Private Simple things

[Cassian Abrantes]

Naboo
Theed Square
Summer Festival
Dominique Vexx

What found the young General out here during these festive evenings would be intriguing to some. However what it came down to, he simply enjoyed them. And perhaps he wanted to keep an eye on things. His promotion with the Grand Army was well deserved one, but it also came with many responsibilities. He would take what time he could and enjoy these things that he simply just started to enjoy not even a few months ago. Sibylla always told him that he should relax a little bit, and well have some fun.

We shall see how that turns out.

He had invited Dominique Vexx, a representative from Denon. To be truth she was a great deal of many things. Yet he hadn't fully completely discovered everything about her, as their first meeting was he and the Abrantes house guard escorting her to safety. That was a truly crazy day, but it was good. It was nice to get back into the action, it was a rush that a part of him couldn't deny.

There was a great deal of things to do today. Cassian had arranged a place for her to stay for the night if she wished at Dee'ja Peak. Just a simple formality if that was something she desired. What was his angle, well for starters she handled herself well and she had a great intelligence about her. It didn't help that she was incredibly beautiful, which was something that his mind should've been able to cast aside and just do what he was there to do. But he couldn't deny that he had thought about her often.

It was a casual setting, booths were lined up along the streets. There was a band playing further along down the street past the Theed Square. A place for dancing to happen for those that wished it. And there were tables and chair along the streets. For those to sit and talk about the going ons in the universe.

He stood and awaited for Dominque, with a simple and easy look on his face.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique found choosing an outfit for the evening to be challenging. For both formal and social occasions she enjoyed wearing provocative clothing. Not because she needed 'companionship,' but simply to stand out in a crowd. Unlike a spy or slicer that desperately yearned to go unnoticed, Vexx craved the attention and spotlight. People knew who she was, what she was capable of, and how to reach her. All good things in her line of work. But today's social affair was on Naboo, and there was such as a thing as being garish. It was unlikely anyone else at this Summer Festival was going to stand out half as much as her usual choices.

After a short while, Dominique settled on a more 'conservative' but suggestive number. It should be provocative enough for Naboo at any rate.

CorpSec was, of course, left behind. She doubted they were terribly upset at the ideal. Perturbed, perhaps, their employer was wading into a crowd unprotected, but not so upset at being spared trying to secure a VIP at a festival. They were an effective bunch, but they'd ruin the mood -- for Cassian Abrantes and anyone else.

Which left Dominique wondering as she glided down the street in her heels what the man sought to gain from reaching out to her. He'd been quite effective, himself, in getting her out of that sordid affair. They hadn't exactly been close throughout those events, however. Scarcely knew one another. The man had even recently been promoted -- good for him. Was this just a social outing? Not many people asked her out on those.

The glareshades scanned the faces in the crowd until they eventually highlighted one in particular. Dominique gradually turned in Cassian's direction and continued to 'scan' the crowd as if she hadn't already spotted him.

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

It was still somewhat strange to get used to, being here in this setting. The roar of the battlefield, the smell that hung around the air. The fact that death could be around every corner. So this was strange, but also quite welcoming.

The General knew he couldn't get used to it too long though. He was was always needed elsewhere, but for now.

Peace...

He caught sight of Dominique Vexx just as she glanced around. He smirked and slowly made his way through the crowd. He wasn't going to deny the fact that she look incredible. She carried a strong poise and perhaps even a paramount need to showcase her own beauty. However, Cassian smirked as he walked just passed her. If there was a game to be played, he could play it as well. Not completely ignoring her, but going to one of the booths to get a drink for the two of them.

Alcholic in nature of course, and as the the flavor that would be a mystery as well.

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

A lone brow rose over the tops of her glareshades as Cassian Abrantes strode by without so much as a sound. Dominique slowed to a stop before she slowly turned back in the direction Cassian had gone. Surely the man was blind; because you didn't simply walk by someone like her, dressed as she was, without noticing.

