Black Collar Gala

[Aela Talith]

[member="Gorba the Hutt"] | [member="Xin Boa"] | [member="Kinsey Starchaser"]

The events all happened so fast that Aela wasn't quite sure what had actually occurred.

After a moment of course she was able to gather herself, her hand having slipped and practically torn away from Xin, her clothes soaked in drinks and her hair somewhat ruined by the stench of stale whisky. A scowl was on her face, though for more reason than just the fact that she had some drinks spilled on her. This was supposed to be about control, about taking charge and moving things in a way so she could photograph everyone here, now?

Now she was drenched. "I."

She started to speak, glancing up at the Hutt for a moment and then towards the girl who had now been seized by the guards. A slight hint of panic fluttered through her heart and she immediately realized the conflict that had sprung up.

Elizabeth would want to see this girl dead, but Aela? Most definitely not. She didn't care about a few drinks, she most certainly didn't care about these clothes...apart from the fact that they belonged to her mother. Her face contorted for a moment, switching between a range of emotion before Aela finally managed to land on rage.

"I need a new servant." Her voice was a simmering cauldron of rage, quick flurried steps taking her to stand in front of Kinsey. She didn't spare a single glance for Xin, the man being absolutely nothing in this situation. Though Aela did catch that he was trying to draw the girl away. "The old one expired recently."

The Hutt would accept that. Slavery was common in their society, and enslaving someone that displeased you? Perfectly acceptable. Not to mention once this ordeal was over she could drop this girl off somewhere safe.

She just hoped this idiotic Twi'lek didn't do anything stupid.

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

[member="Gorba the Hutt"] [member="Xin Boa"] [member="Aela Talith"]

The vodran guards moved quickly across puddles of spilled alcohol and shattered glass, even as the large tray that had left her hand finished its loud wobble-clatter to the ground. Brown contact lenses zeroed in on Xin for a second as he approached. They narrowed. Hopefully he'd catch that stern-look that said get karking out of here.

Kinsey would have no problem dropping those guards. Problem was? There were a lot of other goons in the room. A lot of unknowns. Who knew who else this slimy one-eyed hutt had on his payroll? Plus she'd blow her cover. The Starchaser would have to swallow her pride and play the helpless, blundering servant. How far off was she to getting those couplings paid off again?

Xin better get her brownies after this one.

Meaty, strong fingers wrapped around both her arms. Kinsey's knees buckled as she tried to throw herself at the soaking blonde's feet but was held mostly aloft. Hard not to feel cocky after that tray dropping aim and bulls eye. Grip on her arms helped.

Head bowed, blue-highlighted dark hair falling across her alabaster face like a curtain.

"P-please, I'm so so s-sorry. I didn't mean....it was an accident."

At least she could lie enough to grovel properly even if it made her explorer-spacer skin crawl.

 

[Nor'baal Durga Bareesh]

[SIZE=11pt]It was obvious to Nor’baal that his Cousin was not one to suffer fools lightly, indeed; the manner in which he deployed his hired muscle with such ease was attendant to that fact. The Bareesh Cousin made a personal note to avoid getting on his Cousins bad side, lest he to find himself on the receiving end of the garrulous beings enforcers. Despite this, Nor’baal kept his silence - content to observe the movements of those around the Hutt rather than to attempt to direct the production. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]An awful lot could be learned from silent observation, this much Nor’baal knew, and whilst his audacious dress and style set many to thinking he was one Hutt content merely to wallow in his apartments and enjoy the fruits of others labours - few noticed his keen gaze falling on them until he had garnered what [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]informations[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] he desired. Nor’baal prided himself as a political player, an enabler of enterprise and deals - unlike his Cousin, who acted more as a Lorda should - with force and direction clearly stated.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Tonight the Hutt was intending to learn more of his Cousin and those with whom he engaged, as well as potentially to start down the road of friendship, bribery or possibly blackmail with those other power brokers who could be of use to the Bareesh. Waving a hand, he called a (considerably more cautious) servant over to replace the lost drinks, before gesturing that the deliverer should stand ready to bring more as needed.[/SIZE]

 

[The Major]

In the tower named after the deepest, lowest point

Curious. The strange man mentioned lineage. What kind of criminal concerned themselves with such a thing? Aristocracy. Or at least one who mocked the concept with impersonation. His sharp features and poise would definitely imply such a thing. Normally this might make a more air-headed person start frothing at the mouth for this mysterious man's attention, but the Major was positive that he was not the sort of man to turn your back too for too long. There was something definitively dark sided about his presence. Granted, this was a meeting of the lowest morals on the galaxy. Even here, something about him stood out.

