Dominion The House Always Wins -- Darkwire Dominion of Bovo Yagen Hex

[Bron Vaashe]

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WEARING: xxx
TAG: Lunara Azure | Karlie Lynn Destat

Bron attempted a smile at the suggestion she could be both a devil and an angel. Had he not experienced what he had on Dorvalla then he might not believe her. There had been a lot which took place that day as the others stormed the castle. Death and destruction seemed to be what all had in their hearts when it came to dealing with the organization known as LOBOS. Bron was still conflicted about all of it. Part of him enjoyed what had happened and even felt as though he could find a home among the Confederates because of it. On the other hand, he knew that level of violence would be exactly what the monster inside required for his freedom. Did he want to lose himself to the beast which lay dormant within?​

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The liquid in Bron's glass tumbled into his mouth as the Echani drank the contents in a slow sip. He did not drink much, or often. Losing control was something he did not like considering the monster within. Too mush, and the reigns could be ripped from his grasp. The drink allowed him time to listen and think about what the blonde woman was telling him.​

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She hated injustice, and she would do whatever it took for the greater good.​

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Bron's smile faded at the admission whatever it took would include unleashing the darkness within the Echani if that was what was required. The empty glass was set on the top of the bar counter. He wanted to walk away, and yet for some reason the remainder of what Lunara said begged him to stay. It was a curious and odd position she took. The woman understood him, and yet she would push him to lose control.​

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Bron smirked as the barkeep refilled his glass.​

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"Well that I can drink to I suppose. The monster will stay in it's cage for at least one night while you are around."​

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The Echani attempted his own version of teasing before he noticed the barkeep and another blonde looking their way. Her costume was similar. Bron raised a glass in her direction as he called out toward her.​

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"Nice costume!"​

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Eyes turned back to Lunara.​

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"Just promise me that if you plan on taking advantage of beast within... you will give me a proper warning first."​

 

[John Locke]

Location: Casino | Bovo Yagen
Wearing: This is John
Tagging: Alistair Key | Mr. Antilles

A single dark eyebrow arched as John let his gaze sweep over the woman who had settled in next to him. Dark eyes flicked from the woman’s face to the amber liquid contained in the crystal tumbler which rested in her hands.

“I was having a good day till someone decided that they liked the look of my whiskey, although I can’t say that I blame you, it is a good year.”

A hand rose, single finger rising as the dark-haired man signalled the bartender for another drink as he let his eyes drift over to the table and the masked dealer who was flicking out cards with a practised hand. There was always something special about watching a consummate professional at work, the grace of motion that only came after hours and hours of repetition, the level of belonging that came from the confidence in your actions. It could be seen no matter which field you were in, the trademark of a professional.

“I figured the house was always cheating, they have all the professionals, the odds stacked in their favour and the cameras to keep an eye on anyone who seems suspicious.”

A free hand flicked out to sweep around the casino, the tables and the slots, the crowd milling around as the swept from attraction to attraction, lured by the clink of chips and the sounds of enjoyment and laughter.

“It’s a business, the same as anything else out there, the same as the smallest shop of the largest intergalactic corporation. It isn’t a charity or designed to operate at a loss, no-one would build a casino otherwise would they? No-one who comes here should expect to make money.”

A wry smile touched John’s lips at the thought, at the dream that attracted so many people to the Casinos. That idea of a quick way to get rich that left so many people leaving dejected, their schemes lying shattered in bright lights of the city. Even looking around the casino there were so many people here with bright eyes who had that same dream driving them…and a lot of people wearing metallic masks. The man’s brow furrowed for a moment as he let his eye drift over the metal masks for a moment. There must be a convention or a masquerade going on that no-one had told him about, everyone wearing a costume of some sort.

“So, since you seem to know more about this than I do, and must be right at home here, what game would you suggest then? Which possible option in the casino wouldn’t just take my money?”

The man looked over at his new acquaintance and pursed his lips together before reaching into a pocket, letting a small pile of blue and gold chips clatter down on the bar between then before he gestured to her.

“Go ahead and show me how it’s done? Impress me.”

 

[Lunara Azure]

Tag: OPEN | Bron Vaashe | Karlie Lynn Destat
Wearing: This

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“I can say that I’ll try.”

A promise…a promise was a sacred thing, a sign of trust and loyalty and something that you should always keep. That’s what Lunara had been taught as a child by her family back on Zernia, if you made a promise to someone then you should keep it no matter what.

‘Never make a promise you won’t keep, never break a promise when you’ve made it.’

She could still hear those words, her father’s voice echoing in her ears, that deep steady voice that had been one of the pillars of her early life. Her father had always been busy with work, trying to support his family and patron When he was in port he always made sure that he would be home for dinner, gathering the family around him to talk, to just be there as a family. Lunara could still remember it, settled in front of a fire as they talked about their days, as their father told them stories about the past. It had been a good time, lessons that had formed the basis of her personality for years.