With a sway to her hips, the lilac-haired woman lazily made her way in his direction. If he was in no particular hurry to meet her then why should she intrude too quickly? There was a certain grace in timing, however, so Dominique kept an eye on the preparation of the drinks to arrive just as the second glass was set down.

Perhaps, if he turned to 'find' her, they could share a feigned 'oh' of surprise.

"Cassian," Dominique purred with a smile on her painted lips. "Fancy meeting you here," she remarked with a ever so slight emphasis on the last word. Just enough someone might doubt they'd ever heard it.

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"Cassian,"

"Fancy meeting you here,"

It hadn't taken too long for the drinks to arrive and as he was about to turn, he was face to face with the beauty that was Dominique Vexx

He smiled as he played the part of whatever they were doing and he finally chuckled lightly. "Dominque, its good to see you. Considering our last meeting was a little chaotic." He took a breath and offered her the glass in his hand.

"You look incredibly beautiful this evening." The young General gave a small and gentle tap of his glass to hers. "What brings you here to Naboo?" He asked, while he knew the answer. As it was his invitation, but he figured they could still play a game or two. He figured as long as his attention was on her and no one else.

"Meeting someone?"

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique smiled as she accepted the drink Cassian had offered. She cheered along with him in kind; who could refuse being complimented, after all? The contents swirled slowly as her golden eyes regard the playful man. It was playful. She hadn't heard of him suffering a serious blow to the head. "Some new General the Board expects me to convince to purchase weapons and ships from Denon's factories." There was a brief pause for a small sip. "Anyone you know?"

"Just how have you been since our fun back on that station, Cassian? You haven't had any further, inexplicable encounters have you?" Just an idle question given the extreme circumstances. Though Dominique was fishing to see if he'd run across those behind that affair.

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"Some new General the Board expects me to convince to purchase weapons and ships from Denon's factories."

"Anyone you know?"

"I may have heard of him." Cassian spoke with a teasing tone, going further. "Supposedly tall, handsome, dark hair." The young man took a small sip then he smiled at Dominque and shrugged shoulders. "Perhaps you will run into him sometime soon."

"Just how have you been since our fun back on that station, Cassian? You haven't had any further, inexplicable encounters have you?"

Cassian shook his head, in regards to her question. "Things have been proceeding as normal. Granted I am still waiting on word from a particular Senator from Denon." The General spoke with a sly smile as he took another sip from his glass. "Beautiful, tall, incredible smile....." Cassian glanced around before finally setting his sights back on the Denon beauty.

"Anyone you know?"

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"An intelligent, tireless Director of Denon if rumors are to be believed." Dominique twisted her upper body slightly as she tilted her head slightly with a smile. "Her schedule must be absolutely full of people petitioning for favors, managing countless projects, and business relations. If someone got a moment of her time, they might just be blessed."

She reached out to touch his arm. "What have you been up to, Cassian? Proceeding as normal is so impersonal. It's not every day you get a promotion. I'm sure there's a great many things you sudden find yourself with that comes with that title."

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"An intelligent, tireless Director of Denon if rumors are to be believed."

"Her schedule must be absolutely full of people petitioning for favors, managing countless projects, and business relations. If someone got a moment of her time, they might just be blessed."

"Rumors are fickle at best, better to deal with said person face to face. There, all bets are off. You can see who they are for yourself. And a moment of time from her, if she was who people believed she is. That would be a blessing indeed." Cassian smirked as he glanced towards her, taking a small drink from his glass. Just as her hand rested every so lightly against his arm.

"What have you been up to, Cassian? Proceeding as normal is so impersonal. It's not every day you get a promotion. I'm sure there's a great many things you sudden find yourself with that comes with that title."

"Well.....more office work, processing paperwork, looking over officer advancements. It's new, and well I'm enjoying it." Cassian spoke with an honest tone and good smile before speaking once more. "I'm still who I've always been though, a soldier. I cannot abandon those that I once led in the field. I belong in the field of battle."

