Black Collar Gala

[Mythos]

​The Red Tower
Point Nadir

​"Don't you think this is a bad idea Animus? Wouldn't it be better if the galaxy kept thinking you died in a force storm?" Lee said, still not complaining about the suit Mythos acquired for him. "And you cut your hair... is this place really that important?" Mythos smiled as Lee spoke, truly one of the few beings in the galaxy whose presence brought him amusement and some comfort. Mythos wore a new suit that he had picked up during a visit to Solar Fields in Nubia and a majestic cane crafted for him by a Valkyr blacksmith using Akhyptian wood and his lightsaber hilt as the handle. Mythos shook his head and answered. "First off, The One Sith made Thousands of clones in my likeness and that's just those to my knowledge paired with the [member="Nyx"] clones remember?" He shrugged as he talked and walked to the entrance really making that 'my leg is injured' walk work for him. "And I cut my hair because it's better for fighting, it's still longer than it has to be too"

​In the entrance of the place the guardsmen began their pat down. Mythos brought nothing more than credits in his holocard and the lightsaber molded inside the cane. When the guard went to take the cane he gave him a pleading look. "You wouldn't part a cripple from his cane now would you?"
​"I'm sorry sir it's policy"
​Mythos smiled and produced a necklace of rare gems and the metal being clear Mythra. Valuable among these folks. "Surely this has to be an exception." He said in a reassuring tone. The Guard looked around, already being late his supervisors were not as keen in looking into things. "I guess so sir... enjoy the night" he said while taking the jewelry and stuffing into his pocket. Lee was not far behind, once they entered the inside of the Gala was fully revealed in it's beauty and extravagance... not too ambitious at all. "So... who are we seeing?" Lee asked, already shooting parameters and escape routes with his eyes. "Hutts Lee... Of course it's Hutts we look after."

​

 

[Riamah]

Location: Helska IV

Ra'a'mah was making an inspection of her facility there, talking to the workers she had and checking to make sure everything was running smoothly. Grinning as she chatted with one the people there she went out of her way to speak to, Maria.

Maria was an odd woman. Ra didn't know if she could use the Force or not, but this woman was like a prophet and could read people like a book. In speaking to the woman, she told her about [member="Seras Rose"] and where to find her. Thanking Maria, Ra took her leave to go find the woman she was told about.

She found Seras exactly where she was told and Ra just shook her head. How Maria knew this was beyond her.

Whatever situation had brought her to Helska Ra didn't know, but she took Seras into almost her personal care and opted to keep her at side. Returning to her office she found an invitation to a gala event which she couldn't refuse. What she would with Seras wasn't lost on Ra and she chuckled a little when she considered her options.

Returning to Maria, she asked if there were any dresses that would fit Seras and they were led back into the tents she had set up there. Maria muttered under her breath happily as she picked out clothing that would fit not just Seras, but Ra as well. Turning around, Maria held out two gowns, shawls and cloaks that matched.

"Get you going to this Gala and return here when you're done. You'll be fine, Baroness. Your young friend," Maria turned to look at her, "will find more of herself."

Ra left with Seras and headed to formal Gala she had been invited to.

 

[Seras Rose]

Location: Arriving at the Gala

The circumstances that lead up to Seras winding up on Helska were truly a series of strange events after another. First it was a route being blocked by pirates, then a route change thanks to ship malfunctions. Just one of these on its own in a trip was not particularly strange, but for both to lead her as far out into the galaxy as they did for her to wind up on the uninhabitable iceballs space port were exceptionally strange. What was even more strange to the young woman as she stepped foot on the station and walked out into the crowd to find some simple lodgings. A few hours later, it turned out that the ship was in fact going to need to be worked on for quite a while and that another flight would make its way there in several days.

So it was that Seras ended up getting a simple job near the spaceport. The first day was normal up until the afternoon, where Seras met a odd woman who came seeking her. [member="Ra'a'mah"] was her name and she was the owner of this place. What made Ra take an interest in Seras she had no idea, but she had and before the day was out the Baroness was keeping her as a sort of personal attendant. It made her recall a saying, 'no coincidence is to strange for the force'. It certainly applied here. When the woman Maria remarked that she would find more of herself there, it made this set of encounters even more strange. But there was a flow to these events and Seras quietly followed them even as strange as they were, wondering to what, or perhaps, who, they would lead to.

