Shocking the Competition [open to the Techno Union and the First Order, all others PM]

[Tmoxin Temi]

Morpho Sports Complex on Lok​

The roar of the crowd could be heard even miles away from the Morpho Sports Complex. Game day at Morpho was a highly anticipated event for all citizens of Lok as well as nearby galaxians who traveled to see their favorite sports teams play in the giant, newly constructed arena. This day was no different. A Shockball tournament was underway between the Eriadu Patriots and the hometeam of the Lok Revenants. Glimmik played in the background each time a player was rendered unconscious by the small, electric ball.

In a large VIP booth high above the stadium, Tmoxin Temi had reserved a luxury seating area, open bar and catering spread with the best food and drink that Brightstar Catering had to offer. She had visited Eriadu recently to visit with The First Order, a small, but growing military cadre. The leaders of the First Order were familiar to her, some more than others. What the Hapan executive, and ex-Imperial officer, had in mind was the molding of an agreement of sorts. Whether trade or diplomatic remained to be seen.

Once the First Order contingency landed in a private hangar outside of the Sports Complex, they would be greeted by a small security detail, including a Mirari droid and taken via hovercraft to the stadium and desposited into a VIP area where they would have the best views of the Shockball game below. A round sports-betting droid whirred over to Tmoxin, and pressing a few buttons, she put five thousand credits on the Revenants. No doubt the Imperials would be rooting for Eriadu.

Spoiler

[member="Lucien Cordel"]l [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Corey's OOC"] [member="Raziel"] [member="Jennifer Blanchard"] [member="Prime"] [member="Darth Vizios"] [member="Cryax Bane"] [member="Gerion Ardik"] [member="Lord Zrixtas"] [member="Leilani Paaie"] [member="Sirus"] [member="Aram Kalast"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Hans Vaiden"] [member="Silas Ren"] [member="Greifen Ren"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien grimaced and looked away from the sports pitch. Shock ball, such an undignified pursuit. It seemed to have caught on in the underclasses but that didn't make it good Disease was catching in the slums too ... much of the culture of the underclass baffled Lucien for example he failed to understand their fascination with slum houses and cheap alcohol, why didn't they just go out and get jobs then they could buy real alcohol. That thought made Lucien thirsts and he smiled down at hi champagne for a moment. Champagne was like his darling wine but wrapped in a fur coat.

Bored of staring at such a callous display of barbarity Lucien turned away. He didn't enjoy such tasteless sports preferring the nobler pastimes, hunting , sabre and that ilk. The classy tier of sports. He was clearly not here for the sports, indeed he had attended solely to learn more of the First Order, He had heard of them only via gossip and talk from [member="Tmoxin Temi"] however he was eager to correct that. Order on their level was an appealing concept if not for the fact that it was much to swan like , graceful and charming above but a sordid cacophony of crap and flailing legs beneath. Lucien didn't want that for himself.

He moved from the window back to seat he had secured for himself, no doubt the Convoy of the first order would be arriving soon and he wanted to make a point of not standing when they entered. Not out of spite just to show them how things stood ... he was a big fish and they were not ... not yet anyway.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Morpho Sports Complex.

Something Tmoxin had built to host some kind of entertainment, most likely as a front. If she was up to something less than legal I wasn’t aware of it mostly because I didn’t care if she was. The roar of the crowd peaked as a player attempted to score. I sighed, walking through the corridors of the complex. This wasn’t something that interested me personally, but I could suffer through it if I had to. Seeing as I was bidding for a little more influence with the Techno Union it was important to take part in these social events and diplomatic meetings.

The pair of Mandalorians flanking me opened the door to the private box for me and closed the door behind them as they entered, standing guard there. I’m sure there were security measures in place, but what could it hurt having two more in plain sight.

I was completely unaware of the nature of the First Order and had only learned the name in transit, so if I was expected to actively participate, I would be asking a number of questions, and even then I probably wouldn’t really be too helpful. This was just a few moments relaxation, the calm before the storm that was coming for me and my clan.

