Meet the New Brass [Red Ravens]

[Puppet Kyrios]

"Starcatcher," she nodded, quickly recovering from her little bout of blackness, "Asteria Starcatcher, and you are?" She wanted for the girl to answer, returning to her state of staring at the table, deep in thought.


Asteria gazed upwards slowly and replied to Ice's question, a deep sadness in her neon green eyes, "Cryax has changed, Ice,. He isn't the young Chiss we rescued from Kessel anymore, something happened to him in the Black Suns' prison, and it's changed him more then I could've imagined then," For a moment, it seemed as if Asteria was going to cry or burst into anger, but she did neither and instead stiffened up and returned to her original mood, "But now he has moved on, and we must accept him as he is now, our new leader."

[member="Jen"] [member="Ice"]

 

[Jalek Sathora]

The look from @[member="Cryax Bane"] only earned a shrug from him, and a return of the same, though his was much more teasing in nature, coupled with the smile that played on his lips. Maybe he was pushing things, but something told him the Chiss wouldn't react too overtly, if only to keep up appearances as the suave crime boss around the other Ravens. But Jalek knew the little secret behind things, and it was one that he wouldn't be keeping to himself for all that long. That was never his speciality, or at least when it came to these things. It was something Cryax would have to learn the hard way, or not at all. He was more than willing to give him beginning instruction on things. His own way, of course. Which would inevitably involve more of his own comments.

Still, he didn't take any of it to heart, knowing it was just an act. Unfortunately for Cryax, his own attitude wasn't, or at least, not as much of one. "I don't think you'll be just talking business, and besides," He pulled his own datapad out of a pocket on the inside of his suit jacket, "You aren't the only one with business. And speaking of, you should see about finding some slicing jobs that would require a bit of collaboration. Working alone is fine and all, but I like to know who I have to work with when it comes to partners." Here he raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Partners of a different sort, of course. I already have one for more serious things in mind."

Booting up his datapad, he acted as if the exchange was a typical thing, or as if it had never happened, turning his attention away from Cryax for the time being. If the other man could ignore him, well, two could play at that. With another smile he glanced to Cryax again, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, and I left a bit of a surprise for you in your office. Nothing bad, slicer's honor. I think you might actually like it, all things considered. Might help you get off your high horse for a bit, president or not." Where everyone else was treating the Chiss with a guarded attitude he was relaxed as he always was around him, partly due to his not witnessing the events that had transpired previously, and part of it being that it would take quite a bit to change his attitude towards anything.

 

[Jen]

As Asteria recovered after the brief and sudden blackout, Jennifer turned her gaze back towards her, seeming amused by the name judging from the tug on the left side of her lips, not answering her immediately. She leant back in the soft cushion as Asteria turned towards Ice to reply to his questions, Jennifer paying little attention to the conversation as she waited for an opening to reply. Meanwhile, she instead used the time to raise her left foot onto the cusion and placing her left elbow on the legs knee with a relaxed sigh, her left hand placed by the side of her face in a resting position.

Her eyes scanned the area, spotting Daxton in the corner with his tarot cards, of course the detail about what sort of cards didn't occur to her, it was hard to see such a detail from this distance, but the very fact however that it was shuffle-able cards stirred her curiousity. Perhaps she should go play a game of whatever it was he was doing, even if she loved Sabaacc the most. But before she could put action to her thoughts the conversation between Ice and Asteria died out for the time being. She adjusted her prehensile tail a bit, streatching it out across the cushion to her right side before speaking:

"Nice to meet you by the way, Starcatcher. I'm Jen. Or Jennifer Phoenix rather, but Jen is easier. Wouldn't you agree?" She grinned, still seated with her left shoe ontop of the couch. "I wonder, what made you join the Ravens?"

[member="Asteria Starcatcher"] :: [member="Daxton Bane"] :: [member="Ice"]​

 

[Xalus]

Xalus was merely here because he had been instructed to. It wasn't like a stone-cold killer and operator like himself to just take delight in such revelry. Although he was glad that his newfound comrades had finally made appropriate changes to their leadership structure - he wanted no part of it. In fact, he was more apt to just staying the silent, unquestioning man that he was.