It was not a overly long trip and for the most part, Seras had remained silent. She would respond when spoken to of course, awnser any questions and the like but she rarely would start a conversation on her own. Stepping off of the ships ramp in the dress provided, the only thing of about her features was the black eyepatch over her left eye. A recent loss but not one she couldn't live without. Asking no one in paticular, she looked at the site they would be going to as she spoke to herself.

"I wonder what i shall find here.."

[member="Mythos"]

 

[Mythos]

Mythos was not a drinker but he was an avid smoker. The gala provided more than one place to spot a drink and sport a smoke most importantly next to people Mythos got into connections with about locations of arms caches and possible trade deals with the underground. It was a good connection to have, good work like he used to do in order to fill his pockets with blood money from drug cartels and bounty hunters as well as slavers but Mythos felt something awry in the air. Sure there was darksider here or there but something had just walked in through those doors that send a chill down his spine. Something else was also amiss, he felt in the air like the nostalgic cry of years gone by. The floor of the gala was alight with the music and dance, cold drinks and hard alcohol flowing like the rivers of Naboo in full spring. The air was a mix between the toxicity of a smoke pit in a Mos Eisley cantina and the elegance of the garden flowers of the royal palace of Theed. Mythos clicked his tounge and looked at Lee, his personal body guard.... not that he needed one. "i feel it too..." Lee Remarked, instantly going back to chat with the lovely and shaped twi'lek female he was currently entertaining with his silent and mysterious charm. Mythos however stood and began to walk around the crystaline floors and pillars, following his instincts to a table of red velvet drapes and leather seats. There he took his seat and lighted his wooden pipe with Bota inside... his eyes scanning and coming to rest on the roman with red hair.

@Ra'a'mah She was a sight but it was not her looks that caught Mythos' eye, it was the girl who was with her missing the eye whom Mythos clearly recognized. "Well well child, it seems our paths cross again" He whispered to himself, smiling as the smoke from the tainted herbs left his lungs. Using his powers of mentalism he would attempt to enter both their minds sending an illusion so complex and intricate that Mythos used all his concentration to execute. The illusion would be an empty club, not a soul but everything as it was, they would see the night lights and the open bar and the drinks poured but no drinkers, no life except for him sitting in this table alone... It had been a long time since Mythos even attempted such a complex illusion.
[member="Seras Rose"]
​

 

[Riamah]

As Ra and Seras walked through the door, she knew an illusion was cast over her. The sounds of the Gala were gone, but the drinks were still poured, lights still flashed...nothing else though. Other than a man sitting alone and watching them. Looking at him, his eyes were on Seras.

That wasn't an issue to her, but she wondered what interest the young woman at her side held for this man.

This man had power, it was different than what she herself had. Each person had a certain skill set and though he looked younger than she did, Ra felt within him that he was somehow far greater than she was. How he had weaved something so complex made her curious.

However, even with the illusion in place that portrayed the building empty, Ra felt out of place here. There had been a time in her life that something like this was common, but not anymore. He may or may not pick up on this. She did her best to keep her face a neutral façade, but her eyes would show just how she felt about being out like this.

"Do you know this man, Seras?"

[member="Mythos"] [member="Seras Rose"]

 

[Seras Rose]

Seras felt a odd feeling as they approached the entrance. Perhaps it was just the words of the lady from before, but she felt like there was something or rather a someone here. It was a sensation she could not shake as they entered through the door and into the room. Neon lights, drinks, smoke and smoke filled the air. But there were no people, no sounds of people either. But she could feel the oppressive weight on her mind, but the weight was a familiar one. This was not the first time she had been under the influence of this one and going by purely her gut instinct, she doubted it would be the last. Even before her eyes fell on the 'single' soul in the room she knew who this was.

For a moment, Seras did not know how to react to the person in front of her. The last time they had met was not the most.. Ordinary of circumstances to say the least. And now his focus amongst the entire crowd of people was squarely on Seras. Had this been several months ago, her reaction would have been completely different. Fright with maybe even some fear. But it was not and while her mind still was plagued by the darkness that had invaded it last they met, Seras still had that core of determination that didn't turn back. Not to say she was without fear or trepidation at this chance meeting, Mythos could feel it there just under the surface. But it was not in control like it had been before. The fact that she met his gaze without looking away showed that if nothing else.

