Public KGM Charity Gala - (Fully Open)

[Kloe Weo]

OBJECTIVE: Mingle
GEAR: A tailored suit, tamed weasel
Tags: Tibera Jessen , Open

Tibera offered a finger. The weasel took what was offered, sinking sharp little teeth into the digit with the same speed and energy she'd yawned with. Just enough to bleed. But that was fine. Little oopsies like that were why Kloe had brought antivenom.

The call was put out to dance, and most seemed to be moving to do so. The only person to talk to her tonight was munching on shrimp and champagne like the trays were going to be taken away, and talking about kids. This might've bothered someone else, but Kloe didn't think much of it. Tibera was not her target audience, nor her intended customer, but she was decent enough company for somebody who looked like she could break a speeder over her knee.

"Security? Hah, not tonight I'm afraid, kind of between jobs at the moment. Some contracts I was on fell through, hoped that I could bounce back by doing some hobnobbing," Tibera said, soon after filling her mouth with a prawn.

"Guess that makes us birds of a feather tonight then? Both of us seem to be huntresses preying on the purses of the ultra-wealthy. Course, I will admit, I do like to flex the credits a bit when it comes to charity. Kids in the galaxy deserve to have something nice..."

"Children are less loathsome than most people tend to be." Kloe agreed idly, giving the circling, dancing nobility a bit more space to do their thing. "But I am only here to donate as many credits as it takes to secure future profit. We are unlikely to hob or nob out here on the edges of the herd, though. Our prey is in there." The Umbaran explained, nodding through her hair at the mass of gracefully dancing socialites. "Without us."

She extended a hand outwards, and slightly upwards. "We should dance. If we are seen among the crowd, we increase our chances of finding wealthy patrons by appearing to be one of them. My name is Kloe. I have no nicknames. Dance with me." The Umbaran half-invited.

 

[Liin Terallo]

I listened to him with a curious brow. If my hypothosis is correct, then the nosebleed did not just happen. I can only surmise that somone had gotten to him and perhaps used some of my stolen data to continue with their own research. If that is the case, then I am both relieved and alarmed at the same time.

He tossed the napkin away with perfect aim. And I could not help but inspect his face a little for any more signs. There appeared to be none, however. At least for now.

An offer to dance was proposed, something that I had not been asked to do in quite some time. Not even at my own events and galas had anyone chose to. So the polite gesture was appreciated.

I reach out and place my hand in his own before rising to my feet. "I would be delighted, Saul. Thank you." I let him lead me to the floor and then positioned myself for a waltz of sorts, with my free hand resting on his shoulder. "What brings you to this charity event, may I ask?"

Tag: Saul Whesai

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik's eyes lingered on her a moment longer, the warmth in his heart only deepened. "The donation first," he agreed with a slight nod and smile. "Then we'll take to the floor."

He adjusted his grip on her arm, guiding them toward the area she'd indicated. The servers and staff made a practiced effort not to intrude, though he caught more than a few curious glances from guests as they passed. Whether those looks came from recognition, curiosity, or both, he wondered if they thought of him as a monster.

At the edge of the donation table, Rellik slipped a sealed credit chip from his jacket pocket and placed it into the discreet collection box. A simple gesture, though the amount was anything but modest. The Diarchy had its share of enemies, but no one could accuse it of ignoring the causes it deemed worthy.

Turning back to Iandre, he offered his hand, palm up.
"Shall we?"

They crossed to the open floor where the music's slow, deliberate rhythm had already drawn several couples into graceful motion. Rellik set his glass down on a nearby table, then stepped into place with her, his hand at her back

Over her shoulder, his eyes passed briefly across the crowd until they stopped on two familiar figures. Adrikobe was waltzing with Valery Noble, the former leader of the Galactic Alliance and now the face of the Rebel campaign against the Empire. His eyes squinted for a moment before letting go. In truth Valery Noble had more in common with the Diarchy than she might realize. It was only their allowance towards the teachings of the dark side that separated them. The only other time he had seen here was when he met Azurine Varek so long ago.

"Interesting company tonight," he murmured. His gaze lingered only a moment longer before returning to her with a faint smile. "But I think our dance will be far more memorable than anything else."

Iandre Athlea

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Walking around the room at a slow pace, sipping her wine, Persephone hadn't found this Liin Terallo yet. Didn't matter, the night was relatively young. Besides, it was highly possible the woman didn't even show. Maybe a made a donation in lieu of attendance. Who didn't love a good canceled plan and a night on the couch watching a holodrama?

