OH to be Older than Dirt (Mandalorians, Dominion of the Wheel)

[Eliza Steele]

4/20
Bar/Casino

Eliza leaned over just a bit to take a closer look at [member="Kairon Rees"]' crooked nose. Her attitude adjustment had been a good one. Yeah, the Spirited Corellisi had a nice right hook.

"Wow… I guess I did do a number on it. Ol' Rees here didn't deserve it, he earned it. Quite the difference," Lizzy winked at [member="Kad Tor"], then the petite smuggler took a nice long sip of her ale as her dark chocolate eyes peered over the ladies gathered in the bar. Oh now this was going to be fun finding a good Mando woman for her drunk smuggler friend.

"Well now are we talking blonde, brunette, or redhead because its a target rich environment in here, gentlemen... What about that red over there talking to the man of the hour?"

[member="Arla Balor"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little. Maybe the prize was to be a private concert by [member="Strider Garon"] ? Oh that would be a prize worthy of sending to one's enemies. Sure he was probably a great man as evident by the crowds here, but his singing could use a little work.

She wasn't surprised when [member="Daren Silvari"] excused himself. Senators were an odd bunch in their own way and they tended to mingle. A lot. Her eyes met [member="Mantic Dorn"] 's for a moment. Yes, he was watching her. That could be a good thing, especially if people got too drunk and tried to dance with her or something.

And then Daren returned. That was fast. She bowed her head at his apology. "No need to beg for my forgiveness. I'm not the one hosting this party." She raised a brow as she thought for a moment. Did he just do what she thought he did? "Question for you, if I may. But did you just enter in the tournament? If so I hope that you do well and show everyone that not all of us are stuck up and boring." Surely that's what the others here thought about her. What with her drinking tea and all.

 

[Kairon Rees]

[member="Kad Tor"]
[member="Eliza Steele"]

Kairon considered reminding all about the rude comments Jace had made about the Quin to kick that brawl off, but thought better off it. Instead he made a show of peering across the crowd towards the redhead. Even at this distance he could tell she was early twenties.

“Hah! I’m nearly forty Eliza, best try again!” he said with a smile.

“I don’t mind!” he heard Jarrick, his second-in-command say behind him.

“Besides what’s a tough mando girl going to see in a dull old trader like me!” he added with a grin, looking her new man up and down. He was roughly the size of a house, and looked like he’d been chiselled from stone too.

 

[Jsc]

The Party
Business or Pleasure - 1/20

Jedi Padawan of Ossus, Jay Masaki, entered the room with a smile on his face and a woman on his arm. Happy as could be. He smiled at the cheerful party held for Strider Garon and looked to his colorful companion with a happy wave,

"Well Blue. Here we are. You sure know how to pick em'."

[member="Karen Roberts"] gave him a playful smirk and nodded in kind,

"Yes I do Shaun. Yes I do."

The gleeful pair migrated to the bar for a drink. Jay ordered them two Falon Whiskey's with an orange garnish. Perfect for mingling. Roberts looked around the party for a very specific Mandalorian Forgemaster. Alas. She did not see her prey. Perhaps he did not frequent Popo's floating palace often. Shaun simply leaned against the bar to make small talk with her,

"I take it you don't see your target yet?"

"No. And neither do I feel his presence either. He must not be here. Damn."

"Pfft. Oh yeah. Welp. I guess you'll actually have to call him now eh? Sss. Bummer dude. First world problems, if ya asked me. Have you tried texting? Much easier."

Roberts turned around and scowled at the chipper man. She quickly waved away his playful manner of teasing her and reached for her drink,

"Oh yes. Just you wait Shaun. I'll find you a proper lady one of these days. Then it will be you making the tough decisions about how to approach..."

"Men?"

He cut her off with a smirk,

"Heh. Aren't you and Grant a happily married couple, Blue? My my. I wouldn't take the Jedi Master herself for a cheater, ya know? Heh."

"Bah. Don't be insane Shaun. I'm here on business. Mandalorian Space is one of the few places in the galaxy in which my company does not operate. So? I am merely seek to change that. One connection at a time."

"Wait. Is there even mercenary work to be had in Mandalorian space? Aren't all these guys fighters and clansmen?"

