A Change of Pace [CIS Dominion of Nar Kaaga]

[Darth Metus]

​

Court of Bopa the Hutt, Nar Kaaga​

Recent events had seen the borders of two powerful governments draw ever closer to the world of Nar Kaaga: a fact that caused quite a sum of concern on the part of Bopa the Hutt. Over the course of his two decade reign, he had done his absolute best to keep the planet independent from any overarching government, but it seemed as though that particular goal would be no longer an option. As such, he convened with his court and advisors and discussed the future of his people before giving the Confederacy of Independent Systems a surprising call. He desired for Nar Kaaga to become apart of the growing nation whose emphasis was on freedom and the rights of the planets, which suited him leagues more than joining the nation that had attacked Nar Shaddaa.

To this end, a lavish feast had been prepared in honor of this arrangement. Invitations had been sent out to all of the Confederacy's personnel, military, hired, and Templar alike. His palace had been opened to receive them and he had spared no expense in the making of preparations. In the Grand Hall, several tables had been lined up, each characterized with purple cloths and the finest china. Servants wandered about waiting to cater to the whims of their incoming guests, bearing platter upon platter of succulent foods and pitchers of aged wine. At the head of the Hall was Bopa's throne, where he and his wife Kupi laid. Servants fanned them perpetually and dancers flourished themselves before them: entertainment for all to enjoy!

For those of the Confederacy, this event would be a welcome change: a shift from fighting battle after battle on the eastern front to enjoying a feast in their honor.

Spoiler

@[member="Adela Verd"], @[member="Aella Cadeyrn"], @[member="Alexis Vikram"], @[member="Alida Ember"], @[member="Alisha'ven"], @[member="Alli Wren"], @[member="Alliera Nakamura"], @[member="Anastasia Verd"], @[member="Ancora Lorr"], @[member="AR-G002"], @[member="Araceli Loxley"], @[member="Ashlyn Roberts"], @[member="Avara Dawngard"], @[member="Boone"], @[member="CC-051 Jorgan"], @[member="CC-114 Una"], @[member="CC-117 Canal"], @CC-1385 "Wolf, @[member="CC-192 Storm"], @[member="CC-195 Caboose"], @[member="CC-235 Umbra"], @[member="CC-256 Scalpel"], @[member="CC-325 Sawtooth"], @[member="CC-329 Nadir"], @[member="CC-420 Doc"], @[member="CC-442 Daral"], @[member="CC-676 Phoenix"], @[member="CC-777 Jackpot"], @[member="CC-808 Shark"], @[member="CC-827 Tauranov"], @[member="CC-829 Wraith"], @[member="CC-837 Vanator"], @[member="CC-848 Jon"], @[member="CC-935 Bluejay"], @[member="CC-953 Oddball"], @[member="Commander Calico CC-247"], @Corvinus Palpatine, @[member="Cross"], @[member="Curupira Hawk"], @[member="Daxton Bane"], @[member="Desmond Verd"], @[member="Desmond Voralis."] @[member="Devorah Verd"], @[member="Disciple"], @[member="Elrax Mothris"], @[member="Ember Rekali"], @[member="Feena Mason"], @[member="Felix Emer"], @[member="Galaar CC-252"], @[member="Gerion Ardik"], @[member="Ginnie Verd"], @[member="Hannibal Oryen"], @[member="Hayato"], @[member="Hovenk"], @[member="Idiian Sayali"], @[member="Irridia Solensis"], @[member="Isabella Denko"], @[member="Ishtar Freyja"], @[member="Jason Sisk"], @[member="Joshua Helthane"], @[member="Kage CC-743"], @[member="Kai Nariko"], @[member="Kaiden Jades"], @[member="Kalia Walsh"], @[member="Kara Avoyos"], @[member="Kassandra Distorith"], @[member="Kataphrak"], @[member="Katrina Garnier"], @[member="Kelios Shara-da"], @[member="Ket Van Derveld"], @[member="Keter"], @[member="Killua Alkyone"], @[member="Krest"], @[member="Lauren Walsh"], @[member="Loki Heidrun"], @[member="Lorcan Roberts"], @[member="Lucas Burke"], @[member="M4N-SDD"], @[member="Manu Xextos"], @[member="Marek Starchaser"], @[member="Montag Card"], @[member="Nar'vash Ver-Sha"], @[member="Neskar A'toll"], @[member="Nima Ven"], @[member="Nocturno"], @[member="Oron Verd"], @[member="Oryuken CC-128P"], @[member="Phantom"], @[member="Phoebe Verd"], @[member="Praxis"], @[member="Rayn H'voc"], @[member="Ruu"], @[member="Ruusan"], @[member="Ruza Deveel"], @[member="Salem Norongachi"], @[member="Sanna Legra"], @[member="Sephoria Lasranae"], @[member="Serian Loria"], @[member="Seth Lockheart"], @[member="Shorurra"], @[member="Siara Kai"], @[member="Sierra Levonan"], @[member="Silas Raan"], @[member="Silens Telum"], @[member="Siqa"], @Siyndachi Aerin, @[member="Sophia Walsh"], @[member="Strask Ak'lya"], @[member="Suhr"], @[member="Thrasher CC-314"], @[member="Tia`ser Verd"], @[member="Torinia Mune"], @[member="Tycho Shorn"], @[member="Valarr Vaelaros"], @[member="Vorhi Alestrani"], @[member="Voroll"], Vuko Navak, @[member="Xalus"], @[member="Xander Carrick"], @[member="XV-265"], @[member="Zius Aurus"].

