Public Party Under the Dome

[Liin Terallo]

​

I accept Mister Dashiell's greeting as I have always done; with a gracious smile. However the sting of what transpired during our night at the opera still can be felt deep inside. I keep it buried, however. Afterall this is not the time nor place for me to display any emotion but joy and celebration, afterall. It is not for the public to be aware of anything in my personal life. That is if one could even pretend that I have one. In honest truth, I certainly do not. For me there is only my work and sleep. Most especially after the new laboratories are complete. I do not believe that I would be invited out to anymore meetings with the Guild. Not after the merger at any rate. Unless Tertius C. Nargath is unable to attend them. But who am I to dash their expectations and fantasies of my having a social life?

To the revelation of his relationship with Miss Tindara, I find my brows rise in surprise, yet I recover with another smile and bow of my head. This was something that I was completely unaware of. Now I am glad that I had not taken him up on his offer for learning how to cook. That would of been a social faux pas indeed. "Congratulations to you both. I am certain that both of your families are thrilled. And I am pleased to hear that you have enjoyed yourselves. I hope that your journey home is just as serene."

Tag: Judah Dashiell Azula Tindara

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

As the last question lingered in the air, Lysander couldn’t help but laugh softly. "Well, it all started at a dig site on Challon. I was taking a slight break from the curse of constant labor, and began to consider a little stroll through the nearby forest. But then Persephone stepped in and sort of prevented what would have surely been me getting eaten by a Nexu.”

His eyes narrowed, but it was paired with a smirk. "I have also found myself wondering if you knew exactly what you were getting me into by going there," he added.

Persephone didn't think she was going to be 'called on' so to speak to fill in the blanks on how herself and Lysander von Ascania first met. Nor did she expect the blonde teenage boy to mention the truth - no hemming and hawing that they left the dig site and abandoned their studies. Surprised, she wasn't sure where to go or what to say. Her steps to the waltz slowed, coming out of sync as she thought how to best answer.

"Oh...I saved Lysander from the nexu." Persephone was doing her best to relay the truth to Corazona von Ascania but also preserve some of the story so it wouldn't paint them in too negative a light. "We then abandoned the lesson and went to the mall. Lysander wanted a wookie-tookie or something similar and his tunic was a tragedy. So we ate a few snacks, did a little shopping. It was nice to meet someone who was also concerned about his appearance and can tell the difference between velvet and velour."

Persie gave a small smile in the direction of her fellow teenager.

"Overall I think we had a good time. Some faced a little more consequences than others but...I would do it again."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora listened to Lysander's retelling of his time on Challon. Her little brother might've been learned in the art of conversation, but Cora knew him well.

What she heard from him was more along the lines of: I shirked my job to run off and almost got eaten by a wild animal.

Persie chimed in, painting more color onto the canvas of her brother's story. She admitted to ignoring their task in favor of the mall? Cora didn't know why, but she was surprised by the girl's honesty.

A sigh left her; it was meant to sound disappointed, but as she moved through the steps of the waltz, it came out light and airy.

"Honestly," she began. "Leaving your assignment to go shopping? I expected better of you, Lysander von Ascania."

She glanced to Persephone, a brow raised. That went for her, too.

"Still, I must thank you for saving him from the nexu."

Cora paused, then her other brow raised as she turned back to her sibling.

"A wookie-tookie?"

Lysander von Ascania Persephone Dashiell

 

[Nora Laan]

​

Nora couldn't help but hide her diappointment at discovering that Diarch Reign had disappeared. The man was a politician afterall and there are not many of them that speak words of flattery filled with unkept promises. It is a very common trait, however in her case it was not one that she had settled onto.

For now everyone seemed to have grouped off into pairs or more. She offered those that she had passed with a gracious smile. At this current moment Nora felt herself to be just one of the crowd instead of the woman of the hour. Perhaps it was a sign of what was to come amongst intergalactic politics. The visiting dignitaries kept to their own, enjoying a very simple aspect of the event instead of it's intended purpose.

Yet Nora could bot retire for the evening. Instead she needed to remain until all visitors were gone in the off chance that they wished to get acquainted with her. Her predecessor was lucky to no longer carry that obligation.