He lightly shrugged his shoulders, and smirked. "If I get to have a few days like this in between, with beautiful company. That wouldn't be so bad...."

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique chuckled warmly with Cassian's description of discovering who people truly were face to face.

"Oh?" Her painted lips drew upward at a corner. Cassian was enjoying his new paperwork was he? How productive. Were the armed forces really where he belonged? And despite it all, the man professed being nothing more than a plain, simple soldier. Loyalty, was it? Honor? Well, they weren't bad qualities for someone to have. In fact, a Director could appreciate them in the right people.

"You know, Cassian, there are privileges that come with rank. Outside of crucial strategy meetings you can make your own schedule." Perhaps the man didn't fully appreciate the latitude he now had. Within reason. Even Cassian had a boss, but that besides the point. "Pencil in some time here or there for yourself. Or for a surprise inspection to make sure no one has an easy time feeding you sweet lies." What? Even Dominique could participate in the "drudgery" of inspecting critical facilities to make sure the Directors weren't being fed an ocean of nonsense. Not all Directors believed in the same 'mission.'

"I hope you've certainly set enough time aside today. There's no need to rush."

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"You know, Cassian, there are privileges that come with rank. Outside of crucial strategy meetings you can make your own schedule."

"I've been told as much when I took the position." Cassian voiced with an easy going tone and light smile. "Sitting in the office all day isn't for me." Cassian shrugged his shoulders lightly as he looked to her.

"Perhaps if there was someone who enjoyed my company. I might be inclined to take more time away." He chuckled, and took another small drink from the glass and set it on the bar.

"Pencil in some time here or there for yourself. Or for a surprise inspection to make sure no one has an easy time feeding you sweet lies."

"I hope you've certainly set enough time aside today. There's no need to rush."

"Well, if your going to be around for those moments. I'd be willing to make more time for myself. Perhaps pay a visit to Denon, I know there are, a many incredible things to do and see there."

He let out a small sigh as his hand rose, and the back of his fingers lightly brushed along side her cheek. He wasn't normally like this, he was what he said before. A soldier.....duty, honor, loyalty and his rather extensive background when it came to tactics, weaponry and warfare.

She brought something out in him, and he wasn't too sure what it was.

Yet....

"You are something else entirely you know that?" The General spoke with sweet tone and a smile. "Something I want to know more of."

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique's brows rose slightly as Cassian Abrantes reached out and brush her cheek with his fingers. Her left hand reached up to gently take his in her own to pull it down and set her right hand atop it. "Cassian, you're a handsome and capable man, but you shouldn't rush into this. I'm a Director on the Executive Board of the Corporate Sector Authority. I not only have countless enemies, but have to negotiate the machismo of those on the Board. That's not to turn you down, but you should get to know me first."

That and Dominique would want to get to know him before they got too intimate. One night stands were possible, but was that what he wanted? Was it mere platitudes where he feigned interest? It wouldn't be the first time. Which was precisely why Dominique had to choose her encounters with care.

"There are plenty of things to see and do on Denon where you'll have that chance. Hopefully, I will have the same opportunity with you as well. And the present circumstances are a perfect opportunity for us to begin." Dominique would remove her right hand to free his to do as he wish again. "Why not ask one another a question to get started? Such as, what is your favorite sight in the area?"

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

He wasn't taken back by her response, and he took no offense to it. In truth, he did feel a bit guilty as his intentions might have been misplaced. "I didn't mean to........." Cassian smiled as he shook his head lightly. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to press that.....impression upon you. These outings still seem foreign to me at best. And when you have lived life on a battlefield and you see a rare gem for the first time......"

He withdrew his hand as he reached for his glass once more, requesting a refill and inquiring if she wanted another.

"And if I may, the amount of enemies one has doesn't matter to me. The content of one's character and what is in their heart."

"Why not ask one another a question to get started? Such as, what is your favorite sight in the area?"

