Private As Time Goes By

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Vletti'azan'uosus

The Velvet Eclipse was one of the newest revenue streams of Denon... a beautiful flying casino that went from the upper most city to the skyline and around the planet. Showing much of the beauty.. it could even go down into some of the canyons they were making that allowed premium districts to go down a few hundred levels. The ship able to go between the districts themselves and see the beauty of the levels descending and ascending. Tarish Bleu had helped with some of the design and input after how much The Uptown Girl had proven to be effective to their goals. Meanwhile she looked at the senator was protected here but Zahira Pallopides. The biot bodyguard was well beautiful as one expected, all leg and ankle length hair with her business suit in two colors. The black pants, shoes and jacket and the crimson red undershirt, streaks in her hair. Her figure designed to be like a lithe muscled dancer with pale gold kissed skin.

Ayumi was finding a beauty right now in the lounge of the casino. The musician they had hired was skilled, her fingers dancing across the ivory cragmaloid tusk keys. It wasn't the synth that many used or the artificial ones... they had sprung for an antique grand keyboard. the long body of it covered and highly reflective as the sounds resonated. Her attention wasn't on the shimmering card tables or the distant, glittering cityscape outside the panoramic windows. It was fixed on the stage, on the woman at the keyboard. Albedo. Her crimson hair was a vibrant splash against the dark polished wood of the piano, a stark contrast to the sophisticated blues and silvers that typically dominated the casino's aesthetic. She wasn't merely playing; she was coaxing the very soul out of the instrument, her slender fingers dancing across the keys with an almost predatory grace.

The notes wove a tapestry of sound that was both melancholic and utterly captivating, wrapping around the lounge like the lingering tendrils of expensive smoke. Ayumi leaned back in her plush chair, a half-empty glass of Corellian whisky forgotten on the small table beside her. Her gaze traced the delicate line of Albedo's jaw as she sang, the soft light from above highlighting the subtle play of emotion across her features. Albedo's voice was a revelation a husky, emotive instrument that took the classic melody of "As Time Goes By" and twisted it into something new, something Denon. The lyrics felt surprisingly apt. "This day and age we're living in, gives cause for apprehension…" Ayumi felt a flicker of recognition. Indeed. The ever-present hum of innovation, the constant push for the "fourth dimension" of progress, often left one feeling detached. Yet, Albedo's voice, rich and warm, brought it all back to earth.

"And no matter what the progress, or what may yet be proved, the simple facts of life are such, they cannot be removed." A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Ayumi's lips. The "fundamental things," as the song claimed. The eternal struggle, the undeniable pull of connection. Albedo infused each word with a profound understanding, not just of the song's original intent, but of its galactic translation. Her performance wasn't just technically proficient; it was deeply felt. "Moonlight and love songs, never out of date. Hearts full of passion, jealousy and hate…" The way Albedo lingered on "passion" and "hate" sent a shiver down Ayumi's spine, a subtle echo of the Sith script etched on her own back. There was an honesty there, a raw vulnerability mixed with an undeniable power. This wasn't just entertainment; it was an invitation into something deeper, something real.

Albedo wasn't merely a lounge singer; she was a storyteller, weaving tales of timeless emotions against the backdrop of a constantly evolving galaxy. As her voice soared on the final refrain "The world will always welcome lovers, as time goes by" Ayumi felt a connection, a resonance with this vibrant, red-haired musician. She knew, with a certainty that settled deep within her, that Albedo would be a formidable addition to the Velvet Eclipse. And perhaps, to her own world as well. Ayumi was enjoying it and the eclipse was looking for others to come here, to work and headline. She was seeking to constantly improve Denon as the ivory white of the buildings and rebuilt areas, the aurodium gold trim with glass panels. It was beautiful and clean for everyone as Ayumi spoke taking a sip for herself. There were a few sitting around to want to try out.

 

[Vletti'azan'uosus]

Objective: Try a new genre
Location: Casino lounge, The Velvet Eclipse, Lower Atmosphere, Denon
Tags: Ayumi Pallopides
Current Outfit: Lounge version of the famous red number.

