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  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

Star Wars OPEN Star Wars: Black Sheep (Always Accepting New Players)

Discussion in 'Role Playing Forum' started by Bardan_Jusik, Sep 24, 2017.

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  1. galactic-vagabond422

    galactic-vagabond422 Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Jul 11, 2009
    IC: Ianna Mcear
    Imperial Wedding Reception, Naboo

    The young woman took another sip of her water leaving a slight crimson stain from her lipstick on the rim. Panno sat down beside her his hand ran lightly over her back. It wasn't firm but, it was enough to get her attention.

    "One down." he whispered with a slight smile. Ianna just nodded her head. So she was doing this, the one thing she told herself she wasn't going to to. Plant the bombs and blow the whole place up. She didn't want to do it, hated that she was being forced, at close enough to blaster point. If she didn't go through with her part, Wallings would space her, if she tried to go ahead with Deadman's Switch, Flagg would shoot her.

    There were no options, for the mission to fail and no one get hurt. Her great hope of keeping the high ground, of keeping her hands clean was dead. Just like she would be.

    A gaggle of three pilots and a woman companion of one of them seemed to just fall into their chairs, with laughter. Well, most of them with laughter. One man with sharp features and a piercing gaze looked glumly into the distance. She caught the eye of one of the revelers the man across the table from her. After meeting his gaze she quickly looked away. A sense of shame rising up in her. They were just having fun, partying like she would be...if she was here for real, not just playing a part.

    "Enjoy life Werner!" one of the pilots called out, looking to his gloomy comrade. "Eat drink, be merry," The man speaking took a moment to raise an eyebrow at the lady with them. "For tomorrow we all may die!"

    "Yes, I know all about death Ziegler," The brooding man, Warner, snapped, "my wingman died out there during that raid. Blown out of the sky by a relic, a kriffing Y-Wing..." Again Ianna had to look away taking another sip of her water trying to hide her blush of embarrassment, or just nervous energy. The man slammed his cup on the table spilling some of the contents. Ianna jumped back slightly surprised and trying not to get anything on her nice dress.

    "I'm sorry, you'll have to excuse our friend here," The woman hanging off the arm of one of the pilots spoke, "Our boys here just had a rough go of it, defending a supply convoy just outside the system a short while ago."

    All the color in Ianna's cheeks disappeared in an instant. These were the survivors of the escorts? The same escorts they had faced in the raid. She thought back to the battle did she cause it? Was she the reason Warner lost his wingman? No...her only kill came when defending the Intrepid, not in the raid. She kept herself focused on taking out the freighters, and cruisers. Even though she wasn't the cause she could still feel the pain and loss in the pilot's features. Though he was the enemy he was still a being, still someone that can feel pain and loss.

    "We're TIE fighter pilots, not long out of training, and it was our first battle." Zeigler spoke still leering at the lady even though she seemed to be with someone. "I was credited with two kills myself, and Kai there got three." The woman in disguise pulled her lips into a tight smile hiding the fact that her heart was falling into the deepening pit in her stomach. "It was a near thing, we had just come out of lightspeed here near the system when they attacked, a whole gaggle of Rebel raiders in a bunch of different kinds of craft."

    "A-Wings." The lady's date, Kai Ianna thought, finally spoke.

    "B-Wings."

    "X-Wings."

    "Y-Wings." Werner said anger in his voice. Ianna could feel it in her chest, along with a bit of hatred herself..for his two companions bragging about shooting down, killing five of her friends. Ditch, Turncoat, the names ran through her head bringing up the recent memories. Though if she thought about it, were the Rebels any different? Putting kill markers on their craft, celebrating after a successful operation.

    "A real Alphabet squadron huh." Panno joked taking a sip of his drink.

    "They even had a freighter there with them." the previously quiet man said before, Ziegler took over.

    "But we ran them off..."

    "They did, it was wonderful," the lady said a smile on her lips. "I was there, aboard a ferryboat liner in the convoy and watched it all from my cabin window." Her features brighten with pride. "So brave my fighter pilots, going out there without shields, without hyperdrive and protecting us from those, those..." Ianna paused wondering which word she was searching for. "Terrorists." She looked at her new man again. "So brave."

    It was taking everything the little chandrilian had to keep the emotions off her face. She felt sympathy for Warner, she could see how the loss was affecting him the pain in his eyes. But, she also couldn't stand the flippant nature of Zeigler and Kai. Talking about death as if it was just a game, a number that measured how much of a man you were.

    "I'm sorry for your loss." Ianna said after a moment to collect herself, her tone was without hatred, without sarcasm she genuinely felt sorry for him. He and his wingmate made their choice to fight against the rebellion, fight against her. Though she felt a little guilt at being at the very least indirectly the cause of his friend's death, that was combat. What she was being forced to do, that wasn't, killing them at the time of great mirth and for some remembrance, it didn't feel right.

    Panno took over most of the conversing keeping the focus on the pilot's exploits and dodging any questions about himself. Ianna just kept quiet looking up every now and again at Warner. She gave him slight smile trying to boost his spirits. Her heart was pounding in her ears, as she felt the gaze of others falling on her, the quiet woman only drinking water. She must stand out, look different from the other revelers.

    "I'm going to...um powder my nose." she said giving something of a blatant lie as an excuse to leave the table. She got up taking a few short breaths to calm herself as she made her way across the space. All at once she was very aware of the bombs upon her person, the weight pulling on her broad shoulders. She took another glass of iced water and took a long sip letting it chill her calm her a little more.

    In the back of her mind she thought about just dumping the bombs, find a deep lake and toss them in. At the same time she could feel the barrel of a blaster pressed against the back of her head. Wallings could be holding it or Flagg it didn't matter all that matter was that it was there, waiting to kill her.

    She found a quiet place, a pillar with a planter in front of it. Could be a good place. However in her sightline was Warner, the sullen pilot mourning the loss of his wingman. She knew that pain, could still feel it in her heart. That empty feeling, she hid it, filled it up with the people she still had but, she could still remember that feeling.

    On the other hand, Zeigler and Kai were there as well, happily chatting, describing how they killed their targets in glorious detail, the woman laughing all the way. She pulled one of the bombs from where she'd hidden them holding it close to her to hide it.

    Looking one final time her gaze fell on Warner, and she heard the laughter of his comrades. Her heart was chained struggling against all the things aligned against her. The back of her head began to itch, like pressure was being applied, a cold pistol just waiting to be warmed up with heated plasma.

    She reached down attaching the bomb to the pillar.

    'For Ditch'

    She pressed down the trigger arming it.

    'For Turncoat'

    She walked away heading back to the table.

    'For me'

    She felt cold and sick like she wanted to throw up, wanted to just retch until there was nothing left, until this uneasy feeling left her.

    She stopped and turned around contemplating taking the bomb back but, she couldn't. Instead she just stood at the bar still sipping her water trying not to look at the table she left or the pillar she'd attached the detonator to.

    She didn't know if she could keep doing this...keep this act up. Sooner or later she would crack she could feel it. To Warner or to Joy or Lou or Ethan she couldn't take it not for much longer.

    TAG: @MasterFlowda @Bardan_Jusik Anyone else
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2018
    Vehn, Rebecca_Daniels, Anedon and 7 others like this.
  2. The Real Kyp Durron

    The Real Kyp Durron Jedi Master star 2

    Registered:
    May 6, 2018
    IC MaKenzie Hollymander
    Reception.

    MacKenzie finished watching the arrivals and was now in the reception standing beside a rather large General who was feeding himself happily.

    "Oh this is wonderful, you should try..."

    He heard the older man say and gave his head a shake in refusal, as his attention had been taken away. A late arrival.

    . "So... Hollymander, yes I see you have other things on your mind tonight."

    He looked briefly at the General and gave a nod. "I do Sir." he said distractedly.

    ."Not that i blame you, she is quite lovely, though perhaps a little young for me."

    MacKenzie forced a brief smile as he looked back at the General before returning his attention to the woman with the red hair.

    "Do you know her Hollymander? If so I would like to be introduced." The older man said and the sound he made with his lips gave the younger man cause to suppress a shiver.

    "No Sir, she 's resembles someone from my past, but quite lovely none the less."

    In his mind he was scanning his photographic memory, he knew her alright, but from where? An image from a holo he'd seen years before, the ones sent to him by his father? A few seconds later his memory found her and keeping a straight face he wondered, 'Why is my brothers' wife here?'"

    Tag @Bardan_Jusik @Adalia-Durron
     
  3. BobaMatt

    BobaMatt TFN EU Staff star 7 VIP

    Registered:
    Aug 19, 2002
    Bolo Lappie
    Naboo villa

    The server seemed rattled. "The fish is local, sir, apart from the rosefish, which of course is not native to Naboo. Still, you might find some of the other, um, ingredients might not agree with you, so I wouldn’t eat too much, sir…if I were you. In fact--” She looked around the room, and Bolo couldn't help but let his eyestalks follow. “In fact, if you find yourself getting warm, you might want to step outside on to the terrace. For some fresh air. You understand.” She smiled and nodded curtly, then turned to go. Well well. Things weren't exactly clearer, now, but at least Bolo knew where to be and where not to be. It was a start.

    "Yousa hearin dis, Pep?" He said, scratching the blarth's chin, "It might be gettin muy muy in here."

    A voice came from behind. "Major King." Bolo turned around quickly, coming face to face with an Imperial officer. The Gungan stammered. This could be bad.

    "Uh...hewwo..."

    But the Major pressed on. "I must say I am fascinated by your animal, is it a hunting beast?"

    Bolo felt even his bones relax, his rubbery amphibious flesh going slack. "Old Pep, here? Nah. He's just a buddy." Even as he spoke Pep's prehensile tail was slowly working its way towards the Major's tunic, the rudimentary digits at the tip of the tail flexing and grabbing.

    "Excuse me, I am a hunter at heart," the Officer said, taking another sip from his glass. "Not anything like the riff raff bounty hunters you hear mentioned in a holodrama, I hunt game animals, and as a marksman the greatest game animal of all of course. Rebels." Bolo forced a chuckle. "More of a gentleman marksman, though fieldcraft is my profession." He explained further. "I am head of the Sniper School at the Scouttrooper Academy back on Coruscant, and I was wondering what sort of hunting I might find here on your world before I leave the day after tomorrow."

    Bolo cleared his throat. "Well, as I'm sure you know, Naboo is famous for its wildlife, though the really exciting stuff is under the ocean. If you're interested in hunting big game on Naboo, you shouldn't waste your time with a human guide. You're gonna want to find yourself a Gungan tracker." Bolo winked one of his elevated eyes. Pep burped.

    TAG: @Mistress_Renata @Bardan_Jusik
     
  4. Adalia-Durron

    Adalia-Durron WNU/Costume/Props/EUC Mod. star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jun 3, 2003
    Amber Tehanis
    Causeway Security Checkpoint.


    Without warning the trooper before her repeated her words almost to the word back to her in what could only be described as a monotone voice.

    . "We don't want to do that, we'll leave you alone."

    She was more than a little surprised as all the troopers stopped and allowed her to pass.

    "Move along, we'll be closing off the causeway soon..."


    Without waiting to be asked twice, Amber lifted her chin in an attempt to show her courage and walked as gracefully as she'd been trained to do in her childhood. As she cleared them she began to wonder again, did she just do that and if so, just how strong was this.......thing inside her? Could she find a a way to use it to her advantage or did it only take extreme emotions to make it work? The possibilities began to circle as she made her way into the reception.

    She was late, and entering the room she noted several heads with scowls on their faces turned toward her acknowledging that fact. Lowering her eyes she decided to head toward a nearby buffet table where a selection of delights had been laid out, there she could pretend to be picking out her culinary choices while she surveyed the area to find somewhere to dump at least one of her payload. They were weighing heavily on her person and her heart and subconsciously she ran her hand over her stomach. The sooner she found places to deposit them, the sooner she'd be able to fain an illness or some such thing and leave. She hoped if she never saw the results of her actions, she'd be able to live with them.

    TAG ??
     
