Private Scandalous University

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, Panos Lecture Hall


"It is the negotiator's goal to find a competent and factual argument against the parties that oppose the motion to build on preserved land. If you look to the screen, you will find the core argument being displayed for a propositional stance to allow open consideration on the matter. Please watch closely and pay attention to how Lady Garnet leverages her stance against the defense." Professor drake lectured.

Adalee yawned. Her sunset eyes felt heavy, she had been exhausted since the shuttle left Lorrd University to Reena. The time change made it far worse than she had expected, but it was imperative she arrived at Reena University for many reasons, some more private. Still, as a student of the political sciences she felt it necessary to keep up appearances with another lecture. This was the third one today and it began to weigh on her. Many of the professors that had spoken before this one didn't have real world experience like Adalee did. This bothered her. She could still feel the guilt of choices she made in the recent months. Her gut tightened just thinking about them. Whether it was the defunding of the Entomologists Labs, or the demolition of an age old historic building on the outskirts of her very own city.

Adalee had to make these sacrifices everyday, while maintaining her studies and training with her father. It almost seemed impossible from the outside looking in. At some points, Adalee questioned how she was able to do it all on a regular basis. However, she was Thorne and it was expected of her to follow through as one.

The slouch in her posture almost gave away her tired state. Now her head rested on her open palm as her elbow dug into the flat surfaced desk in front of her. She looked down at her datapad. She tapped on it for a brief moment and began to download the rest of the lecture. Despite how bored she was at the moment, she wouldn't let a chance to learn slip through the cracks. Surely, she would be reading the lecture on her way back home at some point. Regardless, she needed to get up or she was going to fall flat faced on the surface below if she had to listen to the mono-tone voice of Professor Drake any longer.

Her eyes lifted back up to the screen and the lights dimmed. It was more polite to leave now, rather than with the lights on. At least, that's what Adalee thought. In reality, leaving an honorary guest's learning segment wasn't well received. Quickly, she grabbed all her things including her favorite long stacheled green bag and slipped through the row of seats to find the closest exit. She stepped out into the large hallway of the east wing of the university and took a deep sigh of relief.

She wanted to go find her dorm quarters for the next few days and pass out. Of course, that wouldn't sit well with the council members. Adalee knew all too well that she was a student second to her duties as a Lorrd representative of the House Thorne. Recently, she had received some troubling information about a few professors being linked to a scandal involving the trade of spice, splicing accounts of higher officials, and blackmailing the very university she stood in. The group was incredibly secretive, but an informant had come clean with the information through a mutual backlane that Adalee had worked with in recent times. She didn't feel great about working with criminals behind her parent's back, but she knew her normal circles would eventually "talk." They bred her like a politician, they couldn't fault her for having her own secrets. Even if it meant she had found a connection to the force through forbidden practices.

That aside, Adalee looked back down at her datapad. The blinking signals of the archives were her next objective. Surely, with all the guards it would be difficult to slip into the most ancient section of Reena University. It wasn't just the mission that piqued her interest. She was holding onto hope for any mention of the family Dirge or potentially accounts of Blood Magic like her Journal. her father's words slipped into her mind.

Hope is an instrument to keep you complacent. Action is the only hope you need in this cruel world, nothing more.

She turned to get moving, but collided with another student. The contents of her bag spilled out onto the cold, hard floor, a few textbooks making a loud echo as they landed.

Embarrassed, she let out a soft apology. "I-" She looked away, focused on her books. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean.."

Adalee took notice of the flip flops, her amber innocent eyes looked from her stuff on the floor up to the student's short shorts. Then the blue iridescent scales on the right side of the chest, carrying to his neck line. Her eyes widened with surprise and a smile reached her.

"Wait, Makai?" She was stunned for a moment. "Makai Dashiell!?" Her voice lifted to a sudden height unacceptable of the Lady of House Thorne.

She was surprised Makai was roaming the halls of Reena University, last she knew the private tutors were taking up his time. The realization came at the very end of her excitement. This was going to make things a lot harder. She cursed at fate.

Shit..