Then the galaxy decided to make a mockery of those lessons, that childhood. A world burnt, a family reduced to ashes, a husband cut down in the street. She could close her eyes and hear all the promises that had built up, ‘I’ll always protect you’ ‘we’ll protect you’ ‘we’ll be here when you need us’. A litany of broken promises, scattered across the ashes of her home. The galaxy had shown her the hollowness of a promise made so freely, a mistake she’d never make again.

Promises...those were the ties that bound, the words that need to be honoured and kept. Not to be bandied around, to be spoken at the drop of a hat.

“If we don’t run into any slavers, or any need to fight I think you can keep your monster locked away for the night. Besides...letting him out might cause more than a little damage to the bar, and this is a very very good bottle of wine.”

Another sip, catching the eye of the blonde across the bar as Lunara tipped her glass in her direction, a salute across the bar. The wings folded in at her back as she took another sip of wine, watching her sip her drink, head tilting her head in a silent invitation to join them.

 

[Talohn Atar]

"The lightsaber? I've used it very few times. I stick to ranged weaponry. Plus...I feel guilty every time I use it to be honest. It was a warrior's weapon, feels bad desecrating it like this, using it after the warrior has perished. In my tribe, warriors were buried with their prized weapon. It was the way of my tribe to respect fellow warriors, be they friend or foe. But enough about my emotional problems. This is a party." He grins, showing off those scary catlike incisors. He looks between Zlova and Yula. "What are the droid and I doing here? Well, Madlad is here so I can feel safe getting drunk."

"A dreadful purpose for a droid such as me to have, I must admit." The droid interjects

Talohn goes on, ignoring that statement. "You see, I used to be more wild and free spirited, I'd come to parties like this all the time. But uh...I adopted a kid, amalgam did her parents in. But that's enough about that queen. This kid...uh, well. I've had to clean up my act, as it were. Be a good parent, someone she can look up to, all that stuff. I'll admit, I miss the constant parties but...." He smiles. It's a warm, genuine smile. "I feel more whole than I have in a long time. However, being a parent is stressful, and I got a babysitter for the kid. Heard about a casino party...." He shrugs. "So I came here to unwind. Have a good time. So far, I've gotten to see quite the dancer, and girls are actually talking to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm a handsome specimen for my species, but most people that aren't cathar don't have fur on their turn on list, and when was the last time you saw a cathar?." He gives Zlova a playful wink before downing the rest of his wine. "And a pretty zeltron. I haven't seen a zeltron since one......mugged me on corellia....You know what, let's just pretend this is my first time meeting a zeltron. You are very pretty, and hopefully will not mug me." He chuckles nervously

He takes a breath, calming down once again. "As for dancing with a pair of lovely ladies, I would certainly find that to be a perk of getting out of bed this morning. I don't really have much war stories. I'd have to have been in wars for that to work."

Madlad speaks up again, chuckling darkly. "I have plenty of comedic stories to tell."

Talohn leers at the droid. "Indeed you do. All of which are likely comedy at my expense meant to embarrass me. Which is something I do just fine by myself, thank you."

Zlova Rue Yula Perl

 

[Karlie Lynn Destat]

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Location: Party central... carnival/dance
Wearing: Favorite costume
Tagging: Lunara Azure and Bron Vaashe
Posts: 3

"Aw shiet...busted..." Karlie said to herself, realizing she were caught staring. Under normal circumstances, she would be at her game and would have been looking elsewhere by the time anyone, including the guy in the similar getup notice her checking him out. But she were 3 Coruscanti Iced Teas in already and much could be said of her prowess. She was buzzed and for the most part her brain, senses and everything else was at best operating on fuzzy logic.

Shoot, now what?
She couldn't very well avert her eyes now, as what would be the point. Karlie stirred her drink before taking another sip, standing her ground. Like... like she could be staring not at them specifically, but... but beyond them, right? ...'Yea, like that lame tactic has worked so well in the past for ya... atta girl, Karlie...' her better self reminded her.
Her tactic, which was the best she could come up with at the moment, failed miserably.
But hey, the music was upbeat and everyone was here dressed their best...in cool costumes. And she were feeling it...her buzz by now.

"Oh Berkana (God).... you're really letting me flop flat on my face on this one, huh?" She muttered to herself when the angel, who's boyfriend/husband or other which Karlie had been looking at, was now eyeing her out.
But instead of looking into crossed angel eyes, the woman gestured Karlie on over. Karlie wasn't sure what was up or even if the girl were calling her over. Taking a moment o look as to whom were besides her at the bar, there was no doubt the angel were meaning her.

Well, what were she going to do...run? Karlie were not in any way shape or form ready for a cat fight. She had just done her hair and certainly didn't want another fat lip or broken nose. She had gotten plenty of that, sparring with Westenra Mina and her sensei, Nine Lives .