Tiaza should not have been nervous. She had played bigger venues. This would actually be the smallest crowd the Chiss singer had performed in front of for some time. Since her first pop song gained a small amount of notice. Perhaps it was the change to singing lounge style. Was that really it though? Tiaza's voice would be the same no matter what style she sang, as long as she stayed within its limits she wouldn't have to worry about genres. And to be truthful she was actually looking forward to something a little different than what she had been doing to make credits.

As luck would have it the offer to dive into lounge singing lined up perfectly with the release of her latest pop music video that cast her as a lounge singer for part of the time. Her manager Sap couldn't say no to the opportunity, so Tiaza found herself in a short residency to play here in the casino of the Velvet Eclipse. The real reason for the nerves actually was the size of the crowd. It was more intimate, less forgiving. Perhaps these folks were just looking for entertainment and perfection wouldn't be expected. Perhaps Tiaza's reputation as a pop singer or opera prior to that wouldn't set up an expectation that her new style might fall short of. But Tiaza was never the one to expect things to go smoothly. Sorr Kortu pretty much made the easy way an impossibility. Tiaza smiled thinking of her boyfriend. They had never had it easy, but somehow it worked out for the best in the end.

Nerves weren't pushed down by the sounds coming from the stage as the performer before Tiaza finished up her set. Albedo's playing of the keyboard was perfection, her voice was different from Tiaza's yet entrancing and the words she sang spoke to a galaxy that Tiaza wasn't wise enough to comprehend in the same way. Perhaps this was a mistake. Perhaps this venue needed a more experienced musician. It was too late to back out now though.

As Albedo accepted the ovation from the crowd and departed the stage, a Muun moved from the back of the lounge to sit beside Senator Pallopides. Sap Hot cleared his throat as the stage underwent the subtle changes for a new singer. "A good singer you found there. Even still, I have to say that you will be even more wowed by my client."

Tiaza took the stage. She was wearing a sparkling red dress that she had designed for the occasion. It was inspired by the red outfit that Sorr and the rest of her fans seemed to love so much, but it was made a little bit more, fancy adult. She walked slowly across the stage to the microphone. She stood straight up and took a hold of the microphone, her leg bent exposing her knee and a bit of her shin through the slit in the dress. "Hello. Welcome to the Velvet Eclipse. I'm Tiaza. I hope you enjoy what I have put together for you." She started to sing.

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Vletti'azan'uosus

The Muun was there next to her as Albedo bowed and left the stage. A smile on Ayumi's face while she listened to the chiss. The Muun speaking wasn't a deterent while she sat there and had a small moment to turn her head and eyes over. "Oh I am sure I will be but you are already here. Selling me on the idea of her is not the problem." She said it and pointed with her finger. "It is all of them, these are people that drop five, ten, twenty million without batting an eyelash in the casino. SHe wouldn't be here if she didn't have the talent. It will come down to how she sways the crowd." She said it with raised eyebrows as she turned back to look and the people were enjoying it.

 

[Vletti'azan'uosus]

Objective: Try a new genre
Location: Casino lounge, The Velvet Eclipse, Lower Atmosphere, Denon
Tags: Ayumi Pallopides
Current Outfit: Lounge version of the famous red number.

Tiaza continued with her set. It was not a particularly long one as this was supposed to be more of a try out than a full concert. And even if she managed to get a recurring slot at the casino lounge, Tiaza somehow doubted that their singers went on for quite as long as a pop concert would be. After "Mad World", Tiaza transitioned into her next song, "Landslide".

In the crowd Sap was a bit thrown by the direction of the Senator's statement. It seemed that this was a little more than a true tryout. Ayumi at the very least had heard of Tiaza or more likely had heard her sing. How the patrons of the casino responded was key now. In truth Tiaza didn't need the gig. It was a compromise from the hectic schedule that Sap had demanded in the pop world. A chance for Tiaza to cool down, but that didn't mean that Sap's need for income and his competitive nature would go away. "I hope that her melodies keeping gamblers from their seats at the gaming center for a bit will not be a problem. Once they hear her voice, they won't be quick to leave."

