ruin by the Sith and without any care was basically dust when I returned. When I am not fighting to establish my brand of defense, I am rebuilding a new home."

It was a boring truth something he had begun to resent. This Palooza and Zellay's invitation couldn't have come at a better time. "What about you? What kind of adventures would one find themselves in by your side?"

 

[Vletti'azan'uosus]

Location: Coruscant | Galactic Palooza Concert Hall
Tags: Hilal Vizsla | Hex
Current Outfit

Once Tiaza’s set was complete she didn’t waste much time back stage. She merely toweled off quickly and made her way back out to the party. Tiaza always loved being on stage, but she enjoyed listening to fellow artists do their thing as well. And, it had been a while since she had been in a proper party. She’d spent some quality time with Sorr Kortu , that wasn’t the same kind of fun. And Hilal was here. Tiaza wanted to make up to her best friend for making her worry while she was out crossing the galaxy in doing jobs for a notorious crime boss.

She danced her way through the crowd as Dak Hobson sang. As she expected he was great. She hoped someday that she would be at his level of fame and professional, but right now she wanted to be part of the party. And she wanted to have some fun with Hilal. She laughed and shook hands with some fans who were surprised to find her dancing out in the crowd. It was slow going, but eventually she found the person she was looking for.

There was a momentary frown when Hilal was not alone. But that didn’t last long. Like Tiaza Hilal had her own adventures. She had made other friends. There were two young women in the area with Hilal. One she recognized as one of Hilal’s other close friends ( Hex ). The stories of Hilal and her were quite exciting and seeing the girl with her long braided pig tails, dyed blue and juggling as the music played in the background, she knew they were no exaggerations. The other girl ( Zoey Bradiss ) was not someone she thought she had heard of. But the more friends the merrier.

“Hey Hilal!” Tiaza called out to her friend. “How was the show? Good as my others? I felt a little more nervous. There are way more people here than I’m used to.” ​

 

[Hilal Vizsla]

Current outfit

How the frack did Hilal not notice that Hex was juggling her party poppers? "Oh, chit I'm sorry!" Hilal panicked and was about to bend down and try frantically grab the explosives, but Hex was quick and nimble enough to nab them.

"I should've known you'll be crazy enough to juggle grenades Hex," Hilal giggled. "I assume that the grenades aren't really active and it's just to add tension for the audience, right?"

The young woman looked around seeing the people walk past them as if they were invisible. "Right?" Hilal gave a nervous, plugged-in grin to her best friend. She loves Hex but sometimes she pushes her luck a little too much. "Thanks," The young woman blushed a bit looking over her shorts and red blouse which exposed her mid-section. "I've been doing some shopping with Vletti'azan'uosus lately and I picked this outfit out for the Palooza. Should be guarding Tiaza after failing to provide her with proper protection but......"

She looked at Hex's attire, as much Hilal adored it, Hex really needed a change of clothing. "I really need to take you shopping Hex!" Hilal said. "Besides if you needed some money then why you didn't ask! Tiaza's people are paying the big bucks now! Let's get some Pizza or maybe go to one of those fancy restaurants in upper levels!"

It actually felt good to not worry about financials, Hilal was starting to get a steady income as a Bounty Hunter and especially being Tiaza's bodyguard. It helped that her new Droid series was becoming fairly popular. Another woman came in as Hilal smiled placing her hands behind her. "I'm Hilal of clan Vizsla." She said. "It's wonderful to meet you Zoey Bradiss are you from Courscant?"

She then turned to see Tiaza coming and ran towards the Chiss. "Hey you!" Hilal giggled putting Tiaza in a hug. "You better not wander off while you're under my watch. I don't want to endure another chewing out by Sap! And the show was great as always, no need for you to worry so much! Leave that to Sap!"

Hilal then smiled while Hex began to sing, life was good and for the first time Hilal was living out her dream of being among friends.

