On the CASE, or The Crimes Against Senseless Exuberance

[Tadietti Tann]

Ryloth
Mount Magmas​

Luxury Club: On the CASE, or The Crimes Against Senseless Exuberance.

Daytime showed a large artificial dome supporting an entirely different, exclusive atmosphere. Set atop a large mountain, which only helped to further separate itself from the planet below. For it was considered a crime to not experience Exuberance at every turn here, to not indulge in exactly what you wanted at every moment you were in the club.

So what was a high-end Twi’lek Party really all about? The crème de la crème of money. It wasn’t only what you got in a dressing-down party in a modern Ryloth club, fun as that might be, or only what you found at a Hutt’s palace with everything just in your face. No the really rich. They had their own way of celebrating when they wanted to look good. Today they wanted to look really good. If you were here you were worth a small fortune, and if you made it upstairs you were certainly a well-kept billionaire. [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] had been invited very far indeed up those stairs.

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7nOPV7k1Gg

The Real Display starts at 2.50
As the speeders and ships came into this self-sealed dome structure. They’d find cannons to the right of them on the ground. Of a different kind.​

The Entrance hall was flanked by attendants on the white seats, to do anything that the guests required, and around them through the ropes were the diplomatic attaches or the senior executives that were aides to the super-rich. Important enough to gain a seat near the entrance, just not enough clout to get in further. Beyond that, the large ground floor had comfortable seating, of course, any drink or substance you could want, brought to you by any species you could want. There was a lively enough atmosphere downstairs, people mingled, did business, there were doors were ‘other things’ happened but mostly it was what you’d expect. Discreet. That was downstairs.

Three singers were competing for attention, taking their turns to captivate the crowd. The next act came in furs that were only best described as some of the rarest creatures ever seen, strolling up to the microphone like she owned the entire room, hips swinging in a way which tried to summon everyone's attention. Singing to those who were close enough, standing with their glasses, in suits, dresses, and fashions of all descriptions. Lady blue whispered in her communicator, and just for a second, the white twi’lek singer with exceptionally rare naturally gold lips, was singing to the door as Siobhan entered. The song slightly altered to match her arrival, as if just on cue “Everyone knows about it, from the queen of firemane to the…”

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB6HY8r983c

Club Music. The handpicked Serenade.​

The singer might well have been picked for her fiery attitude, and her larger than life combative presence. That serenade might have been planned. Who really knows? Standing waiting just inside those entrance ropes for Siobhan were three twi’lek ladies ready to escort her or follow, one red dressed in powerful black leather, one purple dressed in luxurious green silk and one green dressed in modern white fashions. Whereas lady blue, veiled as always, was waiting at the bottom of the stairs talking to a few guests, to see where Siobhan would head first.

With the stairs upward clearly advertised, and individual lifts beside it. No ticket needed to be shown. Every member of staff knew who everyone was, and if by chance Lady Blue’s assistants missed Siobhan’s entrance, there would surely be a few other ladies from the club itself seeking to guide or attach themselves to untaken arm upward, or to a downstairs seat if she preferred. If Siobhan had walked in any of these circles recently, certainly she’d spot some well-known faces going about their business, and some would surely nod, maybe even try to engage her in conversation. This was the millionaires club downstairs, the new money, and they’d want to meet her as she passed them by. It was the many balconies upstairs that held all the secrets, and today was full of them

It was a new day. For everyone. Blue was running things now. [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


The location? An absurdly luxurious club for the rich and powerful. Here they could meet, wine, dine, network and indulge in all manners of debauchery. The kind of place where you did not ask about the price because it would just mean you could not afford it. Naturally, Siobhan had to attend.

The Lady was fashionably late. She had adopted that mannerism from blue bloods who claimed they could trace their lineage back for thousands of years. In Siobhan's not entirely unbiased opinion, their 'unbroken' lineages were all invented. She remembered the days when blue blooded aristocrats and captains of industry had scorned her. The first time she had tried to mingle among their circles it had been done reluctantly. She had been awkward and stiff, uncertain of how to act. She had gotten patronising tolerance and haughty words to her face, and whispers behind her back.


Oh, how things had changed. Several of the Core Worlds, bastions of old money, had been through hard times after the OS War and the GA's collapse. Empires had come and gone. Siobhan was still here. By no means unscarred, but still seated on her throne. Unbent. Unbowed. Unbroken.

A fancy - and blasterproof - luxury limo turned up at the entrance of Club CASE. A finely dressed driver got out and opened the door. An elegantly pedicured, high-heeled foot stepped out of the vehicle, then another. Lady Siobhan Kerrigan's attendants fell in line behind her as she took in the club entrance. The Lady wore a magnificient black dress that left one shoulder exposed. While it reached her ankles, a daring slit showed an enticing amount of leg without revealing too much. A mane of scarlet cascaded about her shoulders, while her head was crowned by a small circlet.

"Not your usual scene, is it, Hunter?" she teased one of her attendants. He was the sole male in the group.

"I've stared into enough flashbangs not go blind from the bright lights, ma'am," the Dahomian male said. Tall and broad-shouldered, his physical presence was a good deal more imposing than hers. He was also very eager to serve her whims. "Though if there is more than one fork, I'm afraid I won't know which is the right one."

"Let me let you in on a little secret," Siobhan leaned in conspiratorially, as if about to convey a great mystery. She licked at his ear. "I do not think any of the aristos know which fork is the right one." Her hands moved inappropriate places. "It's a fancy trick to make themselves look posh," she kissed him dominantly.


"So are we skipping the club and starting our own festivities right here?" Harmony interrupted cheekily, hands on her shapely hips. "I mean, I'll never said no to a good party...but it's chilly here." Like Hunter she was a child of Dahomey. The dainty dark skinned woman was no warrior, but beautifully dressed and with enough curves to match a scenic highway.


"You just want Lady Mistress to give you her attention," Iuitl interjected. She was a Xioquo, one of the drows who had once lived on Tygara. Her skin was a dark grey, she had gold eyes and pointed ears. Once she had been a slave to cruel mistresses, before being freed by Firemane's cleansing purge.

She took in the scenery ahead of her. "The 'wise' mistresses hosted gatherings such as these. Barely one went by without there being at least one poisoning. One I attended erupted into a full-blown slaughter...while almost everyone was unclothed."

Siobhan chuckled slightly. "Going out with a bang, right?" she asked wryly. "As amusing as the imagery is, I'm sure hordes of assassins will not suddenly pounce on us. And if they do, well," she trailed off as sparks of electricity crackled on her fingertips before dissipating. She took Harmony by the arm and Hunter by the other. "Come on, let's get a move on. Iuitl, sweetie, do be a good girl and announce me."


"Yes, Karishzar. I am honoured," the Xioquo declared sincerely. Inside the club, the entrance hall was packed with figures that were important and those that wanted to be important by attaching themselves to those that were. There were attendants on the white seats, ready to help the guests any way they desired, diplomats, functionaries or senior executives. Inside, singers vied for the attention of the crowd.

Siobhan smiled slightly when seemed to serenade her. She suspected it had been planned, but it stroked her ego. "Countess Siobhan of House Kerrigan-Alcori, Karishzar, Beloved of Kashara, Protector of the Eldorai Matriarchy, Grandmistress of the Order of Fire and CEO of Firemane." Iuitl had a way to make her voice fill a room.


Siobhan strode into the club head held high, conveying the air of someone who thought she owned the place. Her high heels clanked as she walked upon the marble floor. As if on cue, she was soon buffeted by a small crowd. Tabloid gad flies took pictures, the managers of the club and some bigwigs wanted to shake her hand. Siobhan traded smiles, exchanged polite platitudes with those she felt like indulging. Eventually she would be face to face with the Twi'lek beauties the enigmatic Lady Blue had apparently dispatched.