 

[Darth Ferus]

Krest moves his way into the palace, hands behind his head. A feast in a kingdom.. It was certainly new experience for the Iridonian. He proceeded to do what you'd expect from him. He stood to the side, his arms crossed. He leaned against a nearby wall, simply waiting for the others. No way was he going to start any conversation.

Parties, not my thing.

 

[Corey's OOC]

See, now this was the kind of conflict resolution that Marek could get behind. Sure, he was part and leader of the Techno Union, and most of that was just deals, and playing with toys, when he actually had to meet clients, but something like this? A feast and party awaiting the Confederacy? That was something new. The Templar Foreman was ready for something like this. He dressed up for the occasion, but he still had a slugthrower under his jacket, in a docker’s clutch.

Could never be too safe. And besides, his trusted revolver made a lot of sense, because nothing could ruin something like that. It was almost out of palce for him to feel this excited about going to a foreign world. He was still ready and waiting with the Force, but that was just him.

Maybe a quick trip to the bar? That ought to do him well.

 

[Malok]

Filing in at the rear of the influx of Confederate individuals was the three hundred and eighth clone of the Dread Guard: Maverick. He, unlike the vast majority of persons roaming about, had elected to come in his armor. This was not due to some sort of defiance or rebellion against the occasion...he just didn't have anything else to wear. With his helmet tucked under the crook of his arm, the clone took notice of the Iridonian leaned against the wall and decided to engage him. After the events on Nar Haaska, he had an unspoken respect for the man and waved him over. "Greetings Templar!" he said, striding closer, "It's good to see you again!"

@[member="Krest"]

 

[Brooke Waters]

It seemed like things were a whirlwind for the blonde. Sure, there was the whole coming to the Confederate space because Sindy had a job offer, that was awesome, really. But for Token? Well, it was something new! And she wanted to see if maybe someone here could help her get a handle on her Force powers. Really, it was only secondary. If she could just avoid the use of the Force, she would be fine. And maybe she could help her friend…person…girl…thing with her job sometimes. Besides, there was that Marek guy. He seemed nice… to look at.

Aside from that Token really didn’t interact with him too much. She would just typically busy herself if Sindy needed to speak to him. But, look! They had just come off of Coruscant, barely settled in, and there was a call for a party! If there was one thing that she did enjoy, it was celebrating. Probably a bit of spoiledness coming from her family and their money.

Was that bad? And music! Music was always good! Token smiled and looked at Sindy. “So, I wonder if they have parties like this for every time someone chooses to take a job in the Confederacy?” Right, because Token was clearly the smartest little blonde ever.