Instead she had found someone who knew her adoptive mother. Surprise level was a zero, and judging by the guests' age the woman clearly knew her mother since infancy. It seemed she always got stuck with the old biddies. Perhaps a look into her distant future ; horribly rich, horribly single, and horribly boring.

"....I hate you leave you dear but I must check in on Lady Porfin. You know how it is. Do say hello to your mother for me."

"Of course. I'm sure she will be happy to hear from you."

Just as she was plotting an escape somewhere, perhaps to blend in or become a wallflower, a voice caught her attention.

"Persephone, Hey." Kiran said with slightly awkward wave but a good smile. "You look really nice."

Kiran. The kid she had met while studying the Ashlan Crusade. Well, perhaps not kid. They seemed to be similar in age, Persephone just considered herself more worldly. Or perhaps more adult from spending years taking care of an ineffective addict biological mother. A small mental shrug pushed the thought away.

Hand extended in greeting. Formal. This was the place for formalities.

"Kiran, hello. What brings you here? Not exactly your scene."

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Ord Mantel
Equipment: Formal Outfit, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Third Lightsaber, Marriage Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Jairdain Ismet-Thio

Jax had a feeling that Jair invited him to this Gala to somehow get back at him for once again going off to war.

If it was true, well she succeeded in it, Jax felt like a Gundark in a watering hole. Just plain awkward with many eyes gazing at him. Parties were never his thing, it was more Jair's element since she was a diplomat. But it was for a good cause though Jax was always wary of charity since many of the funds don't often go to the people but rather than the rich noble's pockets.

"I dunno," Jax shrugged holding onto Jair's arm. "I guess socialize Jair. You know how to navigate this den of vipers than I do."

He kinda wished Jayna Ismet-Thio was here. It would definitely make the air feel less...... tense.

 

[Saul Whesai]

As his theoretical offer was accepted and Liin offered her hand out, she may have seen the smoke coming from his ears as the mini-Sauls in his head tried to find the file for dancing. "It's not here, Chief!" one mini-Saul said. "We've looked through the whole D cabinet, there is nothing about Dancing." The Chief Saul looked about ready to pull his mustache out as he shouted to his crew. "Then find something, an ad with dancing in it, anything! We can't fail him now!" As the mini Saul's scrambled to give their host some sort of idea on what he was doing, the man himself was wondering how he got here and how he was going to get out of it socially unscaved.

He wasn't anywhere close to as good as dancing as his bravdo lead him out to be but his mini-Sauls have dug up some of the dancing instructional videos he had watch trying to prepare for his first ball style event. It took him some time to start actively avoiding Liin's toes and getting down his steps but after a couple of minutes he was half way decent as they circling around the floor to the music. "I probably should have left the leading the to you but you aren't screaming in pain yet from me stepping on you. I'll take it as a good sign.

The Cyborg was surprised how much fun he was having with someone he barely knew. Maybe he would get know more about her soon if this dance continued to go well. "Honestly, you'll probably judge me for this but I like people seeing I guess. You only get so many changes to see important people and it always makes me guess what's going through their heads at these things. The free food and drink doesn't hurt either. You? Maybe she actually was a holo star, coming here to mingle with big time directors but all he knew is Liin was all his eyes wanted to look at right now.

Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

The man was obviously not accustomed to dancing. The minor stepping on my toes told me that. But instead of taking the lead, I allowed him to find his way. Afterall it is not very lady-like to take the lead.

But it did not take him long to get used to the steps that repeated. Keeping it simple is always the easiest way. For I'm not looking to be dipped or twirled or lifted.

His eyes remained focused on mine as he spoke, and I wondered if perhaps he was smitten with me. That in and of itself is unusual. Although if he was injected by a serum similar to mine; then he could be mistaking the connection that I feel to that of infatuation. I will need to study that by asking the right questions. Yet I am not so sure that this would be the right time nor place. Too many eyes and ears.

I thought that I saw young lady Dashiell find herself some company. I can only imagine what tabs Mister Dashiell would have on her. He could be around easily enough as this kind of event is similar to ones that he has attended before. But it is not my place to interfere. I will just keep an eye on her for him in case she finds herself in some trouble. Her brother would do the same.

I return my focus to Saul as he responds to my question and follows it with one of his own, to which I dutifully respond; "People watching is not uncommon at these events. I have done it myself from time to time. But I have been away from people for the most part for some time. So tonight I am stepping outside of my comfort zone to see how it goes."