 

[Hans Vaiden]

He was the first of a few high-ranking officers of the First Order to arrive. The journey had been rather uneventful and the landing process even more so, as he and his companion were immediately notified of their hosts' location and were given escorts ranging from advanced droids to rough-looking mercenaries. It was a little ragtag for what Hans would have preferred, but it made him feel a bit better about the possible need to peel out of the complex with his head intact.

"Observation: It's quite loud."

Commodore Vaiden glanced at Sigmund. "Very."

Conversation was kept to a minimum as the pair were brought directly to the plush and lavish VIP area. Before the escort departed and left them to their own whim, he took a few moments to glance to the side and watch the game. It used to be a big part of his life as a child, with the Coruscant Cavaliers and the Anaxes Avengers being his favorite teams. That, sadly, wasn't the case anymore. As he matured and experienced things with the Imperial Navy, civilian life and all of its "treasures" steadily seemed more and more pointless.

Sigmund took the pause as a chance to open the door in his stead before entering the room after his charge did.

Clad in the typical grey, tight-collared uniform, Hans regarded each of the Techno Union patrons with a steely, cool gaze. He recognized none of their faces, save for Miss [member="Tmoxin Temi"] who was their apparent moderator for this meeting.

"Commodore Hans Vaiden of the His Majesty's Imperial Navy," a small, subtle smile curled his lips as he gestured towards Sigmund. "And this is my personal advisor, Sigmund."

[member="Draco Vereen"], [member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lord Zrixtas]

Zrixtas moved along the people of the stadium as he did a quick once over the area before he went to the Vip box reserved by [member="Tmoxin Temi"]. He was vexed, he didn't like organics at the best of times and now he was surrounded by them, Hundreds of them at the very least. The Idea only vexed him a little more.
The armored robe over his body made a few eyes land on him in thought of a possible sith given his attire and his bodies look after all. He moved along and made sure that his lightsabers and DC-17 were fastened around his hips in a secure enough fashion so that it would be hard to steal them but still within reach of his own hands to use. He didn't think he'd need them but better safe than sorry after all.
Once his sweep was over he had gone through every sensor he had to sweep the area, and felt marginally satisfied with the result, he headed towards the Vip box. Once he was at the box's entrance he was blocked off by two security droids. "Halt, By order of Miss Temi, outsiders aren't allowed inside her unless they are accompanied by security." One of them said and both of the suddenly backed off a little as Zrixtas leaned forwards and made his optical sensors glow even redder. "Let me pass." He said slowly and deliberately, venom in his tone as suddenly and without him moving the two droids suddenly burst to either side and into the walls. "I belong to the Obsidian order I have all the clearance I need." He then muttered as he walked into the box, the two droids getting up and moving to either side of the door once more. "What was that?" One said. "I dunno but I don't want to be on that guy's bad side." The other retorted. "That's true, must have bad programming." The first said and then both chuckled, they both chuckled their last as suddenly their heads were crushed and then their bodies fell limply to the floor.
As much as he hated the fleshsacks he had even less love for badly programmed and mass produced droids like the B1's of the clone wars. Once he was inside however he looked from [member="Lucien Cordel"] to [member="Draco Vereen"] then from them to [member="Tmoxin Temi"] and finally to [member="Hans Vaiden"]. He only nodded in a cursory but respectful greeting to each of them before he moved to one side of the room and sat there, closing his eyes so that he could instead study the surroundings through sound and other senses.

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Security had informed Tmoxin that the first guest had arrived and was their way up to the VIP area. When she heard who it was, her heart skipped a beat. Commodore Vaiden was someone she knew well, but their relationship seemed like it had been years ago - despite the fact that only a few months had passed. She didn't have to inform Lucien Cordel or Commander Vereen of his entrance. They would notice the newcomer soon enough.

