Every Day a Little Death | First Order Dominion of Taloraan Hex

[Ria Misrani]

Fenessa
BYOO
Post 19

Sal's communication link beeped. At first he ignored it, his back flat against the wall of the home. Then it beeped again, the man waited as one of the Rustlers peaked from the corner. Without a second look, Sal fired his shooter. The body dropped to the floor with a thud and the Epicanthix looked down at his communication link. Above the planet, in its orbit rested one of Kaine Zambrano's smaller ships. One that seemed dated and worn, and there word was sent that someone had been detected heading this way.

"Might be the First Order," he said to his men through his communication link. They said no, this wasn't a First Order signature and in fact thought that maybe it was one of Sal's family members. The scoundrel's brows furrowed with thought. "Alright, alright, let me get to a clear-"

A shot was fired and Sal felt the slug hit his vest. He fired off another shot, and watched another body drop and reloaded his revolver with another six slugs. "Might be a holo around here, patch'em in soon as they get here."

[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Malok]

B Y O O​

Fennesa Orbit...

In short order did the vessel slice through the depths of Hyperspace. The blur of stars racing past came to a sudden conclusion, followed promptly by Fennesa herself filling the view. One less traveled may have appreciated the opportunity to gaze upon the gem from above...yet a lifetime of transit made one less appreciative of creation. The view, however pretty, was disregarded as the Sith Lord guided the controls forward. Descent gripped his vessel, a mundane shuttle of Zambrano origin, and it promptly cut through the planet's heavens. Swiftly did it soar towards the object of Darth Metus' quest: one of the world's numerous mountains. At the base of this mountain was a Ranch...yet higher up, approximately midway, a chilling tale took place.

According to rumor, one fateful night the skies were breached by fire. It was not certain what the source of the inferno was: comet or starship, but the result was a fiery crash at the peak of the mountain. Below, a small settlement had cropped up: a quiet home for the families of Nerf herders and other such folk. In the wake of impact, a few souls braved the peak and saw nothing but flame and scorched rock...but following this, the terror came. The occupants of the settlement could not sleep. Paranoia gripped their midst. Fear infected their very way of life. For weeks, the settlement did not know what the source of their affliction was...but soon, the more perceptive placed blame on the fiery impact. They called it a bad omen, a curse, and a plague; and soon thereafter the settlement was abandoned.

Strangely enough, it seemed as though only the higher parts of the mountain were affected by the so-called curse, for business as usual took place along the base. This was what the Sith Lord had come to investigate...for maybe what he sought had crashed down upon the mountain those years ago. As such, he guided his vessel down to the outskirts of the settlement itself, for it would behoove him to begin his search where the people once lived. And sure enough, Unease was in the air. He could feel it, nagging at his Senses.

Ping!

As the Sith Lord made his descent into the Settlement did a notification manifest itself within his Helm. Merely acknowleding it with a glance opened the transmission, forming a secure connection between Metus and [member="Sal Zambrano"]. At first one of his "comrades" gave a brief introduction before patching the Sal personally through.

"Greetings. I am Darth Metus. I do believe you're an in-law of mine."

He kept his own introduction brief as his attention was fully upon the settlement. Currently he poked his head into one of the rough-hewn buildings the former occupants called home. A quick scan of the room verified that it was vacant. A quick scan of the surrounding area said the same. Metus wouldn't find much here, he had to trek to the top.

II

 

[Ria Misrani]

Fenessa
BYOO
Post 20

"Probably," Sal acknowledged from a holo on the ranch, "came here after these Rustlers, tryin' to get a slice of the cut but guess they didn't feel much like talkin'." He took his hat off and set it on the table in the attic where the holo rested. "Not sure what all is goin' on around these parts, but there's enough land here for the First Order to stick a flag or two on it."

Perhaps they had done so, Sal or Sarlow Zambrano as his full name read didn't know. He wouldn't know whether or not [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] or his nephew [member="Ignatius Rausgeber"] would be down there setting things up. He wouldn't know if [member="Dunames Lopez"] would arrive in orbit to make another space station. And quite frankly it wasn't his concern, his concern was getting a take on the Rustler game out here.

"What's your take on all this," he said shifting his weight between his legs as he set out to look at the holo.