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

REENA UNIVERSITY

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

After some debating and looking and campus tours, Makai had chose Reena University to continue his education now that more personal matters had been settled. The prestigious reputation coupled with the tropical ocean setting had sold him ; he could be in lectures one moment and be off surfing and enjoying the beach the next. Not that he had an incredible amount of free time lately but since he didn't get the chance to go home all too often ,not that he was eager to, weekends were often made for getting some time in the water.

Being in his first year, the had a number of general courses in the Panos Lecture Hall. A massive structure filled with various lecturers and professors, mostly focused on politics and economics, a shining mark of the university. Sentients came far and wide for the political science programs at the university, nearly on par with that of University of Coruscant and University of Alderaan. Add in that aforenoted sun and surf and there were constantly new faces on campus.

Just coming out of the refresher, he immediately collided with a girl, books and dataslates and datasticks flying everywhere. Makai moved to help pick them up, hand outstretched to hand over a datastick to a surprised looking young woman.

"Wait, Makai?" She was stunned for a moment. "Makai Dashiell!?" Her voice lifted to a sudden height unacceptable of the Lady of House Thorne.

Brows furrowed, unsure. Makai had chose Reena University with another thing in mind ; no one knew him. Not that he had many friends. His best friend he hadn't spoken to and left in ruins. He knew some Jedi kids but they had drifted apart. A handful of acquaintances he knew from various expos and galas and garden parties.

Yet he caught sight of the insignia the girl wore and his mind immediately made the connection. Adalee Thorne of Lorrd. His father had business there and they both had slowly become close with members of House Thorne and some other nobility on the planet. Adalee was close in age but very serious in ways he wasn't. Makai suspected he often got under her skin.

"Your voice is a touch high, Lady Thorne. Almost surprised to see me, which is fair, it has been what...two years?" Handing over the datastick, he bent over and retrieved two books before straightening back up. "What brings you to Reena, Thorney?"

 

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, Panos Lecture Hall


Adalee took note of his features. Makai had grown since she last saw him. It was clear he had sprouted into more of a man now. One that wasn't chasing her around the gardens of Lorrd at either estate. Although, she acted surprised to see him, she really wasn't. He never took anything too serious and his academic track record wasn't one she could see her parents accepting. Plus, to make matters worse he always had a knack for being annoying. At least, from what she could remember. The whole last two years had been filled with whatever her house demanded, lately, she hadn't time for men. Least not men, who acted like boys.

She looked him over, kneeling to grab her things from the endless white stone floor. She couldn't believe the attire he wore. For a moment, she wished her attire could be as lazy, but then she realized how ridiculous that would be for a woman of the House of Thorne. The council and her parents would have her head. She imagined it though, a nice sun dress, or a carefree tank top and bikini. It seemed nice in her head. In reality, the press would have a field day.

"Your voice is a touch high, Lady Thorne. Almost surprised to see me, which is fair, it has been what...two years?" Handing over the datastick, he bent over and retrieved two books before straightening back up. "What brings you to Reena, Thorney?"

His voice hadn't changed. The same terrible nickname was still being used and her quick wit hit her before words formed.

Yup, still a boy.

"Roughly two and a half, actually." Adalee corrected him, just like she used to. "Studies, I just sat in Professor Drake's..." She paused lifting her hands for a more dramatic effect. ""Negotiations Across the Galaxy!" Her hands closed and opened as she held onto her datasticks. Her midnight hair shifting across her shoulders as she acted. Sarcasm showed through and she knew Makai would pick up on it.

A part of home stood right in front of her. She wasn't sure how to feel. They were always forced to get along, but over time she came not mind Makai. Or course, her father implanted the fact that hosting his business associates son on visits were her first steps to becoming a political figure for House Thorne. She failed to see how that applied to Makai, not now anyway. Maybe in the future, maybe not.

"What about you?" Adalee shoved the remaining discs in her bag and stood. "Are you here for studies?" She looked him up and down with disapproval. "Or vacation?"

Adalee expected the latter.

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

REENA UNIVERSITY

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

Makai had picked up all of her scattered books and datasticks, returning them to the annoyed looking woman. He couldn't tell if she was annoyed with him or the entire situation. Thorney didn't seem to keen on this 'Professor Drake', whom he only knew as one of the political science professors at the school. Considering he wasn't studying that side of things and he had chose history to fulfill those general requirements rather than intergalactic politics.