As the esteemed Commordore made his way to the exclusive area, his attention was distracted by the game. Tmoxin was careful not to disturb him. She took pride in others' enjoyment of her stadium as much as they gleaned enjoyment from rooting for their teams. Behind him, she noticed a scuffle with the security droids. But that appeared to be over as soon as it had started.

Finally, the officer came over and introduced himself to the rest of her colleagues. Tmoxin crossed her arms and cocked her hip to the side, smirking at him back. Others may think Hans Vaiden arrogent, but the Hapan executive knew otherwise. He was direct, no-nonsense and full of confidence. Along with his handsome, clean-cut looks these qualities, and the fact that he had been an inspiring commanding offier, had been all it took for her to fall for him once. She would still be in love with him now if her life hadn't been changed so much from the point when they parted, ending up on separate ends of the galaxy. Still, Tmoxin had a strong fondness for Commodore Vaiden - that would never go away.

"I'm so pleased you are here. I don't know that you ever got to see Morpho when it was a garrison. If you look closely you may be able to see traces of where the defense turrets were," she said, waving her hand towards the stadium. "I'd like to introduce you to the Director of Law, [member="Lucien Cordel"] and [member="Draco Vereen"], who is on the Executive Council of the Techno Union. I probably haven't told them enough about the First Order. Do you want to do the honors, Commodore Vaiden?"

She noticed the droid, [member="Lord Zrixtas"] and at first assumed the mechanical had been brought by Lord Cordel. But he appeared to be alone. Eventually, she wanted to speak to this unusual droid, but for now she waited for [member="Hans Vaiden"] to respond.

 

[Aram Kalast]

Usually Aram was flanked by stormtroopers.
Today however he had no such escort, instead he was with his officers and that was all that had been deemed necessary.

For Aram knew that the First Order while powerful had taken a blow by the unification of the many ‘rogue’ Imperialists, mostly in the credit and production facilities of the past. It was these issues that had created the need to seek help, to seek connected allies and most of all to seek friends with deep pockets and extensive resources.

The Techno Union, while not the Supreme Commander’s first choice had been all to willing to establish a meeting, personal and to the point with only a select few backers as well as a handful of First Order hierarchy. It was a start and a start was all he needed.

The games they would be witnessing didn’t interest him. He had no idea of the relevant teams anymore nor even half the rules. Although he did make a mental note to see to this local team as potential recruits for the First Order army if they proved themselves. Some however within the lavish VIP room did indeed seem to show interest as did most of the crowd, it created a spirited atmosphere if anything else. Commodore Vaiden seemed to already be in presence, questions asked of him by the one familiar face of the Techno Union. [member="Tmoxin Temi"]

Eyes of ultramarine blue took in those as he entered, familiar faces of the First Order discarded as he had no need to introduce, but those of less familiarity; they were each gifted a courteous nod of the head and greeting.
“Supreme Commander Aram Kalast.” It was all that was necessary, they would already know who he was after all, this was the Lion’s Den, he just had to prove he had just as much bite.

[member="Lord Zrixtas"][member="Hans Vaiden"][member="Draco Vereen"][member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

The shuttle had deposited Ludolf in the same place it had all the others, and the First Order General knew that the Techno Union had spared no expense in inviting the First Order to their stadium's skyboxes, after observing the clean carpeted floors and ornately decorated walls, the low lighting providing a dark azure ambiance. There was only one peculiarity; a pair of dead droids flanking either side of the doorway, looking as though someone had intentionally busted their heads together. Vaas hoped that it wasn't one of his comrades that had done that. It wouldn't exactly be the best start to a meeting with the Techno Union.

Followed by his personal General's Bodyguard, Ludolf made for the luxury suite. Unlike some of the others, General Vaas could appreciate the sport of shockball. Though crude and violent, Ludolf was not averse to displays of martial, violent prowess. In fact, they were excellent ideals to be upheld within society. The lower classes needed sport to occupy their minds and their lives. It was a healthy pastime that promoted physical fitness and nationalism - all good things from the First Order's perspective.