It was a simple and satisfying life.

Even [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] would agree.

 

[Cryax Bane]

As the drinks settled into Cryax's system, the adrenaline from his earlier show started to subside and he felt more chill. At Jen's reply to his text, Cryax simply quirked a brow and shook his head. He figured he'd ask her later over coffee at the Badwazi Bean where he was planning to take her out for a chat to make sure everything was alright with his favorite mechanice. If he could actually leave the casino without someone taking a pot shot. He understood now why Lysle Rigger was rarely seen in public. Datapad pinging the crime boss got a return message from Ice, and rapidly fired back: "Yup its srs. come 2 my booth 2 cht."

He may have looked like he was typing but Cryax was still listening to Jalek, although he made no look away from his Datapad. "You'll get some jobs soon enough," he said curtly and then raised his lip in a sneer. "You might get more if you actually show up when you're supposed to." He rolled his eyes at the statement that followed and shook his head. "Not the time, Jalek. Not the time."

When the other slicer announced that he had a "surprise," Cryax whipped his head around to stare at the Morellian, making the security guards around him start. "Kteh!" he swore in Cheuhn. "What the frell did you leave in there?" Knowing Jalek it could be anything. He nodded to an Ithorian security guard who had heard the exchange and the man trotted off to retrieve the whatever-it-was that was now in the Chiss's office.

[member="Jalek Sathora"] [member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

[member="Asteria Starcatcher"]

He listened to Asteria and nodded. "Well I'm glad he has matured some. You should have seen him when I first met him." Ice couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Still as long as he doesn't pull that execution stuff to often...at least like the way he did, I don't have a problem with it. He had to make a statement. I think we just know him as his old self, but he had to put on a persona as the new don't mess with me boss. We'll see though."

He datapad pinged another message. After reading it he let out a small sigh. "Well ladies, I'm afraid I must leave. Enjoy your evening." He finished his drink and then lay a hand softly on Asteria's shoulder. "Thanks for the drink." He finished with a warm smile and a wink to her before heading over to where Cryax was sitting. He could see some fellow walking away that seemed to have been annoying Cryax some. He was curious what that was all about, but it wasn't his business, so he wouldn't pry.

Taking a seat next to his old friend, he gave the man a nod and a small smile. Nowing the reason for his arrival was serious, Ice decided to skip the pleasantries. It's not like they had just been talking to eachother a couple minutes prior. "Ok, so what is this about Keira?" He said simply but in a somewhat hushed voice just loud enough for Cyax to hear.

[member="Cryax Bane"]

 

[Puppet Kyrios]

Asteria half smirked, half softly smiled back at Ice and replied, "No problem, [member="Ice"], enjoy the rest of your evening."

Asteria turned back towards the young girl and thought, [member="Jen"], that's a nice name, "Nice to meet you, Jen, and yes, it is much easier. I had a friend one that called me Star, but that was at least a standard year or two ago, back before the Nova-Valhalla Federation disbanded. I was with them from beginning to end, and the Ravens were our closest ally. So when we disbanded and went our separate ways, a few of us joined the Red Ravens, including Ice and I." She smiled and remembered the times with the Federation.

"I met Cryax at the Battle of Kessel, where we had to rescue him. I was the fortunate Valhallan to find him, all battered and bruised and being dragged away from a crazy lady by a droid, but mostly in one piece. Unfortunately, the Twi'lek lady got to me too, and both Cryax and I ended up in emergency medic bays," She laughed, her former mood gone, "I believe it's very uncommon for both the rescuer and the rescuee to end up in the hospital. At least that's my observation."

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

It was with pleasure that a shift in the crowd allowed Chiasa to catch a glimpse of Big Boy. She wouldn't have said the night was a waste of course, even if she was wary and skeptical of the recent goings on, it was still the done thing to be seen, to be present. Particularly if in the future a coup became necessary. One hoped it wouldn't of course, but if it was she firmly intended to already have a controlling share before she ever made a move. Still, it was for the most part a rowdy crowd, the sort that would have any dancer who liked to choose who she went home with and who got to touch her heading home in any other establishment. Luckily she was no longer a dancer, and the new security droids were good for something, so those who were, were safe. Still. It was that sort of crowd. The blood that had flowed had them worked up, like a beast in a frenzy. Many bodies, one stupid, tiresome, simple mind.

