It's Getting Hot in Here (Galactic Alliance Meet and Greet)

[Chevu Visz]

Location: Sullust, Underground hot springs​

​

Not far from the underground biodome that held the home base of the Galactic Alliance, was a place colloquially known as “The Springs,” a sprawling expanse of eight large underground hot springs that the local Sullustans had been taking advantage of for ages. Thanks to the volcanic geothermal activity, the groundwater, high in minerals and low in sulfur, was said to have therapeutic effects on those who bathed in it. This unique form of hydrotherapy increased the flow of natural sedating substances in the body, encouraging muscle relaxation and creating a sense of well-being.

It was in this steamy locale that the Galactic Alliance was hosting a meet and greet for new recruits and business partners who wanted to find out about the new kids on the galactic block. Amid tight security, serving droids, floating and stationary touted all manner of drinks to the guests and there was a full Bith band playing near the main bar. With swimwear replacing their usual tuxedos and evening gowns, representatives from the New Jedi Order, fringe Forcers and members of the GADF were all on hand to shoot the breeze with fellow light-siders from all over the galaxy.

Hopefully there would be no gate-crashing Sith like at the Alliance’s last social event, but if so, dark-siders could hope to be thrown in a alchemized cell along with their brethren. Either that or the trespassers might accidentally find themselves trying to swim in an active volcano.

@all Galactic Alliance members [member="Peyton Steele"] [member="Tionne Thanewulf"] [member="The Revenant"] [member="Jacen Voidstalker"] [member="Aston Jacobs"] [member="Adele Adonai"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Azda"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Mantic Dorn"] [member="Kiyron"] [member="Nicademus Blith"] [member="Dart the Amaran"] [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Crix Meriet"] [member="Julius Sedaire"] [member="Jol Bisa"] [member="Veronika Tesarik"] [member="Liam Quez"] [member="Ibaris Varanin-Jacobs"]

Spoiler

Please see this thread before joining.

 

[Peyton Steele]

Sullust was home now. It was fine. It did the job well, gave the Alliance a place to bring peace and understanding to the galaxy, it connected former fleets, the Omega Protectorate, and a lot of new worlds were joining every day. That was what made it so awesome, really, they accepted people, so long as nothing went astray. Worlds remained as they were, under self rule, with the Alliance stepping in to help quell dissention between other worlds, and to monitor the protective fleet, the GADF. That was where Peyton came in. She was an agent of the Alliance, and that meant she worked in an intelligence collection and monitoring.

For her, it was more observation and collecting patterns on the enemy. Troop movements, technology, and what tactics they were using. She was also there to help mine data when the time came for it. Otherwise, she did what she could, and that meant protecting valuable art, literature, and other priceless artifacts. And making sure that the Alliance had connections with the new worlds when they were being approached. It wasn’t that the Big Three would not touch a world that they didn’t have information on, but the Chief of State would much prefer to know what was going on.

Ven, the Supreme Commander, he just wanted to know what traps he was getting into, typical Mon Cal, and well, the Jedi? Peyton didn’t deal with the Jedi Grand Marshal. She wasn’t exactly trusting of the Jedi mystics. She didn’t mind them, [member="Chevu Visz"] was one of her favorite people, but word had traveled that one of the (potentially former) Alliance ‘commanders’ definitely didn’t see eye to eye with the mystics, and let them all know that in a very colorful pattern.

But this wasn't necessarily only a military operation. It was working with planetary dignities, to help them understand how the state department of the Alliance moved, how they were a confederation of planets self governing, how they didn't need a Senate. What companies could do for the Alliance? She had that information too! A weatlh of knowledge, this agent.

A bit of a prude, Peyton was in a light dress. She was here to provide more information on the Alliance, its internal structure, and what their goals and aspirations were. Should a Commander or Marshal step up, she’d defer to them but for now? She was here to make sure people were talking, and that the meet-and-greet went over well.

 

[Felicity Mason]

Hot springs. Felicity had heard they were supposed to have therapeutic effects, healing. Her mother never said much about them except snort and say something along the lines of 'about as useful as trying to heal with crystals and using moon phases to tell the future'. But Felicity was desperate. She was getting worse. The visions, the ghosts. She was starting to think there was something wrong with her. Seriously wrong.
Everyone called it a gift, but the other seers she'd met didn't seem to have these troubles. The visions leaving her weak, with a splitting head ache for hours. And the last one left her unconscious in the middle of a shopping district on Zeltros.