When he entered, he saw that Supreme Commander Kalast had already arrived, as well as Commodore Vaiden. There was also the familiar face of Tmoxin Temi, and so, knowing he was in good company, Vaas dismissed his General's Bodyguard to wait outside the premises while he entered. It seemed that Kalast was still making his introductions, so General Vaas would wait in the doorway before he would introduce himself.

[member="Aram Kalast"]
[member="Tmoxin Temi"]
[member="Lord Zrixtas"]
[member="Hans Vaiden"]
[member="Lucien Cordel"]
[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Leilani Paaie]

Leilani looked up oh it was one thing that many failed to remember about Zeltrons they were a competitive species. She smiled as she entered into the stadium oh to breath in the air, to feel the excitement as it seeped into the bones.

She smiled she loved this. She fluffed her hair with one hand while flashing a smile and a luring look to those she passed, never know when a piece of information from a passerby would come in handy.

Someone she had not seen in some time had come up again on her field of influence she wondered how was [member="Tmoxin Temi"] and her lovely brother Armand.
Leilani dressed in her favorite red dress and black heels walked slowly listening to the crowds. The crowds were focused on the game, and the game was under way the roar of the crowd told her that a play was at hand.

She looked at all the security around as she made her way. So...what were they all up to.

[member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Aram Kalast"] [member="Lord Zrixtas"] [member="Hans Vaiden"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Hans Vaiden]

The whole meeting moved smoothly and with a streamlined approach, things happening one after another until the whole group of Imperials had made their appearance and other Techno Union officials finally made their debut. A few of them, Hans had to note, were a little surprising in their mannerisms. That one automaton joining the congregation appeared to have more than a few shorted circuits and the way he blatantly disposed of valuable resources and personnel was disgusting. Even Sigmund seemed distraught, catching the knowing glance of Hans.

"And it's always a pleasure to see you too, Miss Temi." The Commodore fondly remembered his time spent with this fine woman. The parties they attended, the drinks they shared, and the numerous nights spent together. "The Morpho complex sure has changed quite a bit. Your vending stands sure do look much more imposing than a heavy turbolaser turret," he grinned.

Back to important things. Tmoxin introduced two of her higher-class colleagues, an Executive member of their corporate board and the very Director of Law sat before him. She'd also asked for a brief explanation as to what exactly this order was - and he had no qualms laying down the detail.

"The First Order is exactly what it sounds like: the First Order to actually succeed. Palpatine fell, Thrawn fell, Daala fell, and even Fel fell." The man smiled at his last words. "We are founded by the guiding principles of the old empires before us yet we envision a new future unlike any other. Peace, order, justice, and discipline. We have already began to spread our influence and great things have happened, order and prosperity are commodities."

[member="Tmoxin Temi"], [member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin faced her old commanding officer, and listening to his familiar baritone voice, for a moment, there was no one else in the room. But the new arrivals finally caught her attention. Familiar faces like [member="Leilani Paaie"] and slightly less familiar ones like [member="Aram Kalast"] and [member="Ludolf Vaas"].

"At least I don't have to scrape the bottom of any coffers to keep the Morpho open this time," the Hapan remarked, only a little bitter at how bad the One Sith funding had been for her garrison over all of those months.

Tmoxin turned down the sound system in the VIP area so she would be heard. "I would officially like to welcome our friends in the First Order here tonight to enjoy the luxuries that the Techno Union has to offer and to spend some time with our brightest executives and warriors. I'm hoping a good partnership will be formed tonight. So drink up and socialize. I will be eager to find out what the First Order has in terms of business opportunities. Not to mention any diplomatic leanings that appear to benefit both of our organizations."

Holding up her glass of wine, the golden liquid inside gleaming, she toasted the group of officers, mercenaries and executives. The Hapan looked forward to getting to back to her Imperial roots tonight and having a good time doing so.