Rising, and abandoning the drink, she made her way over. Coming up beside him, she twined an arm though his she leaned her head against his side.

"They're very.. enthusiastic. I think perhaps I'll stay by you for now, much more peaceful."

It was true. Even when he wasn't stepping in front of speeders or being overtly threatening, people tended to give a being that big his space. Plus, as any Mando could tell you, there was always a slight unease directed at a being when their face was hidden.

[member="Xalus"]

 

[Xalus]

The green monster turned his helmeted gaze to a familiar face in the crowd. Little orange, what a doll. Xalus liked her alright. Smart, quirky, a real professional if anything could be said of these rag-tag boys and girls giggling from their fine wines and beer. In this Gen'Dai's eyes, they would always be that upcoming, new organization that strove to conquer the underworlds of the galaxy. Even as time would pass and people would lose their lives before him - it would never change within his steel trap of a mind. It was simply what happened when you practically lived forever. You stopped caring about lots of things.

Within moments, she had already crossed through the grinding crowds to him. As she neared him, it wasn't that hard to understand why the rest of the patrons had allowed him such a wide berth. Not everyday did you see a seven foot tall suit of armor and malice at a party.

Soft, delicate orange arms found themselves around his cold steel with such a delight that Xalus couldn't comprehend just what was happening.

"Indeed.." he murmured, "I like the peace. It's soothing."

He would never understand females.

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

As Ice approached the booth, Cryax gestured for his new secretary to sit. He took his boots off the table and set aside his Datapad. The grave look on his face was enough to suggest this wasn't just another business deal or crazy scheme. "Keira Ticon's been missing for a few days." he said. "I have a few infochants sussing it out, but I wanted to find out if you heard anything. Apparently she disappeared without a trace. I Holocalled Diego and he hasn't seen her. Now he's spitting mad." He leaned his hand on Ice's arm imploringly. "Do me a favor and put the word out there. See if you can find anything out."

Then the Chiss crime boss turned back to his Datapad and started typing like a demon, sending a text message to the orange Twi'lek who was still looking at him suspiciously as she flirted with the grenade-eating Gen'dai warrior. "Chiasa bb need 2 tlk 2 u."

As he clicked send, two security guards approached the table holding a box. Of kittens. It was a box of mewling kittens. Cryax put his face in his hands wearily and let out a long sigh. He pointed to Jalek, who received another icy red glare, and told the security guards, "Give those to him will ya?"

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] [member="Ice"] [member="Jalek Sathora"]

 

[Jalek Sathora]

With a crooked smile and a feeling that he would be on the receiving end of plenty more looks from the Chiss Jalek just let this one roll of his back like he would all of the others, knowing that, despite his cold exterior, [member="Cryax Bane"] cared more than he would ever let on to his other Ravens. Again, that thing with keeping up appearances. Although he understood it to a point, that didn't mean he had to go along with things. So when the box was set down in front of him he gently lifted one of the kittens out of the box. Its fur was mostly black with patches of calico, eyes a piercing green not unlike the Morellian's. As he leaned back the animal wormed out of his grasp and crawled across his chest before curling up close to under his chin.

Glancing to Cryax with a slight smirk he continued to pet the kitten gently, being careful not to disturb it too badly. Anyone who knew him as a member of the Renegades or had met him before would have most likely been surprised by his behavior, but he figured that Cryax would probably have been used to it by now. And if he wasn't, well, there was no time like the present to adjust to things. All in all, he was more curious to see how the crime boss really felt about his surprise, instead of the act he was putting on.

