Wonderland | The Collective & Friends

[Delsin Kessler]

The ship worked find for now. It didnt had enough fire power but the speed, acceleration and spinning was on its best. He entered with only a black pants and a white shirt (He hated that kind of clothes, but he needed to make friends). As always, he only had his cards with him. No weapons to be find for the guards in the entrance "Alright...lets make friends"

He didnt grab a drink. Not that early, he just walked to present himself to [member='Evoros'] "Hi there. Im Delsin, newest member in the Collective. Owner of a little workshop Nix in Lothal" said smiling. If this went right, it would mean an improvement over his company comercials limitations "I wanna have a deeper entry into the commecials bussiness and other affairs in the Collective. I wont talk about work any longer, just wanted to introduce myself"

[member='Mariya Fleischer']

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ah, now that, I do recognize.

Ghorua knew of both MandalMotors and the Shriek-Hawks. The former, because they made some of the most destructive weapons of war this side of anywhere. The latter, because they had made waves in mercenary circles. Ghorua didn't consider himself a mercenary by trade, but even he felt the space they occupied in the market.

"An honor to make your acquaintance, then, Mr. Farthen." He performed a small bow, a sign of respect. Minna mirrored his action, giving off her own little bow. "I don't suppose you've met my daughter, Minna."

"Hello, Mr. Farthen." Her presence made Ghorua seem slightly less like a murderous bounty hunter, which was good in such a civilized setting.

Ghorua smiled genuinely, straightening his suitcoat. "I can only imagine. Your Shriek-Hawks are serious business. Couldn't pay me enough to fight 'em." Of course, a bit of an exaggeration, one that Zeke would most likely see in the Herglic's joking eyes. "No, I've been staying out of the war as much as possible. I may be a big guy," he said, with a bit of a chuckle, "but I'd rather not find myself between the largest armies in the known galaxy."

"Of course, if a man as wealthy as you is paying, I might have to forego that particular reservation."

- [member="Zeke Farthen"] -

 

[Pel Orion]

Orion looked upon the crowd the Arkanian gala had brought, looking through the many guests the local nobility had conjured up. He had been invited, rather impersonally, by one of these rich and influential people, but why he had been perplexed Orion. Regardless, the military dictator continued about his business during the ball, escorted by his much younger aide, [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"]. They both wore the very noticeable, bright red uniforms of the Admiralty, sticking out like sore thumbs in the crowd, however Orion's uniform sported a gold trimming from the chest to each arm, that Natasha's lacked. They still looked far from their element, but Orion didn't pay much mind to it, this wasn't his first gala as a military officer, and it wouldn't be his last.

But before Orion could enjoy the company of all these interesting people, something seemed off to him. The attendees of this ball didn't match the cookie cutter shape that Orion had grown accustomed to. Even accounting for the rather 'wide net' the hosts of this gala had cast, there seemed to be one too many informally dressed participants, and a theme could be determined for guests. Many of them were young and very fit, not the caste that fit most upper class types that frequented these events. Orion felt like there was something else going on, something behind the scenes. The most blatant example of which, was [member="Janeth Farr"], an armored woman outright in the gala. Something had to be going on, or Orion was already descending into dementia.

Orion leaned in toward's Natasha, speaking softly, but not very quietly, "Mingle around Romodanvosky, something isn't right and I want you to gauge around, see what you can learn. I'll head over to the bar, I've got a sneaking suspicion that I'll find answers in that growing crowd that has appeared so quickly over there." As Orion split from the junior officer, he failed to mention that he also had a hankering for a drink. Orion briskly made his way over, first stopping by the nearest bartender, "Whiskey, neat." The tender nodded and made him his drink. Leaving Orion with the problem of integrating into the crowd.

 

[Priscilla Utorna]

Usually, Natasha was much more used to wearing this sort of uniform in the confined space of a starship millions of miles away from the galas which brought about corporate dealings, and even she wanted to disagree with wearing the uniform which made her stick out like a sore thumb. For her own benefit, she covered her tattoos as to not be pointed out even more, though she wasn't too sure if that was possible. Being much more inexperienced in the whole 'gala' department, she felt like being thrown into the deep end in slightly uncomfortable clothing was a bit harsh, but she didn't disagree lest she want to be demoted right back down to making boring status reports and removed as the Navarch's personal aide. Naturally, she plaited her hair and dawned the uniform with pride on the outside, even if she felt a bit out of place.