  5. TheAdmiral

    TheAdmiral Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 28, 2004
    OOC: This is a joint post between me and @Vehn Thank you! It was fun.

    IC: Louise "Lou" Gray, Jocelyn “Joy” Sunwalker
    Imperial Wedding
    Naboo


    Lou scanned the room once more. Made eye contact briefly with the bride and groom before returning her attentions elsewhere. She was starting to settle into her role. Starting to feel like an Imperial officer again. The old training returned but the old hubris did not. She had changed and this was acting. She wasn't the same naive woman that had left Roon all those years ago. She was a veteran killer, an ex-wife, and a friend to a few people in her new squadron.

    Lou knew Joy was nearby before she even opened her mouth to speak. The two seemed to share a unique bond, due in large part to their shared Imperial service, and minds that tended to think along the same lines. She knew they were both haunted in their own way. Haunted by past choices, past mistakes, regrets, and broken hearts. And that was why Lou couldn't shake the eery feeling that her past was quietly sneaking up on her again although she couldn't put her finger on what or how that might manifest itself.

    "Beautiful wedding," Lou remarked, "I don't suppose you had time to try out the hors d'oeuvres?"

    Joy looked around. So far there were some familiar faces among the guests, but they were her father's acquaintances. Good thing she wore ensign uniform so they won't bother checking her out unless she wore some revealing clothing or something like that. They won't bother with her if she kept to herself and did not do anything that will provoke their interest. The ride on the bus was uneventful though the AT-AT and the Death Troopers unnerved her. But it was to be expected there to be heavy defences.

    At least the Skulls were nowhere to be seen. That was good... for now. She was on her toes for any sudden appearance by her former squadron. Jocelyn almost jumped as Lou approached her. Her old training kicked in when talking to a higher ranking officer. It was a good thing as it was expected of her wearing an Imperial uniform.

    "It is. Don't have much appetite." she smiled.

    "Reminds me of my own wedding, in a way. Mainly the preparations part of it not so much the venue. I think back to that part of my life and wonder if I ever really lived it at all. Being back in this uniform, back on the side of the Empire, it's not easy but its also dangerously comfortable. The oath I took I still remember word for word. An oath that was not easy for me to break. An oath that was stronger, in some sense, than my own oath to my husband when we were married."

    "There's a few good places to plant our merchandise," Lou added, "and I found one particular location near the wedding party to make sure this is a nuptial event for them to remember for a very, very, long time."

    Joy looked down for a moment. She and Anais had discussed marriage, but that seemed impossible at the time. Jocelyn shook her head slightly and looked up at Lou and nodded.

    "Agreed, I noticed a few places as well. I hope we will get the order soon and I hope that our friends won't be foolish."

    "The order will come soon enough. I know, the wait is killer. I just hope we can get out of here when the time comes. I'm not liking our exit options. Too cramped, too limited. Did you catch the Death Troopers on the way in? What do you think they're here for?"

    "Probably someone high ranking is coming, maybe even you know who can come." Joy shrugged "We need to scout the area further to find better routes."

    "Let's take a walk before this thing really gets going and we're stuck" Lou suggested.

    Lou headed toward the bar, hands folded behind her in typical Imperial fashion. She wanted to get an idea on how fast it would take for them to flee the room if things got hot. Her eyes flashed once more to the bride and groom who appeared to be enjoying a moment together. Maybe there was love there. Or maybe they were really good at acting.

    Lou frowned as she leaned against the bar counter. Something was off but she couldn't put her finger on what it was. Her eyes gathered beyond the bride and groom as she caught sight of another staircase going up to what was presumably the bridal suite. Perhaps there was a balcony up there. A way out?

    "What do you think," Lou said nudging Joy and jerking her head toward the second staircase.

    Jocelyn looked at the direction pretending to be observing the "happy couple". "Could be, though it could lead to a dead end."

    Lou nodded in response, "I think we've got a good lay of the land. Now we just need to wait and hope that we aren't detected sooner than we're ready to strike."

    "Speaking of being detected, I hope we won't run into ISB. Also we should be careful... you never know who might be listening."

    "The ISB," Lou repeated quietly, "I had terrible things about them during my time with the Empire. Never ran into an agent that I knew about. You're right about being careful though we don't want anything tipping our hand. With all the higher ups here I'm sure there's ISB around. Did you ever have run ins with them?"

    Jocelyn snorted softly "I had... putting it mildly... After what happened with my parents I attracted their attention."

    "What happened?" Lou asked.

    Jocelyn looked around to check whether anyone was listening, but it seemed the coast was clear. "My parents got arrested on trumped up charges. I was still in active duty and being selected by Thrawn himself bought me some time, but the ISB breathed in my neck. I got info that they were going to arrest me anyway so I ran away and joined." she didn't say the word "the Rebellion" out loud just in case.

    Joy looked past Lou and saw a female figure in an Imperial officer's uniform. There was no mistaking her... that was Anais. Jocelyn paled, her former lover was engaged in a conversation with a fellow pilot so she didn't see her. But things got more dangerous for her...
    [​IMG]

    Lou turned ever so slightly, just now hearing what Baron Vonoften was saying, and followed Joy's gaze across the room. There was a beautiful but deadly looking woman talking to another pilot and it was then that Lou realized the connection. She returned her gaze to Joy and mouthed, "Anais?"

    A male figure cut in between her and Joy. Lou took a step back, startled, and found herself face to face with her ex husband, Dietryk.

    [​IMG]

    "Hello," Dietryk said with a piercing gaze, "may I have this dance?"

    TAG: @Bardan_Jusik, Anyone
     
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2018
  6. Mira Grau

    Mira Grau Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    May 11, 2016
    IC: Ethan Malek
    Imperial Wedding Reception Naboo

    Ethan walked slowly through the gathered imperials, careful to keep the tray with the hors d'oeuvre stable. It cost him most of his willpower to keep his hands from shivering as his mind was filled with conflicting thoughts. Greeting each imperial who looked at him with a smile, the Eriaduan knew that most if not all of these people would soon be dead, blown into pieces by the bombs they were planting here. Again he asked himself what he was doing here, why he was ignoring all of his principles by taking part in this atrocity.

    "I think your forces would have done better had they come to me for help before attacking on Hoth. My company is something an expert on icey conditions and I think our victory could have been even greater there had Lord Vader thought to do so..." An imperial next to him said as he took some hors d'oeuvre from Ethan´s plate. "No doubt he and his stromtroopers are efficient in any conditions, but I am led to believe that some of the rebel leadership escaped his grasp. If his forces had been properly outfitted, perhaps that would not be the case."

    Turing towards the group and offering the hors d'oeuvre to the speakers companions Ethan couldn´t help to agree with the man. From what he had seen himself and read in the post battle report, Vader´s attack on Hoth had been rather ill prepared allowing the rebels to slow the imperial advance considerably in the icey wastes. While the presence of only one Interdictor had limited the imperial success at stopping the escape. Again his will Ethan´s thoughts once again returned to the Grappler and all the lives lost that day. And now he took part in another massacre.

    "I mean no disrespect for him of course, he is the Emperor's right hand man, and I fully support the Emperor's efforts to crush the rebellion. They are bad for business, and frankly the sooner the riff raff are disposed of, the better."

    The imperial once again pulled Ethan out of his thoughts. This voice, this way of speaking, the use of the term riff raff for non humans... he had met this man before. Looking up to the speaker he felt his suspicions confirmed as he looked into the dark eyes of Hook Callion.

    After he had left the imperial navy and became a mercenary Ethan had worked two years for the ice miner, escorting his freighters and protecting his property. It had been good, solid work, or at least Ethan had though so, until over time he had discovered the terrible working conditions Callion´s, mainly non human, workers were kept in. It had reminded him of the way in which the upper class of Eriadu treated their servants, who were effectively slaves to the rich nobles. In the end his final straw had come when the imperial magnate had asked Ethan to arrange an "accident" for one of his business rivals. Disgusted Ethan had refused the offer and quit his job. Though apparently Callion had found another, less principled mercenary to do his dirty work as his rival had "tragically" died in a shuttle crash only a week later.

    Again disgust overcame Ethan when he thought back to Callion offer, how calm the businessman had asked him to murder his rival in cold blood, as if it meant nothing to him. His heart is as cold as the ice he mines. But now? For a brief moment Ethan felt the weight of the two bombs hidden in his pockets and though of the other two still within the crate down in the kitchen. Today he was the one who planned murder and not just of a business rival but to everyone around them as well. For a moment he asked himself if there was truly a difference between men like Callion and his superiors. Well at least Callion hadn´t pretended that the murder he desired was for a good cause, but openly admitted his selfish interest. But what does this turn me into? That I´m unwilling to commit murder when asked for it directly but are more than happy to do it once its wrapped in a few nice lies?

    This time he wasn´t disgusted of Callion but himself. Looking up into the magnates face again Ethan´s blood froze as he saw Callion´s eyes widen for a moment. The expression on his former employers left no doubt that he had just recognized the waiter as his former employee.

    Tag: @Bardan_Jusik
     
  7. Adalia-Durron

    Adalia-Durron WNU/Costume/Props/EUC Mod. star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jun 3, 2003
    MacKenzie Hollymander & Amber Tehanis
    Reception = Hell of a way to spend a Saturday night in Australia working and RPG post with a long time friend. :p Thanks mate.



    "Excuse me Sir, I think I'd like to introduce myself to that particular lady." MacKenzie said as politely as he could without showing his urgency. The General made as sort of snorting noise of approval as he selected another delicacy from the nearby platter.

    Making his way across the room he nodded in acknowledgement of his Seniors and Junior Officers alike till he reached the buffet table. Picking up a small serviette he move to stand beside the red headed woman before leaning just in front of her to pick up a piece of food.

    "Quite a lot to choose from." he commented in a voice loud enough to be heard by those nearby. As he stood up again he leaned very close to her. "What are you doing here?" he whispered harshly before standing straight up.

    Amber had felt someone approaching her with purpose, but the intent wasn't clear. When he was beside her and made a comment about the food, she decided this was a flirting situation she'd have to escape, but when he'd asked what she was doing there in a sharp whispered tone, she was shocked and duly turned to look at him. Taller than her he was looking at her with an eyebrow raised and cool blue eyes gazing at her. Eyes she seemed to know, but somehow didn't.

    "I'm sorry Sir, I was invited. Do I know you?" she asked as innocently as she could, her heart pounding blood so loud she could hear it in her ears.

    MacKenzie gave her a cool smile as spoke. "Commander Hollymander." he stated simply as he inclined his head and not taking his eyes off her. He was hoping that would give her the information she needed.

    Amber's eyes widened in shock. Hollymander. It was her married name. It was her late husband's name. Bile began to rise up her oesophagus. Was this Saxon's older Brother? The one who left Bakura at 16 standard years of age? Eight standard years before she'd married Saxon? He was standing before her almost staring into her soul dressed in an Imperial Uniform.

    "I.. I....I'm...." she had to find some words. "Amethea Teahegue." she got out in an almost croak.

    MacKenzie glanced away for a second, she was lying and doing it badly. Putting down his food and serviette he stepped forward and linked his arm with hers firmly, putting his free hand on hers to hold it there as he moved in beside her.

    "Walk with me Amethea, there are gardens outside you really must see." he said firmly as he began to lead her. He could feel her resisting a little but if he was right, she wasn't about to make a scene.

    He moved fast, and in a split second he had her arm trapped in his, his hand holding hers firmly and they were moving. Her pet Voorpak scurried up her arm and under her large braid, pushing it aside to reveal her scars and covering gold star tattoos. She wanted to panic, wanted to fight but she knew she would jeopardise everything if she did. They'd question her, they'd find the bombs on her, everything and everyone would be in grave danger so she walked with him. Through a set of doors she allowed herself to be guided till they were outside at the edge of a patio, gardens stretched out before them and no one around. She then pulled away sharply without warning.

    "How dare you?" she hissed turning to him in a vain attempt to sound mortified. "I should report you!"

    He guided her out the doors away from the crowd inside when she'd pulled herself free, and was now facing him almost spitting indignity.

