The Festival of Stars (SJC and allies)

[Travot Ravenna]

Travot nodded in understanding at Mardo Leo - he hadn't heard of the Lervon before joining the Silver Jedi Order, but his exposure to them within the Order had grown appreciation for them and their culture. There weren't many species that were more mineral-based as the Lervon - perhaps the Polydroxol were the closest kin that Travot could recall - and all were rare in the galaxy proper. But despite this, he had found that many of them seemed more humane and understanding than most humans he had met - a true testament to both their individuals and the home culture that had molded them.

"I'm not certain I could handle a single youngling, much less several myself," said the bulky man ruefully, "but I suppose they all have their charms as well...at least sometimes."

That line of thought left his head as Caltin Vanagor began his announcement and the crowd roared back and forth in answers and general approval.

"Alright, who's won a few things? Who wants to win a "Carcharodon" Air/Landspeeder? Hold up your ticket if you do! Alright! The winner is..."

Travot grabbed his ticket and began to look at it. Luck was not something he wholly believed in. Perhaps that was the result of steeping in the doctrine of the Living Force - everything happens for a reason. Yet he couldn't help but wonder if some things were truly just sheer chance. What did the Force care about a pebble being blown across a road? Was that any more meaningful that the countless organisms that lived and died every minute on every single planet? What could possibly keep track of all of that across an entire galaxy? Couldn't some things simply be errant, unplanned results?

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori grinned as she read over the card, listening as Sergeant Omen gave her further information on the expansion of his business. "I love it. This is perfect." She was known for thinking with her stomach at times and it seemed as though Omen was the same way when it came to his marketing practices.

"My brother and I have a foundation. I'm sure that I could put the credits there for good use, unless something more pressing comes along."

She listened as he spoke of his latest activities. As to what the Enclave had been up to, she had no idea. Hopefully it wasn't anything bad.

Her eyebrows rose as he spoke of romance. "Wow, look at you. All busy and still have time for romance? I don't know how you do it. Not everyone can find the time for it." That would be a good excuse that she could use, wouldn't it? Running a company, helping to rule an Empire, setting up Embassies across the Galaxy....Yeah, there was no time for anything else. "I haven't seen Jhira for a while. I hope to see her some time soon, when she can find the time. "

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

” If you aren’t nervous about your passion, you aren’t passionate about it..”- Chef Bobby Flay​

Cooking with Caltin was live and Caltin was on his makeshift stage looking over everyone gathered and those approaching the crowd.

… we have three winners actually so it looks like I have some calls to make to bring some more in!

He waited for some in the crowd to laugh and others to get more excited.

The winners of a brand new "Carcharodon" Air/Landspeeder are Travot Ravenna … Yoni Bucket… and… Aayla Shan ! Just stop by the table and make the arrangements at your convenience! Again! Congratulations… and don’t wreck’em!

An uncharacteristic smile crawled across his face as the cameras paused out. They were in between live shots again but had some time before going back live so the big man stepped behind one of the stations and began to cook up a storm. The facility feed (meaning everyone in the hall could watch him cooking) was active so the big man was taking the time to show different ways of cooking the same dish. It was more of a service than showing off or anything, and of course, everything that was made was being handed out.

His connection to the Force was different, so he could not sense anyone in the way he once was able to (he could sense strength in a connection but could not distinguish one from another yet) but the big man was well aware of many he knew that were around him.

 

[Mardo Leo]

Mardo smiled, patting Travot's back.

"They seem crazy at times, but there's a charm to younglings. Sometimes they make your being melt, and other about ready to return to the ancestors. But yes, trying to keep track of more than one isn't the best experience." The Lervon would then watch as Travot grabbed a ticket, and would have a happy sense when he heard the Jedi was one of the winner. He nodded a bit, looking at him before speaking.

"Congratulations." He then looked at Caltin, nodding before speaking again. "And I can't say I've had the pleasure to meet you until now Master Vanagor. Maybe in less favorable circumstances." He would then extend a hand, having learned it long ago while studying.... No wonder he was picked for this job.