"No. Not jobs Shaun. Recruitment. I need real fighters if we're going to take the fight to the Celestials. Real Warmasters of the Force. Not more Republic troopers and Jedi pacifists."

"Ouch. Hey? That hurts Karen. ...And I'm not, a pacifist. Okay. I'm just not involved. Geez. The burn girl. The burn. I'm drinking whiskey tonight remember? Not Balefire. Sheesh."

Karen shook her head at the man. Taking the break in his saucy joking to stir her whiskey. She was already lamenting the fact she even brought him along. But. He did volunteer for the party when Grant would not. So? There is that. Still. Time traveler he was not. As if she even believed his far fetched story. Convincing, it was not. Oh no. Jay Masaki was just another stray Adept in her mind. Just another lost Gray amongst all the rest. Jedi. Pfft. A dime a dozen.

Jay just shrugged at her gesture and returned his gaze to the party. He wasn't here for the soldiers or for Ol' Blues endless crusade against Akala. Nope. Jay had come for a much simpler reason. Politics. Pubs helping Mandos and Mandos helping Pubs. That good mojo. That was his benevolent motivation. Help the good guys help good guys, and all that jazz. Oh... And the whiskey. Definitely, the whiskey. You're never too late or too old to try Corellian whiskey from the future. Even if it was an endangered brew these days. Time traveler or not? Old Jay Shaun knew how to party. Yeah baby.

Together at the bar they took a moment to themselves and to browse the crowd. The night was young and full of surprises.

 

[Kad Tor]

4/20

"Oh don't be a spoil sport. That never stopped Strider," Kad said to [member="Kairon Rees"]. It hadn't stopped Eliza's buir either.

Kad snickered and patted the man on the back, hard. He wasn't going to make the man do anything he didn't want to, and howmI'm the world did he turn down a woman when he was drunk.... Something that made Kad go hmmmm, though he didn't say anything. A drink of his ale, and another shot of whiskey, Kad was feeling like it was time to have some fun. This was a party. It was time for some Kataoke.

"Karaoke! Liz'ika you sing right?"

Kad had a fun little competition up his sleeve.

[member="Eliza Steele"]

 

[Eliza Steele]

5/20
Bar/Casino

"Hey Jarrick… " Eliza nodded to [member="Kairon Rees"]' second-in-command, then looked back to the old smuggler.

"Having a mid-life crises are you, Rees?" she quipped lightly. "That's okay… My pops went through that too, though he does say the young ones keep him alive so you better get liven' huh?"

A wink came with that, then the spirited Corelliai downed another shot of whiskey and followed that with a hearty swig of ale. If they got drunk, who cared because the lovers could sleep if off in the ship, that is if the two could find where the Dawn was berthed again after all the fun to be had first.

The petite smuggler leaned up on her tip toes and gave [member="Kad Tor"] a kiss. "You know I do, cyar'ika… every morning in the shower."

 

[Veino Garn]

2/20

Veino and Thyria slipped through the crowds to a booth, where they slipped in. Thyria had her back to the wall and faced the crowds. Veino faced her, away from the crowds. It was a silent agreement they had reached over time. Veino didn't need to see behind him to be aware of danger and he probably wouldn't recognize many of the people behind them in most locations. Thyria recognized more people and needed to watch for danger. Not that she didn't trust Veino, but she still needed it.

"Recognize anyone?" Veino said, taking a glass from a passing server droid. It seemed safe and unlikely to poison him. Thyria took a mug of Corellian ale and shook her head.

"These," She said, waving her mug to indicate the crowd, "Are politicians, major galactic leaders, and soldiers." She took a quick drink and grinned, "Not near enough low-down scumbags for my taste."

"You might be surprised," Veino noted, fairly certain he recognized [member="Eliza Steele"] from some Underground operations, or at least the Red Shift cantina. "We're a strange lot of people nowadays." He gestured up towards the loud-speakers from which [member="Popo"] had just made his announcement. "Former chancellor of the Republic, that was, with criminal backgrounds and ties. Back to running the Wheel again." He studied the crowds again, frowning. "Can't say I know many of these others."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

(1/20)


The Wheel. It was a paradise of gambling and debauchery, an oasis for profit...or for colossal loss. Here fortunes were made and lost in the blink of an eye. No matter whether the Republic, the Sith or the Mandalorians held sway, there was only one true power the denizens of the Wheel bent to: That of the Almighty Credit. Capitalism, hallowed be they name, thy kingdom come, thy will reign supreme. Amen.