@[member="Siyndacha Aerin"]

 

[Ginnie Dib]

What was a thirteen year old to wear to a party of this amazing magnitude? Her hot pink Beskar'Gam, of course. Ginnie Verd was more than a little proud of being a Mandalorian, and being one found worthy of Beskar'Gam? There was no better joy in the universe. Her armour showed her status, her armour showed her pride, her armour made it possible for her to hear the party. As such, the 4'11" Mando'ade girl buffed her armour with her cape and trotted into the party.

After all, if she was going to run Clan Verd someday, she'd have to get used to being ​authoritative. Unlike @[member="CC-308 Maverick"], Ginnie didn't take her helmet off, but what she did do was hop up to Maverick and give a salute. "Aspirant Ginnie Verd reporting for party happening! Do you know if they have lemonade?"

 

[Ak'lya]

Strask smiled at the scene. This had the potential to be a perfect meeting. The Hutts were switching to the Confederacy, a feast was given in their honor, and his counterparts had a tendency to drink themselves into fools. It was quite entertaining, but the Bothan had no good reason to smile. He was still pained from the loss of his wife. A year ago today. Lifting a cup to himself, he muttered, "To you, my love. Rest in peace." Taking a drink, more than he should have, he set the glass down. He missed her. Oh, how she would be happy now! She'd have all the fine things she wanted. But she was dead, buried by a friend on Tatooine. He was going to move the bodies, but he didn't want to disturb her grave. Reaching into the pocket of his trenchcoat, as his formal attire looked like that of a spymaster, he pulled out her wedding ring, a golden band with a single gem in the center. He had saved for weeks to buy that, going with little food and emptying his savings. She had loved it. And now, it was all that was left.

Standing, he scanned the room. Warriors, wizards, and no one he knew well enough to talk to. He needed a distraction, lest he drown himself in alcohol to forget. Where was @[member="Isley Verd"] when you needed him?

 

[Darth Metus]

Slow, yet confident, strides bore the mountain of beskar across the marble floors: the Colonel had arrived. With his helmet tucked under the crook of his arm, the Mandalorian scanned the growing crowd for familiar faces whilsts making his way forward. As he walked along, his fingers claimed a goblet of wine from a passing servant and he brought the chilled drink to his lips, indulging in a sip. It was a rarity for Isley Verd to drink when in the presence of co-workers, but the aches in his bones demanded solace. Battle after battle had seen him pushed to the very edge of his strength, but now there was something lighter for him to place his attention on. Now, all he had to do was sit, smile, drink, and eat...and then he could go home and sleep.

'Alright, simple enough.' he thought, lowering the glass from his lips.

Taking a moment, his eyes, stained orange by the black within him, scanned the faces of those who were present. There was Ser Krest, the Iridonia, leaning on a wall whilst Maverick and Ginnie engaged him. There was the Foreman of the Techno Union, Marek Starchaser, who was also a student of his. And...there was a new face whom Isley had never encountered before. Taking an additional sip, he then raised his goblet in greeting to his student before stepping over to the blonde. With a simple nod of acknowledgment, he introduced himself. "Good evening miss, I am Colonel Isley Verd. A pleasure to meet you." Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Bothan: @[member="Strask Ak'lya"]. He gave him a slight wave and a smile: "You look like you could use a drink my friend."

@[member="Token Waters"], @[member="Marek Starchaser"].

 

[Malok]

After greeting the Iridonian, a high-pitched voice commanded the attention of the clone. He looked in the direction of where the sound was coming from, down, and was greeted with the sight of the "Princess of the Dread Guard": @[member="Ginnie Verd"]. She was just as energetic and bouncy as always, which was one of the many reasons why the legion loved having her around. She was a stark contrast to the realities of war; a momentary distraction from the explosions and bloodshed...Maverick couldn't help but smile as she "reported in". Giving her a playful salute, the clone responded with: "Good evening Aspirant Verd, great to see you!" he then looked about the room for any sight of the elusive lemonade before adding, "I'm sure they've got some stashed around here somewhere, let's go hunting for it!"