    "How dare I? Report me, I dare you. Why are you here Amber and where is Saxon?" he asked in a low even voice.

    Amber stared at him unable to breath. This was Saxon's brother. She in her panicked mind could not remember his name but it was clear to her where his allegiances lay by his uniform. Where was Saxon? Did he not know?

    "Saxon's......" she was stammering, fear was almost ripping her apart at this point, but now it was a very personal fear. "He's .....dead." she got out. There was a part of her that was not only terrified of what he was, but more so who he was. Raised by a man who beat his own wife to death, with a brother who'd beaten and hurt her so badly. In her mind she knew his reaction could be just as violent.

    Straightening up he frowned as he rubbed his chin. "Dead?" he drew a deep breath and let it out slowly as his eyes were drawn to her shoulder where the pet Voorpak had exposed scaring covered by tiny golden stars. "Somehow I'm not surprised. Did you kill him?"He gave his head a shake "Wouldn't shock me if you did, he probably had it coming." He took another deep breath and let it out through his nose as he thought. "No matter, why are you here?"

    She could not believe what she was hearing. His own brother and he was asking if she'd killed him. "No...I didn't. He was part of an assault on an Imperial strong hold." She explained weakly as she lowered her face to look at the ground. "He was killed." Part of her wanted to add 'trying to fight the Imps off Bakura' but not to this man, best to hide her deepest feelings. Truth was she was happy he was dead, but she wasn't stupid enough to think she could agree with his own words. "I was invited." she lied.

    MacKenzie wasn't sure what to do next. He knew she was lying about being invited, as there was no way she could have any connection to anyone here. Bakura was so far out on the Outer Rim even the Nobles of the world weren't invited. He had his suspicions but what to do next? He knew life with Saxon must have been hell, her scars we speaking for themselves, and she would have been driven to do extreme things because of it. Reaching forward he took her hands in his and noticed immediately they were trembling

    "Who invited you?" he asked evenly, "Cause I need to know."

    Amber felt physically ill. No matter what answer she gave, it wasn't going to go well. Stang she didn't even know the Brides name to lie. She could feel her blood pumping now, her head felt light. She tried to look up and focus but her vision was now blurring. The more she panicked, the worse it got making her panic more. She began to suck air like she lungs weren't big enough anymore and started to back away from him. Things were moving around her, or was it her head that was spinning? She was hot, her cheeks, neck and face were suddenly hot and as the blackness crept into her mind she looked back at him with terror in her eyes. Knowing now if she passed out, the bombs would be found. As the last of her resolve gave way she accepted she was about to die anyway.

    She wasn't answering him, in fact she was breathing faster now and stepping back from him. She looked up at him and he could see the fear in her eyes, her features were now dotted with red blotches. Only a few seconds later she began to collapse. Swooping forward he scooped her up in his arms.

    "Kriff it!" he snarled.

    TAG No one! :p
     
  8. Vehn

    Vehn Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Sep 14, 2009

    IC: Louise "Lou" Gray
    Imperial Wedding
    Naboo


    Dietryk Gray stood before her in all of his handsome, dangerous, perfect dress uniform glory.

    Lou felt her heart thumping in her chest: hard and unrelenting. In that moment she wondered if her disguise would hold. She wondered if her resolve would hold. If her reaction upon first seeing him again in person since the last time they'd met had blown her cover.

    Don't compromise the mission, Lou, whatever you do don't compromise the mission
    she thought to herself as her eyes locked onto her former lover.

    "Would you like to dance?" Dietryk asked again.

    Lou nearly hesitated, nearly fought back the urge to run, or the urge to blow the mission and punch her ex husband right in the face. Before she could stop herself from doing much of anything, before she could rationalize what was happening, before she could even look to Joy for reassurance, she watched her hands rise up to meet his as he drew her close. Lou felt herself gently swept out onto the dance floor for the first slow song of the night

    She felt his reassuring hand pressed against the small of her back while his other hand deftly guided her around the dance floor with the skill and prestige of an Imperial officer. She allowed herself to be carried away into this strange fantasy. Was this all a dream? This couldn't be real. None of this was real. She was imagining all of it, daydreaming, wishing for things that couldn't possibly come true.

    Except it was true. All of it. A crowd slowly gathered as the pair took the floor as the music and their dance slowly took on a life of its own. It was only the two of them as if times had never changed. As if the war had never broken their love apart.

    Lou found herself gazing deeply into Dietryk's eyes once more. She fought off the old feelings, the passionate love, the old regrets, the swelling hatred. It all came back to her now. She remembered the words of the oath she'd sworn to him: To love, honor, obey. Damn it all they'd had a powerful love. One for the ages. Where had they gone so wrong? Why hadn't they worked their problems out? How had their love and marriage come to this?

    She didn't have the answers.

    Lou felt cold metal against her body ticking away like the armed charges she carried. She could feel the calculating, single minded, destructive feeling of the bombs strapped in various places underneath her uniform pressing against her skin. It was then that she knew she wasn't dreaming. The mission came back to her now. The objective. The duty. She'd come here to do what she did best: kill. She'd come here to seek vengeance against her ex husband who stood but a kiss away from her now.

    She could smell his sweet breath, his attractive scent, the old memories coming back of passionate nights and promises whispered in the dark. They'd made plans together. Plans for returning to Roon and making a home, for having children, for growing old together, and for living a life in peace where the Empire couldn't find them or press them back into service. They were about to be mustered out of Imperial service when the opportunity of a lifetime had come for him. Dietryk had been offered a position with the Imperial Flight Academy on Carida and everything changed. Their love, their dreams, their marriage.

    All of it gone in the blink of an eye.

    Lou wondered if Dietryk had fallen to the allure of power. Perhaps the chance to climb the social ladder and gain a few prestigious notches within the Empire had clouded his mind.She supposed she would never know. Partly because she'd never asked and partly because the hurt of their separation had been so real, so intense. Somethings were best left in the past.

    "You are a good dancer," Dietryk quietly commented as he lead Lou across the dance floor.

    Lou struggled to find her voice. Would he recognize her if she spoke? Clearly he didn't visually recognize her thanks to Max's hard work getting the disguise ready. She considered changing the pitch of her voice or applying a Coruscanti accent but that would seem so fake. It would be a dead giveaway.Perhaps an answer closer to the truth would smooth things over.

    "My father taught me," Lou replied.

    That was partially true.

    "I see," Dietryk, "well he should be proud of his daughter. You are light and responsive and you dance with passion. I admire that in a woman. Tell me are you a friend of the bride or groom?"

    "Neither," Lou admitted, "I came at the request of a friend who didn't have a plus one."

    "Ah," Dietryk chuckled as he gently spun Lou around his extended arm, "me either. I came because I was ordered by my commander. Something about unit morale. We just fought a hard battle above this very planet in defense of a convoy. We lost a few and they lost a few."

    "What do you fly?" Lou asked.

    "TIE Defenders," Dietryk replied.

    "New fighter," Lou commented, "almost experimental. I hear they're a beast to master."

    "It's not easy," Dietryk admitted, "but that's why I'm in the 282nd TIE Fighter squadron. They call us the Skulls. Nothing comes easy to us. Even, it would seem, death."

    Lou didn't reply. She was fighting to keep herself sane. To keep from saying something that would kill the Sheep before they ever left the villa. The idea of shoving an armed detonator in his mouth was slowly sounding more appealing by the minute.

    "What do you do?" Dietryk pressed.

    "Traffic controller for Nime Spaceport on Roon. It's safe and comfy and keeps me alive," Lou admitted.

    "I thought I detected a hint of a Roonian voice," Dietryk admitted, "I was born on Roon myself. You must be from outside Nime."

    "You got it. Small galaxy," Lou said, "My job's not as glamarous as yours, unfortunately. They don't let me out much. Course, I wasn't ordered to be here. I was called to keep a friend company. You know all about orders though. Never can tell when they should be obeyed."

    "Exactly," Dietryk replied, "but I think I may have a reason to be thankful tonight for following them."

    If only you knew why I was really here Lou thought.

    "Me too," Lou teased with a smile.

    Dietryk glided Lou toward one of the support pillars holding up the vaulted ceiling. This was one toward the back of the room cloaked in semi-darkness. He gently pressed Lou against the pillar and looked longingly into her eyes as the live music switched to a different song. Something peppier, meant for a different style of dance.

    She knew what he wanted.

    Part of her wanted to give that to him once more. It'd been so long. Too long for her. She could see it had been awhile for him as well. She slipped a hand to where one of the bombs was located on her person. Now the real art would have to begin. Now she'd have to be on her absolute "A" game.

    "Are you sure we haven't met before?" Dietryk asked as he brought a hand to gently stroke Lou's cheek. "You seem so familiar to me. As if I knew you in a different life."

    You're done for Lou. You're done for. Do something! She thought.

    "Shut up," Lou growled and grabbed Dietryk to her and kissed him passionately on the lips.

    They made out for a few minutes all the while Lou affixed her bomb to the pillar and heard a quiet click indicating it was armed.

    Tears quietly slipped down her face as they kissed again. Tears not of sadness or even longing but of painful, repressed, joy. Years of suffering, years of emotional abuse, years of allowing herself to be beaten down by someone who didn't even respect her enough to give her a shot at a long term career in the Empire. It was time to be free.

    Lou came up for air, pulled away, and whispered in Dietryk's ear, "That was for you."

    He'd never understand what she meant by that but tonight it gave her satisfaction beyond measure to know that in a short while her ex-husband would be buried beneath a thick layer of rubble.

    Revenge was a dish best served cold.

    Tag: @Bardan_Jusik, @TheAdmiral; anyone else
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2018
  9. Mistress_Renata

    Mistress_Renata Manager Emeritus star 5 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Sep 9, 2000
    R2-MA16 “Digger”
    Wedding villa on Naboo


    His pilot was looking for her squadron leader, anxious to give him the info that Digger had gathered from the upstairs survey, and Digger was determined to be helpful. With a tray of drinks, the little R2 unit circulated among the crowd of guests, doing scans against facial recognition software. Some came up as unreadable, signaling that the person was one of the Sheep, as the special makeup formulation foiled these types of scans. However, between the visual scans and the audio recognition pattern scan, he quickly found Flagg, the Squadron leader, with one of the new pilots, Flight Officer Durham.

    He rolled up to the commander and chirped smartly. The man stared at him, then took a drink from the tray, motioning him away. Digger stood firmly, and sent his report to Flagg’s datapad, with a triple encryption. When Digger didn’t move, the man turned to Durham, the new pilot. “You’d better take one, too,” he said.

    Digger whistled, anxiously. Did Flagg not realize he’d received the report? The man frowned at him.

    “Okay, what is it?” he asked. Digger whistled again. Flagg frowned. “Eight in trouble?” he asked. The little droid heaved a mechanical sigh. Unlike the mouthy interloper (seriously, how had it gotten itself invited along on a secret mission?), Digger actually liked organics, well, most of them. Still, it could not be denied that their processors sometimes ran very slowly.

    With a low, urgent hoot, Digger extended a probe and gently prodded Flagg on the left side. The man looked down, confused. Again, Digger extended the probe, this time nudging the pouch where an Imperial officer would carry his datapad. This time, the man’s face cleared, and he pulled out his datapad, quickly scanning the report. Digger could see the man’s eyes widen, and Flagg grimaced. He put the pad away, looking down at the little droid.

    “Has she finished yet?” he asked. Digger whistled a negative and Flagg shook his head.

    “Well, tell her to hurry,” he said. Glancing at Durham, he added, “we need to finish up and get out of here…fast.”


    Lieutenant Commander Arnim Zola (NPC)
    Bored to tears


    "Zola, zis is a party, enjoy yourself, you're not plugged into anyzing anyway right now. Have some fun, the rest of the squadron is..."

    Arnim Zola tuned out the sound of his commanding officer’s voice as the man cheerfully blathered on, regaling an enthralled audience with tales of the Skulls’ victories. While most of the stories had a grain of truth to them, they had been lavishly embellished. Still, he obediently plastered a smile on to his face, nodding at appropriate moments, while wondering if there was any way to slip away to some place quieter.