[member="Hans Vaiden"] [member="Lucien Cordel"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Lord Zrixtas"]

 

[Lord Zrixtas]

Zrixtas followed the sport as long as he was able, he didn't find it as stimulated as it would be if the players would only have knifes strapped to their heads. Standing up he looked towards the newcomers. He had no real knowledge of any of them, [member="Leilani Paaie"] a Zeltron, a race he knew was apparently very popular among some circles of fleshsacks. [member="Hans Vaiden"], [member="Ludolf Vaas"] and [member="Aram Kalast"] all were from that first order, something that interested him and the reason he had come to this meeting in the first place.
When [member="Tmoxin Temi"] raised a class to the meeting Zrixtas mimiced the motion though mentally he rolled his eyes. 'What is their fascination with drinks anyway.' He thought as he placed his glass down on a tray next to him and clapped gently for Temi for a short time. As he looked towards [member="Draco Vereen"] and [member="Lucien Cordel"], he had to wonder what their jobs really entailed as he hadn't seen either of them before.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Helping himself to a champagne glass from one of the serving droids that rolled by, Ludolf entered the VIP box and surveyed the room. Everyone who was anyone from the First Order was here, and it seemed the same was true for the Techno Union as well. He had taken the Union for a bunch of rabid capitalists that would not necessarily be friendly to the goals of the First Order, but largely due to Tmoxin Temi's ministrations, found himself surprised to see the contrary. Perhaps the First Order and the Techno Union could form a formidable alliance after all. Maybe all it took was a common enemy, and they certainly had one of those, in the form of the galaxy's newest cancerous growth, the Galactic Alliance.

Seeing that [member="Tmoxin Temi"] and [member="Hans Vaiden"] were engaged in a little conversation of their own, General Vaas would wait a few moments to make an introduction to her. The night was young, after all. For the time being, he figured he would mingle with the rest of the gathered crowd. The nearest person to him was [member="Leilani Paaie"], who rather stuck out due to her pinkish red skin, owing to obvious Zeltron heritage.

General Vaas raised his champagne glass and sent a smille her way. "Hello," He offered.

 

[Leilani Paaie]

Leilani smiled back at the General, "Hello" as she swept passed an offered drink tray she plucked a single glass from it. The General looked uncomfortable kept her welcoming smile and she made it to stand before him.

"I'm Leilani, you are?" She would wait for him to fill in the blank. This is what the gathering was about, getting to know one another, and being sure connections were made. Her particular skill set was just for that. Getting along.

She looked over to [member="Tmoxin Temi"] she would speak with her friend later.

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Aram Kalast]

Aram was rather impressed by Vaiden’s description of their cause, it hit the points as it was and sold them as a more professional standing then those of yesteryear. The Supreme Commander made a point of passing by the Commodore.
“Well done.” He offered a smile. “If I was only as good a poet as you.” He took a solid look around the room while maintaining Han’s attention, “You have the Supreme Leader’s trust here, as you have mine. Use whatever means you deem necessary for a fortunate outcome.” He clasped the Commodore on the shoulder before moving off towards the large view screen window that overlooked the playing field below.

Tmoxin made a greeting speech followed by a toast, it was all very official while removing the usual parade of nonsense that gathered around such meetings. Below them the Lok Revenants had been awarded some form of foul which had create a loud yell from the crowd. They were all so easily manipulated by simple gestures, this galaxy was no different to his last, they would all bend the knee in time.

The conversations seemed to slow somewhat as each person began to separate into smaller groups. Aram however maintained his place by the window, he would be willing to offer what was necessary for this agreement to happen. He locked eyes with Lucien Cordel momentarily before taking several steps forward.
“It is a pleasure Mr Cordel.” He offered taking note at the lack of interest shown towards the game beneath them. “I do hope the choice of entertainment has not garnished the importance of our meeting.”