For the moment he let him have his fun, mostly because he knew that, in the end, his resolve would wear down eventually, whether he wanted it to or not. This was more of a test to see how the man would react publicly to his antics, and so far, he was being disappointingly calm. Like most things that would probably change in mind, so he remained silent for now. Besides, even he could sense when the situation required a degree of seriousness, and from the tone of voice coupled with what Cryax was speaking about, he knew it wasn't a time to begin with the wisecracks. That explained some of his stress, at least.

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

The peace was, as usual, short-lived. As her comm unit buzzed, the Twi'lek considered ignoring it, but she rarely gave out her personal number so chances were it was important. Glancing at it, she did something of a double take. Texting had not exactly been covered in her education, and text speech certainly had not. It took a moment for her to decipher the message. Cryax was requesting an appearance from her apparently. Well and good, he was the new boss now after all.

"I've been summoned, if you see any construction tools, come rescue me!"

She commented with a wink, releasing her erstwhile companion with a small wave and heading through the crowd to the Chiss.

"Though I'm not entirely sure, I think you wanted to talk. Congratulations by the way. To both of you."

This was accompanied with a warm smile, now was neither the time nor place for anything else. Besides, perhaps he was just.. misguided, and not stupid or mad. One could hope. Ice was acknowledged with a nod of her head at that last.

[member="Xalus"] [member="Cryax Bane"] [member="Ice"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

As Chiasa approached the booth, Cryax smirked as he quickly sent Xalus a text message that simply said: "wzzp bb thx 4 last nite. wz da bomb" with an Holo-emoticon of a grenade attached. He chuckled evilly to himself, and then looked over at Jalek who was cuddling with a mewling calico kitten as it tried wriggle away. Cryax smiled at the other slicer in spite of himself. One minute the Chiss was putting a nail through someone's forehead and the next, he was surrounded by kittens. It was going to be a long, strange evening indeed.

Now that Chiasa had arrived, he turned his attention towards her. "Thank you, Chiasa," said Cryax with a crooked grin, ratcheting up the charm a couple of notches in case she was feeling uneasy around him. "Chiasa, Ice, meet Jalek. One of our new slicers." He gestured towards the tattooed Morellian who seemed to be behaving himself pretty nicely so far. Well, other than kitten-bombing his office.

If there was one thing he knew, or thought he knew, about the beautiful orange Twi'lek it was that she liked to feel protected, especially by males. And ultimately he didn't want any of his Ravens feeling anxious about their futures with the organization, much less wavering in loyalty. He leaned in towards Chiasa and pushed a drink her way. "I have some special assignments that I'd like to discuss with you. They will involve very little action on your part and will come with a pay upgrade. Interested, darling?" The Chiss slicer raised his glass to her as he awaited her response.


[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] [member="Jalek Sathora"] [member="Xalus"]

 

[Xalus]

With a moment of quiet, unrelenting...something, Chiasa was off and moving towards the rest of the Red Ravens following a text message. And he was just getting to get in real good with her! The mercenary mentally shrugged, turning his attention back towards the rest of the patrons with a steeled glare that was nearly impossible to see past his helmet. A wondering thought flashed into his mind before quickly dissipating as soon as it arrived. Mainly because of that text message of his own and the other from the cautious looks from the patrons.

"wzzp bb thx 4 last nite. wz da bomb"

Attached was the image of a thermal detonator. Funny.

Quickly, Xalus' large fingers went to work on a reply. "Om nom nom." His predatory features flashed a glance in Cryax's direction before he too moved towards the blue man and his little posse bosse.

Alongside the suited Chiss was his companion, [member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] and some other fella that he had no clue as to who he was. Silently, he would detach himself from their pleasantries and instead took to standing next to little orange without a sound. Once Xalus liked you, that was it. He could be the Chewbacca to your Han or he could end up being the wolf to your itty bitty piggie.

Simply put, the choice was often yours.

[member="Cryax Bane"], [member="Jalek Sathora"]

 

[Ice]

[member="Cryax Bane"]

He frowned at the news. Ice liked Keira as he had fought with her on a number of occasions. She always had a good attitude and was both extremely useful and effective. Giving Cryax a quick nod he simply stated back. "You got it boss. I'll see what I can dig up." He thought to ask for any details as to where to start, but if he said without a trace, Ice really would be starting from scratch. He had a number of contacts though spread throughout the galaxy that might have some information. "If you don't mind my leaving the party early. I'd like to get started on that now. I don't like losing people without a trace. It messes with my sleep." Ice smirked slightly, but his eyes seemed to show he was in anything but a playful mood when it came to the subject.