Seras had nearly completely forgotten about Ra being beside her, nodding a bit. "Know him... In a manner of speaking." She didn't know the words to convey the meeting she first had with him. That was a long story and it seemed Seras and Ra had a 'invitation'. "I think i know now, what that woman meant." Seras said as she walked over. In her head, the time she had step foot onto that pyramid came to mind. She knew turning back was probably the better option. But just like last time, turning back wasn't something this young woman knew how to do.

Stopping at the table Mythos was sitting at, she took a short breath as she prepared to speak. Not even of what to say, she just let the first thing that came to mind come out. "No coincidence is to strange for the force, it seems." But after that... She didn't know what to say. There were many things that could be said, but she did not know why he was here, why he had singled Seras out once again. So she waited for the answer to that unspoken question.

[member="Ra'a'mah"] [member="Mythos"]

 

[Mythos]

With every step that the two force sensitive females took towards Mythos the illusion would begin to dissipate. Slowly they would see the people producing the laughter and chatter, the drinks being drunk and the dance floor being danced to. Mythos' eyes shifted to the Sith Lord to the right of Sera, eyebrow raised in curiosity. He took one more drag from his wooden ancient pipe and set it down gently, almost with a rehearsed calm and precision. Every movement his body made and every gesture and facial expression seemed rehearsed and coordinated but it was Atrisian in nature, everything they did was aimed with precision and discipline. With a single gesture of his finger and a wave of telekinetic strength the seats in front of him moved, comfortably creating space for the ladies to sit with him. "You know my name child." Mythos said to Seras, smile vivid on his face and the demeanor of the dark god she saw gone, replaced with a quiet power that was like a pulsing, beating heart in the dark side of the force. He did not hide his force sensitivity here, he let it go, darkness enveloping the area around him like a blanket of night suffocating the light of the moon.

Mythos turned his eyes to examine the red haired woman more closley. She was a Sith lord he could tell, she walked like it and the dark side of the force trailed behind her like a tidal wave of black smoke so thick it blinded Mythos to what was behind her. Yet.... something was off about here, like she was picked up from Korriban a thousand years ago and plopped here in a Gala, like a Jedi in a Colosseum, like a Drexel in a cage... She was out of place and her body language gave it away. Mythos made a living out of reading people while in a throne. She made him curious. "You however do not." He stated gesturing to her seat. "The name is Mythos... I could read your name from your mind but that would not be as enjoyable as you telling me" He finished with a disarming smile, both boasting of his skills which his arrogant self always loved to do and giving a confident tone. The intentions of Mythos' invitation hid behind his eyes.
[member="Seras Rose"] [member="Ra'a'mah"]​

 

[Riamah]

Seras slowly walked to the man that was apparently waiting for them. With the illusion he had placed, it was obvious he wanted to be the center of their attention. As they approached, the illusion faded with the people appearing. By the time the two women reached him, it was gone.

Her young companion stated she knew him in a manner. What that was, she didn't elaborate and Ra did not have the chance to ask before they reached him. His movements we refined and with a purpose.

He was dark in nature like she was. Neither one of the keeping their alignment hidden. There would be no purpose for her to do that here among all the other darkness that filled the room. Ra wasn't one to compare her power with another, it didn't matter. Each person had strengths and weaknesses, neither stronger than the other in the grand scheme of things.

Speaking to Seras, he then turned his attention to Ra. Giving a name to go with his words, he smiled and spoke confidently. Something in his eyes indicated he had plans. What those were, she had no clue of though.

"Ra'a'mah Numare. Just call me Ra. Easier to remember and pronounce."

She sat down in one of the chairs he had graciously set out for them. Her face wore a neutral façade, but she made an attempt to return his smile. It didn't go to her eyes though.

"I would say it a pleasure to meet you, Mythos, but that has yet to be determined."