    Vonoften didn’t get it. Zola couldn’t just tune out of the transmissions he picked up through his implants, it was physically impossible, although he had learned to ignore most of them. Tonight, the chatter was interminable. Deathtroopers, Stormtroopers, all the apparatus of security, talking back and forth importantly. He dampened the Imperial channels, moving his focus to a different frequency, one more likely to be unused…and hesitated. A feeling, a pressure, moving across his skull… he cocked his head, concentrating. A data packet, being transmitted. But not on an Imperial band. How odd.

    He probed, wondering. A civilian channel? No, this was much too low. It wasn’t the broadcast for Galaxy News Network, the propaganda newsfeed that had been set up. These channels, in this band, were so low frequency they were almost never used, except occasionally by criminals or cartels… And the strength of the transmission was strong, nearby!

    “Don’t you think zo, my friend?” A thump on his shoulder distracted him. Vonoften was grinning and the crowd of fascinated guests were laughing along with him. Zola laughed weakly.

    “Of course, you are right, Baron,” he said. “If…you would excuse me…” He waved his empty glass. “Too much wine, I need to, ah…” Vonoften laughed again and waved him away.

    Zola retreated to a corner of the room, and focused. It was gone, the datastream. But it was close, a datapacket transmitted on a criminal channel, and close by. Who? Why? The small man could feel his heartbeat quicken. Something was going on, something was afoot. He pretended to toy with a floral arrangement while he began to scan the transmission bands, probing. Finally, finally, this party was interesting.

    TAG: @Bardan_Jusik, @Sarge221, @Sarge (in case Kayn picked up on any of these transmissions), Anyone

    OOC: I did put a few words into Flagg's mouth, and I did borrow Zola, but I don't think any of it will affect @Bardan_Jusik's plans...
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2018
  10. The Real Kyp Durron

    The Real Kyp Durron Jedi Master star 2

    Registered:
    May 6, 2018
    IC MacKenzie Hollymander

    Patio near Gardens


    Looking around the area, he was glad they were alone. Lifting her into his arms and cradling her against his chest he began to search for somewhere to go. He sighted a staircase, spiral and heading up to the second floor balcony and before anyone saw them he made his way over to it. Stepping up onto the first step he heard the doors open behind him.

    "Hollymander?! I saw you come out here, where are ......Oh there you are! I was hoping you'd introduce me to your new friend." His breath caught in his throat for a moment before he half turned to face General Burgerholter with a smile.

    "With all due respect Sir, maybe later?" he said with as much amusement as he could in his voice. The General craned his neck slightly to see the inert form in his arms before a wide grin crossed his features. He gave an approving nod.

    "They fight back less that way, well done Son. I'll catch up with you, I want all the details." He said in what sounded like a greasy tone.

    "Of course Sir, will report to you when............" he glanced at her face. "we're done." The General gave him a hearty laugh before going back inside allowing MacKenzie to sigh. He looked back at the girl. "You're going to be the death of me at this rate." he muttered as he made his way quickly up the stairs and across the empty balcony.

    Pushing open a pair of glass double doors with his shoulder he peered into the room and was relieved to find it was a bedroom and it was empty. Quickly placing her on the bed, he closed and locked the doors before closing the curtains. The then locked the second door from the nearby hall. Turning back to face the young woman he put his hands on his hips and bit his bottom lip unsure as what his next move was going to be. Looking to his right he spotted a small ensuite refresher room and quickly went in finding a cloth and running it under cool water. He brought it back and placed it gently on her forehead then grabbed a nearby chair brought over and sat down beside the bed.

    "Why are you even here?" he muttered studying her face, "Have to admit," his eyes moved to her scars "Saxon was probably a bastard to you........but he had good taste." The tiny stars sparkled with every gentle breath she took and he began to wonder what had made the scars they covered. Probably a vibroblade he deduced and then wondered how much damaged had been done as his gaze followed the scar covering design down to where fabric stopped it. He frowned as he continued to look down over her body. The fabric of her gown now lay flat against her body and he could clearly see her outline, and something else. Leaning closer he could just make out what looked to be the outline of three disc like shapes low on her stomach. It took a few seconds to register but it looked like she was carrying something there. He sat back and spotted something odd laying along the length of her leg. Carefully parting the fabric he came across what looked like a long bag, gathered at the top. Gently teasing the top open he reached in and eased its contents out, gasping slightly at the sight of what he believed to be a lightsaber. He'd never seen one before, but knew they were still out there now the Jedi were dead. "Who, or what are you?" He whispered before looking back to her face, directly into a pair of wide green eyes.


    Tag @Adalia_Durron
     
  11. Mistress_Renata

    Mistress_Renata Manager Emeritus star 5 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Sep 9, 2000
    Maxime “Max” Pallas
    Ballroom, Wedding Villa


    Where was Flagg? Max was getting desperate. Her tray of canapés was almost empty, and she still hadn’t seen him, although she’d spotted several of the others. Kayn was onstage, playing a fast-paced dance tune. No sign of Zara. She saw Malek weaving through the crowds, looking funereal, and Ianna sitting in a corner, sipping a glass of water and looking as if someone had killed her pet tooka. A glimpse of Lou, dancing with a tall officer while gazing up into his eyes –wait, what? Max frowned. Did she know this was a mission?

    As the young Corellian wondered if she should do something to get her comrade’s head back to business, something nudged her. She glanced down. “Digs!” she said. “I can’t find—“ The droid whistled reassuringly. Max glanced around. “Come on,” she said. She led the way to the service lift. There was Zara, leaning on the bar with a glazed look while an Imperial Major leaned towards her with a hopeful look on his face. When the Twi’lek spotted Max, she rolled her eyes. Max grinned. Her wingman –former wingman—seemed to be okay. She slipped into the lift, with Digger rolling after. Once they were alone, headed to the lower level, she said, “You found Flagg? Did you give him the report?”

    The astromech whistled an affirmative. “And what did he say?” A longer trill of beeps and honks, with an underlying urgency. “Yeah, I know. We have to hurry. I’ll do that now.”

    In the kitchen, she headed towards the pantry where the rest of the bombs were stored. She only had two on her at the moment.

    “You! Human!” said Gourmand. “Where are the others?”

    “Dunno,” said Max. Slipping into the pantry, she glanced into the box of womp-rat poison. Eight charges were missing. Her two, plus six, so either Malek or Lurell had picked up their load. Okay. Max stuffed the other four assigned to her into her pockets, and shook out the loose split skirt over the cargo pants before going back into the kitchen.

    “You! Human! You must find the others!” said Gourmand. “We need to serve the first course!” Max glanced at the dishes for the first course, laid out on trays ready to deliver. It was a cold course, it could wait.

    “Smoke break,” she said, moving away.

    “SMOKE break? How dare you! This is entirely unacceptable! Go and—“ Max was already gone. She moved into a back corridor, checking doors.

    “We need to find the gas storage tanks powering the stoves,” she said. Digger considered, then rolled back towards the kitchen and stopped in front of a door. “Here?” Max was doubtful, but when she opened it, there was a wide flight of stairs leading downwards. She looked at Digger. “How did you know?” A modest hoot from the little droid told her nothing. She guessed that her mechanical friend had done an analysis based on the layout of the kitchen and the location of the ovens and the plumbing. She headed down the stairs. Digger would be able to follow, although it would take him a bit longer.

    Quickly, she scoped out the cellars, not realizing that Malek had already done it. She didn’t find much of interest. Behind her, Digger whistled to get her attention. He was standing at a door.

    “I already checked that,” said Max. “It’s the main power grid, but it doesn’t have the gas tanks.” It could be useful to booby trap, though. Digger sighed and rolled inside the room. Max had only glanced through the doorway, but now she could see another door inside, along the side wall. Digger made a self-satisfied grunt. “Yeah, okay, you’re smart, but I always tell you that, don’t I?” The room was locked. Figures.

    Max tapped the door controls. “Do your thing, buddy,” she said. Digger rolled forward and probed the door. He hummed to himself and seconds later, the door was open. “Encryptions? Alarms?” asked Max. A negative whistle from Digger. Unlocking the door hadn’t triggered security. But then, this was a private villa, not an Imperial facility. They weren’t quite as careful about things, they didn’t need to be.

    There was one massive gas tank in the room, with pipes leading up to the ceiling. They must be directly under the ovens. There were two smaller tanks, lined up next to it, with coupling hoses connecting all three. Max studied the set up, then nodded, understanding. The owners had gotten two additional tanks to supply fuel for the party, not wanting to use up their own personal supply. She could see the valve to the main tank was closed, and the supply line bypassed the main, so that the lesser tanks could be drained instead. She moved to the side, looking it all over, then motioned to Digger. “I need a boost,” she said. Digger rolled into place beside the auxiliary tanks, then stood still while Max climbed on top of the serving tray. Reaching up, she slipped her hand between the wall and the tank, attaching the charge and triggering it. She jumped to the ground. “One more,” she murmured.

    This time, she was on her knees, reaching under and between the main tank and one of the auxiliaries, stretching around as far as she could go. Perfect. Until she tried to extract her arm. She was stuck. Great.

    She squirmed and struggled, and was eventually able to get herself free, although there was a long smear of grime on her sleeve. She’d have to try to wash it off before going back to the main banquet hall.

    “Right,” she said, “let’s go.” She headed back for the kitchen, leaving Digger to follow after he’d locked the door again. In the kitchen, Gourmand was still ranting, to no one in particular, about organics and their sloppy, lazy ways. Max eyed the ovens. Oh, yeah. Quietly, she came up behind the droid, moving in its blind spot, and flicked the power switch, turning it off. Gourmand froze in place, a pan of mouroussi sauce in one hand, a spatula in the other. She took out two more of the charges, putting one under the left stove and one under the right. Four charges placed at highly-combustible trigger points… really, the entire villa would probably be launched into hyperspace when these things went off. There was almost no point in placing the others.

    She had been lying on the ground to reach underneath, and now she got to her knees and then to her feet, brushing stuff from her uniform. She was definitely going to need to sponge off before going back to work. She turned to switch Gourmand back on, and froze.

    The woman was there, the maitre de, staring at her in shock. How much had she seen? Max planted a false smile on her face. “Dropped something!” she said.

    TAG: @TheSilentInfluence
     
  12. Sarge

    Sarge Chosen One star 10

    Registered:
    Oct 4, 1998
    IC: Kayn "Golden Fingers" Balzroth [face_devil]
    "We're Getting the Band Back Together"



    Kayn wound up a slow number as he surveyed the dance floor with a vacant smile on his face. So far, nothing obvious had gone wrong. But the riskiest parts of the mission were still ahead.

    A vaguely pudgy junior officer was staring intently at Kayn from just in front of the stage.
    Uh oh...

    "You're Kayn Balzroth! I remember when you sideswiped Rykki Bahbe in season 44 of the TransGal 500 and knocked him out of the race. Cost him the trophy, and cost me 50 creds!"

    Oh, wonderful, this guy is carrying a grudge for a penny ante bet he lost years ago. Not what I need right now. This not the time to grab a knife and carve him up like a nerf steak tartare.

    "I'm sorry, sir, you must be mistaking me for someone else. The name is Baal Boub, of the musical act Baal Z Boub and the Banshee. I'm just a simple musician trying to make my way in the galaxy, that's all."

    "Bantha pudu! I remember those horns. You were the Starfiend of Devaron!"

    Somehow, Kayn resisted the urge to look around and see if any of the other Sheep were noticing him finally getting his due recognition as one of the galaxy's greatest race pilots.

    "No sir, you're obviously confusing me with another Devaronian. I'm sure we all look the same to you humans, just as you all look the same to us. Now if you'll excuse me, miss, I need to take a break and run to the little aliens' room."

