Private Cruise on Naboo

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael Virex wasn't used to being rewarded.

Most of the time, his victories were silent. Hard-won. Forgotten the next day. But apparently, running the Gilded Veil like a smooth-talking ghost while Sommer vanished off-world had earned him more than whispered thanks and half-spilled drinks. A voucher had arrived—shiny, official, and stamped with a Nabooian crest—and for once, Kael didn't ask questions.

He'd packed light. A few changes of clothes, his blaster (for old habits), and a bottle of Corellian whiskey just in case the ship's bar was all flair and no fire. He passed customs with a wink and a lazy smirk, his thumbprint still recognized despite a few colorful flags on his record. Must've been a very exclusive list.

Now, standing at the edge of the Naboo starport, sunglasses slouched down his nose and a breeze tugging at his short-sleeved shirt (patterned, unbuttoned halfway down his chest, of course), Kael let out a slow, appreciative whistle.

Palm trees. Marble columns. Air that smelled like salt and fresh fruit.

He ran a hand through his tousled black hair, then adjusted the strap of his duffel over one shoulder. His skin already felt warmer under the sun, his vibe effortlessly confident, with that roguish edge that said: Yes, I'm trouble. Yes, I'm worth it.

Nearby, holo-screens shimmered with the name of the vessel: The Empyrean Kiss – A floating paradise promising seven days of pleasure, play, and perhaps, a little chaos.

Kael cracked a grin. "Alright, Naboo. Show me what you've got."

And with that, he strode toward the cruise terminal, every step radiating vacation energy and just the right amount of flirtation.

Tag: Xian Xiao

 

[Xian Xiao]

Usually, these types of contests were bogus, false, and Xian never won anything. This one was different, and when she got a letter telling her she had won, she had to sit down before she fell down. Rereading it to make sure she wasn't dreaming, she let out a squeal and started packing. Telling her master she would be gone for at least a week, she boarded the public transport to Naboo.

Grabbing her bag when she arrived, she was wearing a close-fitting top and pants. Both looked like they might have been tailored for her. On her belt, she openly carried one lightsaber hilt. No purse, though, all of her small belongings were in pockets or her suitcase.

She wasn't even sure if she was old enough for this, but she could always mind-trick somebody if they questioned her. Nobody did as she flashed her boarding pass and walked on board The Empyrean Kiss. She had only ever been to a beach once, so this was going to be a new experience for the teen.

Taking a breath, she was given her room key, and a map was downloaded onto her device. Once that was done, she was left to do her own thing. Smelling the salt of the air and tang of the citrus, she let out a happy sigh and headed for the nearest bar.

Everything was included and if you didn't think she would make the most of it...you would be mistaken. Picking it up once it was placed in front of her, she turned around to take a sip and stopped with it halfway to her mouth. Walking into the area had to be the most attractive and confident man she had ever seen. Deciding it would be best to either drink or set it down, she gulped it down and set the empty glass down behind her.

A crash happened as she totally missed the bar, and the glass fell to the deck at her feet.

"Oh boy, what a way to start this cruise."

Muttering under her breath, she bent over to try to clean up the glass before she could hurt herself.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

The sound of shattering glass was crisp, sharp, and completely out of place in the lazy hum of vacation murmurs and ambient music. Heads turned. A few patrons blinked, then went back to their drinks.

Kael Virex wasn't like most patrons.

He had just stepped into the open-air bar area, hands tucked casually into the pockets of his light linen trousers, his shirt fluttering a little with the ocean breeze wafting through the space. He caught the tail end of a girl—no, young woman—scrambling to gather a broken glass at her feet.

He tilted his head, lips tugging into a smirk as he approached. "Tsk, tsk," he offered, voice as smooth as aged whiskey. "You drop one glass and suddenly everyone forgets how charming the entrance was."

He crouched beside her, one hand bracing on the bar rail, the other reaching to help. "Though I've gotta thank you. Been looking for the bar, and here you are—clearly it's this way."

His eyes met hers, a touch of amusement glinting in them beneath the shield of his dark lashes.