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Jaina Ventor"]​

 

[Progflaw99]

-- -- --​

Grand Visier's Estate​

Post 9​

-- -- --​

​

Nils grinned. The woman had a sense of humor, but she had a point - this was beginning to feel rather ominous. The stood there for what seemed like a few awkward minutes, Nils doing his best to keep from succumbing to a giggle. How strange. Everyone important must have already arrived, or at very least decided not to show up so with a shrug he reached out and grasped the ornate handle on the door and opened it. With a wide sweeping motion he ushered Madlyn towards the opening with a mock bow.

"Your excellency." As she would step past, he'd give her a quick wink before following and closing the large door behind himself.​

​

As the young pilot's eyes traced across the room he noticed many faces seemed familiar, many did not - though he picked out a few. A Colonel from the Stormtrooper Corps, a few others from his various command travels, and of course [member="Ishana Pavanos"]. She however seemed distracted by another woman, one he was unfamiliar with. As he glanced back towards Madlyn, he nimbly snatched a small wine flute from a passing tray, two in fact, before offering the other to his new friend.

"Care for a drink?"​

​

​

[member="Madlyn Sol"]​

 

[Alleycat]

Grand Visier's Estate
We have arrived!
w/[member="Nils Brenner"]
(5)
___

There was a pregnant pause as they waited in the pouring rain huddled under one umbrella for the door to be opened by an estate butler, but it never happened. They shared a look, then the Ace took it upon himself to let them in with a flair to boot. Madlyn was starting to really enjoy his company. Nils definitely wasn't one of those stuck on themselves types. He was actually fun in a genuine way. It was very refreshing.

"Why thank you, kind sir," Mads answered with a regal cant of her red-gold head, then the counsellor stepped through into the foyer, quickly slipping off her rain splattered trench coat and giving it a little shake to get the excess moisture off.

Spotting an empty hanger on the coat rack provided for the guests, the khaki-colored coat was hung up, then the redhead smoothed over her loosely curled hair and blue dress before following the pilot further inside where others invited were mingling. Madlyn knew of people, but didn't per se know any of those gathered personally. Most of the counsellor's work for the diplomatic corps was done from her office desk located in the capital complex on Dosuum in Avalon.

Madlyn smiled and eagerly accepted the crystal flute as Nils offered it to her, winding long, slender fingers around the stem from one hand and the other balancing the base.

"Gods, did you read my mind... I so need this after that flight, though your distraction from the turbulence was much appreciated, oh and of course your umbrella too," Mads winked back, then added with all sincerity etched in her dark green orbs. "I'd say overall I was very fortunate to have had you as my travel companion today."

The Diplomatic Aide brought the flute of wine up to her red-colored full lips, taking a sniff of the fruity bouquet first, then a sip of the blush-colored liquid. "Mhm... This is a rather good sparkling rosé."

 

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
Fenessa, The Greater Ranch
Objective: BYO
Post: 2

Through the infrared imaging mode she watches the body fall inside the ranch, laying like some transparent shadow beneath the sweltering sun. The sanguine colored soil shifts beneath elbows and knees as she skulks along the Earth like some predatory reptile stalking the wastes in search for further victims with a determination and ferocity on her visage that matches any vile reaver. Heaving up the Targeting Blaster, Jaina observes the ranchers inside the house through her scope. Waiting for their next move. The First Order had seen fit to protect the Ranchers from harm and Jaina suspects it is related to the war effort and food production. Gaze turns to the grassy plains that grow out of the hard sunbathed earth and scans for more bandits. "I cannot believe these idiots think it's a good idea to be engaging in unlawful behavior while we're around, the Universe's way of forcing stupidity out of the gene pool I suppose..."

[member="Sal Zambrano"] [member="Darth Metus"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] [member="Ignatius Rausgeber"]

 

[Ignatius Rausgeber]

"Consider it swift justice." The FOSB agent drily added, watching the engagement with a cautious eye, "I do believe that this is a way of evening out the gene pool." He said, before reaching through his jacket, and pulling out a cigar, "Cigar?" He offered casually, before sliding the brown paper roll into his mouth, his other hand crept to his tunic pocket, where he cleaved out a silver lighter. He flicked the lid off, and ignited a blue flame, gently singing the paper roll at its end.

"I believe this is what scientists call natural selection, no?" The Rausgeber asked, before taking a drag, "I mean, had these fine gentlemen been intelligent enough as to have decidedly come from their wicked ways, and attempted to be legitimate businessmen, they'd have survived." He turned away from the carnage, and eyed the sun in the sky, his face shrivelling as he squinted into the distance, "But that is the way it is. The weak, will forever be under the yoke of the strong." There was some irony with that statement, "And it will be our mission to either shepard them, or bring a swift end to their misery."