As Sap bragged there was a bit of a commotion coming from the lounge's dressing room. A loud dramatic gasp was followed by more commotion as another singer strode towards Sap and the Senator. She was a tall curvy woman in a sparkling red dress. Sap saw the trouble immediately as he looked to Tiaza on the stage wearing a similar red dress. The unfamiliar singer had red hair and as she stomped closer Sap realized she had purplish skin. "That girl has stolen my look. Senator. I know that there will be other singers coming through here, but can we please get some wardrobe coordination going forward? Don't need people thing we're the same person." There was a bit of a pause from the singer and she smiled. "She does have talent. Soul in that voice for someone so young."

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Vletti'azan'uosus

Ayumi listened to the next song with a grin on her face though as she sat there. She listened but was enjoying it as she gave a nod. The drink she had was perfect even if it wasn't a spirit like many of the others and the woman coming over to talk to her brought her attention around with a grin. "Well hello." She said it while checking all the right things but never stopped listening. She made a few marks but took note. "Well, we'll have to see it isn't often we have two incredibly talented ones." The air in the Grand Chandrila Suite was thick with the scent of blooming japor-sliver and the quiet clink of crystal flutes.

This was a room of credits and overseen by a row of Denon's ultra wealthy. At the center sat the Senator, her expression unreadable until Albedo stepped into the light. Albedo didn't just walk; she drifted, her gown shimmering like the nebula of a dying star. Behind her, her two backup singers moved in a slow, rhythmic sway, their voices forming a low, humming baseline that vibrated in the floorboards. Albedo caught Ayumi's eye and held it, a small, knowing smirk playing on her lips. "I was born to rule the gala," she sang, her voice a smoky purr that seemed to dim the room's ambient light, "and I almost achieved that goal..."

"Albedo..." the singers breathed, their voices a soft, harmonic sigh. "But a certain Jedi," she continued, her gaze flickering briefly to the Temple spires visible through the transparisteel windows, "with a spirit more powerful than I could ever control, broke my stride." She leaned toward the judges' table, her gloved hand tracing the air. "But, still, he inspired this... this melodic marvel, that learns and returns every heart-stolen glance." Ayumi was looking at her and offered a small nod of her head to continue. Albedo had come to do a second one aafter Tiaza if only so the two of them would be able to show their skills.

"Albedo!" The singers snapped in unison, a sharp, percussive sound that echoed off the marble. "My secret weapon," Albedo whispered, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial velvet, "a charm so ultimate, it will tell the Senate that Albedo is back." She let out a soft, teasing trill of laughter. The tempo kicked up, transitioning into a sophisticated, driving rhythm. Albedo began to move, a slow, predatory prowl across the stage that never broke eye contact with the Senator.

"There'll be total fascination, complete infatuation of all who now defy me! Let the systems prepare, let the Council beware! You fools shall not deny me! Now go, go, go, go!" She spun, her skirts flaring like a solar flare. "It will all be mine, a presence so divine, I'll tell the suns to shine on only me! It will all be mine till the end of time, when this perfect night makes history! My darlings... this is our destiny." She paused at the edge of the stage, mere inches from the Senator's seat, leaning down until she could smell the official's expensive perfume. "Listen up, you noble souls," she sang softly, her voice dripping with mock-reproach. "No excuses, and no more political lies." "Albedo!"

"You've heard my most ingenious plan," she teased, trailing a finger along the edge of the Senator's data-pad. "I DEMAND THE ULTIMATE PRIZE!"
"Albedo!" "Now bring me the golden starship," she sang, her voice rising into a crescendo of pure, crystalline power, "and bear witness as I speak! I shall possess the awesome power... in a Senator's rosy cheeks!" She winked, a gesture so bold it caused a ripple of hushed gasps among the wealthy onlookers. "There'll be total fascination, complete infatuation! Now go, go, go, go! It will all be mine, a presence so divine! I'll tell the suns to shine on only me! It will all be mine, till the end of time, when this perfect night makes history! This... is our destiny!"