Tags: Saul Whesai Persephone Dashiell

 

[Iandre Athlea]

While it still felt like somebody was walking over her grave, Iandre pushed the feeling aside. Her attention was on her partner, and at the moment, she wasn't thinking about her enemy. The one that was silently approaching her. A ripple through the Force and the sensation of being watched flitted across her senses, and she turned to look around. Still not seeing Kharnaz, she allowed Rellik to guide their steps to the dance floor.

She noticed the Diarch Reign and his wife, as well as Valery Noble , whom she had met during her walkabout. Turning her grey eyes back to Rellik, he was the one who mattered to her.

"Memorable for who? This is one of the best things we do together."

Not bothering to hide her pleasure, her cheeks were pink, but she was far from embarrassed. Placing one of her hands within his and her other on his side, she fell into the rhythm of the waltz. He was leading, and she quietly shared a smile with him.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Saul Whesai]

Liin presented herself to the cyborg as a large block of ice that needed to be chipped away at, clinical and emotionally withdrawn, as she focused on what she needed to do instead of letting loose and having fun. Hopeful Saul could give her a fun night, something that didn't feel like a duty. As the music sped up, he boldly pulled her close as he gradually moved his feet faster to meet the new tempo, daring the other people to look at them as he pretended like they were the only two people in the room.

Saul raised an eyebrow as he gave her a half smile."Away because you had to be or because you chose to be? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. That question was just me trying to learn a little more about you and where you are on life's path. And it's good to know that dancing with a wired-up human is stepping out of your comfort zone. Let's see what else we can do to widen it." For the first time in a while, as they spun, he laughed, feeling like an imaginary weight came off his chest as he felt like he hadn't a care in the world. Or maybe it was the fast pace of the dancing draining the blood from his brain, who could tell? The Cyborg only knew that he was happy he came.

Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Saul pulled me in closer and for a moment I am taken aback. Most tend to keep a respectable distance. But I followed his lead nonetheless. Afterall it is not as though he was putting his hands anywhere that they did not belong.

I took a moment before I responded to his question. Afterall I had to figure out just how to respond to his question. It is not as though the answer is an easy one. Instead it is a bit complicated. "A bit of both, actually. I am conducting some research and it garnered attention that I was not expecting to receive. So I needed to live on the run for a little while. But now I have been offered sanctuary and protection. It is just taking a little while for me to not be afraid in public. All in good time, I suppose."

His laughter came as he spun us around and for a moment I am jealous of him and everyone else that can live carefree lives. I miss having those days myself, back when I was younger.

Tag: Saul Whesai

 

[Saul Whesai]

Maybe Saul was a little bit crazy for doing this stunt, and he could see the surprise in her eyes when he pulled her in. Living on the edge of living and straving for too long was probably making him feel like this. Like living every moment was his last. Or maybe he was just crazy, feeling happiness for some sort of a connection that might not even exist.

It was clear that Liin didn't expect the Cyborg to be this... forward. Still, he was glad to hear her honest answer. "Scienist makes sense. You probably wanted to dissect me since you first saw me then. Aside from my terrible jokes, it makes sense. You seem like someone who has a clinical eye and is very no-nonsense. That and you probably would look good in a lab coat. I, on the other hand, am but a humble starship mechanic. I've done a little design work too, but that's pretty much it for me job-wise. She didn't need to know the other... more grayish and certainly more bloody jobs he had done in the past.

Giving his signature smirk as the world blurred around them, he tried to reassure her that he wasn't going to push her too far into the deep end. "You can always tell me to pull away, you know. My ego is easily wounded, but it will grow back in time." Giving her hip a gentle squeeze, he wanted to have this moment go on for as long as possible. Even if this interaction ended tonight, he planned to make the most of it now.

Liin Terallo

 

[Jairdain Ismet-Thio]

Having raised her daughter, she already felt that she was here. When Jax mentioned socializing, she shrugged. She would say hi to Dreidi and her partner. After that was done, she wasn't going to keep her from enjoying her date. After tonight, though, she was going to thoroughly question Dreidi and see if there was anything she could do to help promote the budding romance.

Patting her husband's hand, she tried to reassure him that things would be fine.

"Did you remember to bring the donation?"

He had said he wanted to socialize, and Jairdain found that interesting. That wasn't something he usually liked doing. Unless he needed to, she had dragged him here, so if he wanted that, then who was she to argue? However, it looked like most people were dancing, and there weren't many to chat with.

"Den of vipers? You're acting like this is deadlier than the war I took you away from."