"Kael Virex," he said, offering his hand, not even flinching as a tiny shard crunched under his boot. "Part-time bar magnet. Full-time good decision."

His smile widened just a bit.

"And who might you be, saboteur of stemware and bringer of happy accidents?"

 

[Xian Xiao]

Oh, she had not forgotten his entrance. She didn't say that, though, and stared silently at him for a moment. Probably longer than she thought, but she wasn't feeling the silence to be uncomfortable. Her black eyes met his and sparkled like a star in the sky when he thanked her.

"You're welcome."

Picking up the last piece of glass except the one his boot was, she took hold of his extended hand as he introduced him.

"Xian Xiao. Party goer and great dancer."

Why had she just said that? It might be the truth, but she didn't usually state it. Her eyes looked away from his and down to his exposed chest before returning to his eyes. He was even better close up. He knew this, and Xian didn't tell him.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael's grin deepened as he helped her to her feet, fingers briefly wrapping around hers—warm, smooth, steady, with just enough pressure to let her know he was paying attention.

"Xian Xiao," he repeated, as if savoring the syllables. "Now that's a name that belongs on a dancefloor. Or maybe in neon lights."

He released her hand with a touch of reluctance, then brushed the back of his wrist against his open collar like the sun had just gotten a little warmer.

"Pleasure to meet you, Xian. Can I get you another drink? One that doesn't come with a side of cleanup."

He gestured to the bar, and when the droid bartender glanced their way, Kael smoothly lifted two fingers. "Her choice, and a glass of the house fizz for me."

Then, turning slightly toward her with the relaxed confidence of someone who never had to force conversation, he leaned against the bar. "Did you get the fancy little invite too? Gold trim, cursive font, made you feel like royalty and question your life choices all at once?"

His dark eyes sparkled beneath the shadow of his lashes, teasing but warm.

"I wasn't sure it was real at first. I thought it was some prank from a Zeltron ex. But turns out—" he gestured toward the crystal blue sea in the distance, "—we're really here. Sun. Salt. Drinks. Mystery. Can't say I hate the summer vibe."

A pause, not uncomfortable, just deliberate.

"So, Xian… what are you hoping to get out of this trip? Adventure? Relaxation? Something… new?"
His tone dipped slightly on that last word, not flirtatious exactly—but inviting. Curious.

 

[Xian Xiao]

"Maybe both?"

Standing up with him, she brushed her hands off together and nodded at the offer of a drink.

"Same as the last one."

It had been something orange and fruity, and she had liked it probably too much. The last time she'd had anything to drink, it had been a good evening, and she had met two extraordinary men. Neither of whom had followed through with any interest. That was okay with Xian. The right man hadn't come along, but that might have changed, and she was looking at Mister Right.

"I did indeed. I kept mine as a souvenir. I didn't think it was real either, honestly. I had to sit down and reread it to make sure. I don't have any exes to worry about pranking me. A Zeltron, huh? I bet she could party hard and leave you wanting more."

Then he asked what she was hoping to get out of this. Leaning against the counter of the bar, she slowly tilted her head, and some of her hair fell to the front before she answered.

"I little of this a little of that and something new would be grand. What about you?"

Slowly taking a sip of her drink, there wasn't need to slam a second one.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael chuckled low in his throat, something easy and genuine that buzzed like electricity under his skin.

"Both. I like the way you think."

He watched as she sipped her drink this time instead of downing it—his smile widening in appreciation. The girl had poise when she wanted it, and spark when she didn't. Dangerous combo.

"Good call keeping the invite. Might be worth something one day. You know, first edition of a legendary week. Frame it, put it on your wall next to your lightsaber rack."

At the mention of his Zeltron ex, he feigned a wince and put a hand dramatically over his heart. "Oh, she could party all right. But let's just say… she knew how to exit a room very quickly after starting the fire."

He downed his drink in a single, practiced motion, then slid the glass back toward the bar droid with a tap of two fingers. "Another, please."

