Le Lendemain Matin

[Sitara Qin]

Work it into his busy schedule. Sitara wondered what that was probably like. His life was intriguing; perhaps the dream life of many bachelors. Yup, Marek was definitely a bachelor—and looked like he had no intention of settling down anytime soon. She licked her lips; it was a trait they both shared and that was why she was drawn to him. This wouldn’t be the last time she’d be seen with him, they’d have to meet up in Roon.

A variety of things? Sitara could only assume what kind of things he meant. “And is it easy for you to come across such people?” There were lots of people who were out in the galaxy looking for a lot of things. Jobless people, sad people, desperate people… People who’d give up their own dignity for a pay check.

She watched him play with the cereal in his bowl. “I think I know what you mean.” She smiled, and she did. She knew how to get what she wanted as well, and if a little talk couldn’t help her, she played around with them a little bit. Marek was all about business. He had to learn how to play people. “Bet your collection of names comes in handy a lot.”

“So why didn’t you join the Sith instead, Mr. Starchaser?” He was force sensitive, allied to the Sith, though didn’t seem interested in wielding a lightsaber. Perhaps he just liked the world of suits and stocks much better.

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

Marek’s busy schedule was get up around seven, don’t get out of bed til around nine. Get ahold of Alana and Ryan, make sure he didn’t have any meetings before eleven. And the ones that he did have should only be with members of the Executive Council and the Hegemony. The business partners that knew who he was behind the scenes. Lunch at midday with a briefing from Alana or Jenn, whoever was doing his briefing, and then meeting with Ryan for drinks and discussion of Bright Star operations. That left his afternoon for Techno Union meetings. Until dinner, then the evening hit and he would be feeling out a new DJ, chef or music act for part of Bright Star. And finding a partner for sleep that evening. Lather, rinse, repeat. Putting [member="Sitara Qin"] in his schedule should be easy.

Work hard, play hard, keep partyin’ like its his job.

“Its easy to come across a lot of people. Having them prove their actually worth it, and keeping them? That is something else.” He grinned. He knew that sometimes getting the right materials and blueprints to and from certain areas was tricky, but for the majority (about 95%+) of the Techno Union’s work, it was all legitimate. All that mattered was he didn’t deal with killswitches and homicidal houseplants.

Seeing and hearing her, he nodded. Hell, if he was a woman, Force knew he’d be trolloping around to get his way, probably like Santhe did at the start of her career, but maybe not. Marek worked in selling fun and booze, selling his own body? Not beyond him. Hell, still not beyond him. Make that bread. “Only when I can’t do it myself, does the name list come in handy, but I get invited around the galaxy a fair bit of time.” In case he ever got bored with his own parties, he could spend money elsewhere.

Why didn’t he join the Sith? Why not? Well, for one he trained under a Sith or two, Isley Verd, Ket Vanderveld, learned a bit from Rave Merrill, the education was there. He was the self styled Darth Peregrus, even if he should have a name more related to Hedonism, when he showed up in his black armor, but… “I just… it wasn’t the right fit. I’m in a very good working relationship with the Sith. My skills are more suited interpersonally, and not combat.” He could let others swing the lightsabers. He barely remembered where he left his.

 

[Sitara Qin]

What about me, Marek? Can you trust me? He begged the question, though she didn’t bother asking. She smiled, nodded, and took a bite out of her hotcakes. Sweet, delicious, a little creamy though she liked it that way. Breakfast and alcohol for dinner, unusual combination but it wasn’t unheard of. Marek simply liked doing as he pleased, just as she did.

“Makes it easier if you can just look into their heads.” And this is where using force empathy came in handy. Though you couldn’t read their thoughts exactly, it was so much easier to tell what they were feeling. It helped build a connection with the other party as well. And knowing people involved with business; they pull at every string to get whatever they want.

He fought to get where he was, Sitara concluded. Though he was fun and spontaneous, he did look like he worked smart. Heck, he did have the wits for it and he made a name for himself. She was impressed. “Like the Primeval ball?” She mentioned. One Sith and allies only, of course, and Mr. Starchaser was indeed an ally.

“I get what you mean.” She understood. It wasn’t for everyone, and well, if Marek preferred this life, it really was his choice. Probably the same thing he thought when she told him she joined just for the heck of it. “I guess that makes you an excellent smooth talker.” Especially to the ladies.

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

He didn’t need to worry about trust. Hell, he was probably being watched by SpyNet right now. He didn’t care, he did his best to be unpredictable, but one of those Net Taozin Obsidian SpyNet folk could be after him for all he knew. Paranoid? Maybe, but he was the Foreman of the Techno Union. And that meant he was sort of important, he supposed. Managing a lot of CEOs and their eccentricities? He wasn’t an engineer, but he could make this work. Had been for years. Kind of like how he lived how he wanted.