    On his way to the fresher, Kayn spotted a squad of TIE pilots in dress uniforms. Dress uniforms with skull patches on their shoulders. Mostly white skulls, a couple black ones, and just one red skull. Well isn't THAT interesting! What was it I transmitted in the middle of that clusterfrack right after I scorched the emblem on the lead Defender? He quickly accessed his neural memory banks, scanned to the point in the battle when the Defenders' shields had been weakened and his laser cannon had left black carbon scoring across the red skull emblem. He had openly broadcast on common traffic frequency: "Take that, boneheads!" and then "Gotcha, Numbskull! Tag, you're it! And when all your Impy buddies ask you about the carbon scoring on your hull, you tell them that's the mark of Kayn!"

    A waiter was passing by carrying a tray loaded with Nubian squidbats sautéed in their own ink. The opportunity was irresistible. Kayn winked and smiled at the waiter as he nabbed one of the succulent little morsels and walked behind the red skull TIE pilot. He squeezed the squidbat, emptying its ink sac and squirting the fluid across the officer's shoulder patch, leaving a black smear across the red skull. In a moment he was gone, taking cover in the crowd as he made his way to the fresher before anyone noticed what he'd done. The mark of Kayn once again! Are you superstitious, Numbskull? Let that prey on your mind.


    A couple minutes later he was back on stage. Zara hadn't returned yet. He glanced around the room, getting a feel for the mood of the crowd at the moment, choosing what to play for them next. Kid was standing by the bar drinking something, smiling. Kayn zoomed in with his cybernetic eye. The farm girl's face looked like it was about to crack. Those TIE skull patches looked more lifelike than she did. If anyone else noticed and tried to talk to her, the whole mission might be kriffed. She needed to do something, anything, to act normal. But what can I do about her? Well, maybe the right tune will snap her out of it...?

    There had been a pitstop on an agricultural world during his last TransGal 500 race, and a county fair with live music playing a catchy dance tune that the farm girls all seemed to love. If he could just remember how it went, maybe it would remind her how people are supposed to behave at fun parties. He tuned the omnibox and adjusted his microphone. He wasn't used to singing in public while sober, but he'd do his best. Trying to catch her eye, he began to sing.



    TAG: @Rebecca_Daniels @galactic-vagabond422 and all the young lovers requesting their favorite songs

     
  13. Adalia-Durron

    Adalia-Durron WNU/Costume/Props/EUC Mod. star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jun 3, 2003

    Amber Tehanis (Hollymander - we now know)

    The Private Room Upstairs.



    The haze was clearing and the memories returning but Amber knew better than to move and let anyone know that. She was on something soft, her head lifted on what felt like a pillow and there was something cool on her forehead, not at all what she'd expected. In fact she'd not actually expected to wake up ever again so right now she was confused. Listening without moving, she knew she was not alone as she could hear someone breathing and moving quietly. She opened her eyes in a slit, allowing a slither of dimmed light to penetrate her vision but it gave her nothing clear to see. Someone was touching her leg now, the lightsaber! She opened her eyes now, fear wasn't going to win this time and no man was ever going to hurt her like Saxon had again. She felt the sheath was in being opened and she heard a soft audible gasp as its contents were revealed to the viewer.

    "Who, or what are you?" she heard him ask as she looked to him only to have him turned and stare right into her eyes.

    There was a moment where it seemed he was surprised she was awake, as he didn't move, but that was all it took. She sat up and grabbed the weapon before rolling away to the opposite side of the bed and landing hard in a crouched position on the floor. Standing and spinning to face him she held the weapon aloft without turning it on.

    "Don't make me use this." she said attempting to sound scary but failing as her voice trembled. "And don't ever touch me again, I know who you are and who raised you!" She waited, as she fully expected him to attack her at any moment.


    TAG @The Real Kyp Durron
     
    zark, Rebecca_Daniels, Vehn and 6 others like this.
  14. Rebecca_Daniels

    Rebecca_Daniels Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    Sep 3, 2006
    IC Zara Yaren
    Bored

    Turns out it was easy to be mistaken for a guest rather than the help when one dressed the part. Even the anti-alien Imperials could be confused by a glittery golden dress--she'd have to thank Amber later for the piece-- and the right amount of confidence. As she approached, she took a quiet surveillance of the area. This early in the party, most of the people here were gathering champagne, or were servers collecting and returning drinks for those guests too full of themselves to walk across the ballroom themself. The few others were some heavy drinkers, which was more her speed; give her some sabacc cards and she'd have a real party going with this bunch. Well, if they weren't Imperial. Officers, just to make it worse.

    That's what it came down to, really. Soldiers were soldiers, but these ones here could do some real damage. This would be as good a spot as any to hide one of her charges; would probably catch a fair few important types if they didn't catch her first. Before she could take a look for a good hiding spot, somewhere discreet and unlikely to be found by staff or guests alike, one of the uniformed sleemos called down the bar, apparently in her direction. "Buy you a drink?"

    Zara sized the man up, looking at him through narrowed eyes. Older, human, Imperial Army uniform. "Something local, strong, and simple," she said after a moment, keeping her Rylothean accent thick. So much for going unnoticed. The officer indicated to the bartender to serve something up, and somewhat reluctantly, she approached him. Small talk with Imperials. The best part of her day.

    "Seems we have similar tastes," the Imperial prompted, and Zara shot him a narrow look. "Major Kilroy," he introduced himself at last, "what name might befit such an unexpected vision?"

    "Merci," she nodded to the bartender as she eyed the drink, choosing to ignore the Imperial for the moment. Briefly, she caught sight of Max, disguised in her server's uniform, and had to resist making a face at her wingmate.

    Leaning against the bar, Zara drew Kilroy's gaze by taking a sip of her drink, and examining the man's face deeply, as if considering what answer she might give. With her free hand, she slipped one of the small explosives from where she'd hidden them under her train and slid it up under the lip of the bar where it held solidly, out of view unless someone reached under there.

    "Nirru," she said at last, speaking to cover any sound as she activated the device. "I am to be your... entertainment tonight." That was probably enough of a distraction for the man, throw off any suspicions. "My partner, he entertains now. On your stage." She indicated Kayn's presence on stage with her now-free hand. "I must prepare. Excuse me." Zara downed the drink in one go, turning to search the crowded room for anywhere else to hide the other explosive. One bomb down, one drink down... this wasn't too bad of a night yet.

    TAG: @Bardan_Jusik

    OOC: Since TCW and Rebels established Twi'leks as having French accents, I'm being lazy and using French tidbits as Twi'leki :p
     
  15. The Real Kyp Durron

    The Real Kyp Durron Jedi Master star 2

    Registered:
    May 6, 2018
    Occ - apologies for frequent updates. I do understand others are yet to arrive at this reception.
    IC MacKenzie Hollymander & Amber Tehanis - (thank you @Adalia-Durron again)
    Upstairs bedroom.



    She was awake, he'd not expected that with the way she'd gone down. He wasn't given time to react, she sat up and snatched the hilt from his hand before rolling away. He stood in surprise as she squared off against him, holding the unlit blade before her.

    "Don't make me use this, and don't ever touch me again, I know who you are and who raised you!" she snapped at him, her voice shaking and showing she was still scared. He put his hands up, palms forward to show her he wasn't going to hurt her.

    "I'm not going to hurt you Amber, despite what you think about my upbringing." He knew what she meant, his father was still under the shadow of his mother's murder and the truth was he was the only person who could have him convicted. Instead he'd run away and sworn never to treat a woman like his father and brother did. "I'm not like them, I left them and all that behind me."

    He took a step toward her with his hands still up hoping to gain her trust.

    "NO CLOSER!!!" she snapped as she lifted the weapon up in a threatening manner.

    He stopped. "I don't know why you are here, and don't believe you were invited, but I want you to get the hell out of here before my hand is forced." He said as he lowered his arms. "Go out those doors, down the staircase at the edge of the balcony and across the patio. Skirt the building and when you get to the front, tell them you are ill and that I approved your leaving." He gave his head a shake. "I don't know what you are carrying either, and I don't want to know, just go please. It's too dangerous for you to be here."

    Amber was confused now. Why was he letting her go, even telling her the safest way to go? Surely he'd figured out she wasn't on his side at all?

    "I don't understand." she said simply hoping he'd explain more.

    "Please Amber, just go. I never want to see you near me again, ok?" he said firmly.

    "Why?" she asked again. "Is there a legion of troopers out there waiting for me, waiting to take me down so you can take credit for something?" She wasn't accepting his advice or his words at face value. In her short life she'd learnt fast not to do that.

    MacKenzie looked at his boots as he rubbed his bearded chin. "No. No troopers, no credit for anything." Raising his eyes he looked directly into hers. "Probably quite the opposite if I'm discovered. Listen, I have no family anymore Amber, and by my reckoning, you are my only family. I'm giving my only 'Sister in Law' one chance to get away from this path, whatever that is, and get on a new one. Please, just go." he began to walk backwards toward the door. When he reached it he unlocked it and opened it. One last look. "Just go please." Then he left.

    occ She will continue - without me. ;)

    Tag Addie
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2018
    zark, Rebecca_Daniels, Sarge and 5 others like this.
  16. Rebecca_Daniels

    Rebecca_Daniels Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    Sep 3, 2006
    IC: Zara Yaren / MacKenzie Hollymander
    At the bar

    Reaching the top of the grand staircase, MacKenzie stopped and gathered himself up for a moment, surveying the room as he did so. He noted the General from earlier wasn't anywhere to be seen, a relief as he didn't fancy telling a story of an adventure that never happened. Walking down slowly he acknowledged the security standing on the stairs before turning at the bottom and heading directly for the Bar. He needed a drink, a strong one.

    Reaching the counter he lifted his finger to the bar staff ordering a drink, he didn't care at this point what it was. Turning as it was being poured he saw the Twi'lek woman beside him, her gold gown reflecting in the light as she scanned the room with her keen blue-green eyes.

    "Looking for someone?" he asked.

    Avoiding her Imperial companion's gaze, Zara searched the room for an excuse to step away. Kayn had started up on stage, but he seemed to be handling it for the moment; still, they both needed to plant their charges, and neither could do so when occupied with Imperial small talk and entertainment duties. The faces in the crowd all blurred together; almost entirely human, in fancy dress or uniform. She wasn't particularly worried about being recognised, but some of the other Sheep were far more well-known within Imperial circles; how many Imperials in this room could easily blow their covers?

    Well, only one Imperial knew her face well, so she ought to take advantage of that. Passing her now-empty glass back to the bartender, Zara was surprised by a second voice drawing her attention back to the bar, on her other side. Another Imperial, blonde and younger than the Major Kilroy she was now ignoring.

    "Making sure the guests are satisfied with my partner's performance, that is all," she said, scrambling for the excuse. "As long as they are happy, I might keep enjoying more drinks." Well, at least she'd upgraded the company, though she was carefully tuning out whatever objections the Major might have at being abandoned for a younger and better model.

    He noticed the Major nearby who in his inebriated way was attempted to get the woman's attention. "He seems to be doing well enough, although his taste in music is somewhat.....outdated. What can I get you?" he asked as he took his from the counter and took a deep sip of it.

    Outdated? Zara just raised her eyebrows. Tough crowd here. "I'm not sure what it is, but I'd take another of what I just had." She waved a hand at where the empty glass had been; the bartender must have taken it. One more drink wouldn't throw the mission, right? These drinks probably cost more than she made in a year... though given she was a Rebel, that wasn't saying much. Might cost more than she'd made in her life, with the sort of credits on display here. If she didn't get to sample any of it, what was the point? "Who are you that you're drinking so early in the party?"

    He looked at her with a touch of amusement. "Is it early? From what I can tell, I'm not standing here alone." he put his glass down and indicated to the bar tender to give the lady another before turning back. "Commander MacKenzie Hollymander, Head of Security tonight, and you are?" he asked as her drink was delivered.

    Head of security? Oh, this was bad. The last thing they needed was for security to keep a close eye on any of them... or realise there was a connection between the various different infiltration teams. "I am Nirru, a performer tonight." She nodded her head at the stage as she took her second drink of the evening. "So you are the reason for the fancy troopers out front, then?" At least she could find out what he was up to, while she had his attention. And then warn the others.