 

[Kas Varad]

Location: Galactic Palooza | Concert Hall
Objective: Dance. Have Fun. Long live the HNN!
Tags: Vyxxen

Fun, Vyxxen played along and it was fun. Nothing took effort. The music, dancing, the party, and life flowed easily. The buzz of the place was a happy home. She was stunning and fire on the dancefloor, couples nearby might watch them tare it up!

Applause coming to an end, their headliner had arrived and Dak was good as his reputation. Blew the roof off this place with a string of melodies. Time spent with Vyxxen was exciting and he enjoyed every second of her company. An offer of more tempo as she placed her hand against his arm. Kas turned to her once more, and took her hand, placing both of his around hers.

"You were beautiful and a dancer I will remember." He said looking right into her eyes like at any second he could put his arms around her, and carry her off, an unpredictable edge to the bounty hunter. "Thank you," he said directly facing closer, giving her a kiss on the cheek if she let him. Offering her his comm code on a red card.

"Just looking for the dance," he stepped back and smiled not breaking eye contact yet. Walking backward, as quickly as they'd met the pairing drifted apart. Crowds slowly covered the gap where he'd been. Like any party, there were shifting crowds everywhere, and probably already three men looking to ask her for a dance the second he moved away.

YEAH!" Crowd erupts "I love that song, it really sets the mood for the night, you know? Though I have to be honest, it makes me wonder..." More cheers as they know the song coming "How many singles out there?" Loud response "Oh yeah? How many 'Hopeless Romantics' out there?" an even louder response with more excitement.

Resting against the bar once more, he ordered a stiff drink. Turning to hear the headliner's words, there was a smile. Hopeless romantics, partners that stopped your heart, dancing Mandalorians, and cool drinks at the bar. Best party ever.

 

[Hex]

Location: Corouscant on a main party street
Objective: Have fun, enjoy the music, busk for credits (apparently)
Tag: Zoey Bradiss Hilal Vizsla Vletti'azan'uosus

Equipment:

• ap-25i SIMP pistol
• 'confetti' Rocket launcher
• Party Poppers (4 explosive, 1 gas)
• Dancer repulsor board
• Cheap datapad

Spoiler: Hex dialogue colors

Poor Hex hears voices in her head

Hex speech to others
..Hex speech to herself..

Hexes inner voices
..Neutral..
..Doubt..
..Anger..
Coloured "....." are also words that Hex can hear , but I decided not to write them to reduce clutter

If it is confusing or need it to tone down a bit drop me a dm.

Hex laughed as a Hilal Vizsla mentioned the live grenades "me? juggle live explosives in public? Perish the thought."

'...But they are..
"we know that, she knows that, shes making a joke" she rolled her eyes and grinned.

Hilal mentioned that she could have just asked for money and Hex just glanced her and smiled. Hilal knew that Hex didn't like to ask, deep down the blue haired girl knew there was no strings attached other than the offer of friendship, but she couldn't help but be who she was, after years of knowing nothing came without a price.

I really need to take you shopping Hex!"

"What you trying to say?" Hex grinned manically while cooking her head.

'...that you dress like a street rat...'
"Not cool! She doesn't think that!?"

"you don't, do you?" she asked Hilal. Her friend was probably used to this sort of nonsensical question by now, Hex easily forgot that other people couldn't hear the voices like she could. They had talked about shopping before, Hex didn't have the figure that Hilal did, but loved her fashion sense. "That would be fun!"

As the pretty blue singer walked over and Hilal threw her arms around her Hex raised an eyebrow, Lal was a very tactile friend, she liked a hug, but there was just the tiniest amount of jealousy from the feeling that Hex had to share her friend. But it passed, and she greeted Vletti'azan'uosus too "Hey, i'm Hex, are you friends with Hilal too? Your voice is so good!" she caught her party poppers and offered her hand to Taiza to shake.

