Santhe Summer Estate

[Sasha Santhe]

Sasha lounged at the private beach on Lianna. It was good to be wealthy and have land. Since her semi retirement from Santhe Corporation she had enjoyed going to parties, socializing with locals of note, and designing the odd bauble. In short Sasha was bored.

“Retire,” she said out loud “you’ll have time to work on personal projects, to relax, to party….” she sighed a little bit. She needed something to do. And thats why she had send for [member="Kade Kelborn"]. Yes, her new project was set to arrive.

Her private beach estate was grand, white sand and crystal clear water gave the tropical clime the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Of course for Sasha relaxation meant more time in her little workshop. She had rebuilt two speeders, designed a fighter and a surveillance vessel, and of course she practiced her use of the force.

It was her practice with the force that she enjoyed the most, using the primal energies of the universe to manipulate the machines around her, that combined with the physical aspects of her training kept her well entertained. Currently she was just finishing her workout and moved to her saber practicing the forms she’d learned from Ashin of old and the bloody whiphid.

“Your visitor has arrived,” the servant said stepping away. Sasha smiled as she commanded the droid mentally to get the bar ready for guests.

 

[Sal Katarn]

A Mandalorian in black armor stepped out from an alcove and into the training square. He removed his helmet after coming to a stop near [member="Sasha Santhe"], revealing very un-Mandalorian features. For one thing, he did not possess a slab of meat for a head. Raven hair hung about down to his ears, plastered to his forehead with sweat from being inside the helmet. Eyes of cobalt stared haughtily at Santhe from above a sharp nose.

"I want to make it clear that a Zambrano prince comes of his own accord and is not summoned, but I've come all the same. Arkaitz Zambrano, Prince of Panatha, Inquisitor of the Sith Empire. Ms. Santhe I presume? I do not believe I've had the pleasure."

 

[Sasha Santhe]

Sasha stared at [member="Kade Kelborn"] or should she call him Arkaitz Zambrano? The truth was it didn't matter. "No I don't believe you've had the pleasure." Sasha said looking him up and down. "And if you're like your father you never will either." Probably not the best foot to get off on. A smile crept on her face as she looked him over. "You're much more pleasing on the eyes than your old man, then again I never particularly liked the sight of corpses."

She walked over to a nearby lounge chair and laid down reaching a hand out for a droid to give her a drink. She sipped its contents and exhaled heartily. "You should make yourself comfortable. I have an auto-tailor booth available in the pool house," she pointed vaguely to a large building, a manse in its own right. "The house keeping droid can show you the way. When you've made yourself look presentable like the prince you are you may grace her ladyship Sasha Santhe with your presence. That is if you want to be formal. Otherwise Prince you may find your stay here much more enjoyable and I'll let you call me me simply Sasha."

 

[Sal Katarn]

Arkaitz snorted at the double entendre, as if a royal would ever stoop to rut about with some Lianna noble... No matter how well she fit into those training garments.

The muscles in his jaw twitched, but he looked toward the pool house. Divesting himself of arms and armor while in the company of an unknown woman who knew his father seemed a poor idea. Generally those who knew his father and still counted themselves among the living had little qualms with murder. But such was the Sith way.

"Fine."

Moments later, he returned, clad in some loose-fitting garments in red and black that looked a vague parallel to the tunics of the Jedi.

He took a seat across from her and arched a raven brow, refusing to admit that he found the auto tailor pleasing. The young Zambrano cleared his throat.

"You know my father?"

[member="Sasha Santhe"]

 

[Sasha Santhe]

"I do," Sasha said leaning back further in her lounger. "I just met with him when the treaty with Tion was negotiated." Looking down her nose at the man she snorted. "You really don't know how to relax do you? You're dressed like a sordid jedi. We're on a beach. Let me ask you, does your body give you so much shame you have to cover it up? Or is it merely your culture that is so repressed that even the slightest suggestion of skin brings color to your otherwise pallid cheeks?"

Sasha stretched a bit yawning in her lounger. "I've known your father for awhile now. He's an interesting man. Although I find he's much less passionate than he used to be. Dying will do that most like. I wouldn't know." A smile went over her face as she looked over at the man. "You really should get some sun, put some color on that skin. It would make you look... healthier."

The server droid pulled up another lounger next to Sasha and requested a drink order from [member="Kade Kelborn"]. Sasha for her part sipped at her own drink and considered the contents of her workshop... the things she had there that she might use now... she could practically feel her technopathic urges tingling before the thought of Kaine Zambrano dulled her mood. "Didn't you know I knew your father? I assumed thats why you showed up."