She nevertheless, replied with a smile, took a deep breath and went on over to them. maybe she could talk her way out of it...again. Damn, why was she like a magnet attracting trouble all the time, she asked herself as she came up to the two.

"Uhm... hey, nice party, huh?" Ok...start out nice...friendly like. It's not like she completely undressed the angel's boyfriend with her eyes. His costume did all that for her already...
"I... I was just noticing your boyfriend had the same idea for a costume as I...Haha.." Yea, Karlie were trying to avert getting punched in the face this evening. It would only ruin the rest of her weekend for sure.
"Aherm...I mean, obviously I'm going as SuperChic. "

She then dramatically posed a moment, hands to hips.

"Like, what are the odds of two people coming up with like the same idea?" It were before she uttered the last word that she realized how it could be misinterpreted. Again, one must realize that alcohol does bring out the zany is some people.

"Er... no no, I meant just me obviously....the... uhm.. Super...chic....thing..." Yep, she felt herself sinking deeper and deer in sh*t.

 

[Ruby Jaxx]

Kittani Eris​

Ruby glanced over at Rika as he joined their table. She squinted at him for a few moments, rather obviously, as she tried to remember if they'd ever met before. Nah, nope... she'd probably remember someone with ears like that, right? Well, maybe.

Shes stopped staring when the drinks were poured.

A tall tumbler of who-knows-what sat before her now – and everyone else in the contest. Ruby's eyes widened slightly, was this... a porg? She cast a skeptical look over at the drinking contest 'officials,' but shrugged.

“Alright, we'll be keeping track of your drink numbers – the last person able to sit up and drink is the winner! Now...”

Some of the contestants started to bang on the tabletop with their fists, like a drum roll.

“DRINK!!!”

Ruby took a big gulp of the alcoholic beverage and immediately coughed into the cup. Kark, this stuff was strong, wasn't it? The little porg and his smug little face seemed to taunt her. She lifted the cup and took another guzzle. Hey... it wasn't too bad. Another gulp. Pretty good! And another gulp. Hells yes, this was the best drink ever.

Before she knew it, she'd emptied her cup. Ruby held it up to her eye and inspected it; yes, it was empty.

She wiped her mouth on her sleeve, and slammed the cup down.

“ANOTHER!” She yelled, triumphantly.

Drink count: 1

 

[Gemma Hentz]

Gemma closed her makeup compact with a harsh click. Her makeup was already perfect, she didn't need to touch up any more. Now, she had a rather pretty drink on the bar in front of her, a blue-hued drink that featured swirls of white -- and bubbly fizz on top that carried a sweet scent. A steady hand lifted the drink, and she took a small sip. After a moment, she gave a small nod of approval to the bar tender.

"On the house," he said with a wink.

Well, wasn't that... generous.

A wicked smile curled her lips at the thought. Generosity was just an illusion -- it wasn't really a free drink. This was something the finance executive knew quite well. After all, the First Bank of Denon did not just hand out Authority Vouchers for nothing. It was a bid to get her to say and drink more, it was a way to get her tipsy enough to drop a ridiculous amount of creds in the casino, or maybe it was an invitation of a personal sort. While the latter was always a possibility, she had a feeling it was all business. After all, a casino was a business.

And as she thought about it, it wasn't unlike the bank she helped run on Denon.

They both dealt in currencty; in hopes and dreams. People put their earnings into their machines, they collected said earnings and sometimes they lost everything. If you could not pay your debt, you were in trouble. Gemma's eyes flickered towards the blinking lights of the casino games. Yes, they really were quite similar.

 

[Calixte Diantha]

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Location: Table Games
Attire: Little Black Dress
Tags: | Palm-Imer | Deryn Kaaldos | Cassus Akovin | Danielle Mueller | Daiya | Darth Argentum |

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Well, they had certainly collected a variety of people to gather around this table, not that, that was a bad thing. The more people spread about a single table, the less likely it was for the House to be able to cheat. Oh yes, Calixte had heard the whispered grumblings of those who had been had by the House on more than one occasion. Naturally it was just rumor, or had at least started as such. Too many people seemed to be having a stroke of bad luck in this place however, and therefore it caused the redhead to pay close attention as cards were finally dealt out to those sitting around the table.

The rules were still admittedly unclear for Cali, but it didn't stop her from participating - in the game or the conversation going around. Granted, most of that seemed to be people who knew each other tossing banter back and forth, but it was entertaining regardless. And when time came for introductions, and her name was asked for? Cali looked up from her cards and offered a pleasant enough smile. "I'm Calixte," she answered easily enough, "Though most anyone who knows me calls me Cali instead. Easier to say, it seems." That caused her to grin, and her gaze dipped back to the cards in her hand.

"Looking around since my arrival, I wish now that I would have worn a costume." she did state, though didn't look up as she was arranging her cards now. "It looks like fun, and the chance to win some sort of prize or another? Missed opportunity." Though really, who was to say that the costume contest wasn't rigged as well? At this point, only time would tell as the night got deeper, it would seem.