The two backup singers stepped forward, their voices intertwining in a rapid-fire, melodic banter: "To protect the world from boredom and stagnation!" "To unite all hearts within our nation!" "To denounce the evils of silence and gloom!" "To extend our reach to every ballroom!" Albedo took center stage for the final reprise, her voice soaring to a high, operatic note that seemed to vibrate the very kyber in the room. "There'll be total fascination, pure infatuation, or an absolute surrender! I'll have limitless power, this is our finest hour! NOW GO, GO, GO, GO!" As the music faded into a single, low bass note, Albedo remained in a deep, theatrical curtsy, her eyes tilted up, waiting for the Senator to make the first move.

Ayumi clapped looking at them both while offered a nod of her head. "Hmm perfect, the two of you come here and sit."

 

[A Phoenix]

Objective: Try a new genre
Location: Casino lounge, The Velvet Eclipse, Lower Atmosphere, Denon
Tags: Ayumi Pallopides
Current Outfit: Lounge version of the famous red number.

"Landslide" concluded to slightly less fanfare than "Mad World" had. It was only a slight surprise. "Mad World" was a practiced tried and true song, even if not in this setting. "Landside" was a new one. Still there was something about the way the crowd reacted that made her wonder if there was something else going on. She looked out into the crowd as she thanked the for the applause. There the Chiss songstress saw there was a bit of a commotion around the Senator who had hired her.

Tiaza immediately saw what the issue was. The woman making the complaint was wearing a dress extremely similar to what Tiaza was wearing. The Chiss youngster took in a deep breath. The last thing she wanted to do was to make a scene, or to insult some other performer. Tiaza didn't even think that the red dress fashioned after the favorite outfit of fans and her boyfriend was necessary. She could have come up with a completely new look for her set at the casino lounge. Now she needed to move on and hope that the drama from the crowd didn't come up on stage.

Before she could begin singing again, however another distraction made their way into the crowd. "Albedo" didn't seem to like giving other singers a turn. Tiaza sighed again and made an exasperated wave of her hand to direct any eyes on her to shift to Albedo as she made her little scene. Tiaza took a step back and let things play out. The singing and dancing were pure talent, but Tiaza had already heard that. The outburst was everything that made Tiaza wish she could hide in the shadows and still share her music with the galaxy.

The demand for the "golden starship". The claim to have the power to bring color to the Senator's cheeks. Neither thing interested Tiaza. The other singer stood stunned at the performance. Whoever this was, Tiaza and Albedo were much higher thought about talents. Her only concern was not being lost because she wore the same dress as another performer.

The Senator responded to Albedo's antics with applause. That didn't bother Tiaza. She much preferred to allow the others to do there thing while she waited. Others in the crowd cheered Albedo as well and then the Senator invited both of the other singers to sit with her and Sap.

"Vess'ika Kushi," the purple skinned singer introduced herself to Sap and offered a hand. Guessing that Sap had something to do with the music industry. "A pleasure to meet you."

Sap took her hand but did not kiss it as Vess'ika had intended. Instead, he held it and guided her into a seat between him and the Senator. "Sap Hot. The pleasure is mine. Will you be performing tonight?"

"It appears that we're going to have a conversation first," Vess'ika said with a smile and bat of her long lashed, pupilless blue eyes. "I get to share the interview stage with the great Albedo? I don't know that I am worthy," the last was said with a bit of venom in the tone.

Sap noted the tension, but that it seemed to be contained to the immediate area for now. It wasn't often the Muun thought of such things, but he found himself wondering what the others in the crowd would be thinking him surrounded by three beautiful women.