It was true. The agent did specifically avoid his questions, because there was no way of telling if his faction was aligned with or against the First Order.

"Good sir, I am indeed avoiding your questions. What can I say? It's a dangerous galaxy. A name could ring a death bell in some parts. I'll do you this courtesy: My name is Sybil Shepardt, charmed I'm sure. And you?"

Round three was going to be quickly due.​

​

[member="Venthis Zambrano"]​

 

[Xin Boa]

[member="Aela Talith"] [member="Kinsey Starchaser"] [member="Gorba the Hutt"]

Despite the odds Xin probably would have done something stupid if Castille had demanded a more serious punishment. He was unarmed but might have been able to use something heavy to put some space between them and the Hutt's guards. Her route to trying to extract him from the conversation had been on the extreme side and it had landed her in hot water, but it was nothing that could not be undone. The Marshal Aela Talith would probably sense a ripple through the Force as Xin considered next steps. One of those involved finding a way to ambush the criminal, shoot her and get Kinsey back off world as quickly as possible. That kind of thought tended to catch the attention of powerful Force Users.

"It was been testing since we lost the last one," Xin said. He offered Castille another sidelong glance. The sight of her clothes soaking up the colourful cocktails amused him a great deal. He managed to look suitably offended by this. With that he gave a respectful bow to the Hutt and backed away from the entire situation. Now they needed to finish their business and get their partner back from this badly dressed criminal. Hirrau would have to make the call on the matter, but Xin couldn't go right to him now.

 

[Gorba the Hutt]

The servant started begging for forgiveness, much like the mewling of a young Nexu cub. Humans. Always groveling. Ah, but not this Castille. There was a fire in her eyes. Not to mention her thoroughly drenched clothes clung to her figure in pleasing ways. Gorba stared approvingly.

"You will have it," he rumbled, then sent off a Vodran with a bag of credits to pay Nadir for the loss of the servant. A small price to pay for a potential new ally.

"Come to my palace on Nar Shaddaa. We can..." more eye roving, "talk privately there."

An invitation from the kajidic lorda was not a common thing, nor was it exactly turned down. Gorba didn't take no for an answer. Hutts seldom do.

"This is my cousin, Nor'baal," he gestured to the other Hutt sitting near him.

[member="Xin Boa"] | [member="Kinsey Starchaser"] | [member="Nor'baal Durga Bareesh"] | [member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Gorba the Hutt"] | [member="Xin Boa"] | [member="Kinsey Starchaser"]

Okay, one problem down.

The girl was probably going to fight, but hopefully she would realize that Aela wasn't actually out to kill her. The Nautalon, oddly enough, seemed to be complicit in her demand, something that she hadn't quite expected but more than welcomed in that moment. Oddly enough however she felt a certain...weariness from him. A small frown touched her lips, the force tingling within the back of her mind as she took half a step back and away from the other man while looking up at Gorba.

"Perhaps." Her deal with the SIS didn't extend to more work, though doubtlessly they would want her to continue if it meant looking into what had happened as of late. She frowned for a moment as she glanced to the other Hutt, her HUD-G's snapping a photograph of him as well.

She didn't bow of course, Elizabeth would never do such a thing. Not for Hutt's, not for anyone. She would already consider herself a part of the highest echelons of criminal society. Aela had only conversed with the woman briefly before and she had been insufferable even there.

"I need a drink." She declared loudly, and obviously expectantly. "One not spilled on me."

She glared at the girl from earlier and motioned for the guards to take her away to her ship. She noticed the Nautolan begin to slip away, but he had served his purpose. With a quick glance she snapped a picture of him as well before returning her attention back to The Hutt.