@[member="Ginnie Verd"].

 

[Ginnie Dib]

"Your armour is looking smashing today, Sir. I polished mine as good as I could, I hope it's all polished right. I borrowed a kit from my brother, but don't tell him. It's a secret." No war today but the war of finding treats and zippy beverages a minor could safely imbibe without breaking laws and getting tummy aches. The cacophony of sounds around the girl were being actively filtered to hitch on conversations, lest the girl get overwhelmed. How could she though? @[member="CC-308 Maverick"] was there, @[member="Isley Verd"] had come in sipping a glass of wine and holding his helmet instead of wearing it. Maybe if she did an impressive job of mingling and being a polite yet forceful Mando'ade, her brother could slip away early and take a nap. So it was Ginnie Verd decided on her course of action: becoming the life of the party.

"Yes, we shall hunt for lemonade and claim it for the Glory of Mandalore! And ah.. the.. Confederacy? I don't think many in the Confederacy will like lemonade but it's the perfect beverage for a half pint." The petite girl put her crush gaunt-clad hand in the Clone Commander's and peered around the room. A case of the jitters met its' end in the childish practice of holding on, Ginnie knew she wouldn't be able to enjoy her childhood much longer, like the Confederacy itself the girl was growing up. "Where do you suppose one hides things like lemonades and meringue cookies and perhaps a piece of cake… The objective is tricksy, I think they're being hidden. By whom? We need a spy. A spy will tell us."

She decided not to grow up until tomorrow. Possibly next week.

 

[Ak'lya]

Pressing her ring into his palm, Strask made his way over to @[member="Isley Verd"], his hand trailing a quarter-empty wine glass. "Quite the opposite. It's best not to surrender to a bottle to remove pain, lest it take your cares with it." Still, the man forced a smile. His glass came up, and another sip disappeared down the bothan's throat. The ring in his hand was his lifeline, and to loose it would be disastrous. He slid his hand into a pocket, opened it, and let the ring go. Later. He would remember her later. But he couldn't push her out of his mind. She haunted him. He missed her with all his heart. He would tell Isley, he decided. But later. Not now. Not tonight. "So will this be happening often, now? Or is this just a rare respite from the constant war?"

 

[Siyndacha Aerin]

If there was something to be said for the Confederacy, it was that they didn't leave you waiting around. It felt as if, within mere hours of their arrival and acceptance of the job offer with the Techno Union and @[member="Marek Starchaser"], that they were already being thrown into the fray... but as far as Token was concerned, there wasn't much fray to be thrown into if it was just a party. Sindy had come to trust that Token knew what she was doing in these circumstances, and so long as she had Token nearby, it was manageable.

Of course, she could still be a little daft. Sindy shook her head, and looped her arm through Token's. The music was... well, nothing she hadn't been subjected to before, but competing with music to have a conversation with someone was not on her list of favourite things to do with her time.

"I believe it's merely coincidence," she said, offering a small smile. "But it's a nice thought."

It was. She could definitely agree with the levity. Sindy craned her head around a little, seeing if she could spot Marek.

@[member="Token Waters"]

 

[Devorah Verd]

With a sigh, the young woman fixed a smile to her features and checked her reflection one last time. Slender fingers deftly arranged her long, loose curls around her shoulders before applying a light touch of make-up. A bit of kohl to line her eyes and a touch of clear gloss slid across plump lips. Devorah deemed herself as ready as she was going to be, and carefully collected her thoughts and hid them away behind a number of confusing mental shields.

Perhaps not the most adept application, but well enough to leave herself some measure of privacy against the prying that was likely to ensue at a gathering of this nature.

Devorah strode slowly into the warmly lit space, dark eyes drinking in the sights that a Hutt-sponsored party offered. There were delicacies for all manner of sentients to enjoy, along with a wide variety of drinks - they had clearly spared no expense. Her smile warmed as she tilted her head and caught sight of her brother in the midst of the crowd. Making her way through, she nodded delicate greetings to those of the CIS she recognized, of which there were few. That would change with time and with more of these events where she could get to know people outside of the auspices of training and missions.