 

[Gren Blidh]

Bovo Yaggan was everything it promised, a neon galaxy that could rival even Canto Bight or Nal Hutta with its allure of opportunities to turn a few credits into many. If Gren Blidh had credits to spare, perhaps he too would be selling off his dreams one hand at a time below these ritzy lights. Perhaps fortunately for his impulsive nature, he owned little else besides the clothes on his back, their drab, black leather illustrating a sullen shadow amidst the glamour. And his dreams rested among the stars, never something so tactile as a fistful of cash to be won and lost on a whim.

He spotted his contact from across the bar. Gren himself would be hard to miss; despite his shaded appearance, he was the only one in the casino with but one eye. He moved like a ghostly flicker across the bar area, never to set foot on the casino floor proper. He would need more credits in his pocket for the security guards to allow him that luxury. Instead, he moved with his cheap Corellian whiskey in hand, zeroing in on Gemma Hentz , until he was upon her perhaps before she even saw him. His tall, dim appearance hovered over her shoulder, casting a noticeable pall over her spot at the bar, which would make his presence known.

"Didn't know this was a charity operation. Maybe I should ask for my freebie."

Gren pointed at her drink.

 

[Daiya]

Spoiler: ALSO

Location: Luminous Sun's Ever-Summer Casino, Bovo Yagen
Objective: Finding some new friendships at the pazaak table
Wearing: Jacket, Dress | Zabrak costume (makeup, fake horns), HH Undercover, Sithliner (Lolcat) | DL-13 Holdout Blaster
Tags: Deryn Kaaldos , Cassus Akovin , Danielle Mueller, Calixte Diantha, Palm-Imer , Darth Argentum

Palm's dress was quirky indeed! The metallic epaulette gleamed in the light of the casino, standing out against the green and floral jungle theme behind her. It was just the kind of fashionable thing Daiya could see being worn in the clubs and parties of Denon's upper levels...not that she ever got to attend such a thing. She wondered if those metal spikes hurt inside or made it uncomfortable to wear, that was something the teen couldn't stand. Looking good shouldn't be something to suffer for!

The elated grin the girl wore must have been caught by Dee, who bore her own now when answering Daiya. As it turned out, Dee was just an ordinary nickname for Danielle. "That's a cool name, Danielle." Daiya sounded it out, hearing the little lilt in the middle of the name that sounded similar to the end of her own. "I can see why you'd want to shorten it though. It's kind of a lot to say, isn't it? Sometimes I feel like that with my name, but I've never come up with a good short version. Just Dai gets people all confused, especially when they pronounce it wrong!"

Daiya giggled at the thought. There had been a long-running argument once about her name after the patrons of the Blue Flame discovered how it was written. It really didn't matter to her, the girl responded to both varieties of her name, she had just found the whole thing funny to begin with.

The girl's laughter evaporated as the poorly-costumed Cassus abruptly stood up and made a random comment before walking away. She frowned, staring at the table for a moment before calling out at him, "Hey, we've barely started yet Cassus!" That boy was acting very strange today, Daiya noted. Stranger than usual. Even on a bounty, Cassus was usually cockier and less...intense than this. She tried one more time to get his attention. "This means I win, you know!"

Daiya shook her head as she turned back to the table, muttering an annoyed, "Boys, there's always something shinier..." in a voice just loud enough to be heard. She glanced up with resolute eyes, a determined smile set on her face. She just barely caught the departure of the Muun as well, prompting a discrete roll of those selfsame eyes. Well, if ignoring the issue wasn't going to work, Daiya decided to distract herself with the game at hand.

Until the distraction wound up just making Daiya more visibly irritated.

Her first round card was a three. Daiya had been happy by that, it was a good number to start at and she wasn't worried about playing out a card from her hand to adjust it. But the second time, the dealer gave her a seven card. The girl nearly let out a squawk of protest, two turns and she was already at ten?! The cards in her hand were simple plus-one/minus-one modifiers, nothing terribly fancy or helpful here at the moment.

In theory, Daiya could win on the next round with a full ten card drawn for her. The odds of that, however, were quite low.

She wouldn't fold, no way. The girl set her jaw, she was determined to ride out this game. Even if Cassus had already walked away, she had won. And if the dealer made her bust, she won there, too.

Whatever orange and black was signifying to the casino, Daiya was there to find out.

 

[Alistair Key]

Tag: Mr. Antilles | John Locke
Wearing: xxx
​

This was the part of the job Alistair had no problem with. He was patient, more so than many would think considering his propensity toward insanity. It was a fallacy that some held. Lunacy did not mean a person was impatient, or that they lacked certain faculties which made them desperate to lash out. Maybe it was true for some, but for Alistair he would do whatever it took, and wait for as long as he had to, to see his plan unfold.