 

[Rosalina]

Alm had never been to a beach, but she knew that beaches had sand. Over half of her home planet was covered in sand, more specifically desert. So Alm dressed for the harsh conditions of the Manas desert, an environment so hostile that an unprepared traveler would likely end up a desiccated corpse within the first 48 hours. The young Nasvali was garbed in a lightweight fabric that draped across her lanky limbs and a headscarf that wrapped around her head and mouth to avoid getting sandblasted in the face.

It was considered rude in her culture not to bring a gift to the host, so Alm baked a Manas specialty—hardtack biscuits that were both terribly dry and lacking in flavor. They were popular with her transient people as they were simple to make and practical in nature.

Striding onto the beach, she beat down the nerves fluttering in her stomach. She often had difficulty fitting in and just wanted people to like her. Approaching the hostess and her odd guest, Alm spoke.

“Hello.” Her voice was slightly muffled by the scarf. “I bring refreshment.” She held up the platter of tasteless biscuits, hoping for a positive reception.

[member="Sasha Santhe"] [member="Kade Kelborn"]

 

[Sal Katarn]

"No, I did not," he furrowed his brow, then glanced at the approach of the woman bearing refreshments, but did not take one. "Thank you."

He turned back to Sasha with his discerning blue gaze, as piercing as a lightning bolt. The woman knew the Dark Lord quite well it seemed. Arkaitz wondered if he had asked her to check on him. His heart beat a little quicker at the thought, partially out of fear, but also a bit of pride that his actions would be enough to finally warrant his father's attention. Too many thoughts fluttered through his head and he needed time to process them.

"And I'm used to colder climates," he said lamely, but made no move to remove any clothes. She certainly seemed to enjoy telling people what to do.

Eyes flicked back to the well-covered girl, who was quite tall. "I guess orders to disrobe don't extend to your slaves?"

[member="Alm"] | [member="Sasha Santhe"]

 

[Sasha Santhe]

Oh this was candy. Sasha's face contorted into the most delicious smile. [member="Alm"] was standing, refreshments in hand. "Slavery is outlawed on Lianna," she said looking back at the girl. "You can put those on the table over there. Thank you." And then she examined her. Why did no one wear the appropriate clothing. "Honey you should go over there," she pointed at the pool house, "the droids will tell you where to go. There is an auto-tailor with all the finest fabrics and fashions already in it. The droid will help you pick out something appropriate."

Really no one at all could have prepared her for this. "With your skin color I suggest vibrant colors that bring out their eye color too. Stay away from muted colors such as olive green, brown, grey, beige..." she waved her hand dismissively.

Turning to [member="Kade Kelborn"] her smile returned, "She does have pretty eyes don't you think?" She shifted in her chair to face him more properly talking to him instead of her previously errant affair. "Now you'll take orders to a point but you don't like being commanded. Good. Now if it pleases you I suggest getting comfortable." The tide was starting to come in on the beach and Sasha knew that soon the water would be lapping pleasantly at her feet.

 

[Ao Xian]

Ao'Xian had made an appointment.

At least, she was pretty sure she had made an appointment. Tai Fa had walked her through typing up the message (slowly, one key, one claw at a time). But he'd left before she was done, after she had assured him (with clear annoyance in her voice) that she could handle this herself. She had sat at the console for a little bit afterward, admiring the message. It had been, she thought, a very good message.

And then she had gotten up, trusting the machine to do whatever magic it was that machines did in order to get the message to its intended recipient.

The nezumi that entered the office a little while later had scratched their head, not sure why someone had left a message, unsent and with no clear recipient labeled, up on the console. They shrugged and, trying to be helpful, had archived the message so it could be pulled up again when whomever had written it was ready to send it. No reason to accidentally lose it, now was there? Brushing off their tiny paws, they'd nodded. A job well done.

So the message about the desire to place an order for a custom ship, and if there was any problem with this particular date, they should get back to Ao otherwise she would see them then, was still sitting, politely saved, in the console on [member="Darth Saarai"]'s desk.

Of course, because the ship she was traveling in wasn't built to accommodate her native form, she'd had a choice- travel shifted into a different form and arrive hungry and grumpy, or travel in her normal form and arrive merely grumpy.

So the Xykan, flowing out of the ship in all of her scaled and shining glory was merely grumpy. She had decided that it would probably be rude to come, expecting a proper meal upon her arrival.

