Private Cooking with the Devil

[Mira Athrani]

P Z O B

Talohn Atar | Voices of The Deep | Sasha Kryze | Eliz Krayt | Gwyneira Vizsla | Mira Athrani | Leea Pandac​

After Drifting in the Deep, Talohn Atar -- and consequentially Leea Pandae and Zlova Rue -- took on a new passenger on their refugee boat. They were the cutest little monster too. Critter could found found skittering all over the ship with her tentacles and sharp-toothed maw going ham touching and breaking things. The Twi'lek had even been forced to hide her liquor. Not because Zlova worried about a "young" monster imbibing it, but because that creature didn't know how to hold back; assuming Dima didn't find it distasteful and just chuck the bottle. They were also forced to take other precautions to protect the ship from the fiendish 'baby' they brought aboard from Titan.

Today, however, they'd found a nice spot on Pzob where the skitter-critter could climb about tall trees and eat small(ish) animals to her heart's content. Which gave Talohn time enough to cook a hearty meal for a crowd. Today was one of those 'throw a party' days and plenty of people had been invited. Zlova liked it better when he cooked for her alone -- just to be a selfish prick -- but changing things up now and again kept it fresh. So, the Lethan milled about setting up the table where people could sit and eat. Whether Madlad bothered to assemble the wood for a bonfire at her insistence remain to be seen, but Talohn would eventually kick the bot into gear if he didn't.

As for Monari, well, Zlova gave her a few small tasks to keep her occupied. They had to set up the beacon to tell people where to find them and where the open landing area was. Then setting the place settings. Keeping Dima from skulking about shadows to snag the food -- cooked or otherwise -- before anyone even arrived... Yes, there were things to do to get their little gathering all prepped.

It was getting latter in the day on Pzob now, but still light out. Only a short while before it would be time for the bonfire and all the heat-related treats that went with it. Might even break out an instrument and start dancing about the open flames. Something for all of them to look forward to.

Then there was introducing them all to Dima and reassuring them the youth wouldn't devour them -- or their ships. No shortage of excitement to entertain the guests.

 

[Talohn Atar]

Talohn, while still his amicable and calm self, definitely looked like he could be better. With his messy hair and slumped shoulders, it was obvious he hadn't slept in a few days. To Zlova, the reason for this would be already known. Their new passenger was turning out to be quite the terror. One night could not pass in which Talohn was awakened by breaking glass or falling metal. For most races, a few nights without sleep was unhealthy, but not terrible. For a felinoid race such as a cathar? It's a lot more unhealthy. He'd need to get some sleep soon before sanity issues started surfacing. For now however, he seemed to be ok.

In terms of attire, he'd chosen something other than armor for the occasion. Brow leather pants, black leather boots, and a simple grey shirt with a brown leather jacket. Typical smuggler attire, really. Though it was obvious that the leather jacket had some amorweave in it. He never felt safe without some sort of armor. As usual, the I'zêorra stjolkk was in a leather holster on his right thigh. He never left home without it. Just above it, the old tattered lightsaber was hanging from his belt. It was well cared for, but there was evident tarnish from the condition that Talohn picked it up in

He was quite excited for this night in the woods. Talohn was always excited to be amongst nature. It was something all cathar yearned for. To be surrounded by trees, grass, vines. Their natural instinct inside yearns for a time that has long past their home planet. It's tragic, in a way. Though, Talohn would change that someday. For now? it was best to just enjoy this time to relax. The cathar really was doing it in the olden ways. Not a piece of tech to be seen as he works around the firepit he'd made earlier. Over the firepit was a stand of sorts, which he was using to suspend a metal pot over the flames. Right now, it seems the chicken he had marinated last night was sizzling in the pot. He was currently using the heat to sear in all that flavor, occasionally using a spatula to stir the meat around.

Once the meat is to the preferred sear, he pours a bit of water into the bottom to deglaze the pot of everything that's stuck to the bottom, and pours some sort of tomato sauce in right after so that it all mixes with the sauce for more flavor. Next he puts in various seasonings, most of them red and orange in nature, along with some herbs and some sort of ground up root. Once all that is properly mixed in, he adds a few cups of what seems to be heavy whipping cream before giving it a stir. With that finished, he puts a lid on it and leaves it to simmer. God knows what he's making in that pot. Once the curry is properly simmering, he gets to work on what goes with it. He places a bunch of previously boiled rice into a wok which he places atop the pot lid. He throws in various seasonings and vegetables while tossing the rice back and forth within the wok to mix it properly. "Hey. Zlova, I might need you over here to taste test in a minute. I think you're gonna like this batch." The tired looking cathar grins at her widely. Even on days without sleep, he's just happy to be with her.

Monari was currently sitting by the beacon she had set up. She had been looking for a way to help, and leaped at the beacon the second the opportunity showed. Tech was her specialty after all. The calamari cathar child hums a tune to herself while using a remote datapad to configure the signal settings. She didn't want the wrong people picking up this beacon after all! "Can I have a try too? When you're ready." She chirps, eyes never leaving the screen of her datapad.