Natasha couldn't help but be slightly disturbed at the state of some of the guests with the amount of alcohol flowing. She was more than happy to partake in such activities as a social manner, but getting as some would say, 'hammered' seemed slightly out of line for such the occasion.

"Very well, sir." Turning her back to him as he stumbled off, herself attempting to find somebody she could mingle with. As soon as he was outside of eye view, she removed the cap, seeking some respite from the heat that was now building in her head. Though a more worrying fear was approaching -her nerves were building.- Withdrawal symptoms from nicotine. Normally, this wasn't a problem, as she removed a cigarette case from a pocket on the trousers of her uniform and then reached for a lighter.

Oh but there was none.

She sighed, now having to seek somebody who possessed one. The shark looks like a good bet.

While [member="Ghorua the Shark"] was speaking [member="Zeke Farthen"], she interjected, probably sounding more rude than she intended.

"I don't suppose either of you have a lighter on you?"

She smiled at Minna, seeing she was obviously younger than the two gentlemen.

Spoiler: Tags

[member="Evoros"] [member="Mara"] [member="Pel Orion"] [member="Whisper"] [member="John Locke"] [member="Mariya Fleischer"] [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] [member="Mara Kellarov"] [member="Janeth Farr"] [member="Jaya Tandris"] [member="Gerard Lussk"] [member="Delsin Kessler"]

 

[Darren Torran]

Don't screw this up.

Darren had been away for a long time, atleast two years - but no one was counting. He left the order to seek out something, to discover something. Something that the order was holding him back from. It had always been within him, but it wasn't something that he could achieve through pacifism. True growth, helping people doing what he did best. Fighting.

Within this period Darren had grown more that the past 4 years before it. He had found true happiness doing what he loves - even though he left the people he cared about behind. However, it was time for him to return to the forefront - to get back into the fray. To use what he had learnt to help people on a larger scale.

The Zabrak walked through the grand doors of the building, dressed in his best suit and immediately headed for the bar. If he was going to get through this, he was at least going to get a few drinks down him first.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="John Locke"]

 

[Mariya Fleischer]

The waiter nodded his head when [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] indicated her preference for water. Some of the drinks on his tray were actually non alcoholic, so he casually took a glass of soda and placed it on the nearby standing table in case the doctor needed an additional drink. Mariya, on the other hand, decided to pick up a glass of Alderaanian red. The taste of wine seemed to be slowly growing into her with each passing day ever since she started up her company.

"I guess you are not a drinker then. No worries, water is a healthy choice. As for dressing up, I... I know I don't look the part... but I generally don't wear dresses much either. Blame it on my friend, Marina. I think her influence on fashion has rubbed off onto me a little."

The blonde sensed that the doctor was probably not used to attending such an event. Perhaps some time away from the crowd might be a good start. She gestured for Aes'ona to make a move together towards the comfortable couch at the corner, grabbing the glass of soda as well while she did so.

"So, how's work so far? Been busy?"

She took the most common approach to start a conversation going. By asking about work. It was small talk, but hopefully Aes'ona would feel more comfortable to keep the conversation flowing after that.

 

[Cassandra Paige]

Cass wasn't entirely sold on Arkania. It was cold, and even in the hotel lobby she was having regrets about the dress she'd so meticulously chosen for the evening.

The redhead leaned lightly on the back of one of the wingbacked chairs in the hotel lounge, staring off absently toward the fireplace. Of course, she was keeping an eye on the mirror above it, just out of the corner of her gaze. Waiting for one [member="Itash Mecetti"] without making it look like she was watching for him. She had come down early, specifically to make certain she had time to arrange her position and pose- mostly facing the doors, her head turned and tilted carefully, it was all done as careful as a painting to produce a particular image that he couldn't help but notice when he walked through the doors, all while not looking like she was posing for him, but rather he had caught her deep in thought.

Of course, everything about her appearance that night was carefully manufactured, but then again, Cass usually did that. It was just rarely with a particular other person in mind (unless it was to one up someone).

She had a wrap for when they went out, carefully draped on the back of the chair, but when she'd tried it around her shoulders, she'd decided it lessened some of the impact and had returned it to its spot.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement at the door. Gaze flickered full to the mirror for a heartbeat before back to the fire.

He was, she noted, five minutes late.

Five minutes could be forgiven.