Thorney still looked the same ; too polished. Too stuffy. Too uptight. As if at a moment's notice the Prime Minister was going to knock on her door and demand to hold court. Even Danger Arceneau let her hair down once in awhile. Not Thorney. Apparently she was far too important to relax.

"So you're out here slumming it with the rest of us. Welcome. How are you enjoying it?" Genuine, and curious about her response. Reena University was a prestigious university but due to the climate and nature of the planet, there was also a party culture. Not that he expected Thorney finding a party even if she was sitting right in the middle of one. "I'm here for the next four years - Marine Geosciences and Geospatial Analysis."

He couldn't see Thorney being out here for as long as himself, couldn't see her out here getting a degree. Maybe a class or two. She was the type to be loyal to her planet - Lorrd University was probably her place of attendance. He was surprised to even see her out this far.

 

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, East Wing Hallway

Makai Said - "I'm here for the next four years - Marine Geosciences and Geospatial Analysis."

His response would have shocked her had she not known who Makai was. Too many times had she caught him enjoying the other side of life that evaded most her life. It would be no different at Reena University, she knew that much. Still, he had always been enamored with the deep blue sea. It made perfect sense he chose Marine Geosciences. It seemed he was curious about space as well. Adalee didn't consider such studies for Makai, but in truth whether it was the ocean floor or the sea of stars both were vast and needed understanding.

"Four years, quite the commitment." Adalee spoke lightly. "I find it surprisingly suitable." She looked into Makai's sapphire eyes. They reminded her of Lorrds coastal whirlpools twisting against the light that hit them. She wanted to find the best way to tell him how pretty his eyes were, but she refrained. Adalee wasn't about to give the most annoying boy in the world a compliment, not after holding in what she thought of his eyes since she was a young kid. It would stay her little secret.

Carefully, she swung her bag over her shoulder. Her green and black overcoat scrunched as the strap creased against it. The bag finally landed against her hip. Her academic checkered skirt bellowed as it did. Her pale fingers played with the strap before letting it go to tidy up her white collars shirt and the sweater that hung over it. She looked like a perfect scholar. If only her overcoat had a Reena University logo on it, would it have really been. Instead, entangled thorns were lightly embedded against the fabric, the very symbol of House Thorne. Appearances meant everything, even in academic ventures.

"I actually just arrived today, but I'm here for one semester during winter break on Lorrd. Getting used to the time change is becoming difficult." She almost smiled, but then realized who she was talking to. "Maybe you could help me with something?" Adalee actually smiled now. "I'm looking for Professor Xavier? Apparently he's been moved to the west wing?"

She wasn't sure if Makai would know who or what the professor was known for. She hoped he didn't have questions. But then, before she let him respond, she needed to jab at him one more time.

"Oh, and I don't ever..." Adalee changed her posture to get her point across, head bobbing as she continued. "slum it."

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

REENA UNIVERSITY

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

"I actually just arrived today, but I'm here for one semester during winter break on Lorrd. Getting used to the time change is becoming difficult." She almost smiled, but then realized who she was talking to. "Maybe you could help me with something?" Adalee actually smiled now. "I'm looking for Professor Xavier? Apparently he's been moved to the west wing?"

"So, the mighty Adalee Thorne has come to me for assistance."

A boyish, playful grin. He was just joking but there was a kernel of truth as well. If she was asking him for assistance she must be fairly desperate. Not because he was incompetent, more that she seemed to go out of her way to ask for or accept assistance from himself or anyone for that matter. Yet here she was, looking for a building.

"No idea who that is. However, we can head over to the west side of things. They have these cool inventions now called maps and directories, fairly useful I've found."

Moving towards the door, he opened it, allowing her outdoors first and following. He had a general idea of where to head and set out on the lush tropical campus. Bustling with students, they set off down the sidewalk with himself leading the way, multiple glass-and-steel-and local rock buildings. A sign ahead pointed them to the right.

"You look hot." He paused for dramatic effect. "As in sweltering hot. I don't know many who come to a tropical ocean world with a large coat but somehow you're pulling it off. Hoping to get an internship or something? Trying to impress the Professors and researchers on campus? You can borrow a shirt or something so you don't die of heat stroke."

 

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, East Wing Hallway

"So, the mighty Adalee Thorne has come to me for assistance."