[member="Mythos"] [member="Seras Rose"]

 

[Seras Rose]

Compared to before, his expression and aura were far more bearable. She could still feel hints of the power that she had seen before in the force, only just. Though Seras suspected there was more there then she could see, after everything that had happend her eye in the force had a veil over it. A stigma that kept her from seeing things completly. Unbeknownst to her that is exactly what had tipped Mythos off to her entrance in the first place. "I do and it is.. Intresting to meet you here, Mythos." It was odd. Last time the air he was giving off was a far cry from how he was showing himself now. Refined royalty like movements, compared to before where she had met what was a Sith Lord reborn. The contrast was extreme and naturally made the question come to mind of which was 'real'. Probably both.

Taking a seat, she looked between Ra and Mythos as they examined the other. Mythos was arrogant, confidant and bold while Ra was far more subdued, neutral. Hiding her real thoughts and keeping silent, though it was easy for even Seras to see that she was not exactly pleased with the current situation. Seras couldn't say she was either. "Why did you call us over?" She asked, genuinely curious. Seras couldn't fathom it, why out of all these people Mythos would call invite them specifically and she wanted to know why.

[member="Ra'a'mah"] [member="Mythos"]

 

[Mythos]

Mythos' smile and demeanor was that of boasting confidence but refined authority, he looked at Seras like he would look at a daughter back when he had one... He still had not wondered where Kida was. He noticed the eye that was missing and he pursed his lips thinking of what to say, he could fix it, he knew he could with the power of sith sorcery or even cybernetic implants... but should he? When Ra spoke to him he looked her right in the eyes and cracked a smile baring his pearly white teeth, He liked the aura she burned around her, the scent of the dark side as a powerful Sith Lord was beside him was something he only now experienced after his Resurrection. Her comments were exactly what he expected, she did not seem happy here, they did not seem comfortable in this environment and although it was a far cry of where Mythos felt truly at home he was not uncomfortable, his abilities to socialize and manipulate those around him were powerful enough for him to claw at information and resources for his own benefit. "I hope it will be, even if a change of scenery is in order" he said, hinting at the fact that this place was not in any way a proper meeting place for any of the three.

His eyes turned to Seras when she spoke to him and he smiled. "Child I admired your courage, you have the making of a true warrior in the force whatever the path you chose to tread, the sight of you in a place like this so beautifully dressed deserved an entrance and chair at My side" Mythos said, making it a point that being near him was an honor and the gift and that he called her because she was worthy. He reached into his suit and produced a communicator passing it to Seras. "if you ever need me, for anything at all do not hesitate to reach out to me." His smile was disarming but his eyes of fire and fury projected a beast untamed by death. "I'll split the stars in two to be your teacher" He said while raising a bottle of wine with telekinesis and pouring it on his glass, never parting his eyes from Seras as if he looked at his own flesh and blood.

His eyes turned to Ra, to answer the question or Mrs. Rose. "I sensed you when you walked in" He began, his chest subtly gaining air and posture as he addressed her, eyes shining as they met hers like two mirrors of yellow fire. "I am Sith, i have no fear... i had the desire to meet you and i called you here." He stated, almost as if there was nothing more behind it other than curiosity, he allowed a pause before the wine bottle finished pouring in all three drinks and he picked up his own cup. "In a sea of coal Ra'a'mah Numare" He said calling her by her full name to show it was no trouble, to be honest he rather enjoyed it and found it lovely. "You stand out like a ruby" His hand went up and Mythos took a sip of sweet red wine, enjoying the taste but this was the only drink he had all through the night.
@Ra'a'mah @Seras Rose

​

 

[Riamah]

Mythos divided his attention equally between her and Seras and that was fine. It was obvious to her there was a reason Seras had found her way to Helska. Lady Maria there had known of her and guided Ra to find the young woman. She didn't believe in chance so that invitation along with Seras happened for a reason. That reason sat across from them.

His first comment elicited a slight change in her and a half smile, but that didn't reach her eyes. He could tell she was out of place here. He appeared to be more comfortable than she was, but Ra wasn't surprised by that at all. Doing her best to keep it hidden, somebody well versed in reading people would see it and he did. Shrugging it off though, she took the wine he had poured for her.

"Why us out of the all the people here, Mythos."

It was the only name he had provided, so it was what she called him. He repeated her name back flawlessly, "really, just call me Ra. It is what everybody does anyway."