Jax Thio @open

 

[Liin Terallo]

I raised a curious brow as he suggested that I wanted to dissect him. Is that what he believes that all scientists do? "Microbiology is where my skills lie. I use microscopes far more than anything else." Even during my research, I could not allow myself to conduct experiments on other people. Instead I resorted to experimenting on myself instead of anyone else. I did not even create any clones. So the very idea of dissecting this stranger was a bizarre one.

Yet maybe he is only joking. I find it difficult to know these things. Most especially in regards to anything personal.

I turn the focus completely away from me. Afterall, I do not want to turn my first dance in what feels like forever into something uncomfortable. Otherwise I might decide to avoid similar events for the rest of my life.

"A mechanic? That is an honorable profession. What happened to your designs? Did you not follow them through?"

Tag: Saul Whesai

 

[Darth Kharnaz]

A dance had started. How quaint. These dance moves were weak. moving slowly like injured prey. How this represented class was beyond him.

There were a lot of powerful force presences here. He had to be careful. Not even he could fight everyone in the building. He would had to use something he did not often exercise. His wits.

There. Dancing near the edge with a partner was Iandre. He did not recognise this partner of hers. No matter. He would be irrelevant.

Kharnaz approached the pair in a lull between songs. He forced his features into a smile as he greeted them.

"May I have the pleasure of this dance?" he asked through gritted teeth.

Iandre Athlea

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik's steps matched hers without effort, the rhythm carrying them in a slow turn across the polished floor. Her words drew a faint smile, one that touched his eyes. "For me," he said quietly, "I plan on thinking of these moments when I am old. This moment looking into your eyes is what I will remember."

The music dipped and swelled, drawing them through the crowd before after several rotations they were near the border of the dance floor. It was then that a shadow edged into his awareness, not the subtle glances of curious guests, but the focused weight of someone approaching with intent.

He caught sight of the man... creature. It was the darkness in the force he sensed first. It did not taste bad in his mouth, it was the only presence like that he had felt besides his own and his brother. It was for that reason he noticed it.

Kharnaz's smile was strained, his request polite in form if not in tone. An unfamiliar face, but the Force told its own truth.

Rellik's gaze shifted briefly to Iandre, then back to the newcomer. His voice was calm, even cordial, but without the softness he'd given her a moment before. His back had straightened, almost tensed, yet he kept his counselor type demeanor. "That would depend entirely on my lady's answer."

He did not release her hand. If anything he squeezed it gently. Rellik would not enter Iandre's mind, her thoughts were her own to have. Instead he trusted her. Trusted that if there was anything he needed to know, or if he needed to be on guard that she would tell him. The only thing he did was send a tingle of precaution through the force.

One that would let his brother know that this night might take a turn and to be ready for it. To be ready to defend Lady Nocturne and Iandre.

Iandre Athlea Darth Kharnaz Diarch Reign

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Outfit: Dress suit
Tag: Aiden Porte

"You are not, not boring?" Dreidi smirked, not backing down in the teasing. Dreidi was never the first to back down from teasing banter and exchanging silliness with another person. It was always too much fun and she had a lot of laughter.

Shaking her head when Aiden stated that they would have to agree to disagree, "fine, fine, I suppose you can be wrong." Her steps to the bar were measured and calm, ensuring that she wasn't going to stumble or trip. Leaning on the bar, Dreidi's eyes glanced over the many options for drink and listened to the suggested that Aiden.

She made a face at the notion they should drink whisky. "Ugh, I would not start there. Much too strong of a flavour, also I'll be passed out after two." Dreidi giggled, noting that there was a drink that she did not recognise. Dreidi pointed it out to the bartender, "that one? Lightly blue." Dreidi shrugged, not sure what it would be like but always happy to experiment.

"What's your pick then, Aiden?" She smiled over to him.

 

[Saul Whesai]

Okay, it was clear that one didn't land. Saul guessed he would have to adjust his humor a bit if this thing they had going would last past tonight. "I guess the better analogy is I feel like I'm a new vaccine you're testing right here in this controlled area before you put me into distribution and introduce me to your world. Does that make more sense?" That was the best he was going to get at talking like he had been working in a lab before. Hopefully, she was able to understand what he was trying to get at.

The Cyborg wasn't surprised when she asked him the same thing, and he tried to answer her question as best as he could. "It's honorable, but you'll be coming home covered in things you won't even be able to guess at. That and the owners like to hover over you like you are trying to teach their child to be a Sith, but overall, I can't complain. I like getting under the hood, seeing how everything connects, and trying to get the most out of every starship's systems. To me, it's my dream job, being able to travel from place to place and always have a job waiting for me." Taking a breath, he decided to let the music drift over them, letting her take a rest from his voice. The cyborg was enjoying himself. Hell, he could dance with this pretty girl all night if his legs held out.