Mighty?

She questioned his words for only a moment. Until, she remembered his self-gratifying sarcasms. Adalee had always been annoyed by Makai's carefree attitude. But after the constant and reprehensible company she had kept on other worlds, she actually missed his sarcastic jabs. Only, she was older now. Capable at firing back in a moments notice. Between the two of them it was always a contest of the "Last Word," as it were.

Again, she was older now and such things would have been too immature for a lady of the Thorne House. Regardless, if she wanted to or not. She looked at him again, more sarastic words pouring from his mouth.

"No idea who that is. However, we can head over to the west side of things. They have these cool inventions now called maps and directories, fairly useful I've found."

"Do other women find this cute?" Adalee lightly smiled, two could play at this game. "West side it is." She waited for him to move past her. Opening the doors before he added more of the undignified Dashiell charm.

"You look hot." He paused for dramatic effect. "As in sweltering hot. I don't know many who come to a tropical ocean world with a large coat but somehow you're pulling it off. Hoping to get an internship or something? Trying to impress the Professors and researchers on campus? You can borrow a shirt or something so you don't die of heat stroke."

The initial pause made her lightly blush, but like always, he had gotten under her skin. More regurgitated nonsense leaving his voice box in a rude demeanor. Yes, they were on Reena. Yes, the weather was fair. That didn't mean she wasn't freezing from the constant air coolant pouring out from the vents to keep the inner halls comfortable. It didn't matter where she was, Adalee was always cold. Even now, standing with Makai, she could feel how cold her toes were.

"Heat Stroke? It's freezing in here. Plus, I'm always cold." Her eyes rolled, her pale complexion shimmering in the sun as the bay doors opened to the outside. She seemed innocent in the light, skinny and tone. Her days spent training had kept her figure, but only due to the harsh demand of it. She had to stay fit, if she was going to prove to her father she was an exceptional swordswoman. Her soft lips parted once more. "A Thorne dresses for all situations, you of all people should know that Makai."

When she finished, she dropped her bag to the floor and took her overcoat off. Only to reveal the sweater vest and collared button shirt was a perfectly cute tank-top ensemble. The heat slammed into her as she gave Makai a light smuggy grin. She proceeded to throw her over coat onto her forearm and snatched up her bag.

"Well, aren't you going to show me to the west wing?"

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

REENA UNIVERSITY

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

"Women pretty much ignore me, so I am not sure."

Shoulders shrugged as if to say he didn't know, because he truly didn't. He figured it was just a turn of phrase those and immediately rolled his eyes at her being cold. They were on a tropical planet surrounded by ocean breezes and long sunny days. Now the aircon systems were a little cool, but once one stepped into the bright sunshine it was nothing but roasting in his eyes. Then again, as he was reminded, girls liked to play this delicate, feminine game he didn't quite understand. No need to pretend to be cold on his account.

Eyes did roll at her dramatic removal of her overcoat.

"I didn't know Courscant Fashion Week was happening already."

Hand motioned down the sidewalk as he began, heading towards where she wanted to go. Being later in the afternoon, the grounds were quite busy, students making their way back and forth from building to building. Thorney was lucky he didn't have any other classes to attend, not that would have made a difference, he still would have helped her.

"So where are you staying? Some massive penthouse on the beach? Downtown getaway? I bet its ritzy no matter what the location is, I can't seeing you staying in a shared room with some roommate."

 

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, Outside Courtyard

"Women pretty much ignore me, so I am not sure."

Adalee found this hard to believe. Makai wasn't awful to look at and something about the other women passing by and looking at them as they walked was a clear giveaway. Makai had no idea just how good looking he was. The blues eyes were something many women had on their checklist, but Adalee didn't have time for romance. She could barely keep the entirety of her own life together, trying to maintain a relationship would have been a disaster.

She felt the warm breeze, a greater change than what she was typically used to in the confines of the Thorne Manor. Still, she loved the ocean scent and the sunlight shining down on them. If she could, she would have found a way to go to the beach and relax. Unfortunately, the council wanted what they wanted and Adalee wanted to put a stop to the ring of blackmailing professors. The archives would be difficult, but she looked at Makai and considered something for a brief moment. A party could be a great alibi. Even better, Makai was an official student, a student that could get soft access to the archives with permission. The only issue after that would be getting into the high security archives.