"Easy enough....." Cassian smiled as he glanced around, but the answer was already there. When you looked around, it was the laughter, smiling, the joy that others that to be with their families. "It's them.....the people. I do what I do for them, so they can live as they do now. It seems cliche to say that, but it's what I believe." The General smirked and then shrugged his shoulders lightly...."And well also maybe the Art and Science Museum that was created by a the former Queen of Naboo. Don't tell anyone, but I'm a big fan of art....and well music as well."

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique smiled as Cassian stammered at first. While it wasn't graceful, it was considerate; which meant he'd recovered well-enough being a man more accustomed to battle. Not that she hated physical contact, but they weren't so close and as a woman of authority appearances were important.

As for Cassian's interest in the surrounding area, Dominique found his reply appropriate. Even uplifting. So waging war wasn't the reason he was in the armed forces. Dominique didn't need someone that saw the world as one full of nails to be hammered down, after all. There were enough of those on Denon already. "Nothing's cliche unless it's hollow," she replied calmly. Cliches might not be as illuminating as they sounded and could hide important truths, but they were a start.

"Really? Well, I fancy music, myself." She paused with a smile for a moment. "Admittedly, my tastes have shifted toward songs with more rhythm than lyrics of late. Cost of exploring the daily life of a Denonite." Or more specifically, her time indulging in its cybernetic underworld. Certain cafes or clubs had their own unique genres of songs on full blast incessantly. "Do you have a particular genre in mind? Something with a beat?"

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"Nothing's cliche unless it's hollow,"

"That is true enough." Cassian smiled as he looked out across the scene before them once more. It seemed so easy and simple right now, it was a good life that they had. Many of them knew what it cost while others didn't. It wasn't ignorance on their part, it was just living. They had that right, and the freedom and hope to do so.

It was safeguarded by the many that put their lives on the line for the Republic. He could hear their voices of those that doubted, but they never once affected him.

He knew who he was and what sort of person he wanted to be. The person that he was....

"Admittedly, my tastes have shifted toward songs with more rhythm than lyrics of late. Cost of exploring the daily life of a Denonite.

"Do you have a particular genre in mind? Something with a beat?"

"I get that shift as well, lyrics are nice. But then can drown out the true soul of a song. I'm a fan all sorts, my favorite would have to be more on the upbeat and classical side." He smiled as he remembered time he would just sit on the balcony and just listen. It brought a sense of calm to him and even flited up his spirits. He chuckled lightly as he even recalled Sibylla Abrantes incredible piano playing. That in itself was calming and relaxing.

"What's your favorite?" Cassian asked, looking to Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique laughed for a moment. "Oh, I doubt you've heard of them, Cassian. I can just about imagine the sort of upbeat, classical music you've enjoyed." She reached out to pay his chest as she smiled up at him. "Elegant. Graceful. Artisanal. A lovely melody with a passionate soul. But the sort I listen to in my spare time is far less... dynamic." An Abrantes would have been brought up enveloped in classical music. No doubt trained to perform it -- at least a piece -- enough to show off or claim dominance over a rival.

"Technodance. I like the way it moves through you and demands you do more than sit still. It also happens to drown out conversation, frustrating people trying to eavesdrop." Which was quite the boon in her line of work. Especially the illicit one she didn't make known to anyone. Except Sibylla so far. Dominique was curious if the young woman had filled Cassian in or not.

"Have you ever been to a club on Denon, Cassian?"

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

Cassian's brow arched at that, the faintest trace of a smirk tugging at his lips. Her read of him wasn't entirely wrong, he had spent too many nights forced into drawing rooms and orchestrated gatherings where music was less about soul and more about status. Elegant, graceful, yes… but never full alive, at least some of them.

"Technodance," he repeated, tasting the word as though it were foreign to him. His eyes flickered with that guarded glimmer as he pondered whether to give her the truth or something more elusive. "I've heard it, once or twice. I've heard some say its more noise than harmony. If you ask me though, I can't fully give it a full opinion unless I was to hear more of it."