"Feisty," Alistair retorted as Mr. Antillies reminded him that like the house, she always won. The comment would either be ignored entirely or get under skin just a little more. The disfigured criminal did not really care what reaction it garnered. He simply liked to stir the pot no matter what it led to.

Mr. Antillies was certainly inventive and creatinve. Key had no doubt she could follow through with whatever she threatened. It simply did not bother him. What more damage could she possibly do to make his face be any more repulsive than it already was. Yet, she had put her finger on his one weakness.

Vanity.

The mask gave it away. Had Alistair truly not cared about the scar on his face, or the blind eye which went with it, he would not cover it. As it stood the mask was exactly how his face had been before the accident. Oh he had been handsome for certain. He knew it, and he was positive Mr. Antillies was also well aware. Her jabs pricked his ego exactly the way they were intended to, even if Alistair pretended they did not.

His face soured slightly.

"All the colors of the wind? The last thing I would do is underestimate you, Mr. Antillies. I might push your buttons and annoy the feth out of you, but you will never see me underestimate what you are capable of."

It was the last words he would say as the man watched the woman move toward her target. For someone that hated being called sugar she certainly knew how to use her femininity as a weapon. It made Alistair wonder how often she used her curves as a trap for the unsuspecting. In this case, literally, as the device she would use was hidden among them.

He would wait for them to move, wait for the effect to make its impact. All he had to do was ensure that John Locke saw the face of his friend everywhere before taking his position and making his reveal. Until then Alistair would wait, and it made sense to have a drink as he did. Slowly he walked up to the bar, doing his best to ensure John Locke would catch a glimpse of him from the corner of his eye, just enough to hopefully plant the seed and begin the process of breaking him down.

"Ill take a Corellian Corkscrew," he said to the barkeep. "With a little twist..."

Alistair chuckled...

"Get it... corkscrew... with a twist..."

 

[Gemma Hentz]

Tag: Gren Blidh
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Gemma turned slightly to see a tall man standing there. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in his appearance and summed it up in a single word: rugged. Well, perhaps worn was a better word. There was something about him that reminded her of a weary traveler that had just come in from the rain. Nevertheless, she offered him a winning smile.

"Mr. Blidh," she said, offering a nod. "I'm pleased to meet you in person. Have a seat and perhaps the barman will oblige you."

Thought the bottle in his hand had not gone unnoticed. Goodness, where did he get that? Gemma doubted very much that they'd carry that brand here, it wasn't quite... fancy enough. Gemma lifted her Bespin Fizz for a dainty sip and figured it would be best to get down to business.

"So," she began, shifting to face him. "I've heard that you wish to attempt the Kessel Run, is that correct?"

She knew it was more than just attempting it -- this man wanted to break the record, of course. Did this guy have the resources? Gemma wasn't quite convinced. However, she understood well that looks could be deceiving. Exactly what was at stake? Fame and fortune. Perhaps, then he could purchase a cybnernetic replacement for his eye and lose the patch. Unless, of course, he wore it for... looks.

"Tell me, how do you plan to do it?"

 

[Zlova Rue]

​

"Yes," Zlova answered slowly when Talohn asked if she'd spoken regarding the lightsaber, "let's go with that."

The Twi'lek didn't share the man's opinion about the use of the weapon in his possession. It was a tool. As people could be tools. You favored certain ones. You even spent hard-earned credits improving or protecting them. In the end, however, a tool was either useful or unnecessary. A 'warrior' adapted to changing circumstances and found newer, better tools when it was necessary to do so... or when you were left with no other choice. Thoughts she did not vocalize presently because the man was right. It was a party, and they should enjoy it.

A smile spread over Zlova's lips when Talohn brought up the Cathar. "Not too long ago. I met almost every species on Nar Shaddaa." To say nothing of the campaign of desolation she'd been conscripted into as an obedient Sith Apprentice. Best not to bring that up -- for all their sakes. Bit of a buzz kill. "And that fur?" The Twi'lek slowly closed the distance until she could reach out to slid her fingers around to the back of his neck. "Cuter than you think." Said the woman that lacked a hint of hair anywhere on her body.

"Well, then, let's go embarass ourselves before an entire crowd of people on the dance floor." Her other hand stretched out to take Talohn's before the red woman would turn to guide him into the fray. No need to tarry any longer. They could talk -- albeit at volume -- while they danced. Or not. Zlova liked to let her body do the talking on the floor, but not everyone understood the language. More was the pity.

Not to cut the man off before they got into the swing of things, however, she inquired, "Your droid dance, Talohn, or is he going to remain on standby in case he need to kill any thugs? You two seemed well acquainted. Something tells me the bot's more than your chauffeur." It had done little to bow before what most would consider its master. Showed little deference. In fact, the two had an almost playful repetoir between them. Unusual for a run of the mill servant.