After a couple of minutes of savoring her company, Saul decided to go into the design part that he had mentioned before. "The designs I worked on were for Si Tech. I got offered a job working at a design desk and worked on designs for a couple of months, mostly commercial craft like mining ships and budget craft that can take a beating. But when the new Empire started to drift into the Inner Rim, the higher-ups started to get cold feet and eventually, they pulled all the company's assets off-world and cashiered whom they could to make the move easier. I was one of those people. But letting me go gave me the freedom to come here and meet you. I'm very happy I came here tonight." Giving her his signature grin, he felt like he could fly. Hell, he wished he could, just to see Liin's shocked face when he lifted her off the ground.

Liin Terallo

 

[Valery Noble]

Ord Mantell

Outfit: Dress

Valery's gaze lingered on him through the spin, the faintest smile playing at her lips. "Because I look for more than the speeches," she said smoothly, "Actions speak far louder. Who they choose to stand beside, the risks they are willing to take, the causes they support when no one is watching… those tell me more than any polite conversation could."

They stepped in time with the music, her movements flowing with practiced ease, the faint sway of her hips never breaking rhythm. "When I find someone whose actions match their words, I make my case. Not as a plea, but as an opportunity. For them to shape something that matters." Her voice softened, just enough to draw the focus inward. "And for those who understand the value of influence before the battle begins, the return is more than credits or titles. It's the ability to leave a mark that will be remembered."

She let the moment breathe, turning with him through the next pass of the music, her hand light in his yet steady. Then, with the barest tilt of her head and a glimmer in her eyes, she added, "But of course… some marks are best left for the right partners to make together." Her smile deepened, playful now, as they moved into the next turn of the dance.

"That said, I expect some to be less... willing. Perhaps I can convince some by owing them a favor." One from a Jedi Master of her reputation and skill surely was worth something.

Adrikobe Kellrule ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I rose both of my eyebrows in surprise as he spoke about him being a vaccine for me to study. For a brief moment I thought that he was being literal. But then the meaning behind his words struck me. And he was correct in that regard. He was part of a sort of test that I was putting myself through while I was here. However I did not expect or plan to be dancing. I followed that revelation with a bow of my head instead of using any words.

Silence followed for a moment as he continued to lead me through the dance floor. Which was great as I needed the time to sort my thoughts out.

Saul responded to my question, however, breaking the silence between us. I listened to the response; and it all seemed straight forward. But then he spoke of the new Empire and companies moving out of their territories....

I remember when that took place. I was the head of the New Cov Biomolecule Company back then; and part of a broader group of large companies that removed their factories and offices out of Empire territory as part of a boycott. I had thought that the workers would all of been moved out as well. But sadly it appears that that was not the case.

"When major governments change; they tend to create a wave of disruption in it's wake. Do you ever plan on attempting ship design again?" Once more I keep the focus away from me as I find it much more comfortable that way.

Tag: Saul Whesai

 

[Iandre Athlea]

The music came to an end, and Iandre finally sensed the approaching Sith. The one she had met on the old Republic transport months ago. Shifting slightly, she did not hide behind her love. No, she stood next to him, and her eyes grew wide at the simple request from her enemy. He gritted his teeth as he spoke and faked his smile, but she didn't sense that he would harm her. Not with so many powerful people present.

She had already paled a little, but she was not scared. If the setting were different, they would have already started a second confrontation. This was a peaceful gathering, and the former Jedi wasn't going to break that. Unless he did first, on his head be it, if he did.

Giving Rellik's hand a squeeze in return, she turned to him and smiled. It didn't reach her eyes entirely, but with the Sith present, that shouldn't be surprising, even if she wanted to fight the monster that had approached and asked to dance.

"I'll be fine, love. Just one dance."

Letting go, she drew in a breath and stepped to be directly in front of her rival.

"It seems we can both clean up nicely, Kharnaz. You might want to consider visiting a tailor. Do you even know how to dance?"

Was she pressing buttons? Most certainly. Surrounded by friends and family, she wasn't afraid and might even be braver...or more foolish than normal. What she wasn't doing was being antagonistic.

He's the Sith that gave me the scar on my shoulder.

It was a thought she sent to Rellik, not that it would alleviate any of their discomfort. She also provided his name while within hearing distance of her partner.

"What brings you here, Kharnaz?"

Darth Kharnaz Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Adrikobe Kellrule