    He smiled and chuckled lightly. "Yes, you can blame me for that, and for the awkward looking Imperials standing around the place looking uncomfortably out of place, not to mention..........other things" He stopped, he might be saying too much already so he sipped his drink again. In his mind he was hoping Amber was at the front gates, but without attracting attention, there was no way he could confirm that. "So Nirru, when do we get to hear your lovely voice? Assuming you sing of course?" He realised as he was speaking that she may dance or even play another instrument.

    That was surprisingly good intel. More than just disguised weapons... what other sort of Imperial horrors did this place have? This was exactly why she preferred to be a kilometre away, raining unexpected hell on them, not exposed and unarmed like this. If she could get this information to Kayn, he might be able to surreptitiously transmit it to the rest of the crew...

    Zara didn't bother to smile; the fakeness would be a dead giveaway. Instead she leaned closer, placing her free hand briefly on his chest. "Well, seeing as I've met the first interesting person here, perhaps I'll start the show a bit early. Allow me to warm up." She eyed her drink and, like the first one, didn't bother to savour it and took it in one. Almost immediately she knew that was a bad idea, but didn't have time to think about it. She had to get back to Kayn and wherever Parvil had gone.

    He looked down at her hand on his chest thinking it 'rather intimate' but said nothing of it. "Interesting? Thank you. I look forward to your performance." he said wondering how many of those drinks she'd actually thrown down like that. As she walked away he turned back to the bar and did the same with his own drink. Tonight was not going as he'd planned.

    TAG: @Bardan_Jusik, @Sarge, any others witnessing this fun
     
  17. zark

    zark Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 23, 2009
    IC: Belgium
    Wedding Reception, Naboo


    Belgium was moving slowly around one of the most glorious places he'd ever been. All of the jewelry, all of the credits, all of the information these people had! Belgium would have been breathless had he had lungs. As it was, he still thought he caught a slight hitch in his circuits! Belgium had managed to plant one bomb already, and he was working on freeing up the remaining space in his smuggling compartment with alacrity. If he didn't clear these bombs out, he wouldn't be able to stash loot. He'd already marked a rather elegant older woman as being a bit too tipsy to mind her purse. He'd spotted a stash of high end whiskeys and wines any one of which would sell for enough to get every inch of him repainted and waxed, thrice. Pity he couldn't steal one of the rugs. Far too big. But valuable. Oh so valuable. A quick check of market listings caused another mysterious hitch in his circuits. It occurred to Belgium his health might be in jeopardy. A strange thought for a droid, but this place was intoxicating.

    A man suddenly appeared in front of Belgium. A rather flamboyant man who had clearly imbibed his way to a state of intoxication Belgium could only aspire to.

    "Beep Beep!" the man exclaimed. He grabbed at the glasses on Belgium's head and after a moment of fumbling came away with two. "I'd tip, but well... my hands are full!" he practically shouted and laughed uproariously.

    The man then turned a sheepish look across the room. Belgium followed his glance to a rather peeved looking bride. The man turned away and Belgium caught a glimpse of a rather fat wallet peeking out of the pocket of a pair of rather tacky slacks.

    Belgium noted the wallet, and considered the bride for a brief moment. He wasn't sure if he could use the bride's displeasure or not. He'd mull it over. But he could certainly make use of the wallet. Without a doubt. Unfortunately, Belgium thought that maybe his tray was empty. It was difficult to tell since the tray was well above his ocular sensors and the top of his head wasn't equipped with precise weight scales. Didn't organics ever think these things through? Anyway, time to head back and pick up another round of drinks. Better to have the drinks and gain the attention of obtuse drunks than to go about with an empty tray and draw the attention and ire of the head of servants. Belgium circled back to the kitchens, stopping on the way to plant one bomb behind a planter in the corner, and another under a caf table.

    He rolled into the kitchen and refreshed his drink stash with Gourmand. They chatted a bit as he refilled. Gourmand agreed that organics really didn't ever think things through and should probably leave droid related design work to droids. Tray once again full, Belgium moved out into the hall once again to deposit the last half of his payload, and acquire an entirely new inventory of shiny things.

    TAG: @Bardan_Jusik
     
  18. Mira Grau

    Mira Grau Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    May 11, 2016
    IC: Ethan Malek
    Imperial Wedding Reception Naboo

    For a brief moment Ethan noticed confusion on Callion's face, though it quickly turned into a mocking grin. With a grand gesture as if he was introducing the emperor himself the ice miner turned towards the imperials around him.

    "Gentlemen let me introduce you to. Ethan Malek, former lieutenant of the mighty imperial navy, and after his discharge head of my security, though it seems time hasn´t been kindly to him lately."

    Every single word out of the magnates mouth was dripping with ironic mockery and the grin of every imperial surrounding him burned on Ethan´s skin. For a moment an old desire awoke in him, the same desire he had felt each time when he had looked into Callion's smug grin, a desire to cement his fist into the miners face, breaking those pearly white teeth and wiping away that fake smile. But he couldn´t cause a scene, not now. If something happened the imperials would kill him and then all his hopes of preventing the massacre would be gone.

    "Mister Callion, sir," he replied trying to keep his voice calm and polite. "I´m honored that you still remember me, it was a pleasure to severe you, back then."

    Hoping that he could escape the situation by letting Callion play his little game Ethan began slowly moving away from the group.

    But the imperial magnate had none of it, "a pleasure, you say? I seem to recall how you left my services after only two years of service as well as all the mean things you said about me and my business practices when you left."

    The eyes of every imperial surrounding them were focused on Ethan who tried his best to keep himself calm. He wasn´t sure what Callion sought to gain with this, if it was just the ice miners spite or if there was more behind this. Feeling helpless he noticed how his hands began to shiver as he dug his finger against the plate with the hors d'oeuvre.

    "I´m sorry if that you felt insulted by my parting words," Ethan said still trying to keep his voice polite, while praying that he would be somehow able to escape the situation. "But my failing health forced me to search for a less adventurous job back then."

    For a moment Callion looked at his former employee with exaggerated interest.

    "Yeah, seem you have truly become an old man, barely able to hold a plate straight."

    He looked around to the imperials surrounding them, "Isn´t it a shame gentlemen that some of our brave pilots and soldiers later end up in such low places?"

    The mocking display of faked pity that followed infuriated Ethan more than the earlier laughter. For a brief moment he wanted to pull out one of the bombs out of his pocket and blast them all to pieces. But he controlled himself and tried to keep his calm facade. Awaiting the next insult Ethan choose to remain quiet this time as to not offer Callion even more ammunition for his mockery.

    Though as he no longer displayed any reaction most of the surrounding imperials returned to their previous discussions and didn´t spent any more attention on Ethan. Glad that he had prevented the situation from escalating Ethan turned around making his way to the other side of the room when someone grabbed him by his arm. Nearly dropping his tablet Ethan´s heart stopped for a moment when he realized that Callion had followed him.

    "You´ve been a great soldier Malek," the magnate whispered in Ethan´s ear. "Loyal and professional, we both know this work is beneath you. I can get you out of here, perhaps even give you your old job back. If you are willing to listen to me this time and do me a little favor."

    TAG: @Bardan_Jusik
     
  19. Adalia-Durron

    Adalia-Durron WNU/Costume/Props/EUC Mod. star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jun 3, 2003
    IC Amber the Annoying one who muse has gone now so thats it for a while.
    Upstairs


    Amber stood still as he left the room. Family. He called her family. She had no family, he said he had no family even though she knew his murdering father was still alive, but he said he was letting her go because she was family. Allowing the saber to hang loosely in her hand she stood for a while unable to comprehend what had just happened. After a few minutes to allow it sink in she began to search for the sheath and slipped the saber back into it before reaching under her gown and removing one of the devices. She was going to get out of here, but she was going to complete her mission first. Moving to the door he'd left through she opened it slightly and looked out, the corridor was clear. She saw an ornate statue in a nearby alcove and with pursed lips decided that would be her first target.

    Chak made a whimpering sound from behind her hair reminding her he was still with her. Slipping into the corridor she was able to reach the statue without incident and it only took a second to stick the disc to its back and flick the activating stitch. As she did so a wave of guilt washed over her. What if he came back? What if he was here when her bomb exploded? What if it was her bomb that killed 'the only family' she had? She closed her eyes for a moment. 'I can't think about that, I just can't' she thought before turning sharply and heading back to the room and locking the door behind her. Leaning against it she breathed deeply for a moment, 'one down, two to go.'

    The curtains were drawn but as she pulled one back to open the door she saw a perfect spot behind one of them for a second device. It was adjoining a wall that went up to the lookout which she could just see was occupied by several storm troopers. Pulling out the second device she attached it and activated it feeling the weight of her mission getting lighter as each bomb left her person.

    Slipping out of the room onto the patio she was aware the above troopers would look down at her so she stood tall and gracefully pulled herself up and glided across the area to the staircase. She wondered if this was the way they'd come in and if he'd been seen carrying her. What were those troopers thinking of her? She glanced up at them and as expected there were several looking down upon her, but none of them reacted her presence. So without waiting longer she glided to the staircase, lifting her gown to make her way down its spiral to the bottom. The Patio was no longer empty, several rather important looking officers were now gathered in a semi circle, sipping something from large glasses and some were smoking. It crossed her mind that she'd have thought the habit long dead in the galaxy due to its health dangers, but then again, people used spice and drank heavily still. Dismissing the thoughts she allowed her gown to drop so it touched the ground and she gracefully walked across the patio, Chak now began to crawl down her loosely tied hair so she put her arm out and allowed him to jump on it.

    "Excuse me Ma'am." One of the older men called to her as he stepped away from the group. "May I ask about your pet there?" Amber stopped and turned to face him. He was a good head taller than her and had a scar down one side of his face, his attention on Chak and he scurried onto her arm.

    "Oh, of course." She said forcing a smile. Turning his head he studied the Voorpak before speaking.

    [​IMG]


    "Does he bite?" Amber was surprised, a man with such a scar had clearly seen worse things than a fluffy pet such as Chak.

    "Only if you threaten him." she responded continuing to smile. "Or me." she added.

    The man looked to her face. "Then I had better be on my best behaviour then. Can I get you a drink?" She didn't have time for this.

    "I was just on my way to leave as I feel a little out of sorts." She explained, hoping for a fast retreat.

    "Ah, was our dear Commander a little rough with you my dear?"

    Amber stared at him with confusion. "I'm sorry?"

    "Oh, don't be dear heart, General Burgerholter over there," He indicated with his glass, "informed us he'd taken you upstairs for, how shall I say it? Rest and relaxation?"

    Amber could not believe what she was hearing, what was being implied. She leaned around slightly to get sight of this General who it seemed was spreading rumours. A large man with a full glass of something dark red in one hand and a leg of something in the other, greasy smears around his now smiling mouth as he lifted his glass to her.

    "I dont know what you have been told, but I fainted, as I am not well. The Commander merely took me somewhere to recover." she explained, the indignant tone to her voice not forced at all. She watched as he chuckled lightly.

    "It's a very good story my dear. Now let's get to the truth of the matter, down to business as they say. How much?"

    The line had been crossed in her mind. "I beg your pardon!? I believe you have mistaken me for someone, or more to the point something I am not!" Turning sharply she began to leave as Chak almost made a hissing sound sensing her annoyance. He grabbed her arm.

    "No I beg yours madam. I am a reasonable man and I am unaccustomed to being refused in most aspects of my life. I consider this no exception." she was spun to face him. "So I will ask you nicely once more, then there will be no charge.........how much?"

    Once again she was scared, but this was different. This wasn't a ghost from her past looming with a terror she knew, this wasn't personal like that. It wasn't a distant nightmare from another time in her life. It was just a disgusting man demanding something she considered the only real thing men understood. Physical gratification. This she'd dealt with already in her life and could again. She jerked her arm free, and her action caused Chak to sense her mood change, duly baring his needle like teeth and rearing up on four of his eight legs.