 

[Tadietti Tann]

Silence at the door! Siobhan's titles turned even more heads than their song’s announcement. Her lengthy introduction summoning the most eager guests just past the ropes to inquire or speak as she passed. “Lady Kerrigan I am….” “Countess would you care for a small moment with…” “Ms Kerrigan, I would be honored if…” “Grandmistress can we have a moment of your precious…” Several people wanted to make introductions, or, extend a hand to shake, male and female. Old and young. A rare opportunity. Perhaps the least well versed in etiquette and nearest the door even getting a sneaky holo-picture for themselves!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9Fta-96V7Q
The Second performer had taken over, to a round of new applause, flanked by supporting dancers in mirror suits which only bounced her lightshow further.​

Mirror Suits:

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4RdfvNztBc

Downstairs was certainly a hub of varied activity, performances, and showmanship.​

Lady Blue took the cue to greet Siobhan and her guests personally, she couldn’t have her more well-known guests overwhelmed by the common riff-raff millionaires! To be certain, at the smallest of presses on her wrist, Blue's twi'lek trio stepped in. Sienn, Opel Jeru, and Aeyih'dira all introduced themselves. Our red-skinned Sienn was a very tall physical presence in her leathers, statuesque and commanding, she nodded. Opel did her graceful bow in her beautiful silks, fully introducing herself, this close, she had bearing and grace of a hand-picked dancer, and purple smooth skin of a goddess. She moved as an artist, giving Harmony an especially lingering long tilt of her head, her touch would be light and compare with even Blue's elegant movements.

While our green-skinned Aeyih'dira smiled very brightly, a dazzling smile actually, marking her as a model from a core-net luxury catalog, which is exactly where Tadietti had hired her from, looking to catch wandering eyes. Rather than wait to be asked, Aeyih would actively seek out an arm of any of Siobhan’s guests or Lady Kerrigan herself, if ever an opportunity presented itself, and she was very good at spotting when and when not to! A charmer. The green twi'lek Aeyih apparently had her twin waiting with Tadi'etti too, Kinsa who was standing by their stairs, similar looking, if a bit quieter. There were a lot of twi’leks, male and female who looked to Blue as she made her way to her guest, as if watching her for cues. To clear the way for Siobhan if she wanted space, alternatively if she seemed to be enjoying the attention spread word further, or maintain things to offer just the right amount of attention.

As her graceful steps took her closer or the trio escorted Siobhan inward. Blue reached both soft hands downward, and outward to Siobhan to greet her palms if she took them. There was something different this time, more strength, she hadn’t lacked confidence before, now there was control. The same grace, the manicured hands, the exotic dress. A dress which showed slightly more skin than last time, not too overt, but the emerald blue floral patterns along her left side showed her contours, and her left arm more readily, its expensive fabric going halfway down her thighs. Subtle silver and small sapphires shone from her ears. Her clothes were taking a few cues from what she’d learned last time about her guest while retaining her sense of style. Still sadly the veil though, but even that was designed to show more of her cheekbones, and those same lips below speaking the words...

“Thank you all for coming Lady Kerrigan, you look spectacular, and have the whole room taken." She paused and smiled, happy to assist all the attention she could on her guest. "We wanted to offer something special for our next meeting. My hopes are tonight will not be a night anyone forgets soon.” Blue spoke to all of them while letting go of Siobhan’s hands if she had not already. Her voice steady, confident, only with the same sweet tone often held. The guests were constantly looking on at who was getting the red carpet treatment, the singers changing, and the songs, the lights competing for everyone’s attention. Much as Blue was for Siobhan's, competing with several keen millionaires and businessmen. Today was an important day for her own future, and a lot was riding on making a good second impression.

“May we walk together. Tonight is your night.” Choosing her moment, when Siobhan looked in the best humor to be asked, reading any small cues like a professional. Maybe, just maybe ahead of them toward the stairs. Blue had taken a very well researched guess, of exactly what each guest accompanying Siobhan would most want at a party, and that would be hinted, teased or perhaps given directly depending on the individual. "Do you have any preferences? CASE is... Flexible." Blue's smile blossomed at Aeyih's remark, Opel resisting just barely showing off how flexible. They had a private room booked upstairs, or the bustle of the crowd's attention below. Choices. Choices. The alternative was they could spend time in both areas, down then up, before they chanced meeting any stray Queen or Duchess at a loose end.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]

"Of course I remember you, Lady Vao. By the way, that necklace is lovely.."

"Greetings...and you are?"

"Maybe I can make some time..."

"Mr Tarkona, your company's latest clothing line is..."

Almost on cue, Siobhan was buffeted by a crowd of hangers-on. She shook hands, exchanged platitudes and pleasantries. Some she haughtily ignored to make a point. Here and there, journalists made snapshots with their holocameras. She waved, smiled and ignored those journalists she did not like. Her interactions with the press had always been variable. To be precise, they alternated between choking, seducing and sueing.


It did not take long for the trio of Twi'leks to saunter into her field of view. Each was more delectable than the other. "What's this, a Twi'lek buffet for you, Mistress?" Harmony asked cheekily, keeping her voice low. Her eyes lingered on Opel for a moment. Harmony could head tilt and strut with the best of them.

She was one of the longest-serving of Siobhan's attendants, that harem of young women and men who were hired to please her in bed, provide companionship and the occasional sounding board. This gave the Dahomian certain liberties. "Oh, come on. Three is almost greedy. The host knows you well, ma'am," Hunter joined in. Siobhan made a mental note to 'discipline' him later on.


Introductions were made. Aeyih managed to attach herself to Siobhan. Iuitl looked a bit unhappy when she found that she had not been quick enough, but Siobhan alleviated her disappointment somewhat by kissing her ear. Doubtless that was caught on camerara. It suited the Lady just fine for tabloid gad flies to write about her dalliances and lack of care for prudish Core morals. She lived her life according to her rules and no one else's. Moreover, sometimes it helped when foes - and partners - underestimated her. "Bravo, girl. You're truly my best herald," she said sweetly.


Then she was finally face to face with Lady Blue again. Well, as much as you could given the fact that the Twi'lek's face was obscured by her veil. Lady Kerrigan gave the Twi'lek a good one-over. The fact that she was checking her out was probably no surprise. However, her appraisal went beyond admiring her exotic dress and the body that fit so well into it. Her aura was different. At their first meeting, Blue had by no means been a meek lamb. She had carried herself with confidence, even when Siobhan questioned one of her designs. But she had felt like someone trying to find her footing. Getting her first dip into the water, so to speak. Now her aura radiated control and poise.


Siobhan flashed her a smile. "Thank you for the invitation, Lady Blue. Such a pleasure to see you again...especially in a place filled with so much beauty," she purred the last words. Her eyes drank in the pretty Twi'leks. "I love the dress. You must tell me where you bought it from."


Aeyih's remark caused Siobhan to raise a well-manicured eyebrow in response. "Flexible, yes? I will just how flexible it is," she said with an air of wry amusement, running a hand down the woman's back. Her warm breath brushed against her lekku. "I say we go downstairs first and meet the crowd. Then retire for some privacy," she decided. Her tone was soft, her eyes appreciative...but alert. "Shall we, my dear?" she asked playfully, offering Blue Lady her arm. "Allow me to introduce my entourage. This is beauty here is Iuitl, a Xioquo from Tygara. This is Hunter, and you already know Harmony."