"I don't mind at all!" Talohn calls out in response, idly using a poker to arrange the wood a bit so that the flames continue simmering the stew properly. The clearing they had found was perfect. It allowed the light of the fire to spread across the entire campsite. However, a bigger fire to sit around would be preferable as more people came along.

Thankfully, for once, Madlad was in an amicable mood. It soon emerges from the woods, a small tree trunk over it's shoulder, which was more than enough for a bonfire. It's metallic footsteps echo as it gets to the center of their current campsite. With a grunt imitating effort, it hefts the long off of it's shoulders and onto the ground with a large thud. "I will collect no more wood. Our new passenger is out there, and it likes to chew on me. I would have lost limbs by now were I not beskar." The droid sighs. "The bullshit I put up with for you people." It laments in it's deep and oddly organic voice. It sounds more like a voice coming through a radio than it does synthetically produced words. Now that the log is on the ground, the droid raises it's fist, the mechanical internals clicking and whirring as it charges a strike. Finally, it brings it's fist downwards upon the trunk. The result is a cracking noise as part of the long splits off, the strike strong enough to send force all the way through the trunk. It would continue this until the wood was broken up into enough pieces for Zlova to assemble a bonfire.

Zlova Rue Voices of The Deep Sasha Kryze Leea Pandac Eliz Krayt Gwyneira Vizsla

 

[Leea Pandac]

Pzob, a planet whose name surely meant something to someone. Seemed a bit of a ridiculous name to the Mirialan companion of Talohn. Having spent the first few minutes on world trying to pronounce the name; at least, without the particular accent that her Cathar friend had effortlessly spoken it with, the effort was ultimately sidelined when Leea came to the realization that she would not likely be required to speak the planet's name in the company of others. The world was pretty idyllic, at least that was impression she had after a few minutes gazing through a viewport on atmospheric entry.

It was a pleasant change of pace, having the new passenger outside of the ship even for a little while. While working with children was not an entirely new prospect to Leea, Monari was evidence enough to that, she found this particular child, if indeed a child it was, a much greater concern. The little monster had torn through a small collection of datadisks and holospikes before the Mirilian stored everything in cupboards and locked them. Pandac now had to consider the ship as a more aggressive field, rather than a safe haven.

Since they had landed, the young pilot had focused on running a minor diagnostic of the ship. She had to keep her baby in working order after all, even if it was technically Talohn's baby. Their last mission hadn't really involved the ship, except as transport, and it showed. Things were largely unchanged as far as maintenance levels and base functionality. It was a moment of peaceful tranquillity, the little beastie off of the mostly silent vessel. Yet, all too soon, the procedures concluded and Leea found herself stepping from the starship. However, a scent on the air perked up her appetite. Talohn was cooking away at the large meal he had planned out for a little while now.

Leea wondered how many people might come to this place. She hoped there would be a few more folks around, it would be nice to spend quality time with others. Checking a datapad, she counted the seconds between beacon emissions, Monari had done an excellent job tuning the device, not that there was ever a question in the Mirialan's mind on the little hybrid's capabilities.

As she came to the encampment, Madlad emerged from the forest, lumber in tow. Within moments the droid began splintering the log, Talohn's idea for a large fire seemed like an entertaining idea. Pandac wandered over to the shattered remains of the tree, as Madlad proceeded to find larger sections to crack, and she began grabbing chunks and branches. "At least it seems to like you." She responded to the droid's lament. "Maybe you can teach it to chew on other things... like birds or something." Her voice turning to a questioning tone, she continued, "Do you know where he wants these?"

Talohn Atar Zlova Rue Voices of The Deep Sasha Kryze Eliz Krayt Gwyneira Vizsla

 

[Sasha Kryze]

The walk from their ships hadn't been too taxing, finding numerous nearby locations to land. Sasha slowly trekked through the woods, taking her time, and watching her step. Even though by comparison this area was tame, it could still be dangerous. She should've set an example for Gwyneira Vizsla . Although she wasn't entirely sure why Kranak wanted Sasha to take her along? Wasn't she in a relationship, and an outgoing girl? Surely Kranak didn't want his kid ending up like her? Ladykiller - Maneater.

"Tell your Fa-"

She pulled her helmet off, removing that electronic overtone from her voice, shaking her raven locks free about herself.

"Make sure to message your father you've landed; you'll be back home by tomorrow the latest."

Sasha said, now holding her helmet under her right shoulder, while holding a keg of ale under her left. Supposedly, it was from Naboo. Hopefully Talohn would appreciate her breaking out the good stuff. Though, she had a secret in the works regarding spirits. Armed light, only with her heavy blaster pistol; she trudged on. Relatively quiet, it was clear Sasha enjoyed her solitude, but would answer any question Gwyneira offered up. Although she had one herself.

How had Gwyneira ended up a Krayt, when her father claimed himself a Vizsla. The a**hole within wanted to ask this question aloud, although the part of her that was comfortable leaving well enough alone noted it truly wasn't her business. Perhaps this even factored in to why Kranak was having Sasha take his kid out... She glanced once, looking over Gwyn, before turning back to head in the mandated direction, simply following the path at this point.