    "I suggest you walk way Sir, unless you wish me to make a very loud and visible scene." She said in a dangerous low tone, "And believe me, I can be very embarrassingly loud." She locked eyes with him, "Back off!" This time, for the first time, she was trying to do it, trying to access her abilities. And she over did it. Without warning the Officer was pushed backwards and he stumbled dropping his glass and falling on to his back as those gathered nearby stared in disbelief. Her heart was racing as she came up with a way to cover what had just occurred. "Oh I am terribly sorry to scare you like that, Chak can be very protective. Forgive me. I really must go, really not feeling that well at all." Not giving him or his counterparts a chance to respond she pulled Chak to her body. "Down boy, you did good!" she muttered as she reached the edge of the patio. Behind her she could hear the man laughing and making jokes about their friends rejection and fear of a small ladies pet.

    Getting around the corner she stopped and pressed up against a wall behind a large ornate shrub to catch her breath. Well, one thing had come of this, she could channel this..........whatever it is and maybe use it to her advantage. Come on Chak let's get this done and get you somewhere safe.

    .........

    TAG No one, unless anyone is outside.
     
  20. Corellian_Outrider

    Corellian_Outrider Former FanForce Admin star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Mar 9, 2002
    ~IC~ Captain Cassell “Skipper” Wystari + Flight Officer “Harley” Quin + Flight Officer Nib Nombunn
    Location: Naboo Lake Country - Attending Wedding Reception


    The hover limo ride had mostly been uneventful. Harley sat opposite him, checking out her reflection and then started applying purple lipstick.

    "Sorry, we couldn't get a Kaadu draw carriage on short notice." She said.

    "That's quite alright, Harley, thank you. The limo will have to do." He said as he looked out the window for a bit to survey the rolling hills and the shimmering waters of Naboo's scenic lake country. Some people called this place heaven, its all an illusion.

    "Cassim Arturo…" Skipper said out loud. Practicing his voice and role. "Entrepreneur… importer, exporter-"

    "Supply and demand." Harley interrupted him. "Economics 101." She then puckered her lips and gave a kiss in the air at her reflection.

    Skipper regarded her. "Indeed. We know the family due to business-"

    "Boring. Eccentric remember?"

    "Flamboyant." He corrected her.

    "Whatever." She closed the lipstick and slipped it into her gown. "Jacqueline Nought… Ballerina, bodyguard and part time psychiatrist."

    Just when he thought he was beginning to understand the Zeltron, she kept surprising him. "I think you'll find plenty of patients inside the reception."

    "Then we'll have to give 'em some bang for their buck." There was a manic edge to her giggle. "A two-for-one, one time only special!"

    To Skipper's relief, the intercom chimed and he quickly slapped the button. Nib on the other end informed them of the Imperial checkpoint. He exchanged a look to Harley and mouthed 'Showtime'.

    She licked her lips and grinned as the limo slowed down. There was a brief inspection of the vehicle as Nib showed their credentials. It did not take long for verification and they were waved through to the drop off point. As dutiful a chauffeur, Nib got out and opened the door for Harley and Skipper to hope out.

    "Thank you. We'll bring you back a souvenir." Skipper said to Nib as he patted the Sullustan on the shoulder when he closed the door behind them.

    With a casual glance at their surroundings, Skipper noted the walkers and their positions, it was either a display of power or intimidation. Regardless of whatever which, it was problematic and does not leave much for wiggle room… He took a deep breath and smiled, they were meant to be here he reminded himself. He held his head up high, his riding cloak billowing about behind him and his gold shone in the sunlight. The crowds parted before them and it felt like he was a conquering king returning to his people.

    In his mind he was trying to figure out what to do with the walkers as they approached the checkpoint. Probably not much he could do about the AT-DPs without attracting attention… however the AT-AT at the causeway… there might be something…. his eyes looked at the underside of the head and carriage, the hip joints of the legs and then down to the knee joints… the feet and ankle joints could not be seen due to the railings of the causeway. A plan started to formulate in his mind.

    The next checkpoint went as to be expected… Harley commanded the attention of the guards as their invitations were presented to the security.

    "Cassim Arturo… and my bodyguard, Jacqueline Nought." Skipper introduced themselves with a hint of an accent. The double take was comical as they regarded Harley in a different perspective and then noticeably took a step back. Skipper refrained from smirking at their reactions and caught her delighted expression before they were allowed to continue along the causeway to the villa beyond. Pausing briefly, Skipper saw the troopers were focused on the next guest and touched Harley's arm to lead her to the railing.

    "Pretend we are tourists… taking in the view…" He whispers as he folded his arms, reaching inside his riding cloak and taking out a charge. Pressing it to his vambrace to hide it as as he rest his arm on the railing.

    His fingers arming the device and then, using slight of hand, lowered it over the side and with a flick of the wrist, threw it down to the water at the submerged rear foot of the walker. He kept his eyeliner level with the horizon as Harley whispered it hit the ankle joint. That was very good, the ankle joints of the walkers should be the weakest section… if they go, the leg goes down and should bring down the walker. He subtly nodded and felt her tug his arm and pointed to the other side and they moved over there, remarking about how beautiful the location is for a wedding and hoping they can properly visit the venue. Another charge was used on the opposite rear leg of the walker before proceeding down the causeway, arm in arm.

    Once inside the villa, Harley let out a low whistle. It echoed in the foyer and several heads turned with an expression of indignation. Harley ignored them and elbow nudged Skipper. "Get a load of that statue."

    "It is impressive." Skipper remarked as he noticed the statue of the reared equus and then casually waved a greetings to a few people that passed them by.

    "It would look great in my bedroom."

    "I bet it would…" Skipper muttered under his breath.

    They followed the traffic up the staircase and to a large dining room. It was Skipper's turn to nudge Harley after taking in their surroundings. "Since you've got your eye on the last statue, I'll bag that one."

    "Really?" She tilted her head as she regarded the statue of a couple dancing and gave Skipper a sly look. "You really are a romantic.

    Skipper shrugged. "Well, those paintings would fetch a pretty penny."

    "Then I want half of the spoils after this, pardoner."

    They started mingling with the crowd. Keeping all professional with curt greetings, short conversation while casing the joint, keeping an eye out for familiar faces at the reception. Though one of the guests got a bit too nosey and posed a question: "How do you know the family?"

    "Through our church." Skipper said matter of factly.

    Harley said without skipping a beat. "They are very charitable."

    "Oh… I had… no idea…" They looked over in the direction of the bride's family in new light while Harley and Skipper moved on.

    As they pass the tables, Skipper swiftly took a pair of champagne glasses from a passing waiter. He nudged Harley and was about to offer a glass to her when he heard a voice.

    "Hello…"

    He turned from Harley to see a lady in red with lipstick to match. Her blonde hair was styled to her shoulders and sharp eyes peered into his.

    "Would you care to dance?" She asked.

    Harley turned and looked over her shoulder to Skipper and then the woman as she heard the offer. "Sure thing, 'Red'! I would love to dance!"

    TAG:
    The Lady in Red/ Mistress Goldigger, those in attendance.
     
  21. TheSilentInfluence

    TheSilentInfluence Retired Manager star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jul 15, 2014
    IC: Eliana Saeli
    Kitchen, Wedding Villa

    Eliana had been planning on hiding out in the kitchens for a few moments, making sure that none of her staff were lounging around when there were Imperials to impress. She sighed as she walked in a noticed movement, just as one of her servants popped up from the floor. Eliana took a deep breath, staring at the intruder.

    "It's important to keep up appearances." Eliana said, motioning her head to the annoying droid. "You can wire Gourmand so that it thinks it just had a malfunction." She looked around, shifting on her feet as she could hear the music from the wedding faintly reach them. "I don't know what your up to, but keep me out of it." Eliana added.

    Tag: @Bardan_Jusik @Mistress_Renata

     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2018
  22. Sarge

    Sarge Chosen One star 10

    Registered:
    Oct 4, 1998
    Another combo post with the beautiful and talented @Rebecca_Daniels! Isn't she amazing, folks? Give her a big hand! Wonderful, wonderful!

    IC: Kayn, Zara

    On With the Show, This Is It

    At last, Kayn saw Zara returning from the bar to the stage. With her back to the audience, she gave him a significant look, as if she had something to tell him. Kayn kept up his vacant smile at the crowd, but quirked an eyebrow inquisitively. If anybody was watching, he hoped they'd assume the entertainers were just signaling each other about their act.


    The problem with being set up as entertainers was that they were far too visible to pass on information subtly. Hey lazerbrain, figure it out, Zara thought in his general direction, frowning slightly. Fine, so the others could probably spot the undercover security, but whatever additional measures the head of security had planned didn't bode well. Something they couldn't see or hadn't discovered yet. Maybe a trap for some unwitting rebels.


    She could at least free Kayn up to plant his own set of explosives... and maybe do some investigating of his own. "A long night coming, you should make sure you have time to get something to drink before it's up," she suggested as she neared his spot onstage, leaning in to at least reduce the chance she'd be overheard and try and make it look like they were consulting on the next song.


    "All right, if you want to tag in for a few minutes, I can go circulate and spread some charm. Anyone in particular I should get to know better?"

    Zara leaned in even closer. Let their audience think what they would but she couldn't afford this to be heard. "Blond Imp. Head of Security. Up to something," she whispered urgently.


    That was a good morsel of intel, one worth sharing. Kayn scanned the Imps at the bar, picking out the blond officer Zara had been talking to. He zoomed in with his cybernetic eye, snapped a picture of the face, and downloaded the image to his transmitter. Adding a caption that said SECURITY CHIEF he encrypted and compressed the file, then sent it out in a burst message on a secure frequency to all the Sheep datapads and droids he could reach with a low power transmission.


    A moment later, he noticed the cyborg-head next to the red skull cocking his head as if he'd heard something odd.

    Kriff! thought Kayn. If that little mynock-faced minion picked up the transmission, we could all be fracked. I wonder where Max is, and if she has a handy virus to infect his circuits.



    "Good luck," she said, and moved up to prepare for her own performance. Time for something appropriately distracting... if they didn't see through her right away. After all, being able to sing wasn't exactly the same as being a performer; that seemed to be more Kayn's speed, she wasn't used to being up in front of... people. She glanced back at him, nodded, and stepped up to the stage's microphone as the appropriate background music began. Not like she had a lot of choice about it.




    It was hard to concentrate on singing with so many faces in front of her, but the drinks had been good for bypassing her hesitation. Instead she kept her eyes towards the bar and the blond MacKenzie to see what he was up to.


    Kayn was trying to think of a way to take out the cyborg without raising suspicion as he smiled at the crowd. He tried to keep the man in his peripheral vision, doing his best to observe and track without being obvious. Then Zara began to sing, and his focus was momentarily obliterated.
    Holy frackity frack, where did that voice come from? Must be a Twi'lek thing, bred into their genes. Hey, focus now! Where did the cyborg go? He scanned the room, wondering where the little man had disappeared to.

    TAG: All the enraptured fans crowding up to the stage in the mosh pit
     
  23. galactic-vagabond422

    galactic-vagabond422 Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Jul 11, 2009
    IC: Ianna Mcear
    Imperial Wedding Reception, Naboo

    The young woman stayed stationed at the bar sipping her water. She could still feel the bombs on her person, two left two more little bundles of death to distribute around the place. Her broken fake smile never fell from her face. She casually sipped on her water trying to look normal, like she was just enjoying the atmosphere. Her heart was pounding in her chest her eyes holding that mournful gaze. Every single person in here was either going to be killed, or was their killers. She looked at the rim of her glass faint crimson stain on it, like the blood she was going to spill.

    This wasn't her choice, she tried to rationalize to herself, her hand was forced by those above her. Then was she any different from the Empire she fought against. No doubt each atrocity was ordered by someone above them.

    "Be a good girl." her father's last words to her. She made a promise that she would be good. Now she was breaking that promise, the last one she made to her father. If there was anything more sacred Ianna didn't know it. Her heart pained her again bringing a knot to her throat and making her eyes water. She kept the smile, she wasn't going to lose that, she wasn't going to break two promises, even if it was hollow.