Maybe I have a brain tumor or something?

She walked across the hard stone, blushing in her swim suit. A white one piece, but with stylish cuts in places. She'd gotten it on Zeltros during her honeymoon. It seemed like a good purchase at the time, what with her new husband gawking at the strategic cut outs in the suit. Now she just felt like a fool. She didn't have the confidence to wear something like this.

Quick as can be, she stepped into the water. Too fast. She squealed as her body struggled to get used to the sudden heat. She felt dizzy now. Great.

My face is probably red as a boiled frella fish...

 

[Mak Manto]

Was he known as a fun person?

Sure, he could describe himself as serious, astute, calculating, potential alcoholic, but fun? That was a bit of a stretch. Hot springs, more or less, were not his style, seeing that it was more of a fun activity to just be able to relax. Try to imagine an eight and a half foot tall four-arm bearded snake sitting in a hot spring and it most likely wouldn't invoke a positive image in most minds.

Yet, he was here...

For the Galaxy...

Forging relationships with any of the powers of the galactic community who were striving for the same goals as the Republic was too important to pass up. While he wasn't looking at joining the Alliance, to have them know that they were all on the same side, fighting for the same goal, was why he was here.

But the heat...

Well, nobody would see him in light clothing, not if he could help it. It wouldn't help anyone if they were flabbergasted at his clothing. He was wearing the same double tunic and robe, and despite feeling like it was Tatooine, he moved on ahead, seeing several figures further ahead.

This would be interesting...

 

[Malok]

Jaren had been at Yag'dhul.

The young Vulture witnessed first-hand the rampage of the Architects. He fled from certain decimation alongside the Givin population. And, to top it off, his arse was saved by a Jedi. It was only after evading doom with a few survivors did he learn the identity of those who fought against the metal demons. They were the Galactic Alliance: new kids on the block doing actual good in the Galaxy. Now, Jaren was no hero or soldier, but he was an able-bodied man with a brain between his ears.

That, and Yag'dhul had seen him touch the Force for the first time.

Call it an act of gratitude. Call it a sense of obligation...but if not for the Galactic Alliance, Jaren would have been dead in the streets. As such, he seriously looked into casting his lot among them. His search lead to the discovery of an event: a so-called "meet and greet" being hosted on Sullust. All manner of potential recruits were encouraged to attend, so Jaren hastened in doing so. Gone were the days of scavenging across the stars. A new future was about to begin.

Now, when Jaren arrived he was expecting something of the semi-formal variety. But what welcomed him shattered that mental image aggressively. Sure, there was security every-karking-where, but there were also hot springs. Now that's what I call a warm welcome. he mused to himself. Once security was cleared and intentions announced, the young Vulture wasted no time in dressing down for the event. Little else save shorts were left on, and the farmboy waded out into the hot springs.

I could get used to this. he thought whilst seating himself. A satisfied sigh escaped him, followed by a chanced glance at the growing crowd. Jaren saw a woman in a dress not too far away and offered a polite wave. Then...he leaned his head back and grinned ear to ear.

Sometime it paid to be a good guy.

[member="Peyton Steele"], [member="Julius Sedaire"], [member="Meeristali Peradun"]

 

[Nicademus Blith]

Nicademus showed up in a shirt and tie, with a change of clothes, he did not want to get wet in this obviously, he just wanted to look somewhat nice, once he got to the landing site, he changed clothes into a swim suit, nothing important about it, it was just a normal pair of swim trunks, nothing special about them, he then went down into the hot springs, after being shaken down and scanned at-least 5 times, he finally got there,
this is an interesting crowd.
He then got into the water, and got a wine from one of the servers.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

After being taken aside, having requested a private security screening because of, well, reasons. Having been cleared, his sabers stored in his ship, the cloaked and masked padawan entered the general area that the gather wad to occur. Ryn was content to people watch, golden eyes dancing from face go face through the slits in his mask. What will happen? Whom might he meet? Let the festivities begin!!