Fingers smoothed out the sleek white minidress she wore, settling it just so over her curves as she came up to @[member="Isley Verd"]'s side. A gentle brush of her mind against this announced her presence, as he was in the midst of a conversation she did not wish to interrupt.

 

[Brooke Waters]

The fray could be a lot worse, that was for sure. Token wasn’t a fighter. And she was going to avoid the conflicts as best she could. Y’know, maybe find a nice pace where would could relax and do her best to relax people there. Was that wrong? She liked having a good time, and if she could help others have a good time and unwind, that was more than she needed. The blonde lived for and loved these types of things.

Smiling at the other girl, when their arms were linked, she looked around. Giving a slight nod to the Mandalorian, @[member="Isley Verd"], that was something Token could easily recognize, she smiled. “It’s a pleasure, sir!” She was overzealous and bubbly as usual, having made to curtsy one side of her dress.

“I dunno, I bet its for you! I mean, c’mon, the Techno Union needs you!” Right? Right! “We should get a drink?” More a statement than question, but her voice did rise. Testing the waters.

@[member="Siyndacha Aerin"]

 

[Malok]

A bemused chuckle escaped the lips of the clone and he took a moment to slip his helmet onto his head. From there, Ginnie took his hand in hers and they began the mission to seek out the sweets. Lemonade, Cookies, and Cake had to be around here somewhere, and it was now the primary objective of Team Half Pint to find out where they were being held hostage. "Alright ma'am, let's get this operation underway." he said, unable to keep himself from smiling. Leading the way, Maverick then cornered one of the servants and asked in a polite, yet military manner. "You there, where are you hiding the lemonade?" At first the servant was startled to be approached by a Dread Guard in such a manner, but then she saw the Princess holding his hand. Playing along, she feigned fear and said: "They're at the dessert table! Over there!"

Chuckling, Maverick looked to Ginnie and added: "Time is of the essence ma'am, we must liberate the goodies!"

@[member="Ginnie Verd"].

 

[Darth Metus]

The Mandalorian was far from being an empath, but he could read between the lines. Strask was obviously going through...something...either that, or he thought Isley was. Regardless, the Templar raised his glass in a slight toast to the agent that he had come to respect quite considerably and said: "All things in moderation my friend." before taking another sip of his wine. As the sweet, yet tart, liquid poured down his throat, he felt the presence of the Force. It brushed against his mind, almost like a gentle touch, alerting him to the presence of his sibling. Isley gave a slight nudge of acknowledgement through the Force as well and motioned for her to join him before the two women. Whilst waving her down, he overheard the words Techno Union, which caused the Mandalorian to beam with pride.

His apprentice had come a long way.

"The pleasure's all mine, miss." he began, deciding to humor the two of them. "The Techno Union was indeed a huge motivation in the Hutts' decision to throw this gala. So enjoy, ladies! The drinks are, well, everywhere." With that said, he excused himself with a bow of his head and strode over to meet his sister, snaking an arm around her waist in greeting. "Hey Dev'ika," he said, guiding her into an embrace, "you look great!"

@[member="Devorah Verd"], @[member="Token Waters"], @[member="Marek Starchaser"], @[member="Strask Ak'lya"], @[member="Siyndacha Aerin"]

 

[Revenchent]

Calico didn't feel the need to dress up for Hutts. He wasn't a stingy, hateful man, but putting on a nice suit was just too much work. Tactical insertions under the cover of a setting sun were one things, putting together a viable set of clothing for social engagements was something entirely.


The Grand Marshal showed up in some old work-boots, faded gray slacks, and a black shirt that was getting a bit too tight around the waist. At least he was starting to fill out his boots. The soldier strode in with a neutral expression, his thick beard now completely shaved off, and his hair having grown slightly. his dark eyes drifted over all the people in the room--all the people he had never met-- and made a note to put names to faces. That was how these things worked, after all, politics, and he hated it. He wasn't bred for it, and he would never truly adjust to it.