Nora turned quickly on her heel, changing her mind from seeking a dance partner for her first dance if the evening only to find herself bumping into a man in a dark suit. The physical contact was surely enough to almost spill the drink that he held in his hand. "Oh! I am so terribly sorry!"

Tag: Markus Drex

 

[Markus Drex]

As I mingle with the crowd of dancers, glass in hand, something strange happens. The Prime Minister himself crosses my path in a very noticeable way, as my glass of champagne is spilled on my suit following a rather too visible dance movement.

My glass empty, I look at the Prime Minister, who apologizes with a neutral look as if I'd been through much worse than this. I nod politely to signal my acceptance of his apology.

"Come on Prime Minister, there's no need to worry for so little. Congratulations on your election, today's your night, so don't bother with details like that."

There are far more serious things than a glass of champagne spilled on my suit, and that's the least of my worries. I can't help but suppress a small smile at the Prime Minister, since my glass is empty I hand it to a passing waiter.

"Would you allow me a dance?"

Sometimes you have to have the nerve to create opportunities. I politely offer her my hand in the hope that she'll accept, too bad for the suit I'll have the opportunity to buy another one or have it cleaned if possible much later. It's not as if there are any stores here. Besides, I'm pretty comfortable with credit.

I prefer not to create unnecessary conflict; a pirate worthy of the name knows how to adapt to the most incongruous situations. This is one of them, and the Prime Minister didn't do it on purpose. It's party time, so let's make the most of it. I'll have another drink later.
Nora Laan

 

[Nora Laan]

​

Nora was a bit taken aback at how the man seemed to wave the mess that she had created as though it was nothing. Perhaps he had come into similar situations before. That was about the best that she could guess at since she did not recognize him at all.

"Thank you very much. You are too kind. But at least allow me to have your coat cleaned."

All of that was interrupted however as the man had offered her a dance. It was to be her first dance of the evening and there was no way that she was going to pass that up. Her night should be full of dancing and merriment, afterall. "I would indeed."

Nora slid her hand into his own and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. Once there, she turned her body to face him squarely and placed her free hand on his shoulder. After that she allowed him to lead, hoping that he was good enough to not step on her toes. Although after she had knocked into him earlier, she thought that it would be a bit of payback if her toes did happen to be stepped on. "I take it that you are just visiting New Cov?"

Tag: Markus Drex

 

[Markus Drex]

I can't help but smile slightly as I see the surprise on her face. Perhaps she wasn't expecting me to brush off her little mishap so easily. The truth is, at receptions like this, such situations are more common than one might think. And really, why hold it against her?

"You're too kind, but there's really no need to worry about my coat," I say in a reassuring yet sincere tone. "Though if it would put your mind at ease, I'll accept your offer thanks you."

Before we can dwell on the subject any further, a smile spreads across my face as I propose a dance. I'm pleased when she accepts. "Perfect," I simply say.

I gently take her hand in mine and guide her to the dance floor. Once there, I face her, placing one hand on her waist while she rests hers on my shoulder. The music begins, and I lead the rhythm with care, hoping my movements live up to the evening's elegance.

As we dance, I can't help but smile at her expression. "If I'm not mistaken, this is your first dance of the evening," I say with a touch of amusement. "I'm honored to be the one to start it with you."

When she asks about my presence on New Cov, I offer her another friendly smile, aiming to maintain the demeanor of a gentleman and strengthen the tone of my reply.

"Well, let's just say I'm here to explore new regions and conduct a bit of business. There's also an investigation I need to conduct to resolve a particular issue."

In short, I'm here to enjoy myself, make deals, purchase some items, and perhaps finally put an end to this lingering matter from the past. The answers I'm looking for may very well be here.

Nora Laan

 

[Nora Laan]

​

With an amused smile, Nora listens to her dancing partner voice his observation of this being her first dance of the evening. It came at no surprise that some would be watching her this evening. Not entirely for protection but moreso for study. It was part and parcel of coming into power. Her life was going to be heavily scrutinized by many, both foreigners and Covie alike. "The honor is mine," she remarks.