 

[Tadietti Tann]

“Our room hasn’t turned that color or way all night, not for Queen or Govenor.” Praise for Iuitl. where it was due. There had been some entrances to speak of. There was one particularly loud Houk billionaire earlier, but that was more from the weight of his lavishly covered bulk on the floor than it was his aides announcing them. So much beauty? “More now Siobhan,” Blue smiled, moving past her titles for a very necessary personal complement.

Lady Blue was happy to see their attention was well received by Siobhan. Sadly there was bound to be someone armless. While Tadietti very gladly placed her hand on Sio’s arm and listened with a polite hello or smile as everyone was introduced. Lady Blue also looked toward Sienn, the only one strong enough here to perhaps appeal to an unescorted Xioquo. Sienn’s large leather arm was clearly thrust forward for Iuitl. She led the way, assuming to escort her. Not forcefully, but leading, there was an absolutely unshakable expression on Sienn’s face, that might match that of a gladiator, or firm priestess from back home. Doubtless other nearby Twi'leks would pamper Hunter if he allowed it.

Moving around the buzzing dancefloor, right through the center of the club, and the many assembled guests mingling all around, heads would turn and nod, glasses might be raised or whispers heard. Blue would certainly nod back at the right people. “mhm”, meanwhile Opel moved in subtle ways best left to performers in holovids. Playing up that Harmony vs Opel tension, Opel definitely teasing in her way with her glances or smiles. Perhaps strut offs were in their cards for later, you never could tell. Clothing. “Thank you. Our dresses are part of a new line we are releasing, would you like our latest designs sent to your ship?” Blue offered happily. Never one to miss her opportunity to show off her business, even here. “mhm A few of our hostesses are wearing some of the new styles.” Opel was happy to say because she was one of them! Entertainers who got free luxury dresses or jewelry out of advertising them, walking around chatting or mingling with the right crowds. At least where the addition of actual clothing was a bonus to their intended ambiance.

Blue ran things differently than Goros, everyone got their taste, so everyone had their stake in things running smoothly. Even if that created more competition internally than before for who got what. Importantly everyone was doing so of their own volition. No collars here. More or less. Long contracts were still tricky areas, and she was attending to her share.

As their gathering moved to toward the stage, they were seated at a private booth of white luxurious leather seats, singles, and doubles for choice, which allowed a good view of the stage, and a slightly raised platform to put them a head above most sitting down, level with those standing on the dance floor. A golden and black table already had four bottles in the cooler, with a pretty waitress and waiter immediately on hand for anything else. There was an explosively potent orange firewine, a finely aged Corellian Whiskey, Cherry hinted priceless seventeen-star Daruvvian champagne, and a bottle of 811 ABY Smooth Naboo Red. Because someone had remembered Sio's tastes. They weren’t the only booth down here set up like this here on the lower floor, but they did have one of the best positions in the corner of the club for the view of the dancefloor, those arriving, and the stage itself. Blue herself offered to pour Siobhan a glass of the Naboo wine she knew Lady Kerrigan enjoyed, the waitress and waiter taking care of everyone else, or any other orders.

AKESTOS the name announced to a flare of the lights. The third performer was something very different again.​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUlxAgCAmXQ​

A sword dancing twi’lek named Akestos. Tadietti’s own new personal guard as it happened, who gave their table a respectful nod before he began. The golden colored blades were demonstrated to be sharp before he started, cutting through a large fruit. With eventually four swords going midair or around his body. Tthe fact he didn’t cut his own skin or indeed head off, showed he had some skill and a lot of dexterity. The biggest applause came with use of his legs and feet to throw the weapons, something rarely seen, even at a place like this. Gaining many interested guests to watch but not too close to the swords. Blue spotted he’d dropped one sword toward the end, you could see her lips tense, and he spotted she’d noticed. He played it as part of the act, thankfully not losing an arm, or much of his stride, and that was enough for her.

Something else Tadi had that Goros didn’t, was care for those that worked closely with her. As Akestos descended the stage following his performance, he did a personal bow to their table. Kneeling and offering Siobhan one of the beautiful golden swords across his arms, it had a single sapphire in the handle. A smooth gold finish, not matching a ceremonial sword in looks, but it had a razor sharp edge. A few heads turned, to see if Lady Kerrigan would accept the gift, a few whispers giving their opinion.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


"Oh, there is a queen here? Of what? Maybe I can find time to meet the crowned head," Siobhan said.

"The Lady Mistress is fond of queens," Harmony declared, then in a lower tone she added: "on their knees." Tadietti might have heard anyway. Iuitl certainly did due to how good Xioquo hearing was. Those pointed ears served a practical purpose. They were also extremely sensitive to stimulation.

Siobhan did not miss the Harmony vs. Opel contest. Both were apparently doing their best to outstrut the other. It was a contest the Dahomian appeared to determined to win. Siobhan did not mind. Them shaking and swaying their hips gave her something nice to look at. "I'd be delighted if you could send me some samples, Blue. I do love being up-to-date on latest trends and being surrounded by well-dressed women."

"And even more by undressed ones, wise Mistress," Iuitl interjected. Then she felt a stab of nervousness. "Am I being out of bounds, Karishzar? I do not mean to embarrass you," she spoke quietly, switching to the Xio language.

"Don't overdo it when we meet the other guests," Siobhan responded sternly, then her tone softened. "You're fine right now. Relax a bit. You may accept her arm," she added, glancing towards Sienn. "Keep your wits up though." Like her servant, she spoke in Xio.

"Yes, Mistress. Thank you," Iuitl looked more than a little relieved. Siobhan had treated her kindly, but the image of a cruel mistress viciously punishing her for the slightest infractions was hard to shake. Looking more cheerful now she accepted the Twi'lek's arm. The Xioquo looked rather enraptured by Sienn's exotic skin colour and lekku.

"Young Iuitl is a designer herself. She has made many lovely dresses for me."

"The Lady Mistress gives me too much credit. But I am a trained seamstress. I served a cruel, vain mistress before the Karishzar. She is a very wise woman who has treated me with kindness."

"But she is just as vain?" Siobhan asked playfully.

"Karishzar, your beauty far surpasses that of the vile mistresses I used to serve. It is beyond words to describe."

"Relax, she's teasing," Hunter opined. Iuitl shot him a glare, not liking the maleling speaking out of tune. Where she came from, males were kept in their place. He should feel honoured that the Karishzar allowed him to please her. Speaking of the Dahomian male, it appeared a Twi'lek had attached herself to his broad shoulders. He was clearly enjoying the attention.

"I jest. Your devotion is beyond doubt and I am touched by it." Her Mistress' words of reassurance pacified the young Xioquo. In any case, the gathering had reached the stage by now. As was appropriate, they were seated at a private booth. Conveniently the platform was slightly elevated. This suited Siobhan's desire to be above most people, but also gave them privacy from the 'plebs'.


Moreover, there was good wine. Siobhan smiled slightly, accepting the proferred Naboo Red from Tadietti. The Twi'lek had a fine attention to detail. She brought the glass to her lips and took a sip. In her younger days, Siobhan would have selected the strongest whiskey and downed it without a care for decorum. But she was more refined and health-conscious now. She took a small, careful sip at first, then another. She gestured to Harmony and kissed the Dahomian, letting some of the wine flow into her mouth. "Exquisite," she declared after they had stopped locking lips. Her gaze turned to Tadietti. "So how have you been since I last saw you? I assume things have been well?"