She had the information logged on her datapad, logged the instances of the recorded professors that were suspect and she was being helped to the west wing to meet one of them now. The only thing she didn't feel confident about were the missing suspects that were clearly on campus. it could have been a mixture of students and professors, but she hoped not.

"I didn't know Courscant Fashion Week was happening already."

For Adalee and her wardrobe "Victoria" it was always fashion week. She didn't bother responding, the eyes of her friend slipped upward and back down. The dramatic eye roll slightly annoying her. At least she got him to escort her to the other side of the university. Usually, Makai would blow her off, but he'd been known to help at times when they were younger. It was one of the things she didn't mind about him. The fact he was kind enough to go a little extra for those around him. It was nice to see in all the years they were off doing other things that nothing changed that part of him.

"So where are you staying? Some massive penthouse on the beach? Downtown getaway? I bet its ritzy no matter what the location is, I can't seeing you staying in a shared room with some roommate."

Adalee quickly responded. "It's this gorgeous new renovated beach house." She looked at Makai as they walked. "The architecture, oh my god; Makai, it's breathtaking. Plus, even though the University has a dorm room for me in the upper tower, I prefer the beach house. It's close to campus too!" Adalee was excited and her tense serious tone drifted away. It was clear she had become more relaxed, her barrier of cold annoyance vanishing before him. It was nice to see and talk to an old friend. Only, she hoped in the grand scheme of things he would understand why she was here and forgive her for keeping it a secret. Her father's words crept into her mind.

Hope is like waiting for the world to change...it won't and it doesn't do good to rely on it.

She hated that things reminded her of him. A father that was ruthless and uncaring. Not once could she remember him telling her he loved her. His own daughter. It must have been why Master Thorne was so successful. His cold outlook on the world could still a raging storm if he truly tried. Adalee pondered this for only a second before the building parted at the center of the walkway and the crashing waves in the distance kept her grounded.

This place, the heat, the beach and an old friend, felt more like home than ever.

"Do you miss home?"

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

REENA UNIVERSITY

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

Of course she was staying in some renovated beach house plus had a dorm room waiting for her in one of the better towers on campus. His father had made very, very clear that he would be spending the next four years in his shared room at the fraternity house. There would be no extra funds for staying in a swanky penthouse apartment alone. No renovated beach house off campus.

If he was being honest with himself, he was a little jealous. Yet Makai had to remember Thorney was royalty. It seemed to be expected of her to be in these high-end locations and not slumming it with the rest of them. Even the wealthiest of those he knew on campus had at least one roommate but Makai suspected that was more friendship or relationship driven rather than a desire to save any credits.

"I would prefer the beach house too." Makai laughed, shaking his head. "Sounds like a great place though. Nothing like getting up in the morning to the sound of the ocean, but I'm a little partial being aquatic."

"Do you miss home?"

Her question instantly threw him for a loop. Thorney wouldn't know his troubles with Ellie. Wouldn't know the feeling he couldn't return to the Farm, at least not anytime soon. Wouldn't know his father sold the home on Dac. That he was living on Celestia Station, involved in his work. Makai hated it. Purposely he visited as little as possible. There was no reason to go somewhere that didn't feel like he belonged.

"Hard to miss something you don't have anymore Thorney. There's nothing to go back to." Her question instantly soured his mood, but it wasn't her fault. She didn't know. Wasn't aware. They didn't exactly trade problems growing up. "I'd ask the same question but something tells me you're happy to get out from under your father's eye."

 

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, Outside Courtyard

"I would prefer the beach house too." Makai laughed, shaking his head. "Sounds like a great place though. Nothing like getting up in the morning to the sound of the ocean, but I'm a little partial being aquatic."

Adalee leaned in towards him as they walked. Her shoulder tapped into Makai's as she smiled. She knew that Makai didn't have many moments to enjoy the finer quality of life. Still, that didn't mean she couldn't fix it. The sudden energy between the two changed, Adalee could tell. Her mind considered jealousy, but then wiped it away from her initial thought.

He couldn't be..could he?

She perked up though, swaying back into her lane before the offer slipped from her soft lips.