Travot Ravenna Caltin Vanagor

 

[Vaux Gred]

​

Vaux sighed a bit, still listening and humming to the music. No one she knew was here right...? Then again had anyone that she knew that would be here recognize her without flight gear? She took a breath, noticing apparently groups were changing out music wise. Vaux grumbled a bit to herself before taking one more shot of liquid courage and getting up to walk over. She didn't know how they'd react to some random Concord Dawn Mando walking up to them, but she hoped they would be too annoyed.

"Uh... Hey. You wouldn't happen to be willing to let me join you. I... use to sing a bit, but if you don't..."

"Use to hm...? Any ideas in particular?" Did... did they not even let her say they didn't have to help her out? Well then. She grabbed the datapad she'd brought just in case, showing the song she had in mind. The one with a hallikset chuckled.

"A bit of a fun one, eh? Lar, get ready to fiddle a bit." Was she really about to do this? Maybe she could just... not. Vaux looked down a bit, taking another breath. She could fly through combat like nobodies business, face Sith without batting an eye, or even openly tell a Jedi she thought they were wrong, but this was what was breaking her!? Vaux finally got up, slowly walking up as she heard the musicians start to play. She... couldn't step back now. Vaux just closed her eyes and started.

Spoiler

(And no, clearly doesn't sound exactly like this, but similar way of singing.)

 

[Gir Quee]

The man glanced back at Ariela, "Miss Captisan over there is my aide, though like an intimate partner, I'm not sure if I could live without her...at least her help."

The man nodded and smiled as Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix mentioned the escort transports. Far more entangled with direct political and military duties that he'd really care to, he had been forced to delegate most of his corporate duties to Salmakk, his adopted brother. But the conservative engineer and the "Circle" had long been accustomed to running the consortium with little direct input from the man from time to time, and the admiral was becoming more and more convinced that the companies would thrive with him as little more than figurehead and financial backer who provided advice and connections from time to time. Ah, I remember Salmakk mentioning that...It seemed strange to think that the first Muntos had been built for the Commenor Systems Alliance, a galactic government whose seat of power was once in the very city they were in. Yet in some ways, that was not strange - the old CSA, despite its monarchial trappings, had some ethos that the Concord itself continued to espouse.

He made eye contact again with the dark-haired woman.

"We hope that they will continue to serve your people well," said the admiral, "the galaxy has more than enough troubles in it. It is good that there are people like your own who are taking an interest in the bettering of others. But sometimes trouble finds us as well. I understand that there was an attempt on your life recently - I'm surprised you came here considering the possible danger that it might happen again."

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Objective: Dancing Under the Stars
Tags: Gir Quee

Outfit:

​

Tiresh nodded knowingly, her countenance shifting slightly to a more neutral expression at the mention of the attempt on her life. "I see that news travels far in this galaxy. Yes… I suppose I should stay locked up in my tower these days, but I just feel such urgency. I feel like I cannot slow down… not now." She twirled the wine glass subtly in her hand, musing upon her own words, "If I am to stop beating around the bush, I very much came all this way to meet with you specifically, Admiral Quee. As a representative of the Galactic Alliance, and one who is likely to be considered for the seat of Chancellor in this coming election, I carry a strong conviction and desire to strengthen the relationship between the Alliance and the Silvers. Forgive me if this it too forward, but I hope that, together, we can see some real positive change happen within our spheres of influence. I know this is just our first conversation, and normally I would not be so quick to speak on such matters… However I am not sure when the next time is that we shall have the opportunity to meet again, and I am not sure how much time you have on your hands… I would hate to disrupt your evening, I know you are a highly sought-after man." She smiled warmly, hoping that the more direct nature of her intentions would be received well.

 

[Tsheersk]

Tsheersk visited the arcade. Tsheersk's favorite video game was the "Unnamed Porg Game", which was more "lighthearted" than the Trandoshan himself. The arcade had a HoloStation Switch console inside. He began playing the game and finally got rest from sithhunting.