Tag: Talohn Atar | Yula Perl

 

[Darth Argentum]

And the Winner is....
Daiya Cassus Akovin Palm-Imer Deryn Kaaldos Danielle Mueller Calixte Diantha

Folded though he was for this hand, Argentum still studied his opponents. It seemed the girl in the ridiculous Zabrak costume might win. Or so she thought. Humans seldom hid their emotions so well as they thought.

"I've never understood the human fascination with shiny things," he commented "it brings to mind a saying I once heard: all that glitters is not gold."

 

[Bron Vaashe]

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WEARING: xxx
TAG: Lunara Azure | Karlie Lynn Destat

It seemed Lunara was lost in her own thoughts for a moment. He could respect the fact she did not outright promise. At least effort was suggested to do her best. There would be moments where the monster would need to be free, but tonight, here, was not one of those times. It was wrong of him to make her promise something she had not control over. Bron himself did not truly have any control over it either.​

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"I think even he is not so cruel to destroy such a fine bottle of wine," Bron retorted as the other blonde seemed to come their way.​

​

It was ironic their costumes did see the same, though Bron quickly did a double take at the suggestion he and Lunara were a couple. He turned to his drink and took a heavy gulp and asked the bartender for more. Certainly they did not act or behave like some couple did they? Bron was aloof to these things, and never one to know. There had been times woman had like him and he was not aware, or times he had assumed a woman like him when that had not been the case at all.​

​

Relationships, or having one, was not a game Bron wanted to play at all.​

​

"I'm not her boyfriend," he found himself blurting out, and realizing that was likely rude, he put his face back to his drink quickly.​

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This was embarrassing.​

 

[Mr. Antilles]

// Location: Luminous Sun’s New Casino [Bovo Yagen]​

// Tag: Alistair Key | John Locke ​

// Weapon: Hand Canon + Mouth​

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“Don’t pout Alistair. Your fail-mask will sag.”​

​

Mr. Antilles was rather cross with her companion for reasons that would remain her own. He lived to get under her skin, even, when she refused to let him fester. She left him getting a drink and her usual personality seemed to settle back in like a happy cat. She was in her element when she sat down and stole the drink from someone, who truthfully, was so far out of her weight-class that she should have walked the other way. Confidence was everything. ​

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“Oh, good. We agree then—None of this is my fault.”​

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Her charming smile lingered not a moment too long before she sat up to enjoy more of the exceedingly expensive whiskey. Since the rather handsome, vaguely human, mostly metal stranger would order another drink of his own she felt no shame in keeping the one she had. He seemed to take a second look at the dealer she warned him again. It was cursory, but she shrugged lightly. If he wanted to do it anyway far be it from her to argue. He was grown enough to lose his money how he saw fit.​

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“Yes—And no. Some are just as good as they look. Some are “naturally” unbeatable and others are just extremely gifted when it comes to sleight of hand.”, Mr. Antilles answered truthfully with a little bit of thoughtfulness. The dark-haired vixen reached into her décolletage and produced a credit. She held it neatly in front of his face and let it roll across her knuckles a few times. When she turned her hand the last time, though, it had completely disappeared. She turned it front and back to her could see that it was nowhere to be found. “Bonus round, handsome. Which do you think I am?”​

​

Mr. Antilles reached out with her opposite hand and lifted something that was supposedly behind his ear. The mysterious credit had reappeared. She tossed it a few times, catching it, before the last time it fell back into her palm. Suddenly, it was gone again.​

​

The Confederate higher up seemed on the level. She almost felt bad for filling his intake data with visions of Alistair’s ugly mug, but not bad enough to shut the device off. It was harmless, easy credits, with nothing more than a little white-collar crime that should be popping up pretty quick like an Ewok on a Life Day special. Then…Then Locke started droning on and on about how the Casino was business. Kad above… No, really? She totally hadn’t thought of that. Clearly, an establishment of gambling and debauchery was made to support charity, orphans, and moral superiority. “You’re missing the point a little bit which tells me…You don’t get out much. No one comes here expecting to win. They come to lose.”​

​

Lose their minds, wallets, inhibitions, and even a few fingers from time to time. They came for the thrill of possibility. An escape from increasingly tedious and boring lives. The Exarch seemed to want to poke her brain about games that he might not go broke trying his hand at and she leaned back in the chair for a moment in thought. Most of the chit was rigged. Faker than Alistair’s face. “Blackjack.”​

​

“It’s not exactly a joy for introverts, but if you can get past that whole human interaction thing…It has one of the lowest house edges in any casino. Better long-term expectations.”​

​

He could try and play video-poker in the back but that’s where the geezers and the kids with fake identi-chits hid to stay off the radar from security. “Basic strats, which, I’m sure you could handle, would mean losing at a lower percentage. Unless you’re just planning on making bone-headed decisions. If you hit every hand till you bust the house edge is a hundred-percent and you might as well just hand them your credits and go. Thank them, for robbing you blind and see your way out.”​

​

Her eyes swept down when the tall man dropped a good amount of chips between them.​