[member="Jaina Ventor"]

 

[Malok]

"My take is simple."

The response hissed forth from behind his helm, followed immediately by the crunch of his boots upon Rocky terrain. Darth Metus was not long for the settlement - as his goal laid much higher. His footsteps bore him ever forward, drawing near to the edge of the settlement. There, the remnants of a path found his gaze: its discoloration against the stones scarcely visible. It seemed as though nature had begun to run its course: time was no ally to mankind.

"The First Order will snuff out any deviants. They are quite adept at living up to their name."

The Sith Lord wasted not a precious second.

His pace elevated. His footsteps burned with purpose. Along the path did he vigorously walk until an incline made procession a chore. A scoff escaped him, followed by a low grunt of effort. His knees bent, lowering him to the dirt momentarily...before power seeped into his bones. A mighty leap gripped him thus - hurling him through the air in a tremendous arc. His landing was...the furthest thing from graceful, however. His feet skidded upon touching earth once more, concluding with a half jog to prevent falling face first.

But he was not yet at the top.

And so he jumped again.

III

[member="Sal Zambrano"]

 

[Ria Misrani]

Fenessa
BYOO
Post 21

Sal had one of two options, stick around and find out just how the First Order did things. Two that was to tag along with the relative, he'd take his chances with the relative. The Epicanthix checked himself over and checked his ammunition before looking out that back attic window. "Send me your coordinates and I'll meet up with you." He explained, his boots created sound against the wooden floors as he lifted the back window open and stepped out along the roof and climbed down to the second story ledge before jumping. An unsavoury thud could be heard as he hit the ground. The man got to his feet and dusted dirt from his pants before trekking up toward the mountains. He'd long since lost his hold to take any stake in the rustler game here, but his colleague who had only just earlier been struck rolled to his side and attempted to get up from his position and just as he did so. The scoundrel who had accompanied the Zambrano made a call for reinforcements, sounding an alarm. As it would seem, Sal was being sold out.

[member="Jaina Ventor"] | [member="Darth Metus"]​

 

[Ignatius Rausgeber]

The agent watched the display with a bemused smirk washing over his face. The amazing, falling Sith, was, well, something to be seen to be believed. He chuckled a little, gently taking the cigar out and puffing. "That was quite a show!" The agent called out to the force user, a smile pursing his lips, before he put the cigar back in. "Need any help there?" He offered, beginning to limp before the Sith Lord, "I am, to be perfectly frank, not one for armed for helping broken bones," He paused, and gestured to the pistol that hung on his belt, "However, I'd be more than happy to render you assistance, in whatever ways I can."

He took another puff from the cigar, and approached the man, "But, by the graces of all that is holy and sacred in this day and age, that little display there. What you just did..." He shook his head, a little shocked by it all, "That was really something else." he approached, arm outstretched, "I am Rausgeber sir," He began, "Ignatius Rausgeber, at your service." He offered with a cheeky glint in his eye, and a smile on his face.

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Sal Zambrano"]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Post 8

As Kaalia spoke with [member="Kuril Vehn"] it didn't take long for her to notice when [member="Ishana Pavanos"] had once again met her sight. It seemed the pilot had found the one who had been smoking the cigar that she smelt, seeing her with one of her own now. The redhead gave her a small wave as they made eye contact and smiled before turning her head towards the policeman for a moment. "Apologies for the momentary distraction. She is my plus one."

The woman once again turned towards Ishana. "I see you found the smoker," she said as she realized that introducing the two people to each other was likely a good idea. "This is Kuril Vehn, from the capitol police. Mister Vehn, this is Lieutenant Ishana Pavanos, Starfighter Corps. As I mentioned, my plus one."

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Taloraan
Grand Vizier's Estate
Post 22

Ishana smiled gracefully toward [member="Kuril Vehn"], "I did." She said with a smile taking another drag before finding an ashtray. As she returned [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] had taken the time to introduce the two of them, "pleasure to meet you, sir." The Balmorran looked over the crowd and sighed she wasn't one for these type of gatherings. The pilot scanned the room and took another drag, the atmosphere made her feel underdressed even if she looked just fine for the affair. When she got another look around she spotted [member="Nils Brenner"], "mind if I steal you away for a moment? There's someone I want you to meet." Politely the woman interjected between her girlfriend and the captain, "excuse me I'm going to borrow her for a moment."