Aayla Shan

 

[Sergeant Omen]

The Sergeant only grinned back as the Princess appreciated his card. "I thought as much. Had them specially printed up for this event and hopefully, I'll get some buyers soon."

Omen nodded as she laid out her plan for the credits. "He had told me that he was in charge of an organization like that when I talked to him. Well, I hope you both can use it to the best effect."

When he saw the princess look as she replied, the Clone chuckled softly in embarrassment as he glanced away from the look Lori gave him. "Yeah... If only she wasn't in a EE prison... Either that or she just straight out ghosted me..." To be honest, Omen didn't know what really had happened to Aren D'Shade but she hadn't contacted him in quite a long time and while he was worried about her, he had decided long ago that he would try to control his own life before trying to control someone else's. Hopefully, wherever she was, she was okay...

Giving the princess a wide grin, the topic of the Jhira had come up. "Jhira is doing okay. I just met her back at my bar and besides just being the usual tiredness from being second in command of an entire, being a Bresrig Simp and not having a dating life for the same reason you said, she seems fine. The only major problem is that Mia, the niece she raised from birth is flying from the nest to make her own. Plus of course, she is now employed by Strill Securities which helps the situation so much more as Jhira imagines her getting blown up. So yeah, it's really been a fun time for her. If you want to see her, I'm sure she wouldn't mind a visit."

Jhira Mereel , Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Travot Ravenna]

He felt Mardo Leo pat his back as his name was called and the large man beamed. The thrill of winning was not something that even a jedi master was entirely immune to - he had briefly looked up the Carcharodon's specs when he had grabbed the ticket - it seemed like a stylish, high performance vehicle. While the former quality wasn't terribly important for the man, the second was. It would be nice to have such a high performance vehicle ready to whisk him around with the immediate suggestion that it was an official government or Silver Jedi Order vehicle. The susevfian approached Caltin Vanagor along with the lervon.

Being involved with some of the judging of the food contest, Travot's eyes immediately darted to see the other man cooked. Travot had heard stories of the man's cooking before from other jedi, and he had even attempted to make some recipes while watching "Cooking with Caltin". But seeing it in a holo and seeing it in person were different - especially when it came to the smells of cooking. Travot let Mardo speak first.

"And I can't say I've had the pleasure to meet you until now Master Vanagor. Maybe in less favorable circumstances."

Travot nodded and looked at Caltin and froze for a few seconds. For the first time, he noticed that something didn't seem quite the same with the other man's presence in the Force. He had met a several Vong before - supposedly Force dead according to some - and he felt something similar about the man now. Part of him immediately thought about their battle with those who had been experimented on Garos IV. Thinking back on it, that might have been the last time Travot had seen the jedi master. The susvefian hesitated.

"Do you feel all right? Something seems different about you now."

 

[Gir Quee]

The admiral briefly paused as he listened to Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix . He was flattered by her words though he regarded her with some caution as well. Having power and influence tended to cultivate a certain wariness as a gatekeeper of sorts - did someone truly appreciate one's attention just for the sake of it? Or was someone just trying to get to something that he could potentially provide? That was the curse of wealth and influence. Yet she in many ways was probably his equal, and could potentially become even more powerful and influential than he if she was elected Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance. They were in a rarified social strata, after all. She's a politician, doubtlessly there's some political angle I'll have to watch out for, even if it's well-intentioned...

The man twirled his own glass of wine for a second, took a brief whiff of its aroma, and then took a small gulp of it. It was good.

"I'm very flattered that you came to see me in person," started the blonde man, "and I'm impressed by your openness as well. You'll have to forgive me if shall we say, my words are not always the best chosen - I'm a statesman of necessity, not out of choice..."

That was true. The man's education was fairly pedestrian compared to most politicians he had met. His upbringing had been outer rim middle class. His scholarly education had truly started at the Anaxes Naval Academy as a young man, back when the Galactic Republic had been one of the leading powers. He would have been content to remain an almost faceless officer if the circumstances hadn't forced him to be directly involved in negotiations.