Besides, they'd probably get it wrong anyway.

"I have," she declared, neck arching high and regal as she looked down at the attendant that greeted her on the landing platform, "An appointment."

[member="Sasha Santhe"] [member="Kade Kelborn"] [member="Alm"]

 

[Bo Lin]

[member="Sasha Santhe"] [member="Kade Kelborn"] [member="Alm"] [member="Kuraii"]

Bo walked along the landing pad a large gift basket of fruits, sweet thingys he heard hairless pink people liked, and a barrel of Pandyn moonshine. The sun beat down on his big round hat and his tongue soon flopped out as he walked toward the front door.

It was way too far. He hadn't eaten in like, ten minutes or so and he began wondering half way through the first 10 meters if this was really worth the trouble. He took another step and looked at the door a whole five more meters away.

"Fooorroooggg eerrrreeettt." He said as he put the basket and the barrel down and flopped face first beside it. He pushed the stuff toward the door and then pushed himself across the ground with his legs. He was 2.5 meters tall, he would het there faster horizontally.

He pushed along. Inching slowly then used a stick to ring the visitor bell. If they didn't answer immediately with food and water he was going to nap right where he was.

 

[Rosalina]

At the mention of slave, Alm looked to her left, then her right, then beneath the plate she was carrying. As far as she could see, no one else was here except for the three of them.

At Sasha’s request, Alm made her way over to the table and placed the platter there as neatly as she could. Her head turned as the hostess pointed over to the pool house.

“Appropriate?” She wondered aloud, confused given that her attire was entirely practical for going some place where there was a lot of sand. “Ok.” She agreed, if only to satisfy the woman who’d kindly set up this shindig.

Unfortunately, Alm was not good with droids. She was typically skittish around them but when one tried to remove her outer most layer, she punched him in his metallic face. Things got even worse when poor droid tried to measure her. After much arguing and fuss, the Nasvalo found herself in a yellow two-piece. The bold tones complimented her tan skin and dark hair but she was uncomfortable wearing something so flashy and revealing. Especially with her lanky limbs!

Alm wrapped the outer most layer of the cloak she was wearing around her waist as a sort of sarong. That made her feel a little better as she awkwardly exited the pool house and made her way back towards the two lounging in their beach chairs. Others began to arrive, creatures of all shapes and sizes it seemed. “Umm,” She began, grasping at one arm and looking off to the side before back at Sasha. “I broke robot. Sorry!” Not only was she anxious, but Miss Santhe was undoubtedly a pretty woman and more developed than she.

And she had just broken the robot.

[member="Sasha Santhe"] [member="Kade Kelborn"] [member="Kuraii"] [member="Bo Lin"]

 

[Vaylin]

Vaylin had received a message.

There was certainly nothing unusual about that, except for the fact she didn't have a clue who the sender was.

Who the chit is Sasha Santhe?

Another question was how exactly the woman had managed to contact her. Though that was quickly answered when Vaylin had realized the message was sent to the Sith Valkyries in general. Again, the Zabrak questioned the how, but it became apparent there were too many questions for it to be of worth and she tossed the datapad onto her bed.

Only to pick it back up five minutes later.

She was reminded of what Aria had advised her early on during her training. That taking the time to relax, to step away from all the murdering, was a good thing. One didn't have to dedicated their time; twenty four seven, to it.

Vaylin chuckled, reminded of her response back then and how things had changed since. As such, she had accepted the invitation leaving her with the simple matter of making her way to Lianna. The trip hadn't taken too long, and the Zabrak landed her ship down on one of the empty landing pads.

There was someone standing there when she stepped down from the ramp. An attendant, staff - someone of that nature.

"I'm Vaylin, of the Sith Valkyries."

She was rather curious to see just who had turned up already.

| [member="Sasha Santhe"] | [member="Kade Kelborn"] | [member="Alm"] | @Ao'Xian | [member="Bo Lin"] |​

 

[Sasha Santhe]

Attendant droids ushered the guests into the lavishly decorated house and through the beach behind. Chairs were set up and tables for food and drink. There was a full bar with a rather chatty droid and white sand that was soft in between your toes. Sasha for her part was lounging on the chair when she heard a voice.

Putting her finger up to forestall [member="Alm"] from speaking further Sasha turned and stared flatly at the Foxsnake creature thing. "Appointment? At my beach house?" with a quirked brow she looked over at a servant droid who shrugged in response. "Well why not?" Sasha waved the thing over to her. "Take a seat here on the beach, enjoy the water, and prepare yourself for a time."