His compliment caught her off guard and she wondered what his angle was. Not being used to something like that or comfortable here, Ra had no knowledge on how to react. So she went what felt right.

"Thank you."

Beyond those two simple words, she was at a loss.

[member="Mythos"] [member="Seras Rose"]

 

[Seras Rose]

Seras found herself unsettled by the look Mythos was giving her. Not because of its almost familiar, even fatherly look. But because she didn't understand why he would look at her in that manner. What had she done to deserve a look that was filled with what almost looked like pride in his eyes. The discomfort was obvious even if it didn't greatly show. But then he explained it, why he had called Seras over. Words of praise she had received before. Her combat instructors often praised her skills but admonished her neigh on reckless way of using them. Yet here was a Sith Lord with nothing but praise for that iron will and courage. She was still in shock when she took the communicator, looking it over for a moment before safety putting it away on her person, looking back to Mythos as he spoke. There was smile on his lips, but it did not reach his eyes that burned with a passionate fury. Meeting that gaze was almost to much. All she had in her look was confusion and surprise, but also something else. A little bit of pride. She couldn't deny that it was there, anyone would feel that way after such praise. But that pride did not last. Because she knew what had happened in the time since they last met. Times when she had been without anything, even her own thoughts. It was not a form of weakness that directed those thoughts, but meakness. A understanding of why what happened occurred and the will to silently shoulder it, no matter how crushing it may be.

"Your belief in me gives me more credit then i have earned. But i will earn that belief." Seras said in response after several long moments, taking a sip of the wine that had been poured for her and finding it to her liking. She did not know if she would ever have need of his help, but there was now a goal she had as of this moment. A desire to meet those expectations. To go out and accomplish and one day face him again when she was there. To a time where Seras could return that gaze with on that was completely her own but no less fierce. Looking back up she would meet his gaze should it still be there. "I swear to you that." Seras did not know how, but she would. When, where, how she had no idea. But that was her true, honest desire.

[member="Ra'a'mah"] [member="Mythos"]

 

[Ellie Mors]

[member="Tytos Ardik"]

She nodded, although she was rather certain he hadn't taken it with the same degree of humor she'd intended him to. Being royalty was all well and good, and she certainly hadn't suffered many social disgraces, but she had been dragged to the darker circles, such as this gala, because of her position and relationship with the Krath. It was complicated, needless to say, and at times it did cause her to appear in rather odd locales, but it also broadened her horizons - though she wasn't certain these were the kinds of opportunities she was looking for. "Is that so?" She replied with glint of confidence in her eyes. "Koros Spaceworks offers a publicly available catalog of ships, but I'm also more than willing to have ships tailored to the needs of our customers." Lily said, providing quite a bit more freedom of choice for the man than was available for those that were incapable of affording such a choice.

"Depending on what you are looking for, I can provide you with something we already produce or we can discuss having a line, or several lines, of ships produced solely for your corporate needs." She explained. Lily hadn't expected to actually be propositioned for a business deal of this caliber here, she was used to the more affluent smugglers and scoundrels paying her a hundred thousand credits or so for a popular freighter that Koros manufactured but not quite much more than that. While she certainly was out to make money, and clearly had a decent system to collect from the less-than-wealthy, the Umbaran would likely be pleased, were he to entertain the notion of contracting Koros, to find that the quality starships she designed were not fitted with over-inflated price tags.

 

[Quietus]

The qualities of a huntress bleed through in the slow stalk of the prey. Aver gave into the rhythm, into the subtle ebb and flow of warmth hovering just a breath away. Perhaps she imagined a different ground beneath her feet – uneven with corpses and pockmarked by blasters – a ground that she had traversed times uncounted, and would do so until she died.

This? Unlikely she would ever dance with Quietus like this again.

Or with anyone else, for that matter.

When their step quickened, Aver kept her eyes closed. Her lips quirked up, and she reasserted her fingers with growing confidence.

In the realm of footwork, this was like the battlefield. A collaborative spar, if there ever was a stranger name for dancing. Ygdris was only just learning to listen to words – but listening to bodies was the domain of beasts.

With a hum at the back of her throat, she pulled her partner closer.

How does it feel?