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

A slicer with kittens at a gathering where a man had just been nail-gunned in the head. Interesting. If she were being entirely honest, Chiasa often did not know what to make of Slicers. They were absolutely useful, she'd set them loose a time or two and always been pleased with the results, they were just.. A very eccentric bunch. Given to childishness. Still, he couldn't be faulted for enjoying kittens. They weren't ropos, but they were pretty adorable.

"Jalek, a pleasure."

As Cryax continued, Xalus joined the group, standing silently behind her. The Twi'lek accepted the drink pushed her way, taking a sip and smiling.

"I am of course happy to discuss business, anything the Ravens need that I can provide.. As for action, I'm sure if it becomes necessary,"

She stepped back, eclipsed by the giant behind her.

"I'll muddle through somehow. So tell me what you need and consider me interested."

The pay upgrade couldn't hurt either of course. Just because she'd recently found an additional sort of income didn't mean she was going to turn that part down. She quite enjoyed being able to afford what she wanted when she wanted it, and know for certain that her next meal was not only coming, it was gourmet.

[member="Jalek Sathora"] [member="Cryax Bane"] [member="Xalus"]

 

[Jen]

"Yea, you're probably right on that one." Jennifer said with a smirk in reply to Asteria, leaning forward to raise her own glass and take a last sip, emptying the glass of wine and with that she slowly started to get onto her feet, glancing around in an attempt to spot [member="Daxton Bane"] and his tarot cards, approaching him once she would.

"It was good meeting you, Starcatcher." She said as she left the table to go play a game of whatever it was Daxton was doing in his lone corner. She would have to remember the name of that wine. Could definitely be recommended.

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax nodded grimly at Ice. "I really appreciate it, man. Supposedly our security team saw her leaving the casino a few nights ago, headed down the street towards the block with the Mandarin luxury high rise building. Let me know if you hear anything."

Then the Chiss turned to the orange Twi'lek and smiled. "Good, I'm glad you're amenable. I want to make sure you're happy in the Ravens. And well cared for. Anything you need, Chiasa. Anything at all. Just let me know."

"I'd like to start taking you with me on some diplomatic meet and greets. As I'm sure you know with some of these Sith Lords and gang leaders, well, sometimes the deals just go down a little better with a beautiful woman present." Here he smiled knowingly. "All you have to do is accompany me. I'm not expecting anything else. And I know you can take care of yourself, but I'd never let anyone lay a hand on you. You'd be well protected by my security detail. So what do you think?"

Once Cryax was finished with some of his damage control, he turned towards Jalek and lay his hand on the man's knee underneath the table. That was as close as he was going to get to showing any affection in this very public setting, and he hoped it would be enough to make amends to the other slicer for his earlier snark.

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"] [member="Jalek Sathora"] [member="Ice"]

 

[Puppet Kyrios]

Asteria smiled, "Pleasure meeting you too, Jen." She leaned back against and soon fell back into deep thought, she needed to talk to Ice about something she had been thinking about for the last 5 years, something she hasn't considered for a long time.

Asteria played with the thought for a few minutes then finally decided to message Ice and pulled out her data pad. I need to talk to you if you're not too busy right now, somewhere private. Don't ask questions until we're out of earshot of anyone, please.

She continued to stare at the table in deep thought one the message was sent.

[Member="Ice"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Jen"]

Daxton raised an amused eyebrow as he dealt the final card on the table and it turned out to be Queen of Wands. Most people interesting indeed since he was delving into what his near future would bring. Who this person would be or what his role in their future was still to written in the stars, but fate, ever the fickle lover, has shown him a glimpse of what is to come.

Reaching for the bottle on the table he poured himself another stiff one as he contemplated if he should shuffle the deck again.