Then he glanced sidelong at her, expression shifting from play to genuine interest. "I'm here for... a reset. Recharge the charm batteries. Shake off the city smog. Meet people who don't owe me credits or want me dead."

He leaned a little closer, dropping his voice just enough. "And if I find something new—hell, someone new? That's just the universe being kind for once."

Then, standing straight again, he looked around the bar, noting the patrons who had simply watched her drop the glass earlier and gone right back to their sipping.

Kael raised his voice, arms spreading with playful offense, "And by the way, I love how nobody helped the lovely lady pick up shattered glass! Class act, everyone!"

A couple heads turned. One Rodian looked confused. A Twi'lek snorted into her cocktail.

Kael turned back to Xian, grinning. "See? I stand by my saboteurs."

Then, gesturing toward the boarding ramp of the cruise ship behind them, he offered his arm like a gentleman from an old holodrama.

"Shall we board, Miss Xiao? I think this is where the real trip starts."

 

[Xian Xiao]

Chuckling as he complimented the way she thought, Xian turned her drink in her hands as she listened to him. That grin wasn't missed, and she considered returning it. When he noticed and commented on her lightsaber, she was surprised even more. It wasn't like she was trying to hide the weapon or anything, but not many mentioned it.

"I don't have one of those. If I did, though, I would for sure. Don't worry, if a fire is started, I can put it out."

Releasing her light grip on her glass, she held one hand out flat with her palm facing up. If he followed the motion, he would see a small fireball rest on her palm. Closing her fingers, it went away, and she got an answer to her question. Her eyes once again went from his face to his chest and back up.

"I don't think you need to recharge your charm batteries. They seem to be performing quite well."

Giving him the grin she had been fighting, she drew in a slight breath when he mentioned finding someone new. Could he be thinking the same thing she was? He was something new for sure, and Xian smiled to herself as he stood up for her and her accident. He had been the one to help her clean up her mess. Picking up her drink, she finished it with almost as much grace as he had his and set the glass down next to his.

"Yes, let's get this journey started."

Picking up her suitcase, she laid her empty hand on his arm.

Kaelon Virex

 

[Kaelon Virex]

Kael's eyes tracked her hand as she held it out, casual at first—until the tiny fireball bloomed into existence on her palm like a sunflower igniting in slow motion. His brows lifted, impressed, and for once, he didn't have a comeback. Not right away.

"Well, damn," he said, a slow, crooked grin spreading across his face. "Here I was about to offer you my jacket if you got cold, but looks like you are your own central heating unit."

His gaze lingered, not just on the flame—but on the ease, the confidence. It wasn't every day someone showed him something that genuinely made him pause.

"Color me intrigued, Xian Xiao."

Her words about his charm made him let out an amused breath through his nose, the grin deepening as she finally returned it. "Well then. I guess I can redirect the power to the fun reserves."

With her hand on his arm and her suitcase rolling behind, Kael led her up the boarding ramp of The Empyrean Kiss, the grand luxury liner gleaming in the Naboo sun. The music got more luxurious as they walked—the kind that made your shoulders drop and your wallet feel slightly lighter just by being in the building.

"Alright, so here's what I've gathered," he said as they passed through the atrium—where floating orbs drifted overhead casting soft rainbow light over champagne-tinted marble and holographic koi swimming beneath the glass floor.

"They've got three pools, including an infinity spa that hangs off the side of the ship. A casino deck with sabacc tables—high-stakes, of course. Daily parties, a masquerade night, and apparently some kind of exclusive midnight beach rave on the fourth evening."

He pulled out his holopass, flicking it with his thumb. "I'm in cabin C-137. Seaside view, hot tub on the balcony. They said I was randomly selected for the luxury tier—right after I said I was a business investor in aromatherapy sabers."

He gave her a wink.

"I can show you around if you're still new to this cruise life. Or," he glanced sideways at her, "if you'd rather explore something new… we could do that too."

He let it hang in the air just long enough before adding with a playful smirk:
"No shattered glasses this time. Scout's honor."