 

[Quietus]

Wordlessly, the merc reached into the inner pocket of her suit and produced the overkill lighter Qui had encountered on previous occasions.

clink clink chk

Aver held the tall blue flame a ways away from the tip of the sten, lips still quirked in amusement.

As heavy purple smoke began to curl around the pair, the merc pocketed the lighter again. Cute little weapon, that.

“The only blond kid ain’t yours?” She snorted, slowly sipping her own drink. “That’s a damn miracle. So who made him?”

She'd nearly forgotten about the pocket-sized blowtorch, eyeing the thing as it sparked a cherry at the tip of the Sten. A prolonged pull to start the night off, held in for several drawn-out moments before spilling out through lips and nostrils. Pale violet clouds pooled around her and Aver, billowing off into the crowd with the telltale lingering scent of menthe.

Bit of a long story. He's actually my Un-

The sound of a silver platter and crystal glasses smashing across the floor caught the attention of damn-near everyone in attendance of the main hall. Even Quietus looked up, though she was mostly incapable of seeing anything through the crowd. Could sense things, typically, but this room was packed like a can of obnoxious sardines. Sifting through it for one particular instance just wasn't worth the time or effort. Besides,

not her circus, not her monkeys.

-cle, the woman finished, taking another pull on her Sten, well, half-uncle.

[member="Aver Brand"]

 

[Ellie Mors]

[member="Tytos Ardik"]

Her jawline behind her smile tightened following the handshake, tensing slightly at the mention of her title. "Fortunately I haven't fallen so far in my social circles that this is the most exclusive gathering I could gain access to." She said with a slightly smaller smile, trying to laugh off the fact that she was in the company of such ignoble persons. The credit was king, however, and the credit didn't care about noble birth or manners - the fact that there was money to be made even in the slums for those that ran spice was telling enough in that regard. It didn't mean Lily had to respect the majority of those present, much less care for them, but she couldn't deny that there was an opportunity to make a business venture here, especially as there were powerful people that had attended the party, criminal or not. At this point, really, she'd sell ships to the Sith if not for the fact that she'd get thrown into some kind of ludicrous magma-filled prison were she caught or even suspected of doing so.

"I'm actually here to offer.. flexible.. business opportunities for those that are in need of ships." Lily explained, giving a light shrug to signify the idea hadn't played out as well as she'd expected. "Some of the smaller fish are willing to offer a cut of their profit for payment installments if they can't afford to outright purchase freighters." She noted. There was a little more to the process - she wasn't going to let some bantha-brained smuggler have a freighter without some form of upfront fee, of course, but it made it much easier to play the criminal element by appearing genuine upfront. It wasn't as easy as it sounded to remove a tracking device built into a reactor, after all, so skipping out on payment was generally met with a few criminal elements courtesy of the Krath. "I don't suppose you're here just for the cocktails, either?" The Tetan asked.

 

[Aver Brand]

Apart from a small incident with a waiter and some criminal diva, no issues had arisen on the main floor so far. Teheron was… mildly impressed. Well-behaved crowd tonight, given their normal proclivity for excessive violence as a means of conflict resolution.

Quite refreshing, honestly.

Nadir had planned to quench any thirst for blood and sooth the itch to squeeze a trigger. These were base creatures – or, rather, creatures that recognized their base instincts better than most of the galaxy.

Erida took to the role of the announcer again. “The betting pool for the Cage is open. We have three bouts slated for the night. For those who wish to view the spectacle in person, hover-lodges remain available in row five through thirteen. Those who prefer less bloody entertainment may visit the gambling salon downstairs, or move to the eastern wing ballroom. If you have wish for private conversation, please consult Red Tower security – they will escort you to one of our top-floor offices. Enjoy.”

A holo-display materialized on the far wall of the hall as she spoke, listing the matches for the arena.

Fea Heht VS Klezzas Sleure
D’reunan Lomnos VS Yek Lissk
Krellan ‘Smiley’ Rahnhttp://starwarsrp.net/topic/114028-krellan-‘smiley’-rahn/ VS Zasulu Natt

[member="Walker Ducarte"] | [member="Delilah Keyes"] | [member="Gorba the Hutt"] | [member="Tytos Ardik"] | [member="Janeth Farr"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Lily Kuhn"] | [member="Venthis Zambrano"] | [member="Xin Boa"] | [member="Kinsey Starchaser"] | [member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Nor'baal Durga Bareesh"] | [member="Judah Dashiell"] | [member="The Prince"]​

~~​

Several long seconds passed as the merc stared at Qui. Well, perhaps not so much stared as ‘watched with a curled upper lip’. Aver was subdued even in her more extreme expressions.