Was really simple.

“Getting into their head, that takes the fun out of it!” A bit of sport came into play when dealing with the people Marek sometimes hired. Mostly through contract, but he’d at least give them the chance to prove themselves. The Techno Union at least gave everyone that bit of hope, that they could be better than they thought they were. Or where they were born. “And just like the Primeval ball. Helps with networking.” And hook ups, obviously.

“Need to learn how to work all the angles, is all.” He laughed, switching from champagne cereal to the skillet he ordered. Food then hunting the datapad.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Sure it took the fun out of it, but it certainly made things a bit easier…faster. And anyways, wasn’t time money? Perhaps Marek was a little more well rounded than she thought, and that certainly made him all the more appealing. Or maybe, he just trusted in his abilities to perceive people. She was intuitive and didn’t need the force to pick up on the way people sensed, though it did certainly help, especially since the abilities were passive.

“Of course. And either way, the ball wouldn’t have been as much fun without you.” She grinned, even though she couldn’t really remember what went down. Still, she came out of it scarred and alive; Marek electrocuting her half the night. That was fun, she’s survived rough play before, and to be honest it excited her. Vanilla was too safe a flavour to devour.

She took another bite of her hotcake, coating its fluffy crust with some of the fruit drizzle and taking a bite out of it. Marek seemed amused with his cereal though he probably preferred the skillet he had ordered. She laughed. “Maybe you should’ve ordered a champagne skillet instead."

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

Faster and easier were alright sometimes, but when it really came down to it? Marek would be the kind to tie the knots by hand rather than use the Force to do it. The bit of struggle and conflict and friction? Yeah, he was all for that. Marek was part of the Starchaser legacy, which meant he was mostly a one trick pony in the Force, just enough to put him above most others on the battlefield. Still, even then, he could change the weather, and beyond that? He was perceptive, and would burn through toxins relatively quickly. His skills were managed to making the most of situations, fixing the weather made any outdoor event more fun, perceiving what made people tick helped him get the most out of them, or fix situations to make them happy, and detoxification? Well, he was eating champagne cereal.

“I’ll say. I really did bring the party, didn’t I?” Marek grinned and gave her a wink. Sure, maybe it helped he ran across her, always good for some arm candy, and then one thing leading to another and waking up in a haze? Best possible outcome. Oh, right, and the other skill, lightning. But that was just because he aligned himself with the dark side. What would it be if he had chosen the light side? Vanilla was one of those words Marek very rarely used.

Grabbing the fork to start going to town on the skillet he pointed it at her. “Don’t tempt me.” Cue the smirk. See? This was substance, the other was just to prove to everyone that he could, simply put, do whatever he damned well pleased.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

The question was rhetorical and would be answered by a coy smile. He brought the party and he left with even more party. Her first impression of him was that he was charming, though in hindsight, it was a trick many men had often used on her before. And she did enjoy her alcohol. Hell, she couldn’t go a week being completely sober. Always needed something in her system, or rather, just in her.

She wasn’t too fond of spice however. She’d go on a spiritual high for days before coming down and becoming severely depressed. It was too much of an elevation for her; though she could see why people were so addicted. The things you see, the things you felt.

It was intoxicating.

But then, so were a lot of things.

“I wasn’t trying to.” She grinned, her feet kicking his playfully. That smirk. It was a signature. It made him cuter, though at the same time made him look more of a douchebag. But girls went for that, right?

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

At least she understood how he worked. They really were two of a kind here, weren’t they? Some polyamorous alternative lifestyle Dark Siders. As for being charming, it wasn’t like he was some down-home country boy that turned it on, no, this was Marek Starchaser, he was a lot more urbanized than he used to be, and truthfully? It fit him better. He was able to portray that image really well, as it seemed to be who he was nowadays, especially with his company headquatered in Lianna City.

Spice and Marek, that was a unique relationship. He had it, he used it, he wasn’t addicted, but it was a fun way to clear a night, or a weekend. Not done as often as he claimed, but did anyone really spice out that often and keep a working life? Not really.

He enjoyed mind altering situations, and this woman, [member="Sitara Qin"], definitely helped there as well.

In another life, who knew? Marek may have been the head of a college fraternity majoring in business management, yeah, you know the type. But now? He was just a professional douche. Grinning at her, he nodded. “Sure, sure…” Now about that datapad… “Think you can get us back into the ballroom?” Did they dance last night?

 

[Sitara Qin]

Was he asking her to help sneak him into a ballroom? By the way he was phrased his questions, Sitara knew that he was. Would she actually do it? Heck yeah. She had her reputation back in the academy; besides breaking a few hearts and bones, she also liked to party. Sneaking into various raves in different countries were the fun part, but sneaking into an empty ballroom?