It was true jewel of profit. Once again the Mandalorians had come to claim dominion over it. In this case they were also celebrating a big party. Elpsis was...quite indifferent to who ruled the place this month. No, she was focused on making a killing in one of the many casinos.


Totally legitimately. Yes, honestly! After all, the daughter of a Light Side Paragon such as [member="Coryth Elaris"] would never think of using her powers for personal gain and profit. Or to cheat at one of the many games. No, such a thought would never cross her mind, for she was a stalwart believer in the sacred Jedi Code. Oh, wait, we're talking about Elpsis here. Of course she was using her powers for personal profit!


And so she was standing around a roulette table, surrounded by a large crowd. All of them wanted the same as she: Credits, credits, credits! Undoubtedly all of them would be ready to cheat as well if they could. Well, some might also be oggling here or just be watching for the fun of it. "Come on. I need a new pair of leather boots," she said. Well, her tramp freighter probably needed some repairs. Having precognition could often be a queen, especially when her mind got flooded with visions, but if she focused enough, she could pull at the strands of power, perceive scenarios, possibilities...and winning chances.


In this particular case she could see where the ball would fall as the croupier spun the wheel and had betted accordingly. "No more bets!" She had been the last one. The ball was spun into the opposite direction around a tilted circular track track running around the circumference of the wheel. Everyone watched with bated breath as the ball lost momentum and fall onto the wheel and into one of the coloured and numbered pockets...exactly the one she had wanted.


Elpsis grinned very cheesily. "Guess I'm jus very lucky," she said, not trolling at all. Maybe later she could try her hand at a slot machine. They were so easily to manipulate, as long as they did not have a means of 'locking' space magic use and abuse out.

 

[Strider Garon]

[member="Alexis Ravensclaw"]

Strider took in the seductive embrace and delicious kiss for all it was worth. Wasn't every day the old man got such a present for free. "Raven, we are going to finish this conversation in a more private and intimate setting" The hound smiled back in his custom troublemaker's smirk. He would of continued the "conversation" there and then if it weren't for his son in law and daughter that had arrived to gain his attention.

[member="Nolan Detta"] [member="Satine D'ulin"]

"Who you calling a coot Gar euk osi'kyr!' The old man snarled at his son in law in a playful hurt. He did not take offense to the old part, for he has no delusions that he had aged plenty. But to be a coot, he hadn't lost his marbles, though Strider was dressed in a gawty outfit and moments ago was the main attraction center stage. Maybe he was loosing his marbles.... hmmmm?

Then he saw his grandchildern and realized he probably should of watched his profanity in his last statement " Thats alright Nolan, you are forgiven for you have brought me gifts". The old man dropped to his knees and embraced the Nolan and Satine litter, with all his heart and love that he could muster. After a long embrace with his grandchildred Strider would toss the kids a few credits "your first beers are on me"

Strider then stood to embrace his daughter before she could react to what he had just offered her children. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and a sinful smile for his actions. Yes, maybe the old man was a coot.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

Strider's attention was quickly grabbed away from his family to a young but very beautiful woman who had announced her self as the neice of Rianna and Ordo. The very mention of Ordo's name brought the man's head down in slight shame. Strider had arrested him ages ago with full intent of putting the traitor to death. Other resolutions came forth but his standings with the Ordo clan and other kin have been 'rough' to say it politely. He loved the man as a son and still does but duty was duty and Strider carried out his orders for the better good of the Mando'ade.

"I am Strider!" The old man replied back "Pleasure to meet you and I hope you enjoy the party"

[member="Tysk Willamina"]

And then there was the heavy chested bouncing warrioress that was singing Strider happy birthday. instantly brought the old man out of sadden thoughts of the past and back to the present. His eyes filled with womanly curves and a devilish smile once again forming upon his face. "You better be joining me and Raven later. Seems i have presents that need to be unwrapped and closely inspected."