 

[Itash Mecetti]

Timing was absolute in Tash's experience.

Five minutes could make or break a date, before it had even begun. Five minutes... was a safe experiment to see how she would take it. If this worked out, then he would push further and further. Until Tash got to her breaking point. That would be educational. He wore black, formal, but with a finish that called back to a more modern uprising in the fashion world.

Before the 'Great Galactic War' started dominating all the newslines and started a trend of conservative preservation.

Navy blue had never been much of his thing anyway.

It had been his idea to come and pick her up, rather than meet there. It guided a date towards a particular conclusion. After all, if he had brought her, then it was a reasonably outcome to bring her home again. Which opened... possibilities. He casually strolled into the hotel's lobby and eyes scanned for her. It didn't take long to find her though.

Mm.

She was beautiful. Good. Tash didn't hurry, instead he took his time as he approached her from an angle where she would get a hint of his coming. "Miss Paige... you look absolutely stunning." An inclination of the head was followed by his hand extended, for her to take it and rise up. "Had I known, I would have made more effort to look presentable."

The last bit was delivered with humor and an inviting smirk.

After all, he had spend a fortune to look the way he did tonight.

[member="Cassandra Paige"]

 

[Prennis Keeoli]

It worked--the doctor smiled after joining [member="Mariya Fleischer"] on said sofa. Her practice was a good part of her life, if not all of it, so talking about work was a sure-fire way to get Aes'ona talking in company, even strange company (which Mariya was not). After taking a sip of her water, Aes'ona answered, "It's a little faster than it was. A new strain of flu broke out on Dosuun. Not anything too serous, but it's keeping us busy. "

"How's your stretching regimen going?" she asked, shifting the topic. "You seem to have full range of motion back."

 

[Cassandra Paige]

As he reached the point where it made sense, Cass pretended to just notice him, letting a smile tug up the corners of her lips. She gave him an appreciative nod, the smile deepening as he complimented her. Reaching out, she laid her hand easily in his and let him draw her up.

"If you were any more dashing, I'm sure I would swoon right here and you'd be forced to catch me," she murmured, looking up at him from beneath long lashes.

It wasn't difficult to lay compliments. He was a handsome man and the suit was fine indeed. Cass had an eye for quality and not a bit of it was lacking in this moment.

Plucking her wrap from the back of the chair, she turned away from him, giving him a glimpse of her bare back before settling it around her shoulders- just a moment. Like everything else she did, a tease, easy to pretend that it was not.

"There, all set to brave the cold," she said, turning back and catching the direction of his eyes. "Shall we?"

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Cassandra Paige"]

The direction of his eye would not disappoint her.

Just as she turned back, she would catch the gaze snaking up to meet her once more. The moment delay was enough to imply that he had wanted her to know he was looking and rather enjoyed what was on display. Too often did women leave so little to the imagination- half the fun was wondering about what laid beyond after all. Missing that and having every shred of skin already bare and available?

Well, where was the true fun in that.

"We shall, yes." The agreement came smooth and assured before an arm was offered for her to hook into. The walk was practiced, it was easy and the mild chatter exchanging between the two of them had less meaning in the words as much as the intention behind them.

They probed each other, explored each other's boundaries without causing offense. It was clear from the offset that this Cassandra might not the blood of the nobility running through her, but... that could be forgiven. Because Cass sure did act the part and wasn't that half the job of being noble? Projecting an aura and keeping up your image rather than anything else.

He helped her into the hover-limo before circling around and settling himself down next to her.

Directions had already been given and soon enough they were on their way. "Are you looking forward to the ball, miss Paige?" He asked to pull the conversation back to the event at hand.

 

[Mariya Fleischer]

"New strain of flu? Those things keep mutating... maybe there are just too many species interacting in such a big galaxy."

Mariya knew absolutely nothing about germs or viruses, but she heard about mutation of flu strains being mentioned now and then. It would be in the news headlines at times when it got serious.

"My hand? It's working out well. See?"

She smiled and lifted her hand in response to the question, wriggling her fingers nimbly. [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"]'s handiwork was obvious from the way they moved. Of course, the follow up therapy exercises were important as well, which she had dutifully done so. She still needed her hand to be strong enough to carry her equipment out in the field in the future.