Nora keeps to his movements, the pace of the dance being slow enough that it was easily followed while focusing on the conversation at hand.

His responses had her quite curious, and so of course she was required to follow up with more inquiries. "This is the right place for business, although when it comes to exploring the region, might I suggest that you remain within the domes? And if I may ask, what investigation are you working on? Perhaps I may be of assistance?"

Tag: Markus Drex

 

[Markus Drex]

I kept the smile on my face as we moved together, the dance slow enough that I could focus on both the rhythm and her questions. Nora had a way about her, poised, as though the scrutiny of a roomful of eyes didn't faze her in the least. But I could tell she knew the weight of them, just as I did.

Her question about my investigation made me pause for a moment. I wasn't about to give away too much, but her calm demeanor and careful curiosity intrigued me. I had to tread carefully.

"Business," I said, my voice low, my smile still in place, though now with a touch more edge. "In some circles, it's a term used to mean. keeping things quiet. As for my investigation" I glanced around subtly, ensuring no one was too close. "Let's just say I'm looking into some internal corruption within the Galactic Alliance. Some operatives are far from what they seem, and the things they've been covering up aren't nearly as clean as they'd like to believe."

I watched her closely, gauging her reaction. I wasn't sure how much I could trust her just yet, but there was something in her eyes that made me feel like I could.

"I've been digging through the darker corners of their operations, trying to piece together the truth. It's dangerous workmore dangerous than most realize. But, if you're truly interested, you might be able to help in ways others can't."

I gave her another smile, this time with a hint of invitation. "Someone in your position, I'm sure, has access to information that others don't. Perhaps you could lend a hand, if you're so inclined."

"If you helped, me i can help you in exchanges, i am a very good inventor and mechanic. If you need someting, don't hesitate to ask me or pass command, i am enjoy to make business with you. And you are a good dancer, prime minister."

Nora Laan

 

[Nora Laan]

​

As he nearly whispered, Nora listened closely. Corruption amongst the Alliance was not unheard of. Truth be told, that is the way of things with all large governments. Some might even suggest that New Cov has suffered through it as well with the recent merger, although there has not been any evidence found to support such a claim. "I am not entirely surprised that corruption thrives among the Alliance. And you are quite correct in regards to operatives not always having a clean record."

To the invitation to help with his investigation, Nora offered a small nod of her head while keeping her voice as equally low in volume as his was. "I may be able to get information that you cannot, yes. I hold no ill-will towards the Alliance, however I do hold one towards corruption. It does not belong in any government. So yes, I will do what I can to help you." And now Nora choice to raise her voice to a more normal level so that neither of them seemed suspicious. "Might I have your name? Only then would I know who to reach upon a later date."

Tag: Markus Drex

 

[Markus Drex]

Rather perceptive and understanding, I continue to dance carefully with her, ensuring I don't make any missteps. I make sure to be a fairly good dancer so as to remain relatively inconspicuous. I can thank my friend for her dancing tips they're proving to be very effective. Follow the rhythm of the music, pay attention to your partner's steps, and focus on the present moment. Dancing is truly an art.

She says she can help me, and I hope she's sincere. On the other hand, I sense no agitation in her aura—just confusion over having spilled my drink. I play along with her game, letting myself be carried by the melody.

"My name is Markus Drex. Nice to meet you, Prime Minister. I can give you my comlink number if you want too"

I introduce myself politely while continuing to dance. It's important for me to start adapting to the political game and to be mindful of my image. She might have the power to change the situation I'm in, so I'd better be cooperative. In any case, I hadn't intended to fight in the first place.

What matters to me is settling this corruption issue once and for all, putting these criminals behind bars, and ensuring they get the punishment they deserve. I can't take justice into my own hands either, because if I start killing them, it could backfire during the proceedings. I need to play it smart.

You don't always get to choose your destiny, but you can choose how you deal with it. I'm trying the diplomatic route first, and if that doesn't work, I'll take matters into my own hands and deal with that corrupt politician myself.

I make sure every dance step is calculated and precise, every movement of my hips in sync with my partner. I keep a neutral smile on my face. I'm genuinely pleased to be dancing with her, even under these circumstances

Nora Laan