 

[Garrus Garon]

Tenloss Kiosk
2/20

​

...having left the party behind Garrus moved away from the bar to locate the nearest Tenloss Kiosk that [member="Popo"] had indicated on the holofeed. It didn't take long. Within a short amount of time Garrus had forgotten about the party where his brother was celebrating his birthday and his expression had transformed into one of sterner stuff. As he approached the kiosk upon seeing it in the distance Garrus would note the individual working it, a Rodian apparently, then he came within range and leaned closer...

..."I'm interested in challenging for the title of Champion of the Wheel."...he began so that he got the Rodians attention..."Don't suppose you have any information on who the current champion is do you?"...Garrus wasn't an extremely wealthy man, even with the rank of Field Marshal among the Mandalorians but he had a few spare credits which is why he'd offer the Rodian a small sum for any information he had. It didn't matter if it was just a name or something more substantial. Regardless Garrus would have his name added to the list of those who'd come forward to challenge for the right to become the new Champion of the Wheel. Of course they'd need to defeat the old champion first...

...while he waited for his next set of instructions Garrus would remain close to the kiosk, leaning into it slightly while turning his head to scan the surrounding area. The Warrior did his best to remain aware of his surroundings whenever possible. In his right hand he'd taken a flask from his utility belt which was uncapped, raised to his mouth and then pressed to his lips before he took a slow pull from the contents. Whatever was in that flask had been known to make mens eyes turn but to Garrus it tasted almost like water he'd been drinking it for so long. Potent stuff though. The Flask lowered from his mouth, Garrus replaced the cap and it soon found its way back onto his belt again....

...hurry up and wait was the name of the game now apparently...​

 

[Daren Silvari]

4/20
--
[member=Lady Kay]

He smiled wryly as the question reached his ears from the Senators lips.

"Aye, I did indeed." his head inclined in the slightest degree of formality as he knew that what he had done was not likely the most popular of moves to make. Especially so as a Senator. Then again, he wasn't the normal senator anyway, and as it stood now, the Republic had more things to worry about than his choices. There were rumors swirling about the galaxy that the OS had decided to make their move against the Republic. The avid supporter of the Republic that he is, he would not bow down and take it. He would likely attempt to fight back, even if that meant his own death. There was no greater way to die, than in the name of a cause you believe in. He believed in the Republic and knew that it could be great again.

"I have heard that you have eyes and ears across all of the galaxy, Kay. Have you heard anything of import lately?" He had never been one to keep up with the events of the galaxy on a whole, but he was certain that the woman before him did. Rumor had it that she had a bounty on her head, and he was genuinely intrigued to find out if there was some truth to the matter.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well here's hoping that he does well in the tournament. The fact that [member="Daren Silvari"] had even entered said a lot about his character. He saw himself as more than just a Senator and that was never a bad thing. For what would him and the other Senators do if the Republic ever fell? Kay at least had her own place outside of the Republic and wasn't worried. Her Senator job was just a job, and it allowed her some extra means in which to accomplish her missions.

She smiled a little to herself as he mentioned that rumours of her vast array of connections throughout the Galaxy was started to spread. Although it had also brought the attention of the Ministry of Intelligence as well. But of course she would do what was needed in order to clear her name. And if it wasn't possible, she'd face the consequences. Kay was hopeful though that she wouldn't require the services of the lawyer that she hired. But he was there just in case.

"Well....disturbingly, the Hutt Cartel is expanding their territory. I know that we have a treaty with them, but their slave trade continues to prosper, as well as their other illegal activities. And there are whispers that the people of Naboo wish to be liberated from the control of the Techno Union. It seems that everyone is trying to grow and spread their influence as of late. The innocent and those caught in the middle could use our support."

 

[Kad Tor]

5/20

"Didn't want to answer for ya, but if it get's me another kiss, I'll ask it again," he winked. That was the buzz talking. he wasn't drunk, but buzzed enough to not care.

There was no waiting for this [member="Kairon Rees"] fellow to respond or not. Kad threw the gauntlet down, and he was going to get an answer.

"Alright, here is how this works, we both are gonna duet. Me and Liz'ika, and you and you're friend there. Whichever one the crowd likes best wins. It's simple."

Kad turned back to his lovely, dark haired vixen. He bent to whisper in her ear.