"...but it would be my pleasure to have your company for the evening. But before we go any further, would it be best if we found somewhere a little more secluded to hold a more confidential conversation?"

The man briefly turned and gestured at the ball room as a group of attendees strolled in to join the latest dance, "Or would you prefer to enjoy the festivities while you're here?"

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Objective: Dancing Under the Stars
Tags: Gir Quee

Outfit:

​

Tiresh nodded knowingly, "It's been my experience that the best statesmen are those who do it out of necessity. It's the ones who choose the occupation that you need to keep your eye on." She laughed. As he mentioned a more private location where they might converse more freely, she offered a grateful nod. She was relieved that he was interested in investing his time with her this evening.

"I will follow your lead, Admiral, whether that be to a more private location for the sake of conversation, or to the ball room for the pleasure of a dance." She stated, offering her hand to the man for him to lead her to his preference. "If I am yours for the evening, then perhaps there is time for both? Talking purely politics is not always the best path I've discovered. I would very much like to learn more about you and the Silvers in general… an introduction of sorts?"

It felt very promising. She had experienced some very challenging first encounters, but they seemed to both carry a mutual respect for each other and their personalities did not appear to be clashing. Thank the force she thought to herself.

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

” Put your head down and work hard. Never wait for things to happen, make them happen for yourself through hard graft and not giving up.”- Chef Gordon Ramsay​

Cooking with Caltin was live but about to go to commercial, so while he did not ignore Mardo Leo or Travot Ravenna right there, he was a little busy so there was no way he could really stop and talk to them. It was only a few moments that went by before the big guy was able to break away and actually talk to people again. He gave the “One-second” signal to them as he took a few holopics with people, not really being one for fame, just one to enjoy what he did.

I still can’t believe this started as a joke. Romi Jade and the Enclave are due another “thank you” donation.

After a few sentients were satisfied, Caltin finally was able to turn his attention to the two, he had been around the Jedi Knight Travot in the past, but the other was new to him. A Lervon, interesting. Handing them each a plate without being asked or waiting for a response, he said simply…

Well met. Here, eat something!

The big guy greeted them like men and then like Jedi, though could he really call himself one anymore? Sure he could, even if he was different now.

One business question, Ravenne. Since you were the first to claim your "Carcharodon" Air/Landspeeder Would you like this one? Or would you rather stop by our office here on Commenor for a different model? Up to you.

As to the Susvefian’s question about his personal health, the massive Jedi (in ideals) Master let his eyes flicker electrically as he turned to watch his next giveaway, a "Spirit" Light freighter, getting wheeled in. One of the droids on top of the ship there to direct and allow for clearance blew a motor and would have rolled straight off had a bolt of unbridled electrical energy had not “grabbed” it and slowly cradled the bot to the ground.

I’m good. Why?

 

[Gir Quee]

The admiral nodded in understanding Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix .

"Sometimes the best insights on a person aren't found in a stiff, formal meeting," agreed the blonde man, briefly glancing downward before raising his eyes to meet her's before a bashful smile creased his face, "though regrettably my dancing skills aren't likely to be something to write home about, unless you have some Lorrdian blood in you..."

That was true. While reasonably competent in the basics and even with a slight preference for the Alderaanian styles due to his heritage, the admiral had learned dancing like he had many of his military subjects when he was younger - by rote drill. None too impressive or even truly artistic, his dancing skills would probably never steal the spotlight or be known for their artistic flair. But he wouldn't likely step on her feet, which he took some solace in.

"May I hand your hand?" asked Gir, extending his own forward to meet her's, "I was just trying to think of the last time our nations hosted any sort of high level talks. It's been a while unless we count times of crisis, but that seems to be the perpetual state of the galaxy in this age. It'd be nice to have a more planned and non-urgent summit between our two nations sometimes."