[member="Chevu Visz"]

 

[Gabriel Sionoma]

A speleothem, he had grown accustomed to these on Arkania. Caverns ran deep beneath the ice and snow, cut out from the blue crust as geothermal convection currents pushed up from the core. They provided compression and changes in internal environment caused water seepage, dynamic geology, all of which added to the illustrious diamond export of the Adasca family. It was also how, in his confiscated Roecnar saber, a blood diamond rested in the hilt. He retrieved it on a trip to Arkania, the likes of which reminded him of this place.

Stalactites dripped in the echo of splashing, the stalagmites rose up from the foundation and received it, the deposition of minerals marked by the gentle ripple at the formation. As he sat in a pool separated from those in the larger water systems, he watched quietly as it splashed against the standing stone. Honey brown eyes staring out from a cool expression, long hair dripping from the hard water, he rested his arms against the rocky ridge of the pool, thinking.

The Galactic Alliance had saw fit to allow him reprieve from his cell but not prior to removing Chevu from her position. A mistake, and a clear one. But one he had no power over. He didn't think he'd want it even if offered. He didn't understand the basis nor the complexity of this alliance but when told he might fit, he came running. And tripping all the way through, tumbling into his own cell, he wondered what he was doing. It felt that the universe needed a group like this but he felt like a square peg, forcing his own frame into a circular hole. And yet, he felt a sincere tether gripping him to the frame. The universe was darkened by the looming presence of the One Sith, the constant bombardment against the republic indicative of their success.

Departure from the constant presence of his brother in his mind, he looked across to a forming stalagnate and smiled. For what it was worth, he missed the company. He regretted the creation of the presence and everything it stood for but when raised in a cityscape, one learns to fall asleep to the sound of sirens. But maybe he just missed Chevu.

[member="Chevu Visz"]​

 

[Peyton Steele]

There were three things that Peyton knew for certain. One, that man looked just like the Wrath, two, the government was letting him walk around because apparently the mystics didn’t think he was, and three? She didn’t frelling care. The blonde was just not going to go near him, because, well, there was at least one commander than didn’t tolerate the way the Alliance was handling that situation, and she didn’t want to associate with the wrong group accidentally. The woman was looking for a promotion, away from field observation.

She knew that the mystics were working security as well as her own people, the GADF. It was a good feeling, and while there was a lot going on, the woman made her way through the group, catered events were fun, and she helped herself to a champagne flute before approaching something she’d never seen before. Something because she wasn’t quite sure just what it was.

The blonde made her way over to [member="Mak Manto"]. Snake, with hair, very interesting. “Welcome to Sullust. My name is Peyton. What brings you out here?” Because there was nothing like the direct approach when it came to greeting. And as much as her diction was cold, her tone wasn’t, it was almost happy, and her smile, albiet slightly faked, helped to show that she was actually excited to see people coming that she hadn’t recognized. That was a good thing.

Even if it was a snake.

 

[Chevu Visz]

Chevu Visz found it hard to plaster a smile on her face after recent events that left her under constant watch by Galactic Alliance security and stripped of her Jedi Marshal rank in the Alliance's New Jedi Order. The rank, she could live without. Especially since she'd never felt that it was never hers to begin with. The Mirialan had always been a Marshal-by-proxy, for a Sullustan Jedi Master who lay dying in his bed in Pirin. On her shoulders rested his greatest hope that his apprentice, the woman he'd knighted, could take his place among the ranks of this new galactic promise. The Sullustan's large simian eyes would have sparkled at the number of people who'd joined the Alliance since they first came to Sullust. Sadly, that joy would have been short lived once he found out what a failure his apprentice was. Chevu had let down the people closest to her, Oomomo, Coren, her own apprentice Nikolai, and the rest of the New Jedi Order.

Not only was she making her first public appearance as a disgraced Marshal, but the fact that she was wearing next to nothing spread a whole new layer of awkward over the situation. Chevu panned her gaze around the cavern as guests began to file in. [member="Peyton Steele"] was here, and she was always a sight for sore eyes. How much did she know about what transpired? It was Jedi business, but word traveled fast in an underground biodome. She noticed a few new faces, some perhaps NJO folks she had not yet met, and some from other walks of the galaxy, no doubt curious about the Alliance.