"We gotta win, any ideas, oh and best move those hips of yours too. There are enough drunk men in here to make sure we win this thing."

He nipped at her ear as he took her hand and headed for the karaoke.

[member="Eliza Steele"]

 

[Arla Ordo]

Arla's green eyed gaze watched the kiosk from where she sat a lone figure approached and gathered information.

Of course he would, she couldn't help but snicker. Deciding to take her life in her hands once more she spoke to [member="Garrus Garon"] from her seat.

"More arena fighting to hone your skills?" , she had managed that much information from him. Course his training methods had left her sore but had given a better insight to the style of fight he was known for.

She smiled, couldn't help herself. It just happened.

 

[Mantic Dorn]

Objective
5/20

It was getting crowded inside and it was getting harder to keep track of everyone. He glanced at [member="Lady Kay"] and gave her a respectful nod as their eyes met. He tried the same with senator [member="Daren Silvari"] but he knew the senator held a distance to jedi, or was it him in particular. He would not put it to a test though and focused on the job at hand and followed minister [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] toward the centerpiece of the festivities.

Mantic realized just how important and perhaps even popular the aging mandalorian must be. He did however seem somewhat off as [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] approached him. Was it guilt? A secret? Perhaps he just read the mans face wrong.
Mantic remained still behind the minister at all times and made no moves to disturb the politicians work. He did bow his head at [member="Strider Garon"] if his eyes swept across him though.
It would be nothing strange, he wore his formal jedi robes and was probably considered for what he was at this occation. A guard to protect the senator.
As the two had greeted it seemed their conversation was slowed down or at least came to a halt. Mantic bit his lips. He was no expert on the mandalorian culture but he did know that the republic was keen on keeping their tender alliance with these warriors intact.

He leaned slightly forward and spoke to [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] with a low voice.

"That went well Minister," he offered in a rather clumsy fashion. But his slightly naive and perhaps irony shone through and it was meant to encourage the ministers conversation with the mandalorian elder.

 

[Daren Silvari]

5/20
---

Daren had never really been one to back down from a fight, which more often than not, led to him getting into far more trouble than he had business being in. Ever since his parents died on Coruscant, he'd found that getting into trouble was far easier than it had been while they were alive- perhaps they had served as his guides to the path of right, perhaps they had been his moral compass in regards to right and wrong.

It didn't matter anymore, they were long dead, buried under the tyranny of the One Sith and the ashes of a fallen legacy. But, even still, his eyes fell and his shoulders sagged when he thought of his parents; he missed them dearly. He held his hand over his heart and felt the familiar outline of a small photo, a photo that he had kept on his person since the Fall of Coruscant - a photo of his mother and father. They would always be with him, even if they were long dead. This is what gave him hope to continue on.

He turned his attentions, and thoughts, back to [member="Lady Kay"] as she spoke to him of the Hutt Cartel's expansion and the rise of their Slave Markets. He was not a proponent of the Slave Trade, but he could see that there was value to be had in it. The Slave Market of the Hutt Cartel had been legend through the galaxy for millennium, and likely would continue to be so until the end of all things came. What had caught his interest was the bit about Naboo - and their wanting of liberation from the rule of the Techno Union. The woman before him must have had eyes and ears in many places if she had already heard about the Techno Union dominion of Naboo, if he remembered correctly, the latest information was that they had just begun the dominion.

He turned his attentions toward [member="Mantic Dorn"] when he felt eyes on him, and gave him a nod. He remembered the Padawan, now turned Knight, and the aid that he had offered in Saleucami. Daren still needed to repay him for the protection, and someday he would. He just did not have the skills or political power to do so at the moment, so he turned his attention back to the Lady Kay and spoke,

"Tell me where my support can best be provided, and you shall have yourself yet another contact in your vast array of friends and allies. Word among the stars is that I also have some allies within the newly born Galactic Alliance." he winked rather mischievously and turned his attention back to the Mandalorian party, and to the larger man [member="Strider Garon"] to whom he called to with a single statement,

"Briikase gote'turr!" his pronunciation of the Mando words for Happy Birthday. He had taken many hours out of his day to study, and learn to speak that single statement in their language, in an effort to garner some of their respect. If he showed the effort of attempting to understand them, perhaps he could better his relationship with them.