Then with further consideration she turned back to Alm. "You are gorgeous darling, none of that undeserved confidence so many commoners have today." She patted a seat next to her, "Oh I bet all the farmboys love you." Looking around she noticed a Zabrak woman as well. "Oh!" she waved. "The auto-tailor is in the pool house." Oh right, Alm broke it. Sasha sighed and closed her eyes reaching out with the force and feeling the bots. The damage wasn't so bad. Using mechu-deru she reconstituted them peicing them back together before letting out a bit of a huff. "Please pick something nice."

Turning back to Alm she said. "It is delightful to meet you. I wasn't expecting so many Sith to show up here when I invited our new companion government." She clicked her fingers at Arkaitz to make sure she had his attention. "Here on Lianna we have been through multiple big governments. The Sith Empire, the Silver Jedi.... They all go away, and yet I remain. A constant in Lianna."

[member="Vaylin"] | [member="Alm"] | [member="Bo Lin"] | [member="Kuraii"] | [member="Kade Kelborn"]

 

[Sal Katarn]

The young Zambrano crossed his arms haughtily, uncomfortable with the arrival of so many strangers - and all of them Sith. What sort of plot was this Sasha trying to draw him into here? What ulterior motive did she possess? A brooding stare passed over the woman, paused on the slave- er, serving girl for a moment longer then necessary, before returning back to Sasha.

A draconid and a black and white ursine also made an appearance.

"You do," he restated, mulling over her words. "I wonder why that is."

All sides against the middle. Despite the pleasant beach setting, Arkaitz could not help but be uncomfortable around a woman whose motivations were clear as mud.

[member="Sasha Santhe"]

 

[Vaylin]

The Zabrak looked around as the attendant guided her through the residence and presumably to their gracious host; one Sasha Santhe. Although her attention went towards the guests that had apparently already arrived.

Another two humanoids; a male who she presumed was talking to their host. And younger female, in her teens if the Zabrak were to guess.

Then there was a...Panda, Pandyn, or whatever their name was. Either way, Vaylin was very certain she passed by one of their number as she moved from the interior of the house and onto the beach.

Vaylin almost paused in her walking when she saw Ao'Xian not quite sure what she was looking at.

Was it a Fox-snake? Or Snake-fox? She wondered what came first.

The Zabrak caught herself staring in that moment, and looked over at Sasha instead. Vaylin followed where the woman had directed, and walked over to the pool house. There was a bit of a delay, as something went on inside, but eventually the doors were opened and the Zabrak disappeared inside.

She wasn't particularly fussed by the almost instant attention the droid's gave her. Removing her clothing, taking her measurements. They were quick and efficient in their work, and with a few suggestions from Vaylin; she very quickly was dressed in more appropriate attire.

It was a dark purple two-piece, with a lighter shade for the sarong; made of a sheer material. She had liked the look of it on Alm, although it was for more complimentary reasons, no conservative. Together they showed off her fair skin, decorated with various scars. As well, the tattoos that covered her arms were in full view.

| [member="Sasha Santhe"] | [member="Kade Kelborn"] | [member="Alm"] | @Ao'Xian | [member="Bo Lin"] |​

 

[Vereshin]

With a ribbon around a tray of cakes, Vereshin strode cautiously towards the security droids. He attended the beach soiree as a representative of the Sith Empire and repressed his nerves while the robot tugged at his garments. Jazz music trailed through the air and welcomed him to the pool house where he met the familiar faces of [member="Vaylin"] and [member="Alm"]. He repressed a chuckle and blushed at the sight of the Zabrack warrior wearing a swimsuit. Outright refusing to wear one himself, Vereshin chose a short-sleeved grey shirt beneath a black haori and suit pants. On his feet he wore boat shoes. The suit pants folded at the knee and made his pallid, thin ankles greatly visible.

"Hello Miss Santhe. I am honored to be here at your fine estate." With a smile, he approached the host and offered his refreshments. He handed the tray to a server droid and offered Sasha his hand to shake. "My name is Vereshin. I am here on behalf of the Sith Empire." He gave his usual, coy smile and gripped her hand gently, smoothing out the front of his garments and making himself presentable. He slid a hand into his trouser pocket and found his cigarette case and a short holder which he had taken to using. He set a cylinder inside the holder and held it between the end, lighting the end with a snap of his fingers.