The brunette led the redhead across the way through the crowd until she managed to spot Nils. "Captain Brenner, surprised to see you here," Ishana greeted as she took a puff from the cigar, "Brenner this is Kaalia Voldaren, my girlfriend and Kaalia this is Captain Nils Brenner, Starfighter Corps - we're usually in the same squad." Now of course the pilot did not know who the other lovely woman was, "and who is this beautiful woman with you, Cap'n?"

[member="Madlyn Sol"]

 

[Progflaw99]

-- -- --​

Grand Visier's Estate​

Post 10​

-- -- --​

​

"It's been my pleasure." he said, raising his glass. "I wonder when things will finally begin to kick off around here. I recognize most of the First Order representatives here but there seem to be a few from the Taloraan delegation missing. Perhaps they're tucked away upstairs?"​

​

He took a short sip of the glass, thinking to himself as Madlyn spoke. It was indeed quite enjoyable, flavor not too sweet and enjoyable. It was a welcome respite from the severe and often times stressful environment of being on ship, being deployed to various points in space - or most notably the war at large. Rumors had been floating around about instability of the First Order and the ever looming menace of the Galactic Alliance, though Nils took it all with a grain of salt. There was no doubt in his mind that the conflict was much more complex than the State Media portrayed it. Raising an eyebrow as he recognized his fellow pilot, he shifted, now standing shoulder to shoulder with Madlyn and opening a spot for the other pair to step in.

"Ah, Songbird - good to see you!"​

​

Nils extended his hand, giving the woman beside his fellow pilot a warm smile.

"A friend of Songbird is a friend of mine." Nodding his head, he indicated the woman beside himself. "Gals, this is Madlyn Sol, she's with the diplomatic corps. Happened to be waiting for a shuttle when I arrived, and I'll say it's probably been the most entertaining thing since the engagement over Mustafar."​

​

As the TIE Ace finished shaking Kaalia's hand he returned it to his side, taking another sip of the wineglass.

[member="Madlyn Sol"] | [member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Taloraan
Grand Vizier's Estate
Post 9

When [member="Ishana Pavanos"] told Kaalia there was someone she wanted her to meet she politely smiled towards [member="Kuril Vehn"] as a way to excuse herself. "I hope you do not mind," she said after the pilot spoke to the policeman. "Perhaps we could continue our conversation later. If not, I wish you a good evening."

With that the woman started following her girlfriend through the crowd, not knowing who they were heading towards. "So, who am I meeting?" she asked in a curious tone, mirroring how she was feeling. It did not take long to get her answer however as they eventually came to a man and a woman. One was quickly introduced as [member="Nils Brenner"] by Ishana, a Starfighter much like the Balmorran. She smiled politely as she accepted the handshake, amused by how he referred to the woman next to her as Songbird. "A pleasure to meet you."

Nils then introduced the other woman as [member="Madlyn Sol"], apparently someone the man had met this evening. She extended her hand to offer the same gesture as Nils had offered her. "I hope the evening has indeed been entertaining as he said it has been." The glass she had taken along with her was raised to the woman's lips as she took a sip.

 

[Cyrus Tregessar]

CENTRAL COMMAND HQ
DOSUUN
POST 1

Sometimes rank had its privileges. Officially Cyrus had no real business or interest in what the various going-on's of the FOSB were, but when you had access to every possible level of clearance and were even mildly curious, it became possible to glean bits of information here and there. The FOSB were an elite force, but sometimes they needed support from other units to say, crack a tough fortress via assault rather than infiltration. Normally it wouldn't be a problem, there were plenty of specialist formations in the Stormtrooper Corps that could be farmed out for the matter, but with the war on those units were in short supply, typically needed at the front.

So Cyrus had decided to lend a hand. He was still a Tregessar, after all, even if he'd been disowned over a decade ago.
The Helldiver 3rd Battalion was officially on permanent retainer to the First Order, but their contract specifically stated they were to be used as shock troops in military operations, with ultimate approval resting with the Cyrus himself. Counter-insurgency work on Taloraan was, unfortunately, not within their purview. But it could, assuming the First Order was willing to negotiate a separate contract. It was with this in mind that Cyrus had penned a brief, mostly tolerable write-up to enlist a single platoon of the elite troops for use in the ongoing Taloraan counter-terrorist operations.