"You do know the place is huge...Come stay as a guest, or at least bring some friends over too. I'm sure many of the other frat boys would enjoy a space to..." She shifted her gaze to the other students walking by. Some glanced at her like a piece of meat. She cleared her throat and finished. "Indulge."

Adalee figured if she was going to use Makai for this mission, the best way was to make him comfortable. Only a sudden tension became apparent as she asked about his home. She hadn't known too much about Makai's father or the personal life he had been leading since they went their separate ways. She regretted it, now that she saw the sudden melancholy stoicism.

"Hard to miss something you don't have anymore Thorney. There's nothing to go back to." Her question instantly soured his mood, but it wasn't her fault. She didn't know. Wasn't aware. They didn't exactly trade problems growing up. "I'd ask the same question but something tells me you're happy to get out from under your father's eye."

Adalee understood better than anybody. At times, she too felt the same way. There was nothing about home that inspired her, drove her, or healed her. If anything, home for Adalee was far from Lorrd and her duties, but she was Thorne. Thornes sucked it up, Thornes were superior, and Thornes didn't lose. Unfortunately, she felt like she lost home a long time ago. She needed to work on tilting her nose at others. Lastly, Adalee held all her remorse, anger and hate inside...she was the definition of "sucking it up."

Now, it wasn't about her though and how relatable what Makai said was. It was about Makai. Empathy, despite their distance, came to full form as her words were carefully crafted.

"I'm so sorry, Makai. I heard little of your father looking to sell the estate. It's always shit when father's make decisions for everyone else...trust me." Adalee stopped dead in her tracks and reached for Makai's arm. Swinging him around to face her. Her pale skin shined in the rays of the sun, sweat slowly beading at the tip of her forehead. Her lips parted and her head tilted to the left slightly, her body language emotionally telling Makai she felt for him. "Our father's do not define who we are. You would be correct, I was suffocating under that awful man's rules." She paused and switched gears, enough of the somber mood. "I insist, you're staying at the beach house!"

Adalee hoped it made Makai feel better. Not having a home to go back to had to be hard. To make matters worse, she still had Lorrd and the Thorne Estate to go back to. Makai..had nothing. She probably seemed insensitive to the whole situation the more she thought about it. Regardless, she released her touch from him in the final moment of their tense air.

I never should have asked.

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

Makai wasn't surprised Thorney was getting so many looks from both sexes located on campus. She was attractive and new, something shiny for the campus to talk about. Reena University wasn't a small school but news would still travel about - especially once it was found Thorney was minor nobility. Always a bunch of 'enterprising' students looking to be invited to a party or more hilariously, looking to date and possibly gain their way into a royal family.

Swinging him around to face her. Her pale skin shined in the rays of the sun, sweat slowly beading at the tip of her forehead. Her lips parted and her head tilted to the left slightly, her body language emotionally telling Makai she felt for him. "Our father's do not define who we are. You would be correct, I was suffocating under that awful man's rules."

"Sorry to hear about your struggles. At least you have a semester away to enjoy some freedom. You've got a great beach house. Great company" At this point, Makai pointed to himself, as if this was all she needed. "Plus Reena isn't a half-bad planet to explore. There's always something going on."

He didn't need to sell her. She was already here. Might only be for a semester but it was nice to have a familiar face around. Even if they had never been particularly close-close. Makai had spent enough time with her though to consider her a friend and figured she might feel the same, especially since she offered his beach home to stay at.

"I'm not sure staying with you is a good idea." Makai moved to loop his arm around hers, wanting to move again to their destination. It wasn't too much further but he wasn't certain how long the Professor would be around. If Thorney was looking to speak to someone it may be wise to get a move on. "Seems it might be scandalous for yourself. A young unmarried woman inviting a young, dare I say handsome, man into her beach home? To stay more than an hour? Seems like it could make a lot of trouble for you down the road..."

Shoulders shrugged, unsure of the situation. Makai couldn't see Thorney not being watched during her time her. Whether she wanted to come to the reality or not, her father was getting reports about her one way or another.

"We've got a party coming up at the frat by the way. If you want to come. Beach bonfire this time, so at least you don't have to make a ridiculous costume."