Then a sword dancing Twi'lek showed up! The maleling managed to become impressive acrobatic feats while balancing and in some cases throwing four blades. He succeeded in doing this without losing any limbs or accidentally hurting a guest. Towards the end he dropped a sword. Siobhan saw Blue's expression shift, but the sword performer played it cool. Then the sword dancer approached and bowed. Siobhan liked it when people bowed to her.


Then he offered her a sword. Siobhan took it by the hilt and spent a moment examining the weapon. The finish was made of gold. It did not quite match a ceremonial sword in terms of aesthetics, but as she noted the edge was razor sharp. She gave it an experimental swing, careful to avoid hitting anything except thin air. "You are very talented. This is a beautiful weapon," she remarked. Then, because she was a theatrical sort, she raised the sword over his head, before giving him a tap on his left shoulder with it.

 

[Tadietti Tann]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoBlp6qvFqg​

After a very smart wookiee of all things introduced her. Goldy lips made a return. Three of the performers together competing for the microphone, the professional looking wookiee at the back coordinating, snapping his cufflinks and straightening his tie as he coordinated the other musicians behind them.

“It was my privilege to perform for you Lady Kerrigan,” Akestos said as he stood. It had been arranged to time the performance just so. With the return of music and lacking the fear of sword impalement. The crowds returned to mingle closer by below. There was room to move around the chairs, though nobody enroached, a few guests took the opportunity to get closer as they danced.

After banter that could only make one Twi'lek almost blush with envy at its intricacy and dynamics. Royalty, there were two, “I believe hmm the Queen of Nolar is here along with a Duchess, though our duchess has been very elusive as to where she lives.” Tadietti’s lekku drifted slightly, thinking to herself. “Nolar is a wealthy mining planet but otherwise unremarkable”, but the duchess intrigued Tadietti, she must have known the club’s owner to get upstairs without her name. Hmm.

The guests! Come they did. First a very keen very young noble human teenager, dressed in a ceremonial white suit, perhaps someone’s son from upstairs, having a distinctly impressive golden sash across his body. If he was sixteen it would be a surprise. He was the first to speak. Stumbling over his words as he tried to approach Siobhan even before she’d had a chance to sit. “Lady Kerrigan that was so... it was just so.. It would honor my honor, that is, it would be an honor to have your honor. Of the time.” The pretty noble guest on his arm, curling hair down to her waist, looked embarrassed and blushed as her escort tried to find the right words to say. “It is. It’s just so very delightful to meet you.” Beaming. At least he hadn’t feared the swords from the stage, standing the closest. He’d read stories about a certain bolter wielding heroine from his past growing up, and now here she was. Of course he would seek her signature on whatever was to hand, looking around for a piece of paper or card, but failing to find any.

While it was Sienn that blushed as wine was shared, she would never admit it. Almost to match the scene, “a designer!” Opel said excitedly to Iuitl, Tadietti took her lead here swiftly, always a keen head for business, “would you like to collaborate, if your Mistress approves.” Blue turned to Sio, and flattered Iuitl in her sweetest voice, “we very much like to meet new talented professionals.” Opel took a moment to lean on her elbows, head on her palms, sipping her drink through a straw, taking her time to dab her own wine lips appropriately in front of Harmony. How long could this strut-teasing last? Blue had taken a polite sip of her wine as well, crossing one leg over the other to reveal her sharp silver heels ginting.

Several hangers-on had tried to retain their previous position nearer their booth, a competition almost for who might be closest. Akestos wasn’t having any of it, he was crossing his arms and looking at anyone who might be a nuisance. An investment banker for AI-Brokered Hypershares on Mon Calamari, for example, got a quick shake of his head before he could try for a sale in timeshare-AI-superbrains to the table. The broker gave his card silently instead, Akestos looked at it and showed it to harmony to be polite, so she could have a good chuckle.

How had Lady Blue been? “Things have been. Interesting.” Blue admitted to Siobhan, not describing the full shootout across a certain freighter with her sister, but admitting that “times are always shifting, we can enjoy ourselves along our way,” she smiled softly, it was a practiced smile. There was more maturity to Blue as well, a bit older than her years. There was also an eye to Akestos as she spoke, he was keeping watch dutifully because things were not yet decided between her and Goros. “Competition has a way of,” her lips pressed together tightly, “popping up.” Her lekku and head drifted to her side, not seeking to dwell. Goros would be stupid to try anything here of all places and he wasn’t stupid. Aeyih's expression was a bit vexxed as she saw her own Mistress's concern, but very briefly till her smile returned. Of all of them here, she seemed to be studying the interplays between them fascinated, a new Lady Green in the making?

For the booths nearby, at one side was a chatty reptilian Makurth couple with three guests. Dressed in clothes that anyone else might seem out of place. Here they were apparently dressed better than almost anyone, it didn’t change the fact they were reptilian, but they wore it well. They would raise a glass if anyone turned and talk about the acts casually. Also close by, but much quieter, was a yellow midi-dressed older miraluka with grey hair, shoulders showing, but blindfolded as many of her race were. She must have had some pull to be this close to the stage. She didn’t say anything, she just occasionally looked at Hunter. Eventually, hunter would find a note about the Arch Duchess of Rena, Heir to Kodai somehow appear in his pocket. Her gathering had disappeared onto the dancefloor, just leaving a young ginger-haired miraluka girl behind to take any response if and when Hunter saw the note.

“Can I ask you how life is for you, we only have rumors, and I hate rumors.” Lady Blue said to Siobhan, she liked truth, in a world that was full of veiled lies. Something she had respected Siobhan for in their previous meeting. “I want to save details for upstairs, but if there is anything,” she said quietly. There were things with the circles she moved in and her connections now that she might offer, and knew some of what Siobhan had lived but certainly not private details.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


"Does Mistress want to see his other sword?" Harmony asked cheekily in her native tongue. At this rate she was angling for punishment. In any event, the guests were coming! Some never made it far enough, for they were sent away by Akestos or Hunter. Both took their jobs very seriously. Their boss' time was precious and could not be wasted by riff-raff. Who knew, maybe the two would also find the time for some male bonding.

They could talk about places they'd been and people they had shoot or, more likely in Akestos' case perhaps, cut in half. Maybe also gossip about the attractive, demanding space divas they worked for. Or exchange words about sports. Hunter was into grav-ball and had played for the Red Cylixes, a local team on Dahomey. He was also into boxing. Both were very useful for keeping in shape. His Lady Mistress had a thing for muscles.

One of the guests who managed to penetrate the wall was a young teenage male and his very embarrassed looking escort. The kid was stumbling over his words. Siobhan felt a bit annoyed, but it was also kind of cute. Besides, it took guts to walk up to her and ask for a signature. In case anyone was wondering, she felt no amorous desires. He was, after all, sixteen at best.

"What's your name, boy?" she asked in a somewhat haughty tone, ending the stream of words and his search for a piece of paper.

"Uh, my name...I am...Dorian Atreides. That's me. My name, that is."

"Look me in the eye when you speak to me. Back straight," she said sternly.

"Yes, of course. My apologies. I'm sorry. It's just...a big honour. To meet a hero..."

"He's studied all your battles, ma'am," his escort came to his rescue, causing him to blush.

"I heard about how you pulled down that First Order Star Destroyer all on your own and defeated that monster Kaine Zambrano,"

"Let me let you in on a little secret. I had some help pulling down the Star Destroyer. Zambrano did, however, run away from me. He was unimpressive," she chuckled a bit. A nervous chuckle escaped Dorian.

"Now where do I have the card. Harmony?" As if on cue, the Dahomian had presented her with a card and a pen. "Ah, there it is." Taking the pen in hand, Siobhan scrawled her signature on the card. Her handwriting was as messy as it had been twenty years ago. Dorian's eyes seemed to light up when she passed it over to him.