Seeing her opportunity Tiaza stepped forward back to the microphone. "Well, I wasn't under the impression that I was going to require an intermission in a five song test set, but thanks girls for the break," the Chiss singer said with a nervous giggle. "I think that we're ready to move on. This next song is one I've sang many times. I hope you like it."

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

A Phoenix

Ayumi listened as she motioned for most of the ones who had come to sit. The chiss began another song but she didn't discourage it. AAlbedo joining as Ayumi spoke with a grin on her face. "She is dedicated." Ayumi said it but she made sure the chiss singer saw her approval. SHe looked at the Muun with a look but mostly remained there. "All fo them have lovely voices but how does your client handle the interpersonal aspects of this position. We are looking for regulars to come and spend their credits for shows, drinks, repeat business at the tables. More is not required but smiles, handshakes, learning the names of the regulars who come nightly or pay for rooms long term is a personal touch that makes more credits"

 

[Vletti'azan'uosus]

Objective: Try a new genre
Location: Casino lounge, The Velvet Eclipse, Lower Atmosphere, Denon
Tags: Ayumi Pallopides
Current Outfit: Lounge version of the famous red number.

Tiaza continued the song. A brief look from Ayumi made her wonder if she had missed something in the drama that had occurred with the other two singers. A look to Sap made Tiaza realize that she had missed something. She managed to hide her worry well and the Chiss singer wasn't about to quit on a song in the middle. That would not be a good trend to start. So she kept singing.

Sap smiled, or as close as the Muun could manage to a smile, when Ayumi declared Tiaza to be dedicated. "Song has been her life for some time. She came to Coruscant while the Alliance was in power, a refugee from the destruction of the Chiss Ascendency. Her voice was all she had separated from her father and sister. She was briefly in an opera troupe. I discovered her there and made the shift to something more individual and galaxy wide. She has been doing well ever since."

"Oh poor baby was thrown out into the big bad galaxy by herself," Vess'ika blurted out with a mock pouty lip. "What we really need to know is that she has a different dress somewhere. I always wear red."

Sap sighed and shook his tall head. "Tiaza wears red quite often. It is her fans' favorite. The holonet did a poll. Has your wardrobe been vetted by trillions of fans on the holonet?" The Muun hummed before turning back to the Senator. "She is personable. Though her life experience has made her a little timid at times. I doubt you will have a problem with her doing publicity and identifying those who she should know. And she has a sharp mind of course."

The song came to a close and Tiaza took a bow at the clapping. "It seems that three songs was enough for this set," she said her cheeks blushing just a bit and her voice cracked just slightly. "The band will play for you for a bit while."

The crowd again clapped as Tiaza made her way off the stage and over to where the others had gathered. "I am sorry about the dress," she said to Vess'ika before anything else could be said. The redheaded Kunaru merely nodded while rolling her eyes.

Tiaza either didn't notice or chose to ignore the dismissal. "Thank you for the opportunity to sing for you Senator. This has been my first time singing in this sort of setting. I hope that the crowd enjoyed the songs I chose."

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Vletti'azan'uosus

Ayumi listened to Taiza's tale and she didn't interrupt. Turning her attention to the woman speaking while Albedo remained quiet. Ayumi finished listening as Taiza came over to join them and she spoke. "Oh they did and I loved it as well. If you choose to stay here with us then your set will be fine but I like to get to know those who work in the places I frequent... also helps that the red brings out your eyes." She said it while being there for the moment and leaned back. "Now all three of you play nice. I want this is be a very good. I realize now we might need to adjust, the potential of a single singer here nightly is more demanding and long term could be unhealthy."

She said it but looked at all three. "So we will be looking at something better for the scheduling... It would make it better to gauge crowd interests for what nights the people come and most importantly preserve those voices." She said it with a small look though. "But tell me, what you all think of the Eclipse itself? Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?" She said it and Albedo spoke with a smile. "It is beautiful senator, your work on it and the rest of the district was always beautiful." Ayumi looked at her. "Well thank you, District nineteen was a lot of work and it was the revitalization of the entertainment district."