 

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, Outside Courtyard

"Sorry to hear about your struggles. At least you have a semester away to enjoy some freedom. You've got a great beach house. Great company" At this point, Makai pointed to himself, as if this was all she needed. "Plus Reena isn't a half-bad planet to explore. There's always something going on."

Adalee couldn't remember the last time she had decent company. Most of what she did for the council that dealt with her father and the royals of Lorrd were nothing but stale. It had been a daunting and arduous task to sit through most of the political rhetoric across all planets with some form of investment with Lorrd and their delegates. Still, there were things she loved about it too. How she could manipulate a room to listen, to force favor and of course, to win every negotiation.

"Reena is quite beautiful. My mother told me there is a place called The Two Step." Adalee smiled, that was a long time ago. "She said, one moment you would be in ankle high water." She paused looking out at the sea as they talked. "You would be in the deepest part of the blue ocean."

Adalee considered such a place. Lorrd had its very own destinations, some breathtaking if you knew where to look, but nothing like Reena's vast ocean. She looked back at Makai. It was truly nice to have a friend among the hollow halls of Reena University.

"I'm not sure staying with you is a good idea." Makai moved to loop his arm around hers, wanting to move again to their destination.

Adalee rolled her eyes. "I'm not asking you to get in bed with me Makai." She paused, his arm looping into hers as they began to move once more.

"Seems it might be scandalous for yourself. A young unmarried woman inviting a young, dare I say handsome, man into her beach home? To stay more than an hour? Seems like it could make a lot of trouble for you down the road..."

"Scandalous!?" Adalee lightly chuckled. "I wasn't asking you to wed me either, Makai." She took a moment to get her playful jab in among friends. "Handsome? How humble of you Mister Dashiell." She spoke like her mother, twisting the knife a little more with her formal attitude. "As for trouble, you're right it could. Who knows what haphazard, untrained informant is watching." She tilted her head sarcastically acting like someone else and continued. "Anything for a story!" She shouted now, her accent changing to some odd form of an overtly immature reporter. It was clear she didn't like journalists or the media, they swarmed her like ants on food.

She hated that part of her life. The constant poking from others that tried to tell her how to live her life. They truly knew nothing about her. She was reserved when she was younger and reporters or journalists rarely got a quote. Another thing her father held against her.

"We've got a party coming up at the frat by the way. If you want to come. Beach bonfire this time, so at least you don't have to make a ridiculous costume."

"Oh, there's a happy medium. What fraternity are you in?" Adalee was genuinely curious, she read the reports. She truly hoped it wasn't the Sy Fraternity. According to intel, they may have been suspects of blackmail and illegal activities with some of the professors. She had to be careful, other fraternities typically partook in parties.

This could be good for us.

Adalee waited for him to answer. She didn't want to be too hasty.

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

REENA UNIVERSITY

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

"Two step? You would have to show me. Or tell me more. Being semi-aquatic sometimes such wonders are lost on me. Sounds like an interesting oceanic shelf. Might be very cool to see from under the water. Especially from the deepest part."

Something he would have to look into further. Wasn't a venture to take Thorney out on though. A strong swimmer would be required and he wasn't sure of her swimming ability. No matter, it didn't sound like an experience either one of them would be in a rush to have.

As they walked, she mentioned marriage and he immediately rolled his eyes. Thorney was fine - beautiful even. Yet completely not his type. She certainly deserved someone who could devote all their attention. Someone who wanted Thorney for their first pick in a romantic situation. His heart certainly lie with another - even if that other was completely ignoring him.

"Marriage? Please. We would kill one another well before the honeymoon even ended." A small nudge in her side with his arm. "Anything for a story huh? Are the reporters that bad on Lorrd? I feel a good number of people have ignored me since coming to university. A blessing. I'm just another boring son of a rich dad on campus. It works out well."

What fraternity are you in?

"Beta Rho Omega." He paused, shrugging his shoulders. "Mainly finance bros. Some political science majors. I think I'm the only one focused on the sciences - anyway, its just a bunch of nepo kids living together. We do a lot of charity work though. Lots of parties too. Standing invite to come to any of them, I'll make sure you get in. Get the entire university experience."