“Your uncle. Of course.” It was her turn to down the whole drink in one go. “Dare I ask for the longer version?”

 

[Yaadri Osi-Yyn]

The Red Tower,
Point Nadir.

A slim smile filled his face. "So you do have a name." He said, chuckling for a moment after. Though as he did a woman would wander past carrying some sort of drinks in small champagne glasses, covered in small black crystals. He glanced at the glass, squinting before dipping his head to the servant. As he stood and took two glasses, sitting back down afterward.

He would turn to her, handing her a glass with his emerald eyes once again glaring into hers, though a flare of orange would seemingly flash through his eyes. "My name is Venthis Zambrano." He said, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes to gauge her reaction.

Hopefully, this wouldn't need to get messy.

[member="The Major"]

 

[Quietus]

Green eyes watched that drink go down, the expression of Brand replaying in her mind several times. She smirked, briefly, before reaching to take the empty glass from Aver's hand and set it on another passing tray without looking.

You're going to need a stronger drink.

The announcement for the cage fights sounded drawing a brow and tilt of her head in intrigue. Quietus looked at the woman sideways, a questioning look without words. Aver liked the fights and the last one they'd witnessed she'd not really gotten a chance to enjoy. A silly card trick had lead to ... other things.

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

[member="Xin Boa"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Gorba the Hutt"] [member="Judah Dashiell"]

Kinsey Starchaser was unceremoniously dragged away. And she hung like a limp noodle from Newt's Noodle House, whimpering the entire time. She caught a glance of Hirrau's eyes, giving a subtle shake of her head. Brown-contacts also caught a fleeing glimpse of Judah.

Sorry no steak ol' man.

Chest tightened slightly as she lost sight of Xin. Was that panic? He wouldn't leave her right? Wait. Was she worried about handling this on her own? The independent spacer bristled slightly at that thought. And to karking feth would she be thrown onto some thug's ship to be taken away for enslavement. Just had to play the part a bit longer. Until she got out of the tower doors. Point Nadir was a den of murderers, con-artists, thugs, and thieves. Streets were littered with trash and bodies.

Pure chaos. Perfect to get lost in.

Feet stumbled as she was dragged past security and out the front doors. One of the hutt's men would suddenly find their prisoner's arm freed from his grasp. Lips thinned and fingers balled into a fist as she sent an elbow to his surprised face and one heel to slam over the other guy's foot. Kinsey had surprise on her side but it was still two against one.

 

[Xin Boa]

[member="Kinsey Starchaser"]

There were two bright blue flashes The guard in front of Kinsey stopped stiff. His eyes rolled back and he crumpled to the floor. The other one had already been on his knees and simply keeled over to one side. Their fall revealed Xin still garbed in the tunic and sash he'd been wearing in the gala. In his left hand was still the holster wrapped up in its straps. He slid the weapon back into the holster and strode forwards, holding them out for Kinsey.

"Seemed a better idea to stun them than get seen," he said with a shrug. After losing sight of the group he'd given Hirrau a signal and then moved to get his weapon back as quickly as possible. Security inside the tower itself was tight, but it was anything but around the rest of Point Nadir. That didn't mean the flash from a stun shot wouldn't attract some attention quickly.

"That human girl was absolutely horrific," Xin laughed. "You'd best take this and go, I need to make sure Hirrau is fine."

 

[Aver Brand]

“That long, huh?”

She shrugged, reaching past the blonde to snatch something dark and amber from a passing tray. The crowd around them began to shift – some moving to private rooms to broker deals, other towards the elevators that would take them to the Cage.

Aver stayed put, quite content to listen. She could see a fight any day of the week. This was…

...much rarer.

With a slow wave of the hand, she motioned for [member="Quietus"] to continue.