Expedite things for the FOSB and net a little more prestige for his house. Sure someone might cry about a conflict of interest, but they could take that up the Naval Chain of Command if they wanted to raise a fuss. Bureaucracy could be an offensive weapon at times too.

The message pulsed off, and in but a few moments [member="Natasi Fortan"] or one of her aides would receive it on a datapad, along with a flashing reminder to hit 'accept.' The platoon of troops was already in route, of course, headed to a location where local security forces had started slowly boxing in a terrorist cell after a failed attack on a central security office. Cyrus fully expected the problem to be resolved inside of an hour or two.

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Taloraan
Grand Vizier's Estate
Post 23

Songbird. The callsign that had long since stuck with her, she gave Brenner a smile and greeted the diplomat, "pleased to meet you Ms. Sol." Ishana said and rocked back and forth on her heels. "A lot of big wigs for this, ran into a Colonel Amsel got this fancy cigar from him, probably gonna send him some Balmorran Brandy." The cigar was maybe a quarter of the way gone when she stuffed it out. Then there was a small sound, but enough that entire floor went quiet, "ladies and gentlemen if you could all please move into the dining room."

"Looks like it's time to eat," Ishana whispered to Kaalia as servants helped to get the guests through to the dining room. One by one each one there would be seated, the more esteemed guests at one table and the others, at a different one. Said different table was where the pilot and her girlfriend found herself, both tables were set the same and the dining room was large - in fact, the Balmorran suspected it was a ballroom, may her powers of observation never fail.

[member="Kaalia Voldaren"] | [member="Gunther Creed"] | [member="Kuril Vehn"] | [member="Jude Falkrowe"] | [member="Madlyn Sol"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Karla Nimmens"] | [member="Nils Brenner"] | [member="Lydia Finn-Camden"] | [member="Braser Steltan "]| [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] | @All At Taloraan Objective​

 

[Cable Shike]

TALORAAN
PLATFORM 89A3
POST 2

Compared to previous operations, this was just a small drop. One platoon, with the ever-scowling Captain Zaro in charge, and the targets weren't even professionals. The general consensus among Cable's lance was that this wasn't even an op to keep them fresh, it was literally political crap, the Old Man working his behind-the-scenes sort of magic to keep the cashflow... flowing.

The four Hellhawks flew in a loose formation, with a brace of police cloud-cars flying escort, out in front with lights and sirens wailing. It was making for a nice, leisurely flight to the target, no AA guns or missiles popping up from dirtside. They excepted hostilities only once they hit the ground, and even that was expected to be limited. The gallows humor ran a particular sort of dark here, troopers making wisecracks about being a failure if you bought it on this drop.
Cable's mind worked a little differently. He zoned out right before a drop, found his dark place, where he'd lived most of his youth in the Black Ring, and let it take hold. It allowed him to focus, sharpened his senses, and gave him a cold-blooded streak that you sometimes needed when you ran a particular sort of mission for the house. House Tregessar, after all, didn't even pretend to be the good guys, they displayed ambition on their flag and exuded confidence in every action they took.

The Hellhawk slowed and came to a hover, prompting a 'what the kark' from one of the troops. Cable pinged the pilot with the same question.

"No idea, we just got told to hold position for a few. Maybe the timing ain't right."

 

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
Fenessa, The Greater Ranch
Objective: BYO
Post: 3

Jaina's eyes pull away from the targeting blaster's scope and the invisible shroud hanging over the Shadowtrooper. She shifts onto side, ribs press against the reinforced duraplast uncomfortably and lifts Emerald Green eyes up to Ignatius Rausgeber from her prone position. Tempted for a moment she gives a reluctant and steadily twist of helmet before peering back down the scope's feed, scanning the Ranch from this respectable distance. Jaina's ears listen to Ignatius ranting in silence, her skin sizzles against the bodysuit; embarrassed by her own 'private' ranting she'd forgotten he was here.

Ignatius is the Admiral's son, or atleast he might aswell have been Jaina had been conscious to mind her behavior around him given his family connection to the Officer who skull-unit were supposed to protect. It is no accident she was with him here after-all. "That's why you're overshadowed by your family name...." Jaina's lips whisper this self-directed comment; it is something that the both of them would seem to have in common. Nobody back home knew who the modern members of the Ventor family were. Their family's history and story are the subject of cautionary tales for children on Dosuun, why you should be careful who you trust in the upper echelons of Imperial Society. In Jaina's case she lived upto the reputation; manipulative high-functioning psychopaths with historic connections to business, politics and murder. A normal person would be repulsed or outright ill from the highest levels of horror and disgust to be lying in the life-force of another as Jaina does now.