"Thank you so much. This is a great honour."

"I hope you know how to honour and please your girlfriend. It's every man's duty to treat the woman in his life like a queen," she declared authoritatively. She had strong views on gender roles. Now both were even more embarrassed.

"Few people are brave enough to walk up to me like that. When you're old enough and want some adventure, think about applying for an internship at Firemane," she added in a sweeter tone. Siobhan worked her interns hard. Sometimes they ended up under her desk. After the boy had stammered his goodbyes and departed alongside his escort, the Lady Kerrigan chuckled.


There had been chatter going on in the background. "I serve at my Mistress' pleasure. It is up for the Lady Mistress to decide," Iuitl said loyally.

"I would like to see where and in what conditions the clothes are made first," Siobhan interjected. "Provided I find those satisfactory, I have no objection.. Especially if it gives me some lovely new dresses to wear. Suitable space can be found on the Arx for you to meet and work in." In other words, space controlled by Firemane. The Lady was polite, but not blindly trusting.

"Thank you, Lady Mistress. That is very kind of you. You are a good and wise Mistress." Such flattery was not uncommong among Siobhan's circle of attendants. Indeed, their contracts were quite blatant about it being part of their duties to stroke her ego. However, whereas someone like Harmony or Chesna would have trolled, the Xioquo was being sincere in her praise.

"I know you will find a way to convey your fullest appreciation of me soon," Siobhan responded with a smug look. Her eyes shifted to Blue, taking note of what was said and, more importantly, what was not said. On the surface, her expression remained unchanged. The ability to maintain a mask was essential for any businessperson or politician. Those who got anywhere, at any rate.


"Competition often pops up when you least expect it. When you've just gotten settled and are letting your guard down. Sometimes you have to prune it. At others just make it understand its place. It keeps you from succumbing to indolence. That has been the death of so many giants," she took a sip from her wine. "Life has been interesting. Acquired some new assets, removed some troublesome figures from the board."


The suspicious part of her wondered whether Tadietti had heard rumours about her health issues. Her private household had done its best to keep news of her stroke under wraps, guarding them like crown jewels. But inevitably some word had leaked out, much to her irritation. Some Firemane functionaries had even believed the boss would be eased into retirement.


Eased! Fools, the lot of them. No one 'eased' her into anything. Yet one day she would die. Her body would be cremated and a successor chosen by her would take the reins. Someone who had proved herself in battle and in the boardroom, who could be trusted to carry on her legacy. Finding a worthy heiress was proving to be a challenge. It had to be a daughters of hers, but her luck with them had been...poor. One had gone on a naive idealist crusade, another had abandoned family for a Jedi cult, a third had gone insane. Three members of her brood remained her. Two were still little children. One was a grown woman. Full of spirit, bravery and conviction...and with little sense.


She pushed these thoughts aside. Elpsis would learn. House Kerrigan-Alcori would endure. "Firemane's been engaged in some rather large construction projects. And we're moving into corners of space far away from the known galaxy." This was informative, but vague. Meanwhile, Hunter found a piece of paper in his trousers. The stalwart soldier presumed it was some piece of litter he'd left in his pants. So he went away and chucked it in the bin. Naturally he picked the one for paper. Hunter was an environmentally conscious fellow who believed in recycling and waste separation.

 

[Tadietti Tann]

“You are lucky Iuitl,” Blue’s praise was both sincere, especially in the first comment, but around it like her exquisitely made veil was also flattery, “thank you Lady Kerrigan, that is very generous, of course, you would have the first choice of any new clothing lines.” A small turn of something on Blue's wrist, like she was straightening her gown, and Aeyih started typing something into her datapad for later, not just a pretty green face. A lawyer and accountant in strapping white disguise, straps all the way down her arm and maybe beyond. With the veil Blue wore, it was perhaps natural that everyone here had more than one role, aside from hosting and looking pretty.

Blue had not expected Siobhan to treat their brave teenager with so much respect, who would certainly be applying to Firemane! "Yes. Yes. I will. A queen!" His young face a picture of shock and awe. A few of the more stuffy guests were whispering to themselves in surprise, but not the more practical ones that had earned their fortunes the hard way, with their hands, or their brains. There was respect for facing a fear or a public speaker. One or two nearest toasted to Siobhan’s, then the young man’s health. “To your continued health and success Lady Kerrigan.” [member="Mr Black"]’s smoky voice declared, almost cutting a silence through the crowd, many knew to shut up right there and then. He wore a grey suit that didn’t quite shine as bright as the others, but that didn’t matter. With his hands now behind his back he gave their table a long nod, and escorted the younger pair upstairs, Blue returned the nod but not without some delay. The young pair at this point followed almost drifting as if in a happy dream. The envy of the other young noble adults that had been with them, wishing they’d been the first to speak.

Somewhere at the bar, an attractive [member="GNN"] reporter had tried to get a holo-photograph deeper in the club of the event. Sadly for her, her camera just didn’t record a thing. A nice little trick to guarantee privacy beyond the door, and she was politely escorted back to the press area. Those Boards. Boards. Boards. Blue looked back over from the interruption.

“That troublesome board,” Blue’s smile became devilish at their talk of pruning, her voice so very sweet, “I hope none troubled you overlong Lady Kerrigan,” she adjusted her legs and swapped them over, sipping her wine gently, “anything I can do, no matter how small.” Her lips formed her last words slightly slower and louder than her rest, they were sincerely spoken, with an underlying hint of mischief. Aeyih's brow half-quirked in surprise, quickly leveling off and taking a long sip of her bubbly champagne.

Resourceful as she was in contacts and connections, Blue had heard of whispers of Siobhan’s health, she also more than knew of Lady Kerrigan’s personality. While she wasn’t throwing table dancers and other performers readily at her, so not to overwhelm her guest, she also wasn’t letting on one bit. Every attraction was planned to give enough but not push it, her many behind the scenes employees adjusting the night as best they were able. Our dancer Opel making that point, while she tried to play footsie with harmony under the table, looking around completely innocently at the same time. The muscular Sienn just sipped her whiskey quietly, occasionally looking to see if Hunter was back, a man who the gladiator of a woman seemed to have taken an unspoken interest in. As had someone else.

Speaking of table or pole dancers, and light shows combined:​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iwTFEdzTQk​

Our light show performer returned. With an invisible pole, the stage area pitch black, and showed just what lights and an athletic figure could accomplish.​

As for our amusing bin shenanigans: Rather than risk a scene in the garbage, a Falleen female, a reptilian but as Falleens often were said to be, a beautiful one, was working on a new approach to passing on her Duchess's message. The fact she managed to engineer the GNN reporter taking some attention away so she could intercept Hunter on the way back was clever, and as her race often did, she picked a very logical time to walk toward him naturally. However sadly her language and manners were far from clever. “sxaeaatis,” having trouble with basic, “the Mrs Arch Duckit, wuant spueka, if Mrs, ladiee Kerrigan wuant, two spueka laytur.” She bit a fingernail, much to the disapproval of a wealthy lady nearby, then remembered, and put her hands in her pockets. The Fallen woman was dressed as a lady, a simple black dress and gold jewelry, but seemed far from ladylike in her manner. Our not very clandestine speaker was about to head back upstairs unless told otherwise. Her Arch Duckit was waiting after all. Akestos was walking over as Hunter had the exchange, disapproving of the girl's crude attempt, but more to make sure there was no problem. "Trouble?" He'd ask Hunter quietly. How the Twi'lek bodyguard managed to walk in three swords was an achievement in itself, but if anyone could handle it he could. "Need her to take a hike? Got to keep the Ladies happy right."