He let his gaze linger on her a moment longer, studying the way she smiled as though daring him to say more.

"As for Denon…" His voice dropped, low and edged with something almost conspiratorial. "No I haven't, I have heard of them though, clubs that never sleep. Shadows running thicker than the drinks. Everyone watching everyone else, and pretending not to." Cassian showed a small smirk and lightly shrugged his shoulders. "You never really go to a place like that just to dance. You go to be unseen while everyone is staring somewhere else."

His smirk widened, though faintly. "Tell me, do you go there to be seen, or unseen?"

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique laughed softly as Cassian explained his scant familiarity with the genre.

"Oh," she purred behind a smile, "that would depend on the company. And the club." A precisely manicured hand reached out to idly 'fix' Cassian's collar. Her eyes flicked back up to his afterward. "They're not all the same. Some are the sort you would adore. Others are... well, as you said, a place people go to get lost in the crowd."

"I, of course, being a Director of Denon would only ever be seen at a club worthy of my wealth and status in society. Any other venue might be seen as unpredictable, if not outright rebellious. People bound by politics don't like uncertainty; it's why forming relationships takes so long. You have to know one another before revealing anything truly important."

"What about you, Cassian? Have you ever gone somewhere to get away from all of society's burdens for a time? Explore the other side of the social stratum and those that lurk there?" Dominique's smile returned in force as she stared into his eyes.

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

Cassian tilted his head slightly at her touch, the faintest trace of a smile brushing his lips as Dominique's fingers settled his collar back into place. For all her polish, her movements carried the weight of intent and subtle reminders of her power wrapped in elegance.

Her answer in truth was expected. There wasn't anything else that he could have thought.

Her question for him then, struck closer than he expected.

"I have," he admitted after a pause, his tone low, reflective. "There are times when the anchors of a name and station become suffocating. Even the finest halls begin to feel like cages, shackles, if you never step outside them." His gaze stayed on hers for a few moments, not challenging, but unwilling to look away.

"I've walked streets where no one knew me. Spoken to people who couldn't care less what crest I bear, or who my family is. There's a kind of freedom in that.....anonymity as luxury. For a few hours, you can shed the layers of what people expect of you."

He leaned back slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in the makings of a grin. "Of course, some would say it's dangerous. That a noble doesn't belong in the undercurrents of society. But I've found danger sharpens the senses. Reminds you of who you are beneath all the roles others have written for you."

Answering her question without actually answering it, it was as she said. You had to know one another before anything too important was revealed.

Yet he had faced many dangers already, too often to count. Perhaps that is why he would venture out as he did. Perhaps that is why Sibylla would venture out as she did. She didn't know it, but he knew of her outings more often than she would think.

For he too had his spies.

His eyes narrowed a fraction, studying Dominique as though weighing the intent behind her question. "And you? When the velvet walls of power close in, where do you go to breathe again?"

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Nobility such as the Abrantes certainly did have their constraints. Light as they were to most others' expectations, they were rarely overcome easily and without consequence. Not overly dissimilar to those of someone of high monetary society, but you could excuse the ultra wealthy their idiosyncrasies. Cassian seemed to recognize the trappings of authority, however. Was that what had drawn him to the armed forces?

"There are no places to hide when you wield power of any worth. Only places to stand. Once you're seen on the run even your allies abandon you." Dominique gave the impression of a shrug with a roll of her wrist. "Still, there are many venues on Denon for a woman to find something different to tantalize the senses. Distract the mind. Rejuvenate the soul, as it were."

"I enjoy the sight of Denon's District stretched out as far as the eye can see. Whether on the surface, or enveloped in the deep levels, the more vibrant and dense the surroundings the better." Dominique chuckled to herself. "There aren't many places with a perfect view of such a scene, as you can imagine." Somewhere open to view a place that was cluttered and bound together was a rare gem. "Or a show of acrobatic acclaim. They spend as much time perfecting the art as I do."

Cassian Abrantes​