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Objective: Dancing Under the Stars
Tags: Gir Quee

Outfit:

​

She laughed lightheartedly, letting him take her hand as he led her onto the dance floor. "No worries, Admiral. I will follow your lead." As he mentioned that it had been a long time since their nations leaders had gathered together, she nodded in agreement, "Yes, it is necessary to meet in times of crisis, but such should not define our entire relationship. I would love to help you in facilitating such a summit. I'm confident that Chancellor Aerarii Tithe would be more than pleased to attend such an important event."

Tiresh was familiar with all modern dances and forms, and so she would respond organically to Gir Quee as they began to dance together. "So what is your take on foreign affairs, Mr. Quee? I'm sure you know the dangers that rest beyond our boarders, and I have also heard rumor of the Hutt's beginning to strengthen themselves within the region, is that accurate?" Her tone was light and warm, although the subject matter was more formal in nature.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori nodded as ahe listened to Sergeant Omen talk about his cards and her brother. She had forgotten that the two of them had met. Whenever she was with her brother, they didn't talk about others, only about what they themselves had been up to or were feeling.

And she knew about being ghosted or having people disappear. That happened with her first husband shortly after they got married. And now with her second....he's just too busy to have her around.

Hearing about Jhira Mereel lifted her spirits. Lori was unfamiliar with the companies involved, but that wasn't surprising. When it came to other governments outside of her own, she knew very little as she had next to no interaction with them. In the case of the Silvers, she had only spoken with a Senator at the meeting to establish relations, but that was only briefly. With every other government she's had nothing. But it wasn't as though it was her place anyways. It had seemed to be clear that she was just to be seen and not heard and that all of her words held no relevance or importance. So she didn't waste the effort.

"I'd love to see her some time. Maybe after this Embassy is finished and open, I can travel. My next project is still under construction and almost ready for it's opening too. I may end up living there. We'll see..."

 

[Samara Raine]

​

Samara gave an enthusiastic wave of her hand as her green gaze found Tyrell Caphey in the crowd as he stood waiting for her outside the Pavillion where the Festival of Stars was being held in downtown Chasin City.

The Antarian Ranger had messaged the Jedi Healer he would be on Commenor and of course wanted to see her. They weren't strangers, no quite the opposite, but duty and circumstances always seemed to keep the two lovers apart for months on end. Every time they gravitated back together it was like starting anew, yet not; more like putting on your favorite jeans perhaps a little looser or tighter depending but still comfy and oh so welcomed.

Was that how love was supposed to work between two people separated by time and space? Samara had always questioned her strong feelings for Tyrell ever since falling for him at the Garden Party held at Silver Rest on Kashyyyk all those years ago. As a Jedi Knight and servant of the Light, was it a good thing? The Code the Jedi were supposed to live by wasn't exactly clear on the matter, and opinion from peers was mixed as well. There were numerous examples of attachment for others being both positive and negative throughout history even catastrophic.

Perhaps all this time that is why she had been so conservative in commitment to the man that held her heart's full attention. How long would Ty wait for her answer? Was Samara just thinking too hard on the matter and being a fool or cautiously smart? Time would only tell...

"Hey, handsome!" Sam smiled brightly with a bounce in her step as she walked up to the ranger dressed casually in a white tunic blouse and dark pants with her honey blonde-colored locks worn long and loose about her shoulders.

Gods how I've missed him, more than he'll ever know.

​

 

[Travot Ravenna]

One business question, Ravenne. Since you were the first to claim your "Carcharodon" Air/Landspeeder Would you like this one? Or would you rather stop by our office here on Commenor for a different model? Up to you.

Travot looked at the Carcharodon that Caltin Vanagor pointed out. He would be lying if there wasn't some temptation on his part to pick one exactly to his personal preferences. But that could bring a personal sort of attachment that many jedi discouraged. While not as strict on that sort of asceticism as many jedi, he knew that potential was always there. But even his mother, not a Force user at all, had taught him not to look a gift bantha in the mouth. He was just grateful that he had won.

"Oh no, this one here is perfectly fine. I appreciate it greatly," said the susevfian quietly, "it seems like you have a good thing going for you..."