Hearing some great heavy beast approach, Jaina jolts up with a grunt leaving her rifle on the ground supported by a bipod. Heaving up her antiquated blaster rifle and training it unflinchingly in the direction of one she doesn't recognize. A sith lord who Ignatius greets happily, Jaina however keeps her distance and continues aiming at the Sith Lord in silence and steps carefully in the direction of Metus' flank. The ostensibly Black Armoured Stormtrooper might be something new for the Sith Lord to encounter, few ever saw Shadowtroopers without their cloaks active without first having a shot whistle through their gullet. Though yet she relents from firing based on Ignatius' reaction and friendly greeting. The Sith had been known to aid the First Order in the past though she took little chances.

[member="Ignatius Rausgeber"] [member="Darth Metus"] [member="Sal Zambrano"]

 

[Alleycat]

Grand Visier's Estate
Meet and Greet time
(6)
___

"That is a good question... It would be an awkward thing if the Taloraanian's do not show this late into the negotiations. Our proposal is quite generous, well in First Order terms that is," Mads replied sharing a small knowing grin [member="Nils Brenner"]'s way as they made small talk, and continued to enjoy each others company.

Madlyn was no introvert though no social butterfly either. The red-haired counsellor preferred working behind the scenes dotting the I's and crossing the T's so to speak rather than being the face of the diplomatic efforts, but this endeavor was turning out to be more amusing than anticipated. Usually these sorts of events were pretty dry, but with the weather it should have been a sign this wouldn't be the usual affair.

A couple came over to where the two were standing; a brunette, whom her pilot escort knew well, and a redhead, who turned out to be the other's significant other. Introductions were made and greetings returned. Madlyn wasn't quite sure what was meant by the comparison to the engagement over Mustafar, but hoped it was a good thing rather than bad.

The crystal flute filled with the wine was switched from her right hand to left, then Madlyn returned [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]'s handshake. "Likewise, Ms Voldaren," Mads replied with a small smile, then turned to [member="Ishana Pavanos"], who apparently flew with the dashing young captain in the same squadron. "It is an honor, Lieutenant Pavanos," came a nod of respect for the female pilot.

The Diplomatic Aide took a sip of the sparking rosé, then listened to the continued conversation in a thoughtful manner. The cigar smoked by 'Songbird' was aromatic though not too overpowering. Jorge Sol used to smoke one with a glass of brandy on the holidays. It brought good memories to Madlyn of her late father standing by the fireplace at the family's home away from home on Riflor after they immigrated from Eriadu when the Galactic Alliance assumed control of the planet.

It seemed they had arrived just in time. Shortly after the introductions to Ishana and Kaalia were done, the guests gathered were called into the dinning room for dinner. Hopefully the Eriaduan's stomach was settled enough now from the turbulent shuttle flight over from the platform to the estate that she could eat. Madlyn found herself quite hungry as she had worked through lunch to finish up another project, which the workaholic often did.

The redhead flashed Nils a sweet smile, then followed the others into the next room.

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle felt a little naked in his suit. Not literally of course, but he nonetheless felt somewhat, dare he say it, under dressed for the occasion in his suit. The officers breaths were slow and deep as he attempted to fully calm himself. The officer sat towards the edge of the crowd and began to indulge in liquid courage, hoping to loosen some nerves. Taking in deep sips, of the warm liquor, he looked around him, at the various officials, and members of nobility around him. He couldn't mess this up. There was no way his career could afford that. His skills and impressive combat record could only get him so far. He would need to moderate himself.

Taking one more healthy swig from the glass, and putting it down with a dull, clink, Carlyle moved towards the crowd, still staying at its edges, but he exchanged idle pleasentries with his fellow guests. The admiral felt eyes glaring at him, and so, he promptly sat down, at a corner, listening to the chatter, as he frantically attempted to remember his manners. Ettiquette training hadn't been a core part of his days in the academy, but the instructors had covered it. All that remained now, was trying to remember what spoons to use where, and why there were four different types of fork.

[member="Madlyn Sol"] | @Ishana Parvos | [member="Nils Brenner"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]