[member="Leilani Paaie"][member="Ludolf Vaas"][member="Lord Zrixtas"][member="Tmoxin Temi"][member="Hans Vaiden"][member="Draco Vereen"][member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

"General Ludolf Vaas," Ludolf answered [member="Leilani Paaie"] with a nod of his head. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Now that they were both armed with libations, the party could finally get started. Vaas did a quick survey of Leilani's appearance. Like most Zeltrons, she was beautiful as befitted her race, though Ludolf wondered what her deal was amongst present company. Was she some sort of executive with the Union, or did the Union simply have a penchant for hiring... entertainers to liven up their social gatherings?

"You seem remarkably... organic, for someone from the Techno Union," Ludolf remarked. "I don't see any implants or nodes anywhere." He smiled.

[member="Aram Kalast"] [member="Tmoxin Temi"] [member="Hans Vaiden"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

With an eye still on Hans, Tmoxin turned most of her attention now to the Supreme Commander who had just entered the VIP area. Tmoxin had only briefly met Kalast, but made a beeline towards him when she saw the officer approaching Lucien Cordel. While Lucien was her dear friend, Lord Cordel had a tendency to drift into conversation about little-known and irrelevant galaxy laws. Kalast already looked less than thrilled about the enterntainment choice of Shockball. She wanted to make sure her Imperial-minded colleagues were going to have a good time no matter what.

"Commander Kalast, I assure you that this is a turning point for the Techno Union. Personally, I welcome the opportunity join our captialists up with a rising military force. Like I was explaining to Commodore Vaiden, this sports center used to be my Imperial Garrison, but I could barely keep it afloat, staffed and attract recruits with how terribly it was funded by the One Sith."

She made a sweeping motion with her hand. "But look at Morpho now. Investment is sound, and profits are high. Capital is something that we have an abudunce of. Is there a way to share the wealth, Commander?"

If the First Union needed material support, Tmoxin wouldn't hesitate to provide it. Such a far cry from where she was half a year ago, penniless and fleeing from the Sith.

[member="Aram Kalast"] [member="Lucien Cordel"] [member="Hans Vaiden"]

 

[Leilani Paaie]

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

"Well now I am completely 100% organic" she stepped closer drink in hand, "nothing came or implanted about me" she smiled.

"Do you know [member="Tmoxin Temi"] ?" most likely everyone in the room knew her how else did they get in. Was there something she needed to do? Or could she just be herself tonight it was the lingering question.

She took a sip of her drink as she watched the room And her conversation partner.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Sipping his beverage, Ludolf squinted. It was a fine taste that he hadn't been used to in some time, with military life demanding he kept his personal pleasures low. So low, in fact, that he sometimes had to remind himself that he was still human. Well, he was still human enough to find [member="Leilani Paaie"] engaging, so that had to count for something - so he supposed some humanity was still there.

"We've met briefly," Vaas answered her question. "In fact, we once served the One Sith together, though in different branches worlds apart. But let's not speak of such tawdry things," Ludolf waved his hand aside, as if trying to clear the displeasure of the One Sith's memory from the room. "What brings a Zeltron into service of the Techno Union? From my understanding your sort mostly bothered with inorganic things, be they technological monstrosities or acquiring more wealth somewhere from one of your hedge funds," He said lightly, jokingly.

 

[Leilani Paaie]

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

"Well I have a past relationship with Tmoxin and sometimes when she thinks I can be of some help she brings me in to look around" She was a spy with a focus on getting people to talk, she took another sip of the glass.

"Well a girl has to eat, I tend to be around the organic, and if I can make an investment I will, but I'm careful with my credits. I'm planning that one day I can just find a beach, with some sand and sun and watch life swim by while I drink kamikaze or two." She winked at him then trying to get him to relax just a bit more he was slowly getting there but there was still tension all through his shoulders, and an intensity to his gaze.

"What else do you know of zeltrons?" She asked quietly.