Lastly, Chevu noticed the Gabriel, temporarily sprung from his prison, his muscular arms resting on the basalt rim of the pool. Their eyes met and her smile turned genuine for the first time that evening.

[member="The Revenant"]

 

[Kenrath]

Cole made his way to the Springs in casual attire which consisted of basically shorts and a t-shirt. He had gotten an invitation to the event through his recent affiliations. He didn't know a lot about the place or the hosts of the event but there was nothing wrong with a little R%R.


As he arrived he nodded to security there being no need to be searched as you could tell from a mile away he had no weapons on him. Being Echani his pale skin stood out like a beacon however he was not ashamed in the least. Cole circled one of the springs for a moment before grabbing a drink from one of the serving droids taking a sip.

As he scanned the crowd he saw a green skinned woman, a couple of blondes, and a few other guys. Each one was carefully inspected and sized up a habit that Cole adhered to practically since birth.

[member="Chevu Visz"] [member="Peyton Steele"] [member="Felicity Mason"] [member="Mak Manto"] [member="Jaren Solain"] [member="Nicademus Blith"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"] @The Revenant

 

[Nikola Ticon]

Undoubtedly more of a social creature than what [member="Chevu Visz"] would consider appropriate given the new galactic power he was representing, Nikola hadn't so much as spared a second thought when he caught wind of the gathering. It was a chance to unwind from the tension that had sprung up within the Alliance of late, or in his case, a chance to learn more. Very few pieces of information had been revealed during that impromptu trial, and he was keen to understand all that he could in order to better cast his judgment, regardless of what appropriate punishments had already been drawn up for the accused. This was nothing more than another demonstration of how he operated.

Besides, news traveled fast in a place like the biodome, and it hadn't taken long for him to hear that the prisoner which had been so carefully guarded was going to be momentarily released for a few hours of reprieve. Here was a man he wanted to observe and perhaps interact with himself so that he might develop an opinion separate from the one shared by the majority of those within the Alliance and New Jedi Order as a whole. The move to free the man from the prisons, even if it was just for a short while, was one he both disagreed with and saw the sense in. After all, if his Master seemed to trust him after everything, he couldn't really be that bad.

Well, he wasn't Sith. That was a start.

Clad in nothing more than a dark pair of swim trunks he meandered his way into the venue, taking in the underground cavern for all that it was, though he was decidedly more concerned about the people within. His attention was nearly instantly drawn to Chevu, just as quickly tracing her line of sight to the one lounging alone in one of the many small pools. There was no mistake he was the picture of the Wrath they all knew and despised, but he harbored nothing of that same malevolence. That counted for something. Without bothering to introduce his presence he stepped up beside his Master, locking eyes with her. "Is that the guy everyone's up in arms about?"

[member="The Revenant"]

 

[Watcher Three]

Watcher wasn't so presumptuous as to feel entitled to whatever invitation had gone around to the odd mix of people he had in his Mechu Deru 'sight'. But he was more than happy to invite himself into the hot spring, since swimming was something that brought whatever passed for excitement in his droid brain. Besides, he'd rationalized to himself, he quite clearly wasn't a Sith and an Alliance contract or two wouldn't hurt.

So, he'd dodged the woman who was greeting everybody and simply jumped into the water in nothing but some swimming trunks. The combination of his blue hair and the similarly colored tattoo on his chest both identified him for anybody who knew who he was. That probably ruled out the majority of the Force users he'd passed. But not being recognized might not be a total loss, either. After all, he'd come to relax.

[member="Nikola Ticon"] [member="Cole Dagos"] [member="Chevu Visz"] [member="Peyton Steele"] [member="The Revenant"] [member="Nicademus Blith"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Jaren Solain"] [member="Felicity Mason"] [member='Mak Manto']

 

[James Justice]

Ah another excuse to roll out the old swim trunks, always a good excuse to roll them out.

The slim, and trim spacer swaggered into the area wearing a pair of flaming red trunks that screamed confidence. With a wink at the giggling cocktail waitress James walked into the main area, admiring the cavern. And the people inside, he could certainly get used to a view like this. Focus, man. Business. You are here for business.

