Coruscant First Charity Auction

[Farah]

“Likewise.” The reply wasn’t as bitter or acerbic as it usually was. Farah was used to being quick, curt and sometimes rude. At least at work. Surgeons lead hectic lives and didn’t have time for niceties. That wasn’t to say that they their unpleasantness didn’t extend beyond work in certain cases, but still.

She nodded vaguely at Domino’s reasoning and truthfully she did not understand it. At this point in her short life, Farah didn’t have a vested interest in anything business. Spawning into existence as an adult also left you a little short in the galactic history department.

“Oh.” The Zeltron practically snorted at the observation made about her. It wasn’t untrue and she appreciated honesty. “I’m the date of…” She paused, eyes sweeping back and forth over the crowds as she realized she’d lost track of her man she’d accompanied. “That.” She gestured with her glass towards a tall blonde male with somewhat feminine features. Said pretty boy was cosying up to a shorter redhead in a divine dress with the face of a doll. She blushed as he whispered in her ear.

From her perch at the bar, Farah didn’t seem to mind. She was actually rather relieved. “The drinks are good and the price is right.” She shrugged. Couldn’t fight that logic.

[member="Domino"]

 

[Talon Vosra]

"Intriguing." She said simply.

She thought calmly and lofted a pale brow as she watched their faces from behind her cards. They were playing a game, but she suddenly had the feeling it wasn't just one of chance. Her cards changed before her eyes and her rosy lips lifted at one corner into a lopsided grin. Her hand had become infinitely less impressive but that was to be expected. 'The house always wins', or so they said.

"You are an interesting pair, gentlemen." She said as she let her smile grow and reach her eyes. She didn't often smile without calculation but she had quietly guessed at their true game and found herself even more amused than she thought she would be.

She rearranged her cards so they were back in sequential order and made sure they were again even and equally spaced in her hand.

"Drinks would be delightful." She mused in her almost musical tones, "May I buy?"

She waved the server off with a open denomination credit chip and drinks were served without hesitation.

"Let me see." She began, "What could I possibly offer of use to such wonderful company, hmm? Perhaps, something...new? I will see your ten thousand credits and offer the services of my company to provide a 'sleeve clone'. Would you like me to explain what that is, or would you prefer taking me at my word that the value is...quite high?"

She accepted her drink and took a sip with exaggerated enjoyment. She gave a more calculated smile and carefully tossed her hair off her shoulder to lay across her back. Move and counter move. Very interesting beings, indeed.

[member="Sargon Vynea"] [member="Jorus Merrill"]

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Nodding to Jorus as he exited stage right he couldn't helped but be pleased with the evening, it was rare that one turned a lifelong enemy into at the least mutual respect. That left him with the last player, the small widening of her eyes as the cards had changed had brought a bit of guilt to him in honesty. So she really hadn't know the rules of the game. Raising up his glass to her he enjoyed the aroma for a moment before taking a sip and replying. "How about both, I'll take that bet on trust, and then you can tell me just what I've won if I win. That way if I don't win I can't be too sad about things I never knew about. Some covered jewelry, a moon I've never seen and a sleve clone I don't know that much about."

Turning his hand over he showed his negative twenty two, only three hands that could beat that. Then again he'd just been beat by Jorus for half the night on hands nearly as good as that so it was time to see what the mystery lady had up her sleeve.

[member="Cecile Miraxus"]

 

[Oeana Janin]

With her message delivered, Oeana had made her way back to the Ballroom, making a sort of detour to the casino in order to check up on the Red Lady who had remained there. A quick quiet interaction between the two and inspection of the game currently played, the Near-Human noted it was a mediocre attempt. Some rounds, she'd won, others she had lost though she seemed to be more conversing with another player in which she was more successful. "We won't be staying too long, keep that mind," the brunette instructed the other female before leaving her to her own devices.

In the Ballroom, Asteria deWinter had been drinking her first glass still most likely oh so slowly. Her current task had been done and she would resume her previous task, noting the other Red Lady. Lady deWinter would look to her momentarily as she did. "Is it done?" The older blonde wondered before she was no longer looking at Oeana. "Yes, m'lady, currently engaged in a conversation but the message has been passed," Oeana informed her, noticing those green eyes looking at her again and just knew why. "My lady," the Red Lady corrected herself. It was something she did sometimes and her boss disliked it.

A short while late, Oeana noted the time. "The auction should begin shortly," Asteria only nodded, giving her the other half of their tickets for confirmation. Oeana had moved quickly, hearing only one of the numbers being announced, glancing down at them to realize it was for the advertising slot only. Her Lady would be disappointed yet it was done, the brunette moving among the victors on behalf of Asteria deWinter to collect the small piece of tech to confirm their winning for the advertising slow down the line. Then she had returned to Lady deWinter, handing her their winnings. "Another has gained the Lament," Oeana informed her as Asteria took her prize. Never the less, their task wasn't done for the day.