 

[The Major]

Oh, what wonder and woe we will see, deep in the Red Tower

There was little confirming information to be gleaned from her eyes or expression here at the mention of the Zambrano name. FOSB files and intel reports were extensive and far reaching, but they were something that was constantly being updated, tested, and expounded upon. Sybil vaguely recalled that something mentioned that the Zambrano clan was involved one way or the other with the Sith Empire. This would technically place them as allies, although there were numerous citations and warnings to be on guard with members of this faction, since Sith in general were pretty much considered chaotic amongst the citizens of the order. Of course, her recollections could be entirely backwards, and it was possible that they were sworn enemies. How enchanting.

Taking his proffered glass with a polite bow of the head, the Major begins to immediately stir the contents within using the tip of her finger.

"The name Zambrano is admittedly familiar to me, though I must apologize if my ignorance offends. Could you possibly expound upon that family?"

​

[member="Venthis Zambrano"]​

 

[Yaadri Osi-Yyn]

The Red Tower,
Point Nadir.

Zambrano, a name which carried weight even out to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. He paused for a moment, giving her a look, one which had no preset definition but it could've been interpreted in any way. This lady had caught the attention of Venthis, something which was unusual. He didn't care much for women usually, though this one was different. She was unusual.

"The Zambranos are royalty on Panatha. Kaine Zambrano, the God-King of Panatha and the Dark Lord of the Sith is my cousin. His uncle Darth Prazutis is my father. I am a Sith, myself. Though the family dabbles in other factions aswell, such as the First Order." He stated out, almost proudly. Though he would shrug. "But as you said; names and titles, are pointless." He smirked to himself, finishing the glass in hand, before placing it by the side of the bench they sat on.

This was truly a fruitful gala.

[member="The Major"]

 

[Quietus]

A glance given to the arm that reach over her shoulder, amused brow twitching in the moment. Their height difference was often a source of humor in certain situations, but this would be the first time she'd had Aver fetch a drink over her. Qui decided not to think on it too much, shifting slightly as the crowd began to move and mill, putting herself a step closer.

Could smell Aver's lilac conditioner. Could smell it anyways regardless, but now it was particularly pungent as it mixed with the aroma of her smoke.

Long enough, replied the mute, eyeing the fresh drink in Aver's hand, it starts with the man that built Halcyon Citadel. Back then he was known as Daritha to the Sith and Messiah to the Beast Tribes. He was the first great leader of the Wilds in a very long time and brokered the initial peace between the Riders and the Walled City of Iziz. He was the man that found me in the River Clan lands - I was gifted to him by the Chief, thinking I'd either be made a slave or a servant. Instead he took me as his student and later adopted me as his own daughter.

She thumbed her sten, ashing it off to the side, that was over 500 years ago.

 

[Aver Brand]

Red lips paused at the lip of the glass. Blue eyes flicked down to catch Qui’s dancing eyes through the smoke. She smiled, and tipped the drink. The burn spilled down her throat, keeping her belly warm.

“Mm. You look fantastic for your age,” Aver murmured as she caught the last drop of the whiskey with the tip of her tongue.

“So he was… what, the first Beasten?” She tilted her head to the side. There was an obvious father-shaped hole in that story. It was full of teeth, and looked none too inviting.

A question best left for another time.

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

[member="Xin Boa"]

Adrenaline pumped through her system. She whirled around, starburst-blues behind brown contact lenses finding Xin. Relief and surprise washed across her alabaster features. Didn't even notice the ripped sleeve of her waitress uniform. "Th-anks," she breathed. Palm pushed through the blue highlighted hair she'd done up as part of her disguise. "I wasn't sure if you'd...," voice trailed off, reaching out to take the offered blaster.

"I mean. I could've handled it on my own. Obviously." Lopsided grin was back on her face, a smooth mask to cover any legitimate worry she might've had. Or the very real relief she'd felt at seeing the nautolan.

Toe tapped against one of the downed guards. Yup. They were definitely out. Xin and his accuracy. Good thing he didn't miss and hit her instead.

"Yeah, how'd you get involved with that piece of work anyway? Didn't think she was your type. Then again, she was blonde."

The space-explorer girl smirked, giving a quick glance over her shoulder.