 

[Zoey Bradiss]

Zoey's bright blue eyes grew wide and focused on the objects being tossed over to her by the blue-haired girl. Her catch were quick and precise, leaving any doubt that she would drop them to the side. A precise and total control of her body were crucial in both the dancing and the hoverblade hockey she practiced when not in school or being brought along by her parents on some sort of combined business slash family dinner. She never completely felt like she could be herself on those occasions. She could be herself at home or on the hoverblades, like that time when she met that Daiya girl on the Globex Games, and tonight - tonight looked really promising on the fun-meter for the young coruscanti girl.

Zoey didn't think much of what the objects that she now skillfully juggled really were. Who would juggle anything dangerous at the GalaPalooza, anyway? Especially a girl about her age. No. At last, she were free from her parents and wanted to discover the festivities and maybe make some new friends, by the looks of it.

''I'm Zoey. It's fun to meet you both!'' she said while concentrating on the juggling of the objects in her hand, sticking her tongue out slightly as she did.

As the other girl named Hilal Vizsla spoke up, mentioning the objects which Zoey casually juggled around were grenades, Zoey quickly tossed them back to Hex and wiped her hands on her hips and bum. ''Uhh, what did you said?! Grenades?! That'sss...'' Zoey uttered and searched for words to describe the fact that a random girl at a festival were jugging with explosives. ''Pretty... wicked? I guess?'' she said uncertain.

Her eyes were drawn to Hilal when she asked if she were a coruscant girl or not. Of course, she was. A proud one too, if anyone asked or criticised her for it. ''Aha! Born and raised. You're not?'' she said, aiming the question to both of the girls.

Zoey also greeted Vletti'azan'uosus , the chiss woman that apparently were the one performing before Hobson. She had also been very good from what Zoey had heard of the concert while juggling with... fricking explosives.

"Give us Hobson!" Crowd stomping in unison to the rhythm of 1,2… 345 "Give us Hobson!" Crowd stomping in unison to the rhythm of 1,2… 345 "Give us Hobson!"

''Oh my stars! He's about to go up on stage! You guys wanna come along? You must know of Hobson, right?!'' Zoey uttered with pure exaltation by hearing the crowd asking for the galaxy famous singer. If Zoey only were 15 years older, or Mr. Hobson 15 years younger.

 

[Vyxxen]

Location: Coruscant | Galactic Palooza | Concert Hall
Tags: Kas Varad | Open

Kas took her hand in his and praised her looks and dancing prowess. The young Zelosian smiled proudly at the compliment and gave his hands a squeeze. Her heart pounded as she waited for his next move, which was less stimulating. She turned her face to allow the kiss quite willingly, and took the red card in her hand. As he backed away into the crowd Vyxxen was left wanting more. She smiled however at his exit and placed the card into the cleavage of her outfit. She wasn’t desperate enough to go into full pursuit mode, but she was damned sure going to give him a call sometime.

Vyxxen may have been a bit upset that Kas turned down the invitation to move their time along to a spot more conducive to dancing in the style she was better at, but that didn’t mean that her party was over. She stayed put to listen to Dak Hobson do his show. It was great of course. Vyxxen swayed along, but didn’t accept any of the half dozen invitations to dance. This part of the party was great, but there had to be more to it. After the live entertainment was completed Vyxxen made her way out of the concert hall looking or more accurately listening for someplace alive with party energy.

 

[Ran Serys]

“Boring?” Ran questioned. “To be honest, you sound anything but.” She replied as she placed her hand on his arm as they leaned against the bar. “You are working toward the protection of an entire planet, and building a home there. You say your work comes in part out of guilt, but from what you have said it seems more like you are out to redeem your family.” She gave an honest smile to aid honest words. “You are an interesting man, Khrusaes Akron. And I believe we may have more in common than either of us believe.” Ran pulled her hand away from his arm. The combination of the unfamiliar situation and unfamiliar feelings got the best of her. Khrusaes made her nervous. Galactic Palooza made her nervous. Any downtime devoid of blaster fire and the hum of a lightsaber made her nervous.