    Her eye was drawn to the stage, Kayn looking right at her as he started his next song. It felt familiar and catchy. A little on the older side but, she could feel herself fighting against the want to tap her foot. She couldn't help but, feel like the song was directed at her. A little girl sequestered away in a corner not wanting to get involved.

    Well excuse the Wallflower she's wrestling with committing a war crime at the moment. Her gaze swept over the space, seeing Lou dancing with a dashing man in an Imperial uniform, Ethan talking with another man in a fine suit but, there was something about him that made Ianna feel uneasy. Well more uneasy. It was all a reminder that this was a party after all, a celebration. She had to at least look to the part or the reveler, lest the mission fail and she be killed on the spot. Another person holding a blaster.

    The bartender set a glass of champagne in front of her possibly seeing her distress. She just shook her head. There was no amount of alcohol that was going to drown this sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Besides it wasn't like her to use bubbly to quench the fire of guilt. No she kept it hidden under her mask of a mirthful smile, even if she was empty.

    She finished her water and walked away from bar, she'd spent too much time there already. Kayn's song ended and Zara took his place. Her voice filled the space a slow emotional song, not that Ianna could understand the words. She hoped that no one asked her to dance. She didn't know how, and had the coordination of a Staga that got into fermented hay. It would be particularly bad if it was someone she was about to kill, she didn't think she could keep it together.

    Though she was torn up inside she couldn't help swaying a little to the music, deepening her smile. She had to keep her mask.

    Nothing was right, everything was wrong, and all she could do was smile.

    TAG: @Sarge @Rebecca_Daniels @Bardan_Jusik @Anedon Anyone else looking for a partner.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2018
  24. Vehn

    Vehn Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Sep 14, 2009
    IC: Dietryk Gray/Louise Gray (OOC: Written entirely from Dietryk's perspective hence no name for Lou during their interaction)
    Imperial Wedding Reception
    Naboo


    I know that kiss, I know those lips, but that's impossible, that was another lifetime ago,Dietryk thought as he wrapped up another dance number with the mysterious Imperial officer.

    Her face, despite the semi-darkness of the dance floor, looked vaguely familiar. Then there was the voice, that Roonian accent, covered up slightly by a few years of being out and about in the galaxy. The cadence of her speech, something was vaguely comfortable about listening to the slight country drawl. It wasn't that uncommon for the Empire to recruit from planets in the Outer Rim but for the two of them to have grown up on the same planet, in the same geographic area, and be more or less around the same age said something, meant something, and that warranted further investigation.

    "I need a drink," Dietryk said to Lou as he headed toward the bar, "care to join me?"

    Dietryk didn't expect her to follow. In fact, he fully expected her to disappear. She'd seemed rattled earlier when they'd made out in the darkness and he could've sworn he tasted a salty tear that had run down her cheek. He wasn't sure why she'd been crying or what might've prompted that kind of reaction. It seemed odd, sudden, and from a place of deep hurt.

    "Sure," she replied, "I'd like that."

    The pair made their way to the bar. Dietryk ordered a Roonian Draught, a dark ale. She followed suit. The drinks came fast and the two shared a few moments of quiet solitude before the reception music blared again this time adorned by the loving vocals of a Twi'lek. Dietryk didn't really have an ear for music. It wasn't the way he thought and it certainly wasn't what motivated him to be a caring person.

    "Quite the wedding," Dietryk said sipping his ale. "I see we like the same drink."

    "You know what they say," she replied, "once from Roon-"

    "Always from Roon," Dietryk finished, "speaking of which where exactly did you grow up again?"

    "A family ranch not too far outside of Nime near the Laweeya Prairie within view of the Lady Constance Mountains," she replied, "and I joined the Empire to see the galaxy. I didn't get much sight seeing in before they sent me right back to where I started."

    "I see," Dietryk said frowning slightly, "ever been so far as Carida?"

    "I trained there," she said, "how about yourself?"

    "I did a turn there not so long ago. Was a Flight Instructor for the Imperial Flight Academy. TIE cadets, mostly. Wasn't a bad job until my marriage fell apart," Dietryk said and then wished he hadn't. The alcohol was getting to him a bit. Roon made stiff ales.

    "How many times have you been married?" She asked.

    "Once," Dietryk replied, "and that was enough."

    He thought he saw her gave a barely imperceptible flinch but it went away as quickly as he noticed. He was about to press a bit more when she put him on defense again.

    "What happened?" She asked after a long pause.

    "To be honest I don't know. Everything and nothing," Dietryk replied.

    "Do you ever regret leaving?" She asked.

    "Leaving?" Dietryk repeated, "I didn't leave, she left me. She waved a blaster in my face, threatened me, and then disappeared."

    "Perhaps you were more of a fit than either of you realized," the woman said as she placed her full attention on Dietryk, "perhaps you were such a good fit it was bound to be incompatible. Defeated by the fates and by circumstance."

    "Sounds like a bunch of new age mumbo jumbo," Dietryk replied, "we failed each other. She wanted kids, I didn't. I wanted to climb all the way to the top, to Coruscant, and she didn't. It was a mutually destructive relationship. It wasn't perfect. It was messy and it was challenging."

    "What about you? Ever been married?" Dietryk asked.

    "I have, once, in what felt like a lifetime ago. We were so young and wanted different things. We eventually grew apart. The odd thing was we never officially separated. The way it ended was messy and I never got the chance to end it officially," she replied.

    "Story of my life as well," Dietryk admitted as he raised his glass, "I'm thankful I met you tonight. To us and new beginnings."

    She raised her glass and clinked it to his, "To us."

    Dietryk finished his drink and set it on the bar counter. "You want to tell me why you're really here?" He asked.

    TAG: @Bardan_Jusik and everyone.....TO BE CONTINUED
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2018
  25. Adalia-Durron

    Adalia-Durron WNU/Costume/Props/EUC Mod. star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jun 3, 2003
    IC Cassell and Amber
    Thank you to@Corellian Outrider for staying up way too late to do this.


    She wanted to leave, to just walk out the entrance and keep walking. Chak had retreated to her hair again, and she stood numbly scratching him. Today had not only been a tough day generally, but now she felt like she was on an emotional rollercoaster. She hated any ride she wasn't in control of, and she certainly wasn't in control of this ride. Closing her eyes she tried to take several deep breaths to calm herself. He told her to go, to get out of here. He must know what she was up too, he had to know what she was carrying. For all she knew he felt or saw them before she woke. She shivered involuntarily at that thought. He could have turned her in, he could have blown the entire operation, but he didn't. One word kept echoing through her head, FAMILY. It'd also become obvious to her, he wasn't like his brother, he'd not hurt her. How could she kill him? If they did this, he'd surely die and she'd have to live with having killed 'Family'. Opening her eyes she glanced around to confirm she was still alone, relieved to find she was. She had to go back in, she had to complete the mission and somehow, someway, either get him out or die in there with him. If she could just remember his name!.

    Pushing off the wall she slipped around the next corner she was relieved to step out of the garden to an entrance in that was unguarded. Drawing herself up again she muttered to Chak. "Let's do this." as she walked back in immediately scanning the room for someone she knew, anyone. Amber was relieved when her eyes found the flamboyantly dressed Cassell, not only did she trust him, but he knew more about her right now than anyone and she felt she could share what she now knew. Without hesitation she made her way across the room, smiling as she went at those acknowledging her till she reached him. He was watching Harley with disbelief as she took the hand of a nearby woman in firm fitting red gown and started to dance with her. She stepped in beside him and slipped her arm through to interlock with his and smiling at him.

    "it's been a while, but it's so good to see you again." Once again, she had forgotten a name, his cover name this time!

    "Ah..." Cassell said as he felt an arm in his, he saw it was Amber and smiled dearly, thankful for her safety. "Bless you! So good to see you my dear…" he was laying his accent a bit thick and took her other hand and kissed it, falling into character. "… too long it has been since last I saw your radiant smile."

    She smiled and tried not to laugh at his accent, knowing it was exaggerated. "It has, so how have you been? Has business been good?" she asked lightly while raising her eyebrows in hope he'd understand she was asking how his part in all this was going.

    "I've been well. Cannot complain." He had a broad smile. "Business has been prosperous… two out of three races have been cleared… right out the start too…" He was hinting back at the causeway. "Just need to arrange for the next circuit… although…" He gave turned and steered Amber with him to look at the paintings on the wall."With the winnings, tempted to bring the Kybucks home instead…" He looked to her. "What do you think?"

    He was creative that was for sure, and it took a few moments for her to digest his words. He'd planted 2 of his 3 devices and out the front. Looking at the paintings she frowned."I've never been a fan of art, mother loved it, but I found it tedious. I did see an interesting sculpture upstairs, in a nice alcove. It was beside a lovely room with a massive balcony from where you can see the tower rising from. The two impressive things I've seen tonight, aside from the bride of course." She hoped he'd understand.

    "That does sound beautiful..." Cassell processed that as the locations for her charges. How did she get upstairs in the bedrooms without an alert? Have to give her credit where credit is due. "... and of course the bride... she does look stunning?"

    Amber nodded. "A very modern gown and she carries it well." she said holding her smile all the while thinking 'and tonight she may well die wearing it', and that caused a tightness in her chest.

    "She does indeed," He gently patted Amber's hand, he knew how hard this is for her. "...maybe we should extend our compliments to her, if we can get close... we should also do the same for the band as well."

    There were so many people here, but she was terrified of seeing him again. "May I tell you a secret?" she asked winking and gesturing with her crooked finger.

    He wore that broad smile again and gave a small wave to another guest as he leaned his head close to her. "Of course, my dear." He answered as he followed her lead.

    Leaning close she had to tell him. "My late husband's brother is here, He's Imp and High Up and knows I'm here. Told me to clear out now." She smiled as she leaned back. "Can you believe that?"

    "Aahh… I see… " Now that made his eyes widen a fraction. Ex husband, Imperial brother-in-law… He filed that away for later to review and to ask Amber further about that. "That is certainly considerate of him.... I'm sure we can abide to the good man's wishes after the cake has been cut."

    Amber nodded and squeezed his arm in reassurance, she needed him to know she wasn't comfortable at all. The sooner they got out of there, the better.

    He regarded her face, searching her eyes. She seemed anxious, like back at the Intrepid's and the last thing he wanted was for her to have a panic and unravel the threads. He took a deep breath. He glanced about the dining room, he heard Zara starting up her song- angelic as a valkyrie. He saw Harley dancing with 'Red' and not far there stood Ianna alone, smiling and swaying to the music… his gaze travelled past the Imperial officers and across to the wait staff with the food. "There might be a way..." He whispered. "...but there's a cost."

    She turned to him with a quizzical expression. "Oh?" She didn't know what else to say.

    "The cost is a dance..." He murmured as he started to move to the dance floor. "though... the food might not have agreed with your stomach... I can call the limo.."

    Amber's eyes widened "Dance?" she didn't want to dance, there was something he didn't know she was carrying and she was sure a dance would reveal the weapon.

    "You'd like to dance?" she stepped and felt the weapon against her leg. "I've not been feeling the best, I'd rather not thank you." The last thing she needed was to be moving around the room where there was more chance of him seeing her again. What was his name?

    He pursed his lips. "A slow waltz to the beautiful music... as we survey the..." He caught himself from saying field of battle. "…lovers and joyous guests… before the exit... stage left..."

    She bit her bottom lip, so not comfortable with is insistence."Ok," she agreed begrudgingly.

    "Thank you." He smiled and then added."Would you like my riding cloak for warmth?"

    "Yes please."

    He unclasped and took off the riding cloak, then wrapped it about Amber's shoulders.

    "Thank you" she muttered as she pulled it around her, the clasp was very ornate.

    Cassell took a step back and then bowed to her and offered his hand. "Would you do me the honour of having this dance" He asked officially.

    She gave a nod and took his hand, no point in fighting this any longer. No doubt if he happened to notice it, she'd explain.

    "I'm on your wing.." He whispered to assure her as they stepped into the dance floor, he smiled as he timed with Zara's voice and then started them into a waltz.



    TAG: @galactic-vagabond422 (heading your way I hope!)
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2018
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