He spared a glance with Mardo Leo , half wondering if the lervon had noticed any change in Caltin too. It seemed so obvious to Travot that he wondered if someone might not feel it, but at the same time, he was aware of his own shortcomings in certain Force techniques, especially energy manipulation. Could it be conceivable that the other jedi didn't sense it or that something was wrong with his own senses? He did feel like he could fully rule out either option.

"I'm more a fighter than a scholar or delver of deep knowledge," started Travot, briefly glancing at the high-performance freighter coming out, "but something seems different about your aura to me...or should I say, a lack of it? Do you feel the same Master Leo?"

 

[Gir Quee]

"So what is your take on foreign affairs, Mr. Quee? I'm sure you know the dangers that rest beyond our boarders, and I have also heard rumor of the Hutt's beginning to strengthen themselves within the region, is that accurate?"

He flashed a brief but brilliant smile at Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix , but took advantage of the waltz's natural stepping sequence that saw them pull back from each other to buy himself a little time. Well, those are the million credit questions, aren't they? As they swayed in sync with the waltz, he offered a brief comments in between the steps.

"Well, since we're being open and direct with each other, I believe that foreign affairs are about power relationships, not necessarily moral right or wrong, though the two often get confused," started the admiral, "but that's probably obvious to you - the New Imperial Order has been a necessary ally against the Bryn'adul and the Brotherhood of the Maw, but I think I speak for most people when I say that they do not share ideals espoused by either of our nations..."

He spun the woman in a twirl as did most of the other dancing couples did on the floor.

"...so my general take on foreign policy is what is the benefit of the Concord's people first, followed secondly by what benefits the ideals that the Silver Jedi Order and the allied groups agree on...Pragmatic, but not necessarily morally idealistic I suppose."

He briefly guided her just out of step in order to avoid another couple that was either a little too enthusiastic and free-spirited about their dancing, or perhaps had drunk a little too much alcohol given the youngness of the night.

"...There's a lot of chaos in Hutt Space from the aftermath of the Bryn'adul war. Chaos breeds opportunity for those types. New bosses and figures looking to get their share or make their name. But I hear one of them had an issue with a slave rebellion recently. Frankly, I'm not concerned about them, at least not yet, while they remained disjointed and dealing with internal issues. They are too weak to be a threat to the Concord itself right now, but that could change. Frankly, I'm more worried about the aggressive streak that the New Imperial Order seems to have taken. First there was the whole Kuat ordeal, and more concerning to the Concord, they recently invaded and conquered one of our older member nations that became separated from us during the Bryn'adul War. What about your take? What is the greatest threat to the Galactic Alliance right now?"

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Objective: Dancing Under the Stars
Tags: Gir Quee

Outfit:

​

Tiresh twirled around at his leading, coming back into step and time with a smile. It had been a while since she had done a waltz, but luckily she could lean into muscle memory. "I would agree. I think that everyone perceives themself in a positive light… even the alliance. Granted, I might be a bit bias." She smirked. Obviously she was bias, being one of its representatives. "It's all about perspective, isn't it."

She raised her eyebrows in caution at the free-spirited couple, letting out a soft giggle at their joyful and disruptive display. She listened intently to the Admiral as he spoke, continuing to follow his lead as they danced. As he asked for her perspective, she nodded, "I would agree with your assessment. While the Maw are more overt in nature, it seems they have united most galactic powers against themselves. It is likely just a matter of time until their ability to stand against the rest of the galaxy is hindered. The New Imperial Order is the most concerning for the Galactic Alliance in my opinion. It seems they are ready to engage in military expansion against both of our nations."

She took a moment as they drifted apart in the context of the dance, then came back in closer, "Perhaps the Alliance and the Concords can help to preserve both of our nation's interests in a mutually beneficial capacity? Much like a waltz… two partners working hand In hand to achieve something beautiful that might not be as easy to accomplish on their own." She flashed a warm smile as he continued to lead their dance together.