There was no immediate answer to that question for it had been lost in the whirling state of deja vu Quietus presently found herself in. Like before while she tended to Aver's tie, the worlds of past and present bled together in her mind. In brief moments Point Nadir shifted into Coruscant, and though the scenery was similar in many ways the atmosphere was not. This hive of galactic villains had a hum of soured edge to it that wasn't at all the way she remembered the winter gala from her past.

Had that been the Moonlight Ball? She found she couldn't remember the small details anymore, especially not now while distracted with the dance. But, Qui smiled briefly as the hands of her mate coiled more firmly in place, she found she rather preferred the warmth of Nadir to the chill of long-gone memories.

Like Dreamwalking, she finally replied.

It felt ... not real. Ethereal, perhaps, for the effect of her mind and her subconscious dredging up histories past.

 

[Aver Brand]

Few would ever describe Nadir as warm; but then, few would think Aver capable of dancing.

And in truth they would be right – Aver Brand wasn’t here. Ygdris was, though, and she was grinning ear to ear, blue eyes crinkled at the corners.

Warm, indeed.

Drawing her lover closer with the next step, the woman leaned forward to ghost red lips along the shell of her ear. And, perhaps, her smile faltered for a moment where Quietus couldn’t see.

“Gonna push me off this tower too?”

 

[Quietus]

Lines of mischief responded in kind.

Step on my toes one more time and I might.

Aver wouldn't get the chance as the music came to a crooning halt on the drawn out note of violins. The dancing stopped, couples bowed and applauded the orchestra. Quietus did neither and instead was looking at Aver ... rather, just past Aver at someone in the crowd. A pair of green eyes to match her own, watching keenly between the passing of peoples. She couldn't see the person fully, obstructed from view as they were, but she didn't have to. The tingling sensation at her sternum and the presence she felt within her very blood told her exactly who it was.

Then, blinking, the spying gaze was gone.

Des looked up at Ygdris, the look of a content cat after a successful hunt, Course I wouldn't mind waking up next to the campfire again wit-

"Brandy," the gruff voice of an older man interrupted the train of telepathy. Pa Qosta appeared with a cigar in one hand and a finger to his lips, "I didn't call you that. I'm asking whose got it. But never karking mind that, introduce me to your," he smoothed a hand over his balding head and cleared his throat, "dame."

 

[Aver Brand]

Sounded like a challenge if she’d ever heard one, that. As the music keened to a halt, so did the lack of a rhythm impart a sliver of distance again. Aver released the hand she’d been holding throughout the dance. A moment for separation was not at all unwelcome.

If Aver felt the lingering of her pirate niece in the room, she didn’t comment. Sure-fire way to sour the evening.

Feeling Quietus shift at her side, she glanced back down to meet smiling green eyes.

Pointedly, Aver did not look up when a familiar voice made of cigarra smoke and gravel pierced her fond reminiscence of royal cleavage. Granted, she could always just dip her gaze a shade lower if she wanted a reprisal in the flesh – but then ogling her date in public would just be rude, no?

Her shoulders drooped in a quiet sigh.

“They’re keeping a case under the counter just for you,” Aver spoke as she took in his suit. “Didn’t think you cleaned up at all, Pa—” a toothy grin, “color me surprised.”

“And if she’s a dame then I’m a karking lady. Should clean your mouth with soap for that.” She tilted her head, quick dart of blue eyes at the blonde – “I’m gonna go grab a drink. Y’all can introduce yourselves, you’re both adults.”

 

[Not Ordo]

It was quite clearly a grand affair. As many affairs amongst the stars tended to be. He had not particularly dressed up for the occasion as he regularly wore a nice suit. He did however add a black cap with red silk underlining. His cane was well polished and shown as polished wood does in the many lights of the gala. Elan had no acquaintances among the gathered beings but he had procured an invitation from a customer in exchange for an ancient sith empire era burial shroud.

He limped to the front as he leaned upon his cane and removed his invitation from his pocket to hand to the attendants at the door.

"You'll have to leave the cane, sir." The attendant said with an air of forced politeness common to one in his position.

"I'm afraid I can't walk without it. You may feel free to inspect it if you like." Elan said calmly, "I've nothing to hide."

A guard took the cane and proved quite clearly that it was indeed as simple and utilitarian as it appeared and the attendant waved him through with a small sigh.

