Private The Canto Bight King

[Serena Harth]

Canto Bight was a bed of vice, gilded with prestige and class. But beneath the specious flair, it was just as much a criminal sanctuary as Nar Shaddaa. In Serena's opinion, the latter was at least more honest with you.

In many ways, Prax Elvros was perhaps an embodiment of this city as a whole. Stylish, entertaining, and corrupt in all but admission. Serena was surprised he agreed to meet her. Perhaps he didn't think she could be a threat. Perhaps he didn't care. Or perhaps he didn't even think about her muckraking reputation at all, and was just looking for a little free publicity. In truth, Serena wasn't sure she wanted to test the waters either way. Perhaps this would be best to just treat as a simple interview of an infamous figure, and not an opportunity to uncover some secret truths…

She arrived outside the local Falthier racetrack. Most of the attendants were already in the stands by now, but the races had yet to start. She appraoched the entrance, where a bookie or ticket handler of some kind was presumably posted. She cleared her throat to signal for attention, "Hello? I'm here to see Pax Elvros? Serena Harth?"

Prax Elvros ​

 

[Prax Elvros]

The racetracks of Canto Bight were like any other part of the glimmering city. It was yet another arena where gambling and colluding of the wealthy knew few bounds. Even in a dingy place where beasts would gallop in order to feed into their ego. Among the crowd passing by the Zeltron girl were among the elite. Business-folk, nobility, even a few politicians. But the one that approached her was something of an opposite. A Shistavanen clad in black leather, looking more like a swoop racer than any fancy celebrity. On the sleeve of his jacket was golden, crown-like symbol. The canine was one of the Canto Bight Kings, Prax Elvros' personal gang. Lupine eyes stared her down, before nodding.

"C'mon. Boss has been expectin' ya." The wolf-man growled, motioning to follow him.

The beastly alien guided her upwards in the stands, ascending to the next level of the track's arena. The truly cream of the crop, the exclusive private boxes. The lupine gangster walked for while until he stopped at a private viewing area marked "77" in fluorescent white holo-letters. The Shistavanen grunted for her to follow him in. The suite was everything to be expected of such luxury: prime viewing spot, lounging furniture, access to a food storage, the whole works.

"Boss. A Ms. Harth here to see you." The lycanthrope spoke more gently.

A figure arose from the seating. A human man with black pompadour cresting his head. Dressed in a a relaxed, yet formal black suit, he strode over to them. An aurodium-plated walking stick, much akin to a scepter, and keen blue eyes. A charming smile graced his face. The smile of an entertainer, scoundrel, and kingpin rolled into one. An equally golden cybernetic hand reached out for a handshake. This seemingly friendly figure was the King of Canto Bight, Prax Elvros.

"Serena Harth! Do come in and join me. Can I offer you some refreshment?" Prax motioned to the suite's offerings, "Thank you, Graize. Mind checkin' in on the Twins? Them Gigorans promised me they wouldn't get too rowdy tonight."

With a nod, the Shistavanen enforcer left the two alone. An unexpectedly friendly start, in the lair of a crime boss.

Serena Harth ​

 

[Serena Harth]

Serena took a half-step back as the intimidating Shistavanen moved to intercept her. She recognized the symbol on his jacket as being gang-related, but said nothing, only following him as ordered all the way to the private suites. They found their destination, and inside was none other than Prax Elvros himself. He dressed, moved, and commanded like royalty. A King in every way but official. Serena stepped in and ogled the luxury. It took a moment before she registered his question.

"Serena Harth! Do come in and join me. Can I offer you some refreshment?"

"Uhh— Sure." She answered absent-mindedly. Normally, she would probably second guess taking a drink from a crime lord, but there was no reason to suspect any plotting against her. And, she justified it as a chance to take the edge off.

The Shistavanen left them alone. Serena stepped forward, getting a view of the track below. "Nice spot," She said, greeting him properly "…Prax Elvros, then. In the flesh. A pleasure to finally meet you."

Prax Elvros​

 

[Prax Elvros]

"Please. Call me Prax. We can drop the formality a little." He nodded, "K8, two Kiffu fruit fizzes, please!"

A pristine COO-series cook droid chirped to life, seeming to understand the order. The multi-armed droid began rustling around the private booth's bar for the needed materials. The strange thing about it was it was not an alcoholic drink like one would expect. The dashing entertainer strode over to a seat that overlooked the racetrack. He saw all sorts of jockeys readying themselves as the race got closer to beginning. Falthiers lined up patiently. steam rolling out of their nostrils. Prax motioned to the lounging seat across from him.

"C'mon. Might as well get comfortable." He smiled, "The race'll begin soon, and since this ain't a social call, I don't want to eat up too much of your time."

Kingpin or not, Prax Elvros was at least a man of manners and decency. The cook droid came bearing two glasses, both filled with the same drink. An effervescent liquid, pale violet with swirling tints of white, with a green leaf garnish. It gave the perfume of fresh berries and cream, with the slightest bit of mint, possibly the garnish. Prax smiled and nodded.

"Thanks, K8." He dismissed the droid, "If that's not to your liking, please let me know. K8 there will be more than willing to mix you up anything from our stock. Now.....let's get down to business."

Serena Harth ​

 

[Serena Harth]

Serena followed Prax to the seat next to him, taking in the view of the racetrack below. The race itself had yet to begin, but the racers and their beasts were out on the track preparing. "'Preciate it," Serena told the droid as the drinks were handed off. She took a sip; The burn of alcohol was not present, only a sweet, fruitful blend.

"Alright, Prax," Serena pulled out a recorder, turned it on, and set it on a nearby table, then pulled out a writing pad and stylus for herself to make notes. "Let's start simple: Your music is known throughout the galaxy. In your own words: what inspired you to become a musician, and to share that inspiration with everyone else?"

Prax Elvros​