He made his way to a table near the water and had a drink, quickly lighting up one of his typical cigarettes. He generally hated organizations, and was on the verge of an anarchist, however these people were well-intentioned, even if misguided. I will forebear it for now. As long as they do good for the people, that is all that matters to me. He may even find a few jobs, something to bring more relief to the suffering. That was what he was all about, after all. Not esoteric political activity, but real, pragmatic, help.

Snuffing his cigarette out, James made his way into the waters. This was going to be fun.

 

[Audren Sykes]

There was a saying, one older than recorded history: "clothes make the man". No doubt the saying had been coined before nonhumans were known, but he didn't begrudge the saying for the sentiment behind it. An interesting thought actually, since clothes were a major part of almost every group out there. Politicians had their finest of fabrics, soldiers had their armor, Jedi and Sith had their bathrobes. Yank them from those clothes, put them in normal scruffy clothes, and it would be that much more difficult to tell what they were. There were always ways of course, except for the spies, but the clothes went a long way towards each group's identity.

The Galactic Alliance was hosting a get-together, a soiree, that included oh so many high-powered people. Soldiers, operatives, Jedi of all ranks, possibly even politicians. All the people who had distinctive clothes. They were gathering these people and sticking them in hot springs. There were ways to not get wet obviously, those on guard or acting as servers for the social used those, but the layout made it highly encouraging for people to use the springs. To forgo their clothing of state - whatever it may be - and get wet. The Sephi had halfway debated pitching the idea that everyone wear Speedos, see how egos and reputations fared. Then again, with the bearded snake already there and the propensity of rich politicians to be drastically overweight, maybe not the best idea.

For his part, Audren had passed through security already. He was known to them, but had eschewed any special treatment. He wore board shorts, having left all items besides a basic towel behind in the small room he claimed here on Sullust. It was highly unlikely others would be offended by his bare torso, were that the case many of those present would be at fault. Upon entering the party area he simply dove into a deeper section of the water, barely causing a splash, then surfaced. The temperature differential was startling to be sure, but going in step by slow step simply wasn't a viable option to him. Once he surfaced, he used his hands to slick the hair back out of his face, moved to a shallower area where he didn't have to tread water, and glanced around to see who was already there. There were several he'd worked with in the past: Chevu and Peyton looking as nice as ever, as well as Ryn'Dhal from the Sanctum. At least he wouldn't be the only Sanctum representative present. There were many others present, most notable among them a large bearded snake wearing the traditional robes of a Jedi, modified to fit its body structure.

Party time.

[member="Chevu Visz"] | [member="Peyton Steele"] | [member=Ryn'Dhal]

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

[member="Nikola Ticon"]
[member="Chevu Visz"]

Jacen had been a soldier most of his adult life. That career had left him with a relatively relaxed attitude to his own body, so to speak. ‘Naked bar’ had been a popular game to upset the locals wherever they went. Normally he just took a small towel to the springs after exercise, but seeing as they had company, he wore a fairly plain pair of swimming shorts.

As he stepped past Chevu, making a beeline for the hot water to sooth his aching muscles, he heard Nikola’s question and saw the look on her face. He didn't need his work as an investigator to recognise that. Having spent time discussing the matter with both parties he had come to the conclusion that Chevu was simply vulnerable and naive. They might not be able to trust her with the most sensitive secrets a Marshall needed for a time. Fortunately on this occasion events had played out to the benefit of the Alliance, but they could easily have been disastrous for them. He was still angry at Coren for attempting to parade Chevu’s mistake around in front of a massive audience. That has been… unsavoury.

“It is indeed,” he answered Nikola. “So you be a good Padawan and make sure the Knight on probation and prisoner don't start getting handsy under the water,” he said before carrying on towards the water. The flash of a wry smile showing he wasn't taking the matter too seriously at the moment.

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix was on solust entirely by virtue of a recent acquisition. Just a few days prior a 'slave rights' activist had snuck into one of the royal mines on Isis, not in itself a rare occurrence but this one had arrived at an opportune time, whether his purpose had been to spy or sabotage fate had compelled this man to deliver an opportunity onto Crix. A look through the intruders belongings had revealed his name "Anton Daitho" Horrid name in Crix's opinion and a note about a Galactic alliance meet and greet. Further inspection had revealed an Anti-Slavery blog , a tool that would most likely prove useful in sneaking into this social and perhaps rousing trouble for Thais in the future.