 

[Adalee Thorne]

Sector: Tapani Sector
System: Reena System
Planet: Reena
Location: Reena University, Outside Courtyard

"Marriage? Please. We would kill one another well before the honeymoon even ended." A small nudge in her side with his arm. "Anything for a story huh? Are the reporters that bad on Lorrd? I feel a good number of people have ignored me since coming to university. A blessing. I'm just another boring son of a rich dad on campus. It works out well."

Adalee knew he was right. The two of them would quickly strangle each other over something as simple as dinner plans. Despite how handsome she truly thought he was, she would never be able to romantically involve herself with a childhood friend. There was something always odd about others that fell for one another after years of growing up as kids. For her, at least the concept escaped her. Adalee understood the core fundamental reason how it could happen, but it made her uncomfortable. She lifted her amber eyes from the walkway back up to the glass heavy doors in front of them before answering about her abhorrent abuse of reporters.

"Oh Lorrd, Coruscant, you name it, if they recognize me or figure out the next political plan for my career, they are always there to remind me how terrible I'm doing..." She paused and looked at Makai, she wished she was just a regular rich kid. A circumstance she always hoped for when she was a teenager. The forces of the universe refused to hear her plea. "Well, this place will be like a sanctuary for me, reporters and journalists aren't allowed on the premises unless it's for the benefit of the university." She smiled at him, the sun touching her face one last time before she reached for the door handle and swung the large door wide for them to enter the new wing.

They were close to the professors quarters and she wasn't entirely sure what she was going to say when she arrived. She hadn't thought that far ahead and her exhaustion still lingered. Makai was the only real thing keeping her awake and ready.

Finally the words slipped from his mouth, it was confirmation that she could trust him. He was in Beta Rho Omega, a fraternity that wasn't even on the list. The best part about this happenstance collision with an old friend was the fact that other frats were involved with the university's dark dealings. She would put a stop to it, she had to.

"You're telling me...your frats abbreviation is..." She stopped as her heel turned and caused a small squeak as she stepped into the new section of the university's west wing. "BRO?" The look on her face turned to disappointment.

Boys will truly be boys...or BROS rather...ugh...

Adalee couldn't care less about the very terrible reality of Makai's frats hidden meaning. She rolled her eyes once more, before she fixed her dark, black hair with her pale hand. She gave a direct answer as her eyes met with Makai's.

Lots of parties too. Standing invite to come to any of them, I'll make sure you get in. Get the entire university experience."

She tensed for a split second, a party of this standard wouldn't be like some of the other ones she had been forced to participate in. This would be a low-grade childish party with a bunch of coeds. It sounded awful in her head, but then she relaxed and considered the opportunity. Plus, Sy Frat boys might end up at BRO's party.

She looked almost determined now. Hiding it would have been too difficult.

"Count me in, when is the next one? I could use a party I actually care to be at. Oh and you know, getting the full University experience."

​

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

REENA UNIVERSITY

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Adalee Thorne

"BRO?" Realization dawned on him as she pointed out the fraternity's acronym. The half-Galan chuckled slightly. "Never noticed, but that is hilarious. Seems very fitting."

They reached the professors' office she has been searching for. Makai would stop here, having delivered his friend off to the proper location. He was surprised though. Surprised she was interested in joining a party. He would have thought she was entirely too uptight to join in a little fun. He wanted to warn her of what a party entailed, but the upcoming one didn't have theme beyond celebrating the start of the semester. A kick off into the next year.

"Two days from now. At dusk. We'll see you then. Really....don't skip out on this....its going to be fun. I promise."

TWO DAYS LATER

First party of the semester. Fraternity row was full of freshmen trying to get into their first real university experience as the entire street turned into one giant party. Yet all distinct. Everyone has their preferences in who they wanted to party with. Each fraternity had their own reputation and their own sororities they worked with. Beta Rho Omega had its reputation as one of uppercrust rich kids with a penchant for wanting a good time. Play hard, party hard type of situation.

Music echoed through the backyard, throngs of students dancing or standing on the fringes drinking. That was where he could be found, working the keg, pouring red cups for those in attendance. Helping him was his roommate Harlon, an Umbran set to work in the finance industry for his father.

"A girl is coming? A real girl you know." Disbelief colored Harlon's tone. "Just like the infamous and quite fake Myra."

Makai rolled his eyes.

"I'm serious. I had friends before you, you know."