An empty ballroom that belonged to a powerful member of the primeval?

Should be fun, and exciting enough.

Should they be caught they could always answer questions; they were guests the other night, and they had their respective alibis, after all. But the thrill of it lied in the fact that something terrible could happen along the way. Whether it was them getting into trouble or getting their heads cut off, both lead to very embarrassing situations. Situations that got her excited, no less.

She smiled, flipped her hair to the side and batted her eyes at him. “You kidding? That’ll be easy.”

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

The one thing Marek prided himself on, he was not a hipster. Nor was he Eurotrash. Were those stereotypes even here? In Star Wars? Maybe. Or at least under a different name. No. Marek would have been anything from a frat boy to some Miami vice victim, in the other galaxy. Yeah, that one. But right now? Marek was the leader of a galactic technology powerhouse and a decent sized entertainment empire, with hopes of being the hedonist’s paradise. He made it so the parties erupted around him. That was a bard spell, he knew it.

Maybe he could make it a Force power… Force enemies to dance to some internal rhythm. Sure, he could probably just ask, and would most likely send a thank you to the lost and found, but treating a looker like [member="Sitara Qin"] to a bit of adventure? How was that NOT fun?

The trick was, Marek was the guy girls would be stupid to trust. He wasn’t here for any long stint of time, he was here for the now and maybe the next morning. Maybe.

Marek was truly a sadist and a masochist at heart.

“You think so?” He smirked at her, poking at the remains of his breakfast. The breakfast of champion.

 

[Sitara Qin]

She shrugged. Would it be easy? Probably. Could they get into a heck load of trouble? Yup. Would it be worth it? Definitely.

Sitara enjoyed anything that thrilled her, and she took whatever opportunity she could get for a fun time. Joining the Sith, going to the Ball, jumping into bed with Marek? Those were things that lead to a good time and breaking into a Primeval Palace was probably going to spark up the same effects.

“I have an inkling it’ll be.” Sitara grinned. What’s the worse that could happen anyways? Or was that one of the questions you shouldn’t be allowed to ask. It was a jinx she heard, though it wasn’t like anything bad had happened to her yet.

“Anyways, perhaps the rest of the guests are still there. Wasn’t there supposed to be some big sleepover?”

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

The best situations were the ones where you’d get in trouble for doing what you’re doing. They were always the most fun, at least. And that maybe was why Marek was always leaning dark side over light. They were just too… stuffy. Something that just didn’t sit well with the Starchaser, no freedom in the Light.

See? If they both followed the light then last night probably would not have happened, and speaking of that, Marek did want another go at this girl, one go he’d remember. Those were the best kind of romps. Speaking of… with iBorg he could make money off of some of his exploits. Probably this one but not as much as say… sleeping with the Jedi Grandmaster.

Challenge Accepted.

“Right, there was a sleep over there.” Was that code for something? “We might be able to just walk in, but we should get moving, anyhow. I’d like to secure that bit of data and then see what trouble we can cause with the rest of our time here.” He grinned.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She forked down another bite of her hotcake and washed it down with some water. Were they really going to do this? Heck yeah they were. There wasn’t much she could say about Marek except that he was really really fun. He’d probably be the type of person she’d wake up with in a holding cell. Maybe after this, that might really happen.

“Yup, let’s get moving.” She agreed, returning his grin. The sooner they start, the sooner they could find his datapad. It was definitely going to be an adventure for the both of them; though did they waste time by eating? Either way, if somebody stole it, they had the means to retrieve it. Nothing a little talking could do; and she knew that the both of them were very dangerous.

She waited for Marek to get up before she’d follow him. Was he done with his food? He probably wasn’t going to finish the cereal. She laughed. She’d dare him to chug down the rest of it, but he’d probably get his suit dirty. Not that that was a problem.

“If we get caught, we could always just tell ‘em we’re drunk."

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

A holding cell… Now that was a thought. Maybe Marek should make a room on the ‘adults only’ Bright Star liner that was based off a jail. Maybe there already was one (there was), and maybe he should rent it. That could be fun. After all, he was a character someone else roleplayed. So, why not let himself in on the fun? Right? Perfectly logical. And now Marek was thinking he was a character some man in a geology lab was writing up. Ha, that was a silly intrusive thought.

Nope, Marek was truly a galactic casino owner.

Dangerous? Marek? Sometimes. And only when he was truly pushed over the edge. He had finished his meal and was not really impatient in waiting on [member="Sitara Qin"], he was a patient man. Sometimes you just had to play the long con. “Sounds fun to me.” He grinned, getting to his feet and holding out his arm. Y’know, in a faux chivalry deal. “Still drunk? They might believe it if they check on who I am.” He smirked and nodded towards the door. Time to get moving.