As Khrusaes turned the focus of the conversation onto Ran, her mind began to draw blank. “Me? I- I do not run a business or anything so clever.” She explained. “I am training to be a Jedi Knight and when I am not training I…” She paused unsure of how to best explain the mission she had devoted most of her time to. It was rooted in a heavy history. Too heavy for a blind date, or so she thought. In a split second she had to decide between an omission of the truth or the whole of it. The man standing across from her seemed an honest one. She didn’t want to do that a disservice.

“I-” As she began to speak, the bartender set two glasses in front of them. Zellay, at the center of the great room, clinked a designer ring against her drinking glass in great succession. The universal sign that she was about to make a toast. All eyes shifted in the host’s direction. Ran had been saved by the bell for now.

It was an eloquent speech that inspired several ooos and awwws as well as a few cheers and laughs. It barely registered for Ran. She was too busy thinking of the best way, if there was a way, to tell her date she had been a Sith Experiment. One that was poked and prodded and manipulated into doing their dark bidding, and that now it was all she stood against. That she’d chosen to sacrifice her freedom, her safety, her time, and maybe one day her life so that the same fate wouldn’t befall others. It was as noble a goal as Khrusaes’, but her past, at least the events on Pantora, had the potential to hurt the man. Lying would hurt him too. So she decided to tell him.

“I- I would like to get out of here and see the rest of the festival. Would you join me, Khrusaes?”

Just not at that exact moment.

_______________________
Khrusaes Akron​

 

[Khrusaes Akron]

Location: Coruscant | High rise party Galactic Palooza
Tags: Ran Serys

Khrusaes was surprised to Ran’s reaction to a life he already admitted he thought was quite boring. But Khrusaes was used to years of society parties and events. Political intrigue and stories told by his father and grandfather. Rebuilding a home and defending his homeworld was lacking in excitement when you compared what life was like when the Sith had arrived on Pantora.

Khrusaes tilted his head when Ran said she thought there were commonalities between the two of them. He didn’t know much about her, but Khrusaes guessed it was not his former life as a high society leach that she identified with. “Pastel skin and geometric tattoos?” he responded jokingly with some physical traits they shared.

When she pulled her arm from him Khrusaes frowned. He wondered if he had done something to offend Ran. Khrusaes didn’t have those Force skills that let you tell what is going on in another person’s head, but he was pretty good at reading body language. Ran was tense, she seemed nervous. This actually put Khrusaes at ease. He was nervous as well, but he had muscle memory from other parties of this sort that he could lean on. Ran admitted to not having the same sort of duties as Khrusaes, this was not a surprise. The part about her being a Jedi in training was a shock. He wasn’t sure why exactly he was surprised. Anyone could be a Jedi, but she seemed to be his age, old for a trainee. From what he knew of the Jedi that usually meant past life experience that got in the way of training as a young person.

Ran started to stammer as she discussed what she did when not Jedi-ing. She was struggling with something. As she pulled away earlier Khrusaes didn’t have a hand to squeeze, his usual method of comfort when needed on a date. Instead he reached a hand across and squeezed her shoulder gently, hoping she would feel comfortable to continue. But their host interrupted with one of her speeches. Zellay would have fit in well with the Akron family back in the day. He didn’t feel right lumping her in with them now, though that was just because of their selfish acts not flair and elegance that flowed off of Zellay, just like many members of his family. The speech was good and got the appropriate response from the party-goers.

Ran expressed her desire to leave the party and see the rest of the festival. Khrusaes wasn’t here to network, and he knew Zellay wouldn’t mind him sneaking out so long as he wasn’t running out on her arranged date. “I would be happy to come with you and see the rest of the sights,” the Pantoran replied and offered out his arm again, though he was a little less formal and stiff about it. “If you are needing a bit of quiet, I’m not sure the festival is the best destination. I knew a very good caf in this area. If the festival hasn’t shut it down we might stop there before exploring?”