The Sith sorcerer inhaled deeply and held the cigarette holder to his lips, turning his head to blow smoke away from the face of his host. He caught the eye of Vaylin and smiled in her direction, wondering now if the warrior still remembered him since their first meeting. There was an odd array of guests pursuing the event. A shape changing fox and a sentient Panda stood out in particular. Beside Sasha stood a young man to whim Vereshin politely nodded and smiled.

"Hello, I don't believe we've met." He turned to face [member="Kade Kelborn"] and offered his hand to shake, remaining thankful the party was one of civilized standards. The lack of blaring music or drunken guests made him slightly more comfortable. "Do you know our lovely host?" He asked Kade and and smiled again to Sasha, revealing blackening teeth between thin lips. Despite the building anxiety in his chest, Vereshin remained stoic. He raised the short cigarette holder to his mouth and inhaled again, blowing smoke in the direction of the water. The cigarette calmed his nerves at the very least.

[member="Sasha Santhe"]

 

[Ordo]

She walked calmly down the boarding ramp of the shuttle and remained at parade rest until the escort arrived. The shrap grey-green eyes of the tall woman stared straight ahead until the escort invited her inside and earned a calm nod for all the pleasantries. She was not here of her own choosing, ahe was sent as a naval representative and a sign of friendly relations. However, she had no concept of merry making or social niceties so she defaulted on her extensive education and logic to dictate her actions.

She stepped forward left foot first as was proper and followed the escort passed a large ursine being that lay infront of the door. Two large droids struggled with the being's bulk as they fought to pull it inside. She entered calmly and removed her cover sharply before stuffing it beneath her left arm. The escort ushered her through the lavish house and to a dressing room wear she was instructed to put on beach attire.

She looked at the choices and quickly disrobed before ignoring the impractical choices and walking out of the dressing room sans garb.

"Madam!" The escort said in shock, "You have to choose a garment. You can't go out like that."

"Incorrect." She said folding her hands behind her back, "The purpose of those garments is to allow one's body to be bombarded with ultraviolet radiation while being fashionable and attractive to the opposite sex. No garment at all is more efficient for all purposes involved."

"But it isn't proper, madam." The escort said still in shock.

"Commander, not madam." She corrected with military bearing, "and socially 65% of galactic species consider the natural form to be acceptable, the other beings have misguided views of modesty driven by various religious and social views that are also impractical. I will remain thus and you will do your duty and escort me to the refreshments so I can fulfill my obligations and socialize."

The escort stood silently processing the information before leading the althletic clone out to the beach and serving her a drink.

[member="Vaylin"] [member="Vereshin"] [member="Kade Kelborn"] [member="Sasha Santhe"] [member="Alm"] [member="Kuraii"]

 

[Rosalina]

More and more people were showing up to the beach, none of which Alm recognized save for @Vereshin. She waved at the pale man who’d once tried to teach her the art of illusions, though sadly Alm’s strength lied in…well, physical strength.

As [member="Sasha Santhe"] paid her a kind of compliment, Alm flushed in embarrassment. It was something she rarely did, but the young woman was not used to having words like ‘gorgeous’ applied to her. As she awkwardly took a seat next to the woman her head tilted to the side. “Farm? No farm, is mountain. Farm in plains.” She nodded with conviction. Alm was from the mountains of Manas, her people were nomadic and relied on hunting and gathering rather than farming. The stationary people of the plains were the ones that farmed.

When Santhe started talking about the Sith and governments, Alm nodded dumbly. She wasn’t sure what to make of any of that given that she had very little knowledge of galactic politics. She gave an unsure glance over to [member="Kade Kelborn"] which turned into a stony, unamused stare when she caught his eye. He did not seem to be enjoying himself, so why was he here?

There were many things Alm did not understand.

 

[Sasha Santhe]

Sasha looked first to [member="Kade Kelborn"]. "I'm a survivor dear," she said replying to him. Then the smile let her turn back to [member="Alm"] who appeared to be studying the man. "You are precious." reaching out a hand she patted the young woman like one might pat a pet. Things were coming along nicely and there was more visitors than she anticipated. [member="Vereshin"] aproached and introduced himself before turning and asking the Zambrano spawn if he knew the hostess even going so far as to call her lovely. "That man there," Sasha said in a hushed whisper Alm. "He's one to watch. Pale skin, sickly visages. He's going to be utterly red before he leaves."

"Oh," she called to [member="Vaylin"], "We have another pretty one don't we. Come over here and help me round out the numbers." She waved vigorously. "Oh you look just lovely. I especially like your pouty lips. I can see why you chose Sith over Jedi. Dark over light."