The foreseeable future seemed to be paved out already. Work from her assignments and her company. The good doctor would go back to her medstation and continue her work in saving lives. Also, her mind remembered the Collective's agenda to recruit new people into the organisation. Like it or not, building relationships with people was one of ways to do so and the ball was thrown as a means to reach out to more people.

That was what the faction wanted. Mariya was too independent to bother about such stuff. She decided that the doctor made a better friend than trying to persuade her to jump ship unless a shakeup happened at the medstation. If that happened, Mariya would be more than willing to offer a place in her company. Not the faction. With that decided, she took a nice long drink and moved the conversation into something more personal.

"So Aes'ona, any hobbies you like? We never get to spent much time to talk in the medstation. I'll go first, alright... Let's see... I like going to gym, exploring new places... Oh Alderaan was so beautiful when I visited it. So was Commenor and the magnificent palace. Also, I am currently learning how to make wines."

 

[Claire Organa]

What was her purpose for this gala? Clients? The Smiling Face of the Coalition? Or a good time? She already knew if she was going to have a good time that she couldn't be the smiling face but then who was here? Cameras? She hoped not.

A gown was warranted though one that was stylish and becoming to her form. And the color should be festive. Decisions decisions - too many thoughts too many things to consider why couldn't she just say she was going to a party?

She sighed heavily perhaps no one would know her at all! OOoo....she laughed again to herself. There wasn't much to laugh about lately but this felt good.

Finally she decided on a look and made her way to the ball. The cold seemed to seep through all the insultation Claire pulled her cloak tighter she knew once to the building that she would be warm and the material would flow easily. Right now though it felt thin, breezy and a contrast to the blue she felt she was turning to.

Arrival to the front was easy a few brisk steps in the cold inside and warmth that had escaped slowly returned. Claire nodded handing off her cloak and then ventured inside.

The room was comparable to anything she had seen elegant, well stocked, guests gathered in little groups nodding and laughing together over some common joke they shared and she stood there taking it all in yes even the ice cold outside would not take away the opportunity to meet and make friends.

[member="Mariya Fleischer"] [member="Itash Mecetti"] [member="Cassandra Paige"] [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] [member="Darren Torran"] [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] [member="Pel Orion"] [member="Delsin Kessler"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Orn'om]

"Well, the Shriek-Hawks are always looking for Freelancers to take on some of our smaller jobs. For example, we've recently picked up a contract with a some new players in the game. They're based out in the Unknown Regions. Training, enforcement, general bounty work. A small job by our standards now, but the jobs there are good credits. Their leader goes by-" An interruption.

A pleasant looking distraction.

Or maybe he was just a little bit over the edge from the alcohol.

He fumbled over his words for a moment before pulling out a metal trinket in the shape of a Mythosaur skull, "Yes, here you are MIss..." he trailed off to let her finish his sentence with an introduction.

[member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Prennis Keeoli]

Raising her eyebrows, both surprised and impressed, Aes'ona repeated, "Wines? That's interesting. Do you have one of yours here?" She smiled brightly at her friend. "Because I just might have to make another exception for you.

"As for hobbies," continued the doctor, "I don't have many, or rather time for many. Through, I seem to make time for the little bafforr tree I keep in my apartment on the station. Have you ever seen one? They're native to Ithor.

"I also play pazaak and dejarik." She leans over to pick up her matching grey clutch on the floor by her heels, unzips it, and pulls out her deck. "I brought it just in case. Care for a hand? I'll teach you; the rules are pretty straight forward."

[member="Mariya Fleischer"]

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua listened politely as [member="Zeke Farthen"] spoke, baring his teeth in a savage smile. Working in the Unknown Regions sounded interesting. It would be nice to find a non-deadly job to finance his and Minna's exploits. Training a burgeoning military force in an untouched region of space sounded...

Ghorua smelled her before he saw her. The burning scent of cigarette smoke was difficult to miss.

"Ah, hello." Ghorua turned his head, looking down at the new arrival, [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"]. He masked his displeasure at the scent with a light-hearted laugh as the woman turned her attention to his daughter. "Go ahead, Minna."

Minna sallied forth from the Shark's side, sticking her hand out for a gentle shake. "Hi, I'm Minna. It's nice to meet you!" She offered a genial smile, then retreated back to the safety of the Shark, letting Natasha speak.

Ghorua would do the same. Open ears made more friends than flapping lips. His own dad had taught him that.