While there were some introductions going on between the larger men. The most gorgeous yellow Twi’lek you could imagine, legs so long they could wrap around a Hutt with room to spare, in a maids outfit that left little to the imagination walked over, careful not to block the light show. Sadly yellow Twi’leks were not regarded nearly as highly, by those who wanted only ‘the rare or exotic’ just because. “Can I get you any food?” Maybe Blue had selected her, maybe not, who knew. Either way, Opel was not amused that she was being upstaged, the slightest twinge of Twi'lek jealousy from the performer crossed her lips, out strutting Harmony was already proving difficult enough!

"Construction?" Blue added quickly, "can I ask what?" What was more important than where to the budding engineers in her employ.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


Siobhan chuckled slightly. "I could think of a number of things you could do for me, dear," she winked at Tadietti. Her hand briefly brushed against the younger woman's thigh, though she refrained from letting it linger. "Or rather things we could do to each other."


She wipped her wine. "As for your question, we've built some, if I may so, truly remarkable space habitats. Why bother ruling a planet and dealing with all the troubles that involves when you can build one?" she asked rhetorically. Alright, she was exaggerating a bit, but it was close enough.


In the meantime, a pretty yellow Twi'lek had walked over. She had legs to die for and a curvaceous body wrapped inside a tight outfit that left to the imagination. Siobhan's eyes were drawn to her ample bosom. "I'll have the cottage pie. But I have to ask: Are you on the menu, my sweet? Because I must say you're good enough to eat. The perfect dessert." Siobhan's lines were as corny as a maize field and as subtle as a thermal detonator. It would hardly be the first time she'd satisfied her voracious appetites with a pretty waitress. A luxurious restaurant she was fond of frequenting had acquired the monicker 69. On the plus side, she gave very generous tips.


Meanwhile, Hunter was preoccupied, for a Falleen had intercepted him. Like most of her kind, she was pretty. However, the Dahomian soldier had trouble understanding her, though he strained his ears. "Could you please repeat that, Miss?" he asked. He could sympathise since he'd struggled with Basic in his youth. It had always annoyed him when foreign colonialists had acted in a patronising manner.

 

[Tadietti Tann]

Small intake of Twi'lek breath, tongue behind her upper teeth. Glance up, glance back to the glass. Heart Jump. Glance up then back to the glass. Biting her thumb knuckle. Veil hiding her cheeks didn’t see that radiant blush across her Blue skin. Aeyih’s fingers stumbled over themselves as she typed, and she fanned herself with her datapad, their resident green lawyer taking a long drink.

“Are people living there?” Opel asked Siobhan before Tadietti could, her mind freer to think on the details right about now, and she was a people person. “Do they... need entertainment? Hostesses, clubs, parties?” Not just a pretty face purple either, she had big plans for her career, a hostess to the stars if left unchecked! Dazzling entire artificial planets seemed like a dream out of a holonovel to her. Had anyone ever had an artificial planet festival? Think of the headlines, she was dreamy-eyed.

A return to full composure from Tadietti, she smiled to the yellow Twi’lek that it was okay to leave her shift. The waitress first told a male waiter the order, who took any others from the table and went to prepare their food. Was there room on the couches? How many twi’leks could fit in one booth before an implosion? Important questions to answer.

The appropriately dressed maid walked closer, probably taller than anyone here, Opel still mildly jealous. Leaning over the table, one hand down flat, then other, “am I?” Their waitress asked Siobhan. Tadietti’s lips tensed uncertainly, Aeyih this time dropped her datapad entirely with a bump and had to bend down to pick it up somewhere under the table.

Sienn meanwhile was still pining over the lost chance to talk to Hunter, but showing none of it, as was her way. Just the occasional look toward the scene away to their side. Watching Akestos, who himself watched the poor Falleen girl try again to form basic to Hunter. She was adjusting her routines to add a bit more actual language in there, Akestos seemed to show sympathy too, he was used to working with all kinds of people. Most of the street runners or the ones that did the work, when the parties ended, their language came in all shades. “Dukess, Ark Dukess, wanna speek Ladiee Kerrigan.” The Fallen tried again, “layter. If okay with Ladiee” She added respectfully as she was able. Her words were still half words, but they were said slower, and with emphasis on titles. She wasn't slow or simple, just terrible at speaking.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


Her eyes studied Tadietti. Due to the veil, she could not quite see the blush spread across her cheeks. She heard her heart jump and felt the woman withdraw into herself though. What are you hiding? Did someone hurt you? she wondered. Regardless, she did not try to touch her again.


Opel and the hot waitress provided a distraction that kept her from pondering the matter. "You definitely are, sugar," Siobhan drawled. Her appraisal of the deliciously tall, leggy yellow Twi'lek was quite obvious. The Lady Kerrigan patted her lap. Far more comfortable than sitting on the couch. "Come here, my darling. What's your name?" One imagined her hands would wander once the waitress had curled up on her lap.


She glanced towards Opel. The woman looked...mildly jealous? Siobhan teasingly stroked her lekku. "For the time being, we will not be opening the habitats to other companies. Things are still very fresh and we are managing huge populations that are getting acclimated to their new surroundings. If matters change, we'll get back to you. Any new arrivals would have to be vetted very carefully though." This sounded like a polite no. The habitats were inhabited by elf exodites and Firemane had monopolistic practices on them.


"I do know of a few wealthy ladies who would appreciate quality entertainment, as would I. And there's a world in our sphere of influence called Arkas. We're developing it for tourists. I would be amenable to you providing services there." Harmony was, meanwhile, feeling a bit smug about Opel looking jealous. By now she had slipped off one of her high heels and was reciprocating Opel's attempts to play footsie with her. Speaking of feet, Siobhan liked it when her 'attendants' kissed and licked hers. Iuitl was talking about fashon styles.


In the meantime, Hunter had figured out what the girl wanted. He wondered why nobles had to make things so...complicated. "Alright, I'll pass it on. It's up to the Lady though," he said. "What your Duchess' name and what does she want from boss lady?"

 

[Tadietti Tann]

Lap waitresses very well situated, a beautiful Twi’lek named “Pima”, who seemed as natural on laps as she was serving drinks by the way she leaned and rested, soon offering Sio her own drink to her mouth if she found an opportunity. An Opel purr followed Sio's attention, a diva if ever there was one, prompting a series of emotions.

First purple deflation as Siobhan described the nature of these beautifully created worlds, second an excited pinging “Yes please.” just then remembering protocol to look to Blue, who nodded her approval, understanding both that keeping Opel’s creative talents in check was a full time occupation, and that she was one of the better if not the best hostess in her employ. All that preceded a developing foot-skirmish beneath them from one pair, as toes sort position and place among the table’s hierarchy.

Aeyih, having recovered her datapad and her own heart rate decided to chat to Iuitl more about her work, listening intently for details as she was prone to. She was a lawyer but a fashionable one, white did complicate green, but sadly she didn’t have free reign of colors today, which she was happily asking advice on, especially how to better use a monotone shade.

Kinsa had finished her duties elsewhere finally, Aeyih’s twin whispering something in Blue’s ear, who patted the green twi’leks cheek softly, kissed her on the lips lightly and said something back to her. A tender gesture which indicated some level of, if not trust in her business, then affection between them. Seeing the success of our lovely and bold waitress, Kinsa knelt by the side of the table on a floor cushion and put her hands out. “May I?” Did blue know about the feet? No. Kinsa did or just made a very lucky guess. Because Kinsa read minds, at least surface impulses as they came and went, force gifts made her more empathic than telepathic. Which in aiding her lawyer twin sister, made the team formidable negotiators between the two. Today demonstrated in a foot and ankle massage if wanted for Sio, with plenty of thumb work to release tension. Though Sio may wish that upstairs instead.