"We're here."

She said, nodding forward, and moving out of the wooded area into the open clearing. Quickly sliding her helmet back on so she had a free hand.

As she came to the encampment, Madlad emerged from the forest, lumber in tow. Within moments the droid began splintering the log, Talohn's idea for a large fire seemed like an entertaining idea. Pandac wandered over to the shattered remains of the tree, as Madlad proceeded to find larger sections to crack, and she began grabbing chunks and branches. "At least it seems to like you." She responded to the droid's lament. "Maybe you can teach it to chew on other things... like birds or something." Her voice turning to a questioning tone, she continued, "Do you know where he wants these?"

"Su cuy'gar! Vode"

She exclaimed towards the two visible sentients, being Madlad, and Leea Pandac . Although she couldn't see anyone else just yet. She couldn't help but wonder where her 'favorite' person on this planet was. Zlova Rue . Though if Talohn was here, no doubt she was be lurking just nearby. She truly just didn't understand that pairing, but then again it wasn't for her to understand. The Enclave deemed her trustworthy. Oddly, so what right did she have to go against their judgment?

As the saying went, if you don't like it, leave.

Mira Athrani Voices of The Deep Eliz Krayt

 

[Zlova Rue]

Zlova glanced in Talohn Atar 's direction when he announced an upcoming taste test. The Twi'lek smirked at the warning. "Well don't hesitate when the time comes." Wasn't like she was afraid the Cat would try to poison her, and he wasn't a bad cook either.

Then the grumpy droid wandered back into the camp with a tree in its possession. Zlova really didn't mind its attitude; it was nothing but an endless source of amusement or ire. If the Lethan had wanted peace she'd crawl on her hands and knees to a Jedi Temple begging to be their dog. It was far better having a reliable source of agitation. Besides, the droid liked her being around as well. No doubt it imagined every way possible to try killing her if she became a threat.

A sigh escaped her dark red lips. "Why are you punching a tree apart? That's the second loudest way you could go about breaking it down."

As for the thing that had gnawed on Madlad, well it was a biter. Little terror loved skittering all around and being monstrous. Again, not that Zlova minded. Well, she did when it tried stealing her lightsabers or disturbing her while studying holocrons. As far as it not being well behaved, however, there was no sense of failure. Obviously Domina Prime had a great deal to learn about discipline and authority, but Zlova wouldn't mind teaching her.

"Over there," Zlova replied to Leea Pandac 's question about where the wood should go. The Twi'lek pointed away from the eating area where a pile of rocks sat. "We'll put the rocks around it after it's built to help contain it."

Naturally, the red woman had sauntered in on the scene just after Sasha Kryze greeted familiar faces. So after Zlova answered the question, her golden eyes turned toward her favorite Mandalorian. A smirk drew a corner of her lips out and high on her face. "Welcome to our little barbecue. Talohn's just finishing up the meat so it won't be long until we eat."

She craned her head around to look back at Madlad. "If you know where the Critter is, let her know food will be ready soon. Much fun as she's having, we'll eat together." Why? Were they a family? Well, even Sith knew what the concept of family meant. Besides, it was part of the wild thing learning to acknowledge them so she didn't try devouring them all later. She was a growing monster, after all.

 

[Gwyneira Vizsla]

Loadout:​

• Beskar'Gam.​
• Danger Jacket.​
• The Survivor.​
• Borealis Pistol.​
• Jolt Ring.​

​

Gwyneira sighed as she left the ship. Why did her father insist she get dragged out here? She wanted to train, train so she would not lose anyone else - no, she was not thinking about that! About him! She shook her head sharply as she followed behind Sasha Kryze , wearing her full beskar'gram, but keeping her hands stuffed into the jacket she had thrown over it. She had been happy to not speak with Sasha the whole trip. She simply had been working on maintenance for her beskar'gam the entire trip here. Now that they were here, Gwyn pulled her buy'ce off as they walked out to the rather pleasant planet. Like she cared about this wildlife, or the smells of glorious cooking. She frowned, cooked food like this created nostalgia and terrible agony in her. She shut her eyes, willing her grief over him to end.

As she opened her eyes, she was faced with a curious individual. A red skinned twi'lik, pretty much wearing nothing, offered them a gregarious greeting. She looked up, nodding, but also looked and noticed... two lightsabers. Two curved lightsabers at her back, hung on one of the few articles of clothing she had. Gwyn brow was raised in curiosity and she looked down to the lightsaber on her own hip. She thought she had been the only lightsaber using Force User in the Enclave until now... Gwyn grasped the helmet kept between her arm and side, watching Zlova Rue in curiosity as she looked around the grounds. She looked back to Sasha, pupiless eyes blinking, "So... What do I do here? Is there a mission? Objective? Or..."

Well, Gwyn had never been that used to more casual outings. And it showed.


Leea Pandac Talohn Atar Mira Athrani