Elan made his way in to the gala and limped quietly to the nearest unoccupied seat. He smiled kindly at a serving neing and ordered a glass of red wine, their best vintage and asked politely that they leave the bottle. With that done and little else needed to ensure a night of satisfaction he leaned back to watch those less impeaded with frailties as they talked, ate, and danced.

 

[Quietus]

Pa donned a rueful smirk as Aver stomped off before turning to her blond companion, "The element of surprise," he hummed, clearly pleased, "I've still got it. Pa Qosta, Madame," he took up her hand and kissed her knuckles, "but you can call me Francis."

Francis.

The look of bemusement was not a hidden expression, but she did smirk through it.

"The only other woman that ever called me that name was my mother," Pa straightened his posture and took up her other hand, sweeping her into the next round of waltz without an utterance of offer or permission. Pa Qosta was not known as a man who asked permission, "and you bear a striking resemblance to her before she got her face blown off with buckshot."

Quietus raised her brows.

Pa continued, nonchalant, "She always wanted to get a face job-cosmetic enhancements-and I never understood why, but I reckon that wasn't the job she was after."

No, Qui thought to herself with a shrug of expression, likely not. Bit too many holes.

"Bit too many holes," Qosta sniggered into a grin. He was immediately fixed with a sharp glare.

"You're quiet," he said into his sneer, "I like that. Your daughter, not so much."


Several moments later Quietus stepped through the crowd and stalked her way nonchalantly over towards the bar, following the telltale sensation of the Bloodtrail and the difficult to miss shock of long red hair standing a head over nearly everyone else. Qosta was left in the middle of the dance hall keeling over from the mental cactus braining he'd just received.

You may need to find a replacement for your mafia puppet, reaching the bar she ordered a shot of whiskey by pointing to the bottle, I may or may not have damaged him.

[member="Aver Brand"]

 

[Lysle of the Hydian Way]

https://soundcloud.com/coolcatintown/cliff-martinez-wanna-fight​

From myth itself, Lysle Rigger had departed Neos. A planet of whispers and legend. There were so few in the galaxy who knew of Neos' location, and even fewer who knew of its existence. A paradise for crime lords to engage in devilish politics without the fear of the law. Bright flashing lights of blue, pink and red. Drunk and drugged revelers littered the streets while the Mirage reaped the profits of the planets own discord. Such a place became horribly lonely for Lysle, among the cohorts of criminals few could be called friend, and of his loyal companions none were the Red Ravens of old. Cryax, the calculated slicer of immense power, Isaac, the cold fist and confidant, Jen, the child genius. The schism that had torn through the Red Ravens and obliterated their galactic dominance still held weight on his heart. Since those days of before, he had not seen his friends.

Today was the first time in many years Lysle had stepped foot from Neos, out of hiding. Of the bounties that wanted his head, high in the millions of credits, and the law enforcers who searched to take him down, were cold. There were bigger threats now, a retired criminal with insubstantial power was of little consequence. Once Lysle had held the galaxy in his hands, counting the One Sith Empire as friends, the wealthiest men and women of the galaxy came to the Dragon Palace for his parties, and of those who considered him their enemy hid in fear. Those days are gone. A common thug would try and hold Lysle up, such had his infamy dwindled. It was these very memories of old that Lysle had departed from Neos.

The Mirage's influence had continued to wane while he dwelled in such a far removed abode. There were contacts he needed to re-establish. He had reached out to [member="Julian Valentine"], famed bounty hunter, to track down [member="Isaac Ideus"]. The old Raven contact was already in pursuit of Isaac, chasing his footprints across the galaxy. Unfortunately, [member="Jen"] was not such an easy person to find. Like a rat you knew they were there, listening, hiding in the walls. He figured this event would be the perfect place to chase leads, ask questions, and hope that someone would notice the noise Lysle would make.

Lysle was wearing a finely tailored suit that was made to his exact size and fit, perfectly exaggerating his shoulders, chest and waistline. The colors shifted under the lights, navy blue then black to grey, before shifting to hues of pink and purple, then back to blue. His tie was thin and tucked. His hairline expertly cut to precision, and his face shaven. His eyes pierced the veil of narcotic fog as he spied the bar, lazily brushing past [member="Quietus"] as he made his way over there.