 

[Sitara Qin]

Being drunk was a profession. It took a special kind of tolerance to restrain yourself from doing anything. But then again, most drunk people were actually conscious though loose enough to do stupid things they normally wouldn't do. Being drunk gave her an excuse to do embarrassing and stupid things, like sneak into the primeval ballroom. There wasn't much she could do about it, Marek needed his datapad.

Speaking of Marek, he was breaking the fourth wall for some time now. Whether or not it was for plot-purposes were unknown, or perhaps it acted as filler text, or something entertaining for the other person to read. Either way, Sitara herself was not entertained yet the person...the person who created her (perhaps a god in some sense) had her chits and giggles.

She held onto his arm and smiled. "You reek of alcohol." She said, scrunching up her nose. "I don't think they'd need to check."

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

Drunk as a profession? Yes. Gambling as a profession? You bet. Marek Starchaser’s Force skills even revolved around this. You’d think, being in charge of the Techno Union he’d had some skill in mechu deru, but no, he was just a Warden of the space. He made sure it continued on and that things were held together properly. It was a matter of being a Starchaser and dealing with finding his ‘wild talent’ as they called it.

For Marek? Altering the environment, changing the weather. That was his thing. It was zero percent useful in most storylines, but that was it. Between that power and existing in a state of drunkenness for a while without losing money, well, that was the extent of Marek’s superpowers.

“Shh, its my cover.” Did she really think he was that drunk? No, it was just that he was afraid the cumulative hangover would kill him. And it very well might.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

His cover? Sitara smirked. He played off handsomely intoxicated businessman quite well; actually better than most if you had to ask her. She didn’t actually think he was drunk right now, in fact he seemed sober. Crazy, but sober. She rubbed her hands together and her heels clanked against the tiles of the hotel. They’d make their way outside soon.

And where was the frigging castle anyways? It wasn’t like this hotel was right outside it?

Well, it was pretty close actually. Once her heels stepped onto the hard Bastion platform, she caught sight of the palace sheltered between a stretch of buildings. It was close, but it wasn’t like they were just going to walk there, right?

Her heels pinched after all. “You think any shuttles are gonna come by that’ll conveniently bring us over there?”

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

There was a certain level when Marek Starchaser actually was drunk. Most of the time? He was acting it up, so people wouldn’t keep buying him drinks and wasting the booze. And truth be told? He liked to keep his wits about himself, most of the time. The previous night? Yeah, that was probably getting closer to real drunk for him, and he didn’t know why. [member="Sitara Qin"] was a looker. And y’know, if Marek was a dating kind of guy, he’d try to court her for monogamy, but he was Marek. He courted everyone for a good time.

Stepping out in her wake, because, well the view was nice, he looked up at the castle and gave a bit of a whistle. Nice building, the Primeval was pretty good at what they did, and taking over Bastion? Prime example of that. He looked up and down the street. Shuttle?

“Why, too lazy to walk?” Marek was. He was part of the Techno Union. If he could have technology fix something, like walking, he’d do it. Obviously.

 

[Sitara Qin]

“You try walking around in these heels.” She said, gesturing at the pumps she was wearing. They were usually comfortable, but these were a little unreasonably high and tight. They made her feet look amazingly hot—well, y’know, for feet—and completed the entire outfit. They were pretty expensive too, almost made her wallet cry.

What would Marek know though? He wasn’t female, or well, he never wanted to be female. He never had to slam his feet into shoes that were a bit too small or dresses that hugged your abdomen so tightly you could never breathe. Plus he didn’t have to spend like a million credits on makeups and other beauty products. Why, she needed special shampoo to keep her waves full and soft.

And guys said they love the natural look. Nothing was actually natural, most of it took a lot more work.

But anyways, she was digressing. And speaking of work, well, she didn’t really wanna walk all the way there. “Got any ideas?”

| [member="Marek Starchaser"] |

 

[Corey's OOC]

The heels? Nope. Marek wasn’t going to even attempt that. Sure as hell he’d walk behind someone walking in them, but walk in them? No way. He wasn’t crazy. Though maybe he should buy himself some sort of fashion company and see what kind of crazy things he could sell… That was an idea. Would go over with a band, he was sure. Or for a bang, whatever.

As for a woman’s issues? Yeah, he didn’t have them. Ninety nine problems but being a woman? That just wasn’t one. And he could afford most things, so even if he found himself some consistent lay, he’d be able to make sure she looked right. Regarding the women he liked? Nah, he was all for making them go through the paces. Not that he was here to stick around, Marek was a commitmentphobe.

“Nah, you can keep the heels.” Looking to the road he made to flag down a cab. “Always do.” He smirked, having money was clearly nice. And bought a lot. He'd even hold the door open. Look at that.

[member="Sitara Qin"]