​

Okay, he was definitely asking to be robbed blind. Yikes.​

​

“C’mon, then.”, she responded with a little shrug, sweeping up the chips, before leading him toward a less crowded table. The blacktop still had that never-been-used, spilled on, spit on, no ash, no liquor stains look. It was classy. She took a seat and gestured that the Exarch join her. “It’s simple. You want to beat this QT over here by getting as close to twenty-one as possible without going over. Facies are tenners, ace is a one or a eleven, and the rest are what they are.” ​

​

“Bet as much or as little as you please.”​

​

She pushed a few chips forward, not all, and cast a light smile to the dealer. Her made the call, shuffled, and started the game. Mr. Antilles had to be…Savvy, about this. There was many a casino she’d been banned from and it wasn’t for copious drinking or random pick-pocketing. Not even for throwing a punch. This was her drug of choice. The first few cards came down and she smiled. “Hit.”​

​

Alistair better get them both out of here before the Exarch got wise.​

​

 

[Lunara Azure]

Tag: OPEN | Bron Vaashe | Karlie Lynn Destat
Wearing: This

​

“Oh ouch, shot down before I even tried.”

The blonde pressed her hands over her chest, above her heart, feeling the beat of her heart beneath her palms. The woman’s face fell, sniffing sadly, her shoulders shaking as blue eyes falling to stare at the bar.

“How could you just abandon me like that, after everything we’ve been through, after what you said last night…”

A blonde head lifted, amusement twinkling in Lunara’s eyes as she winked at Karlie, turning slightly as she composed her face into a sad dissapinted look…for about 5 seconds before the mask cracked.

“Don’t worry, I doubt that he could keep up with me…unless he lets out the demon.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as she reached out one hand to grap the neck of her wine bottle, lifting it off the bar to place it in her lap. A very blatant gesture as she looked over at the other woman, giving her that playful smile, a small shrug of her shoulders.

“It’s good wine and he was talking about breaking the bar earlier, my mother always told me to be better safe than sorry right.”

The vulnerability of a moment before had vanished, the crack in her armour buried deep inside her again. What was left was the purely surface emotion, the smoothness that didn’t let anything stick to her, brushed off any emotion, any connection. The face of the ex-princess, the masked honed through years of training, of eyes peering at her, judging her. Don’t give them an inch.

 

[John Locke]

Location: Casino | Bovo Yagen
Wearing: This is John
Tagging: Alistair Key | Mr. Antilles

Well, this certainly wasn’t turning into the night John had thought that it would. The dark-haired man had expected a quiet night, sipping his whiskey and floating around the edges of the casino watching the people playing their games. Watching the tourists and guests rotate through the casino as they drifted from table to table, game to game. Just observing, a moth floating around a flame without getting too close, flitting through the winds at will.

That had been the plan before this woman showed up, perched on the edge of a barstool to steal his drink. The plan to just observe and drift away seemed to be drifting out of the window, the moth flitting around the flame wouldn’t fly closer of its own free will, so it would be drawn closer.

John’s dark eyes twinkled with amusement as they flicked up to the credit chip the woman made dance through her fingers, the coin bouncing for a moment as the coin appeared and disappeared at the woman’s will. A smile played around the man’s head as he inclined his head at the woman.

“In my experience, nobody is unbeatable, no-one’s position is so set in stone that they can’t stumble and fall. Even the most capable, the most experienced can fall to the rawest of new recruits. All it takes is a bad day.”

He’d seen it far too often, someone who had been so sure of their position, of their abilities stumbling and falling. He’d seen the most experienced businessmen lose everything on a bad choice, admirals and generals watch their troops annihilated. He’d come far to close to that himself before.

“You though, I’d suggest you’re sublimely good at what you do.”

There was always something about a professional, no matter what field they were in, no matter who they were. It was a matter of poise, of the way they held themselves, it was the way they spoke. A mechanic talking about a speeder, a scientist talking about their research. The woman across from him talking about the casino. A rueful smile spread across the man’s face, as he gave a small shrug.

“You’re not exactly wrong. Put me in a boardroom, a laboratory or workshop and I’m right at home. But, here, a place like this? Not exactly my natural habitat.”

John knew that somewhere his ancestor’s were rolling over in their graves, a Corellian who wasn’t at home in a casino, with a game of pazaak was somehow letting the side down. The Locke’s had never really been one for the grand parties, they’d never really been able to afford them. John had grown up playing cards in the lounge with his cousins and sister but…that was different from this. They’d played for candy, for fun. They’d played to win, to gain those bragging rights, if even for just a day.

The idea of playing to loose wasn’t something that made sense to him on any level. Why play a game if you weren’t trying to win?

“Human interaction…oh that. Terrifying thing that it is.”

The smile on John’s face morphed into something a little more genuine, the dark-haired exarch rarely let his mask drop completely, rarely let anyone all the way in. But the smile on his face now wasn’t fake, wasn’t forced, a little bit of the man’s personality leaking through his guard.