Thus with Anton forced deep underground to live out the remainder of his now pitiful life in chains as he toiled in the Kallisto Mines Crix took his own journey underground, Toby following dutifully at his side. He had passed the security checks with no real issue. He was after all entirely unarmed and any investigation into Anton would reveal the blog and tax records, Crix was now the proud owner of a philosophy degree, all totally above board... No pictures though a, a particularly handsome slicer had seen to that.

For the first time in his life Crix was able to show affection for Toby Publically, after all for the purposes of this party Toby was emancipated and they were not a combination of master/servant and lover they were just lovers. It was perfect, if only it could always be like this. The galactic alliance promised a massive opportunity to stick pins in Thais but that could wait, the hot-springs were what drew Crix's immediate focus. He was still suffering the aftereffects of his little punishment at the hands of his employers new bed buddy, the injuries had faded excepting a few bruises and the rare agonising muscle cramp but Crix hoped the springs might banish the pain entirely. Leaning on his dear Toby the pair crossed the hard stone to ease themselves into the hot water. As it worked it's magic Crix glanced around ... Now who was in charge here?

No doubt some authority or other would get around to greeting him soon but for now he supposed he and his T could occupy themselves, Crix gently squeezed his slave's hand Toby was still unaccustomed to his false freedom, in private his darlin' was perfectly comfortable with affection and decadence but in public his need to keep up a facade for a decade had made it hard to relax. Crix pitied his poor boy but what could he do ... he was a selfish man at heart after all and he could bear to let his Toby go.

 

[Mak Manto]

Seeing a young woman approaching him, he had to guess she was part of the Alliance. He was a bit surprised when she spoke to him, for she was direct, almost too direct. It was as if she was trying to be a nice person but at the time wary of anyone she didn't know, despite the fact his face wasn't one you could miss.

Bending down, he took a look at the girl before straightening himself.

"The name's Mak Manto, Jedi Master to the Galactic Republic. I heard you were having a little meeting here with Alliance folks and thought I'd drop in."

[member="Peyton Steele"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

She didn't feel any less... crazy. She was still seeing things. But maybe somehow she could wash away the visions? Felicity was willing to try anything at this point. A gift was only useful if you could use it. And Felicity just couldn't use her 'gift'.

The girl sighed, leaning her head against the rocky edge of the hot spring. She closed her eyes, imagining what ever was wrong with her brain healing in some magical healing liquid. She imagined life with her new husband, she imagined being able to go out and about with him, without being afraid. Without worrying that she might touch something that would bring on a vision. Without being afraid that she might collapse again.

Help me. Help me. Help me.

She knew it wouldn't, of course. Water didn't heal. That was silly superstition and magic talk. But, well, maybe she needed a little magic in her life. It was getting to the point that she was starting to consider going to the witches on Dathomir and asking them for help. Or maybe-

No. No. That is asking for trouble.

 

[Peyton Steele]

So many people to just kind of watch out for. What was she really doing here? She had no idea. But for now, the blonde was going to do what she could, and approach the oddities and speak to them, direct them where they wanted to go, and from there? She’d be able to help out. The blonde gave a look over at [member="Chevu Visz"] and [member="The Revenant"], Gabriel, who was making waves by existing. She’d talk to him later, to see what the frell was going on. Right now, she was going to speak to the snake.

The snake who was apparently a Jedi Master, with the Republic. Noble group, them. The Republic, not the Jedi. Fighting the good fight, and taking it to the Sith. The latter group was an infinite flood of hate and hellfire, but the fact that the Republic kept fighting, and didn’t lay down arms at the enemy? She could respected that.

And did.

She thought she recognized one of the Silver Sanctum members. Yes, outwardly, Peyton was paying attention to Manto, but inwardly, she was making sure to track the movements of everyone else. Including the Sephi.

“From the Republic, here as a representative, or just on your own accord?” People always came to do some data collection, obviously. And that was fine. “I believe some of our higher ups may be showing up shortly, but if there is anything I could help you with?” She shrugged.

[member="Mak Manto"]
[member="Audren Sykes"]