 

[Eliza Steele]

6/20
Bar/Casino - Stage

Seriously?! A duet in front of all these vode? Eliza wanted to protest, but [member="Kad Tor"] already was pulling the petite smuggler up to the stage where [member="Strider Garon"] had performed before. And of course a karaoke machine was rolled out for them with two wireless mics. Frak, well here goes nothing.

The spirited Corellisi quickly looked over the songs that were programed into the machine, then saw one that she knew the words to already. Selecting that one, the brunette just smiled at her partner and got ready to sing.

https://youtu.be/xkR_uIHhsqM

After the last line was sung, Eliza leaned into the sandy brown haired Mando'ad, gazed up into his blue pools and whispered. "Just a fool in love."

 

[Garrus Garon]

Tenloss Kiosk
3/20

​

...up until he'd heard her voice Garrus was still standing by the Tenloss Kiosk waiting for information but upon hearing Arla call out to him the Warrior would turn his head and look over his shoulder in her direction. Once he'd seen her Garrus would shift in his stance so that instead of leaning against the kiosk he could face her with his back to it at which time he would shrug his shoulders and call back..."Anyone whose tasted the glory of the arena longs to hear the cheers of the crowd again."...if he closed his eyes Garrus could still hear the sounds of the arena, he could still smell the blood caked against his skin and he could still feel the tingling in his hands held tight around the hilt of a weapon. Good times...

...the reverie ended and Garrus was looking at Arla again though this time he didn't say anything, just looked before he turned his head back to the Tenloss Representative at the kiosk and inquired..."Well?"...though the man hadn't given him a lot of information yet. At this point Garrus was hoping that [member="Popo"] wouldn't rescind his invitation to participate in the challenge to become the next champion of the Wheel. Of course Garrus might not win, he could fight and lose but the Warrior was confident in his own abilities the same as most people who had seen him fight. It promised to have the possibility of a bloody affair....

...Garrus was prepared, as much as could be expected, his attitude had remained solemn and he stayed in the background during his Brothers revelries now all that remained was to immerse himself in his trade. Steel and iron. The Mandalorian did not even know if he would wear his Beskar'gam or if he would face his next challenge as a common man like he had in days past, surely the most honest way to meet strength was with strength and that would mean Garrus would trust in his own prowess, his own skills to do the deed for him like his ancestors had. Combat was about personal honor as much as skill at arms...

...all that remained to do was wait and Garrus had proven himself a patient man in the past...​

​

[member="Arla Balor"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay bowed her head to [member="Mantic Dorn"] out of respect as she caught his eye. The Jedi were lucky to have him in their ranks.

She then turned her attention back to [member="Daren Silvari"], returning his smile. "The Galactic Alliance, you say? Well, that could come in handy in the future. As for where I could use your support...I might need some safe places for some of the slaves that I free. I have found some of them homes, but the harder that I make it for the Cartel to find them again, the better. I will also be hopefully gaining an audience with the Silver Jedi soon and with their help, Naboo could be liberated. But more help could be needed there too."


There was plenty more that was on her plate, but this was a party, afterall. And then he spoke in the Mandalorian tongue. Nicely done. Kay glanced about and wondered how long she was supposed to stay. This type of gathering was a first for her.

 

[Kad Tor]

6/20

Kad smiled when the song began to play. He didn't know the words as well as [member="Eliza Steele"]. He'd recently been hearing her sing it around teh ship, in shower, or humming its tune on occasion. It was good song, and in their range, but that isn't what made Kad smile. When she leaned against him at the end and whispered into his ear, she suggested the very thing that made him smile. Basically, the way Kad took it, was Lizzy had just told him she was in love with him.

His heart thumped a bit as he thought about it. He was happy, and scarred, all at the same time. They had both been hurt before, both lost before, and to admit their feelings into the phrase Kad should likely state at her admission which wasn't really an admission, was something which frightened Kad. What if? The question haunted his mind, so he kissed her, and with the force, he pressed his mind to hers.

"Me too," was as close as he was going to get right now, but Kad knew. He was in love with her.

Walking off the stage he looked to the two drunk men and grinned.

"Your turn."

Kad put his arm around Lizzy and whispered in her ear.

"This should be entertaining."