“I wasn’t planning on just throwing away money to play just you know, dabble and see what all the fuss is about.”

If you were going to experience a casino then it was always a good idea to have a guide, someone who knew what they were doing to appoint you in the right direction. A single hand slipped into his pocket, a credit chip sliding over the knuckles of his free hand back and forth as he followed the woman to a table.

There they were, more of those masquerade partiers…although you’d think they’d have chosen a better mask to wear for a party, the full facial mask they were all wearing was less than aesthetically pleasing. Someone really should have told him that masks were expected here.

A few credits slid across the table to the dealer, blue and gold glinting on the green fabric as the exarch stared at the cards spread before him. A two and a six so…

“Hit me.”

He wasn’t bust yet, the man’s mind started playing with the game, with the odds like it was any other engineering problem. Pull apart the system, look at the odds and pick out the optimal strategy. This is what he did, what had gotten him to where he was, the question was how quickly could he understand the system in front of him now.

 

[Alistair Key]

Tag: Mr. Antilles | John Locke
Wearing: xxx
​

Fail-mask... something was definitely in her bonnet tonight, likely him, but still, Antillies was little more extra than she usually seemed to be. Alistair liked working with her despite the fact she could be as over the top as he was at times. She was altruistic, genuinely herself, and did not give two chits about what other thought about her, unless of course it was anything less than how she saw herself. There were many thing about the galaxy which were wrong, too many people who said one thing and did another. Mr. Antillies, she was none of those things, so he pulled her into his schemes whenever the credits would allow.

He sat a distance away, watching, and waiting for Antillies to make her move. Part of him was wondering what was taking the device so long, and why it was that Locke did not seem to be giving into the tampering they were attempting to do with his data stream. The drink was enjoyable at least. John Locke was ever the bore it seemed these days, always going on and on about business. How was it fair that he still continued to make such a large profit while Alistair had to hide his face behind a mask?

The bacta had not helped, not completely, and reconstructive surgery had been too much for Alistair to afford on such a meager salary at the time. Insurance had refused to pay for anything which was elective, and the bills he did have piling up had all but bankrupted him. The accident happened because he had been moonlighting, something his contract had not allowed for, so the fact his insurance had covered what they had was the only reason he was still alive. They should have just let him die in that accident. Life would not have been the hell it was now. Because of the bankruptcy, and the scar which had damaged his rather handsome face, Alistair's wife left him for another man, taking his daughter with her.

Alone. He had been alone for so long, and the person most responsible for it was sitting at the bar with a mountain of chips and enough wealth to fix Alistair many times over.

He clenched the glass in his hand so tight it almost broke. Key had to keep his cool long enough to not blow his cover just yet. They had a plan, and he needed to stick to it. Patience was a hard thing when one was so close to something they had been waiting for and planning for some time. It was not enough for John Locke to see his face, no, John had to see it everywhere, and once he had given enough time for the device to do what needed to be done, Alistair would move in, and hopefully be trigger they needed.

Blackjack.

Antillies was quite the gambler, and she knew the games well. There was not much she did not know or do. It was another reason Alistair liked to keep her around. A grin crept across his lips as he followed behind them, far enough away to not be noticed, but close enough to keep them in his sight. He would wait for Antillies to explain the game, one hand, and then another. Soon it was time to rotate the dealers.

This was the moment he had been waiting for. As one dealer left the table, Alistair stepped in. His hands began to pull out a new set of cards and load them into the hopper. All of it was a show of course, everything about the way things worked in the Casino were rigged for the house to win. When everything was set his voice would ring out.

"Place your bets... the pot will begin with 50. Are you in Mr. Locke?"

All he needed was for John Locke to see the mask, the one which was the perfect representation of how Alistair had looked before the accident. Just one little trigger, provided the device Mr. Antillies was hiding had been working.

 

[Cassus Akovin]

Spoiler

Cassus heard the squawking Daiya , but largely ignored her meager argument. The bet was on who would win the costume contest, as he recalled:

"I'm so going to beat you for best costume. Betcha my next round's winnings!"

So really, she was just offering to give him her winnings at the gambling table if she lost to him. This was a perfectly logical bet for him to take. Nonetheless, such frivolous thoughts were... well frivolous. The self-made Akovin had a higher ulterior motive to coming here than to simply play games with children and losers.

Once he was more or less out of sight, the Bounty Hunter pulled out a Tracking FOBB, and pulled from below his ear a set of cables and plugged them in...

Uploading Coordinates...
Upload success.
Pursue target.

Cassus was not known to be a cyborg, but someone (or something) very much like him was now tracing the technological interference caused by Taji Nelson. A slow red blip on the FOBB in his hand lead him closer and closer to the corporate interloper the more the thief stole. Eventually, the pair would come to a head.

Where that would happen, was an interesting question.