As for Blue, Siobhan had outdone her in reading subtle signs of behavior behind even masks herself, and she was comforted she had. Receiving affection was always preceded by tension, giving it was easier, Sio might notice that was a running theme through her entire personality, not just affection. She was also beyond overjoyed that things had gone this well. Food was soon to be arriving because the kitchen staff was prompt and first class. The lavish smell wafting its way past Hunter on the way to the table. “Savanni” the Falleen girl pronounced her employers name very clearly like she’d said it every day for weeks, or was just well rehersed. “Tawk bout sybur cybur,” she made movements with her arms like she was a robot, then a ball with her fist, “smawll plannets.” When she said the word small, she made a very small gesture with her fingers to finish, tiny, no bigger than her thumb.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


"Prime. Such a pretty name...for a very pretty girl." The waitress made herself comfortable on Siobhan's lap, curling up on it as if she was meant to reside her. Siobhan looked smug and stroked her back. She drank the profferred wine, then shared it with Prima via lip lock. There was some tongue. Then she proceeded to caress her lekku. Siobhan had plenty of experience with lekku. After all, [member="Nima Tann"] was one of her lovers. By now she had, in her opinion, a good idea of which spots were the most sensitive, when to be gentle and when to be a bit rougher. It curled appreciatively around her hand.


"Maybe I should take you with me. Would you like that?" she said in a low voice, her warm breath brushing against a headtail. Her tongue danced across the spot, then she kissed it. "To serve my every desire." Perhaps she was being serious, perhaps not. Being one of Siobhan's personal attendants was a lucrative, but also very arduous job. Though quite preoccupied with the lady on her lap, she noticed that Kinsa was on her knees. She smiled, presenting the Twi'lek with her feet. "Yes, worship them, my sweet."


Harmony meant down slightly, leaning towards Sinsa. "The Lady Mistress is really into that," she emphasised, speaking in a low voice. "She likes it when you...use your lips and tongue as well as your hands." It was probably a good thing that Siobhan took hygiene extremely seriously, otherwise this habit would be quite disgusting.


Meanwhile, Hunter faced a barrier. A language barrier, to be precise. He felt a bit bad about putting the Falleen into this position. On the other hand, he could not help wonder why the Duchess she apparently served had not made sure she learned to speak Basic. Or simply sent someone who could. "Alright, Miss. Write down what she wants and where she's from, and I'll pass it on," he passed her a pen and some paper.

 

[Tadietti Tann]

While fortunate twi’leks were both enraptured by wine-soaked kisses and flattered her feet with the same care and intricate attention to detail. Mostly remembering to never remove the hand in a massage, lots of thumbs, and plenty of properly applied pressure. It helped of course when your thumbs were as well manicured as Kinsa’s were for just such an occasion, there may have been a kiss or three, sadly no oil though. Tsk Tsk, Kinsa just had to make do. She thanked Harmony for the tip while she really paid attention to the toes. Diligent described Kinsa.

While coming up for air, Pima didn’t take too long to think it over. “If you’ll let me find a few more.” Very forward. Blue didn’t even to look to Pima this time, she had been hoping Sio would take a liking to one of her hostesses. It would help to have someone she knew there to reach Siobhan on her behalf, should opportunity knock for them both. Always the nose for business.

Ah, the language barrier. Well, the pen solved that, because she had handwriting that was like a calligraphist, it curled, it looked pretty, she even spent extra time fluffing up the letters. Then realised they were waiting and handed it over. Akestos thanked the girl and said, “just tell me next time, we are not here to hinder your employer's friend.” Who that was, he didn’t elaborate on, the girl looked like she doubted him but shrugged nonchalantly, “ 'k.” As for hunter, she gave him a bright smile in thanks and about turned away up the stairs. Plots and Intrigue for later.

If opened, the paper read:

Spoiler

Thank you so very much for bearing with me, you serve your Mistress steadfastly.
Arch Duchess Savanni of Rena, Heir to Kodai wishes an audience anytime your Mistress is free, to discuss the construction of smaller versions of her artificial planets, scaled down to a much smaller size. The contract would be worth a lot to her people and to her, in the construction of microhabitats. She would also greatly enjoy meeting her personally if she had a moment later in the evening. Her room is located on Level 4, section A. One level from the very top.

Thank you.
B

Queens or Duchesses, a royal-off for Siobhan's and Tadi's time for later, maybe they could squeeze them all into the same room, unless that might tempt regicide, who knows, might even be fun to see their reactions. Sio did, after all, have her own room and space prepared as well. Talking of rooms, the opposite happened here. The next act came on, and it even turned Opel's head away, giving Harmony the upper foot briefly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v354j_1AJrk​

The stage had been dark for a while because it expanded all around the sides from where they were sitting, to reveal several teams of acrobats all performing their own show. This had taken some time to setup!

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


Hunter took the piece of paper and read it. Fortunately, it was written in clear, concise Basic. The handwriting was neat. In fact, it was better than his. Then again, if he had nicer handwriting than a girl, then he'd have to be worried. His mates would never let him live it down.


Levity aside, apparently the Duchess had heard Siobhan's bragging about having space habitats. Hunter had to admit they were nice, though he did not quite understand his boss' obsession. Perhaps she simply enjoyed having moon-sized stations to strut around on. Then again, the invitation might be a convoluted trap. Hunter was an optimistic fellow, but he'd attended a few Eldorai parties.


"Alright, I'll pass it on. Thanks for your cooperation," he said formally, pocketing the message. However, the sword dancer's remark had not escaped his attention. Something about a friend of the girl's employer. "Who's that?"


Meanwhile, Siobhan was enjoying the fawning. Her feet getting worshipped, as they should. Here and there, a pleasured sigh or moan escaped her throat. Moreover, there was a pretty Twi'lek on her lap. She stroked the girl's lekku. Siobhan liked forward. "You can recommend a few and I'll review them. If they pass muster, all the better." There would be NDAs, professional assesments, an interview with a Truthseeker etc.

 

[Tadietti Tann]

Time passed the table as a whole enjoying the extravagance. One or two more businessmen would try to approach them in the wake of Akestos helping Hunter, Sienn’s muscular form in that case filled in nicely. Only allowing one man from Hynator Holdings who had a nice line of jewelry to present each of them a gift. A small gold ring if they wanted it in a white box. At least that company was doing something with its time!

As the entertainment broke for a short respite to rearrange the stage, and only after the dining was coming to a close around their table, a few more guests moved upstairs in the interim. The acrobats had received a huge round of applause from the floor, almost to the sword dancing level but not quite. Meanwhile far, far above things were afoot, or a slither if droids could in fact slither. The Falleen that had been present departed up the stairs, still very thankful that her message had been received at all. Heading to a room suitably lower than any metal slithering. Tadietti cleaned her plate. When they'd all finished several attendants cleared their refreshments away, serving new ones if asked. Somewhere in the mix of lights above a camera turned to focus on the table. The doors had been closed for the night.

“Do you wish to head upstairs?” Tadietti took the moment to ask. Designs still being shared between budding members of the table, people relaxing or chatting, and one or two trying to work out which fork went where. Feet most certainly being looked after, and other feet battling for supremacy under the table. Twi’lek lawyers caught in the aftermath, with the occasional dropping of a datapad.