 

[Priscilla Utorna]

"Thanks big boy." She winked to him, grabbed the lighter eagerly from [member="Zeke Farthen"] and sparked the cigarette before handing it back to him.

She exhaled before crouching her knees, being concious about the passive smoking effect. "Firm handshake you've got there, perhaps one day you can turn out like me", Natasha then looked at the cigarette and then into the child's eyes, giving a bit of life advice. very cryptic. "Minus the whole smoking thing though, you wouldn't look nice with yellow teeth." From the outside you probably couldn't tell that Natasha was a smoker, she wasn't exhibiting the usual signs of stained teeth, wrinkles or general aging. For the first, she regularly used teeth whitening kits, the second she was fortunate enough to not experience.

"Sorry for the interruption, can't live without it I'm afraid. I'm Natasha, can't say I've ever seen a shark out of water before or such a handsome man in a suit, don't tell my boss I said that though." She laughed and went to touch her hair before realizing it was in a bun, what a stupid decision.

"Uh enough about me, what brings you folks to this little gathering?"

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

"I don't drink at parties." She retorted.

Janeth had nothing else to say on the matter, and like that withdrew from her fellow agents and into the crowd. She walked through a pair of Arkanians getting a little heavy on the hands, much to their displeasure. "Watch it, human!" one blurted in anger.

She only returned the compliment with a raised finger.

Clearly not the best example with men like [member="Pel Orion"] gazing from the bar.

From her position, Janeth began to scout the room and its guests. Her eyes spotting a number of familiar faces but even greater a number of strangers. The ones that stood out: aliens, other humans. Certainly not the Arkanians of Arkania. That's where she noticed a gathering crowd around a particularly sizable person.

"I hope no one is organizing a shockboxing match without telling me." She eyed [member="Zeke Farthen"] before looking [member="Ghorua the Shark"] up and down. Her attention did not linger on [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] for more than a few seconds.

[member="Evoros"] | [member="Mara Kellarov"]

 

[Orn'om]

He took the lighter back and slipped it into his pocket. It was still warm from having been lit, a nice change from the cold he had been feeling from the drinks that seemed to pass through his hand faster than a Skywalker at a pod race.

"Networking, looking for potential clients and...promising new talent." He winked at the Herglic. Their little group was getting bigger and bigger as another woman walked up to the group. A warrior. It wasn't the armored uniform that told him though, any kid off the street could wear one and pretend to be 'security'. No, it was the way she carried herself.

It was sobering, something he hadn't seen since he had left Mandalore on his string of trips and business meetings and fundraiser cocktail parties he'd been on to raise money and make deals for the rebuilding of his homeworld. He found himself fixing his posture unconsciously and chuckled.

"Nothing like that here, do we look like boxers? Well," he looked Ghorua up and down, "You'd probably give the Champ a run for his money."

[member="Janeth Farr"] [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Mariya Fleischer]

"Oh, so you are going to drink? I'm flattered..."

Mariya beamed and waved at the nearest waitress and requested for a bottle of the Alderaanian P.D.O. Emerald. She figured that it might be good to let [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] try out her most proud creation so far. While the waitress left for the bottle, she took a moment to scan the horizon, noticing "Jaws" and Minna talking to the unknown mandalorian, another newcomer and the armoured Janeth who had left the bar without drinking. Impressed with the turnout so far, she turned her attention back to the good doctor who seemed more relaxed as the evening went on.

"Nope, never seen a baffor before. Now you are making me curious to see it. Pazaak... hmmm, I only played Sabacc..."

She had vaguely heard of the card game before. She was pretty good with Sabacc, a game which the Hutts loved to play back in her homeworld in Nar Shaddaa. She had never tried her hand on Pazaak, which was rumoured to be more ancient and more skilled based than Sabacc. Aes'ona appeared pretty keen to play, which suited Mariya just fine. A party with drinks and card games was considered mild entertainment back home. The more wild ones involved spice, exotic dancing and other stuff, but that would be inappropriate in such a fine setting.

"Alright, teach me. And then we'll play for a bet. The loser owes the other person a favour." Her eyes twinkled with mischief with her suggestion. She had no idea what kind of favour she would request if she won, but probably something along the lines of fun. Meanwhile, the waitress returned with a bottle of emerald wine and poured the curious green liquid into a glass each for the two ladies.

"Yup, green because it is made from rare emerald grapes from Alderaan. So... cheers." She took up the wine glass and offered a toast to Aes'ona.