Spoiler

[member="Zeradias Mant"]
No rush, just letting you know the character(s) is still around when Zeradias is available.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

"Thank you both, again. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again in the near future.", Zeradias bowed out graciously. It did feel good to have such influential backers from the corporate sector. While the message of the party no doubt resonated with many, investing in the party was also investing in Mant. Though he'd never admit it, Mant could be considered by some as bigger than the party, and he worked diligently to ensure that the party and it's mission never went off track.

He was escorted through the crowd by his staff not for matters of security, but guidance. They knew who he was to speak with next. It was one of those laughable scenarios in which the the life of the powerful individual was controlled by their subordinates. Nonetheless, delegating was an efficient means of accomplishing missions with broad scopes. It only took a couple minutes, before Zeradias was introduced to the one who'd requested an audience. His staffer was already acquainted, and made the introductions for the two.

"Miss deWinter, a pleasure."

[member="Asteria deWinter"]​

 

[Asteria deWinter]

Asteria had taken the given token and inspected it. The true proprietor had requested the particular item as well so she would deliver. Though she would have gladly kept it to herself if the request hadn't been made. She's continued to slowly sip her champagne in the time she'd waited, finishing up the single intended glass as a waiter passed, placing it on their tray as he'd moved.

With their company arrived, Oeana had spotted the politician and his entourage first, moving closer to whisper into her ear, gaining her attention before Lady deWinter would focus her emerald gaze towards the entrance as the Mayor approached them, his staffer making necessary introductions for them before the politician spoke. In normal situations, Asteria would correct the person to point out she was a Lady but at the moment, she'd let it go, focusing rather on the purpose of this short meeting.

"Delighted to finally make your acquaintance," the blonde had responded to his words, "and thank you for making time." She imagined the Mayor of Coruscant being quite busy on any day and today would no doubt be any different, with the gathered crowd. Beside her, Oeana had moved to the side, allowing her to speak to Zeradias Mant at an average tone of voice in light of the public setting they were faced. "I realize you are a busy man but in the time I do have you here, I'd like to say that your movement has my full support. My family has a long history on Coruscant and on behalf of all the deWinters, we appreciate the world is in such good hands." Her family was nor Coruscanti but they had, since long before the plague held property on the planet, making it easy for her and her siblings to regard Coruscant as their second home. Which was the primary reason why Coruscant had been chosen for the return of the company's headquarters here rather than anywhere else when there were plenty of options.

[member="Zeradias Mant"]

 

[Zeradias Mant]

"Thank you for your kind words. It means a great deal to hear from our supporters and constituents.", he said with a gracious smile. It wasn't easily visible, but the tone in his voice spoke the appreciation more than his lips did.

As he took a brief sip of water from his glass, a staffer whispered in his ear. It was irritating, but often times the commentary's helpfulness outweighed the negative aspects he may have felt.

"What is your family's business on Coruscant?", he asked politely. He was aware of the potentially awkward phrasing of the question, especially after the whisper in his ear, but deWinter seemed smart enough to understand his intent. While it was impossible to know all of his constituents, it was not only good community outreach to acquaint himself with them when able, but it helped build the public trust which they operated on. He wanted to know what the DeWinters did on Coruscant and what kept them around when there were near infinite other options to choose from.

[member="Asteria deWinter"]​

 

[Asteria deWinter]

A small nod met the thank you from the man. Her words were more carefully chosen rather than kind though she had no intention of correcting the Coruscanti Mayor on this. At her age, Asteria deWinter held little regard for flattery. Very few truly had the time to spare in this galaxy, and neither did she so only the necessary had to be spoken to avoid wasting that same precious time.

Her emerald gaze noted the whisper the politician received in his ear and waited for a moment until it had completed, only to hear the question of her family's business. A small, slightly more sincere smile formed on her face at this. There were a great many ways to describe her company, Asteria was well aware of this. Malicious tongues certainly had names for it which Asteria herself never used. She was, after all, a Lady, and her company was the Red Lady. She didn't acquaint herself with the lowest forms nor did she permit them to pollute her business. Reputation and credits came before anything else.

"The Red Lady primarily offers the services of companionship, for the wealthy and the lonely. Both publicly and privately," she informed him. "While I am aware that some might use words that aren't befitting, the escort service of the company is elevated from the common folks' understanding. My employees are highly educated and skilled to handle a great many situations." Asteria deWinter herself never used those unbecoming words though she was aware of them, especially from those who didn't understand the full extent of what the Red Lady did yet her intent was not to burst their bubble as some fields were simply far too private to be discussed. If one required those services, they would learn of the Red Lady's usefulness one way or another. "It is on behalf of my company and a private contributor that I am grateful for this moment of your time, actually. We both would like to contribute to your cause." Again, she cared little for wasting time, now that the Red Lady had been introduced into the conversation.

[member="Zeradias Mant"]