It seemed the time to ask. If they did indeed head up, Tadietti would walk to the side of the grand carpeted staircase, those balconies above on multiple sticking out as destinations. Heading for a private golden lift, padded white for comfort, it even had seats on the back wall. A Houk in a bowtie stood at the door giving a nod. Naturally going for the lift, knowing Siobhan’s health but saying absolutely nothing, just as if it was her intention all along. The lift was spacious, as it had to accommodate all sizes of guests and parties. You could see out of it, both the gathering crowds below and the possible destinations above.

Meanwhile, the camera in their lift blinked once. With of course only the best in elevator music. The attendant turned to ask which floor, "where do you feel in the mood for Lady Kerrigan?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maPSi0qku_0
Only the best in Rim Elevator Music was allowed.​

Then the moment of choice would be upon them. Summon them all to her own room? A rather nice red carpeted looking affair, join the duchess at her invitation and see what transpired, or seek out the queen who happened to be overlooking the floors below. Dressed in more diamonds and precious stones than should legally be allowed. Her attendants were quite numerous. Whatever was decided the blinding view from the queen made Kinsa squint as they passed, the mirrors in the lift reflecting some of the displays from the club in a pretty enough hue. Either way, that lift camera looked very odd.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


The message had been passed one, dinner had come to a close and the cameras were not being suspicious at all. Siobhan had also gotten a nice gold ring. A lady could never have enough jewellry, after all. Plates and empty glasses had been carried away by the waitresses or waiters. Siobhan gave generous tips, even if said tip might end up in the cleavage of a waitress or the boxers of a waiter.

"Yes, let us go up, my dear," the Lady Kerrigan said jovially. Blue still had her veil on. Pity. Her lekku did not know what it was missing, being deprived of the attention Siobhan could have given it and which Pima and Opel had received instead. Having decided to keep her around, Siobhan took the yellow Twi'lek's arm, after giving her a pat on her firm, well-rounded booty.

"Come on, ladies. Apparently a duchess wishes to see me. Why she chose such a convoluted way to convey this me, I know not," she said airily, giving Hunter a wink. Leaning close, he muttered something in Dahomian. A warning? Suspicions? Perhaps. Outwardly her features remained unchanged. Her chipper, haughty tone did not shift. She gave him a curt nod though. Harmony and Iuitl took note. "But I suppose I can indulge her. Then we can retire for some...fun."

 

[Tadietti Tann]

A very different room, and a balcony over the club below.​

​

While cameras in the lift tried to watch, they continued to try to watch when everyone left the lift, only they were fixated on nothing. As if they were tracking something else in the lift. Puzzling. That danger was odd, to say the least, or just distracted right now. Tadietti had given the correct floor to the attendant, passing by dazzling queens in diamonds. They would arrive at the Duchesses room instead, which was arranged to her own tastes. Very different to the club downstairs, or how Siobhan's would be. Almost clinical, mechanically so with just the right amount of refreshments, and just the right amount of hostesses, everything was perfectly in its place.

Of note in the center was a spinning metal globe, perhaps a reference to their earlier conversation, and a centerpiece for debate between two intellectuals in the room. While on two sides of the room there were red leather seats, and the floor was squeaky clean. There were attendants, none of them twi’lek, all Falleen. For many sentients, Falleen had their own charms certainly but Taditetti never trusted their pheromones and was always doubly wary when around [member="Mr Black"]. Not an enemy but a part-time competitor in certain interests. The falleen executive was sitting on a chair somewhere opposite the Duchess of Rena, who got up as soon as Siobhan entered.

Kodaians had a sad lot in life, skittish usually, but not this one. Savanni stood, put her hands together and put them under her chin in welcome.

Importantly Akestos went to stand halfway between any Falleen and Tadietti, which was the real reason for the strange message passing earlier, they hadn’t known whether Blue would meet Black. If only this were holo-snooker, this game was never that easy. Black nodded very politely and raised his glass again, which he’d barely drunk from. Tadietti nodded, Sienn clearly standing behind her. Almost cordial was the best way to describe what was going on around Siobhan. Most of the Falleen felt dead in the force, droids?

The Duchess began first saying a greeting Eldorai, in very subtle tones of thanks and appreciation for coming. She wasn’t bad as a speaker, not perfect but alright. At least Tadietti thought it sounded that way, but she had no idea of the language, suddenly impressed. “Thank you all for coming.” She said to both. That was enough to lower any lingering tension and bring the room back to cordial at least, “would you care to sit?” Drinks were on hand again, no bottles though, ready poured exact amounts.

The Duchess was wearing blue, actually in remembrance of the oceans that scattered her people, but looked nice all the same, an elegant full dress and shawl. Tadietti seemed ready to play ball, and the twi'leks were looking too her. If Siobhan accepted there would be a nod for them to follow. Akestos and Sienn though would not sit on the red leather seats offered, doing their usual job of keeping watch. If not she would speak right here, in hopes of reaching out. "It has been told to me that are a creator of worlds. Metal spheres that contain life." She seemed to look to Mr Black briefly, but he said nothing, letting the ladies speak. "Our race is on the verge of dying, our home is a dangerous tidal ocean and our young need a new start." Why they couldn't just move, that was a different story. A simple request at first glance, not that simple, but then it never was.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]​​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tadietti Tann"]


If Siobhan had been an ancient history buff who'd majored in the history of obscure worlds, she would have known that the Kodaian had been nearly wiped out during the tidal floods of their homeworld's giant seas centuries before 39 BBY and that many of the survivors fled off the planet rather than risk future calamities. However, Siobhan's knowledge of ancient, obscure history did not extend that far. Firstly, she was not a scholar. Secondly, not so long ago the Gulag Virus had ravaged the Galaxy, resulting in a Dark Age that lasted four hundred years.


Outwardly, her expression remained the same. Taciturn, somewhat haughty. She took in her surroundings, the duchess and her entourage. When she reached out with her senses, she sensed nothing from most of the Falleen. They felt like a void in the Force. This left her with two suppositions: they were either HRDs or Force Dead. The former would be far easier to acquire. Force Dead tended to be Vong or Mandalorians who had drunk Ra Viszla's Anti-Force-User Kool-aid.


She spied a Falleen male sitting close to the Duchess. She did not sense the same deadness. Siobhan noted that his glass was virtually untouched. In her experience, those who made a point out of not indulging at an occasion like this while everyone else did merited watching. She had attended enough Eldorai parties. Her expression remained taciturn.


To her surprise, the Duchess greeted her in Eldarai. Her command of the language was not perfect, but surprisingly good. Sadly Siobhan did not know the Kodaian's native tongue, so she responded in kind. After the obligatory exchange of pleasantries, the blue lady beckoned them to follow. Siobhan made herself comfortable. The shift in stance and posture was seemless, but her attendants picked up on it and assumed their proper place rather than fawn over her. Hunter stood vigil.


Having heard the duchess' plea, Siobhan cocked her head slightly. "Firemane does have such designs, yes. Habitats that can accommodate vast populations. They are extremely rare and expensive though," she said, pausing. "I sympathise with your plight. But I'm sure you'll understand that I cannot just leap into a business arrangement of such magnitude while being so much in the dark about you," she said cordially. Her easy-going, carefree and rather vain attitude had vanished from her tone and expression.


"For one, how long has your planet been in such a state?" If it had been a death trap for a long time, this begged the question why they had not done something to depart it earlier. "And how numerous is your race? And - you understand I have to ask this - do you possess the means to compensate Firemane for its efforts, be it through credits or otherwise? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your world. Given the nature of your request, I wonder why you resorted to such...unorthodox means of contacting me."