"Don't flirt with all the women Is'ika, I'll tell your cyare. The ARC boys were never tight lipped when it came to gossip; Kammies' didn't program that bit in correctly." Calico shot at Isley, accompanied by a small, tired grin. The recent assault on Nar Haaska had been an absolute disaster. A ground war had erupted with the locals, and the planet had entered a state of martial law--all enforced by Calico himself.

Many of the natives had looked at him like a tyrant, and perhaps they were right. It had been the same kind of thing he had criticized the GAR for doing in the past, after all. "Evening, ladies, gentlemen." He rose a hand in a short wave, expression unchanging as he eyed over those who had disobeyed his orders and caused the incident on Nar Haaska. He hadn't done anything, hadn't court martialed anyone. They had made their choice, and their peers would judge them for it.

You need to come back from the deep space ops Galaar. I need you around, you and Sigma. I should be out there, in the mud with my boys, like you. Not partying.

Calico hid the guilt well as he sidled on up near Isley, not nearly looking like one of the most powerful men, if not the most, in the room. His smile widened slightly as he stood, content to make sure nothing went wrong with the proceedings. Being social wasn't alien to him, but civilians, and women, tended to provoke his anxiety. He didn't want to say anything offensive.

"Galaar and company are out on the Rim right now. Sigma is hunting down our green plant friend, and the rest of TacOps is due for leave time in a week." Calico folded his arms over his chest as he spoke quietly to Isley, brow knit in confusion at @[member="Devorah Verd"]--who was this one, another of Isley's friends? "And Nar Haaska is settling down. We're set, so far. Who are these people?"

Calico paid no mind to the fact that Isley was hugging the woman. He didn't truly understand that it was rude to just...talk to someone like that. It just didn't register; some things were left out, even after so many years of being involved with the common folk.

@Errybody

@[member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Malok]

Fancy shin-digs were not exactly the sort of event that attracted the Enforcer known as Abel Denko. However, when one received a personal invitation from a Hutt...you typically accepted. Abel had done enough "legitimate business" with the slimy bastards to know that they had enough thugs lying around to break his kneecaps, so he made it a point to show up. Why? Well, he liked his kneecaps...quite a bit. Formal attire was a rarity for the Enforcer, but he even dusted off his black suit for the occasion, shaved, and slicked back his hair somewhat. Suffice it to say, Abel was looking good as he strolled into the party. Now, had he managed to convince his Master to come along? Probably, but he hadn't shown his face yet. The argument he made was something along the lines of: "It'll be fun" coupled with "You need to get out more" with a side of "suit yourself, more ladies for me."

So, Abel strode in and wandered about, securing himself a glass of wine from an oh-so-pretty Twi'lek who was wandering by. The night was young and the fun had arrived.

@[member="Serian Loria"].

 

[Not Ordo]

@[member="Isley Verd"] @[member="CC-308 Maverick"] @[member="Token Waters"] @[member="Devorah Verd"] @[member="Siyndacha Aerin"] @[member="Strask Ak'lya"] @[member="Ginnie Verd"]

Ruusan was not really the kind of Woman to get dolled up...ever...for anything. She walked in wearing her standard Issue BDU's and a cigar between her teeth.

"Dress up my shebs." she said to her self as she walked into the party. "Where the feth are those clone boys I hear so much about?"

Ruusan grabbed a tumbler of whiskey from someone she didn't recognize and started looking around to see if the had a Sabaac table set up. If not she'd have to get liquored up and start some other trouble.

 

[Malok]

Having now scanned the Grand Hall, the Enforcer noticed something unique brewing off to the side. One of the tables, smaller than the rest, had been set up in order to accommodate a game of Sabaac. There was a dealer in place and everything! Sure, Abel wasn't the richest man in the world; nor was he the best gambler...but it sure as kark beat walking around idly in a suit. Taking a sip of his drink, the Enforcer strode on over and fished around in his pocket for a few credits to buy himself into the game. Upon sitting, he placed the golden bars on the surface of the table and sipped from his drink. "Alright, deal me in." he said curtly. Serian had made a rule about language, but he didn't make a rule about gambling...thank the karking Force.

@[member="Ruusan"].