Faction [TSC] WELCOME TO 1313 | OPEN

[Adelle Bastiel]

Club Cadaver
Tags: Anet Raine

The reply was entirely self-assured. And expected, from someone that had plenty of credits and power at her fingertips. Adelle followed behind in Anet’s wake, slipping between patrons that parted easily for the Pantoran. Eternal night reigned outside of the club as she shadowed Anet past pockets of partiers, the smell of spice thick on the air. Fog gathered above in the microclimate, threatening to turn into a pocket-sized rain storm.

Adelle leaned casually against the duracrete wall as Anet pulled out a slim case from her top. With as tight as her clothes looked, she had to wonder where she’d been keeping those. And while she didn’t recognize the brand, Adelle did recognize the quality.

“Forget yours?” she asked.

Normally, she didn’t carry one. She hated cigarras, death sticks, and every other type of spice that needed inhalation. Adelle reached into an inner pocket on her jacket and pulled out what looked like a credit ingot, if slightly thicker. Her thumb pressed a button on one end and the other end quickly lit a bright orange. On Coruscant, however, it paid to be prepared. She leaned in and held it steady for Anet.

The cigarette lit, Adelle slid it back inside her jacket.

“Better?”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Naniti
​

The rebellious radiance unfurling across his visage defied the harsh reality of Coruscant with its glow. Even the scar that marred his cheek couldn't resist flexing into a boyish smile from Naniti's reaction. Validation wasn’t a language Sith traded in but offering it to her felt.. right. Happiness looked unfairly good on the Togruta.

Predictably, one of her follow-ups pulled a laugh out of him too.

Any time?

“Funny, I could say the same to you.” he murmured. “I might take you at your word. Often.”

Slightly risky. Mayhaps. That was how people wound up at ten Life Day celebrations and pretending it wasn’t their fault.

Hoping she felt that way was one thing; hearing it spoken aloud landed differently, so it was nice to know they were on the same dance. Air escaped his lips in a slow exhale. “I didn’t want to rush.. or push too hard. I never took any of those memories for granted. I’m still figuring out what some of that means, and learning how to carry it." Lysander purposely let the moment stretch; he’d been circling around this for a while, and didn’t want to stumble. “But.. it’s been good, hasn’t it?” More a door opening than a question. Something they could name together.

His focus slipped into the blue of her gaze. “I’m yours, Naniti. Just remember that.”

He remembered her vision the first time she mentioned it, when it was the two of them circling each other in the training yard on Desevro, blades humming. “I haven’t forgotten either. I still want to help you uncover whatever truth lies within it.”

A mental note was made to bring it up with Srina Talon the next time their paths crossed. She was the one person who might have insight or at least know where to steer him in his search. Chances were good the answer might even lay somewhere within the Jutrand archives.

“They can try,” he continued, and there was no bravado in it. “I’m not so easily moved these days. Assignments can be shuffled, fleets rerouted, I can be sent to the edge of the sector if that keeps the machine running.. but they’re not putting light-years between us again. Not the way they did before Tapani.”

The memory was fresh. Just him and Acier, training on Thrantin, staying sharp and ready.

At last, he savored a morsel from the bowl he'd been cradling. The aroma was no less inviting than before. Chewing slowly, his eyes flicked back to her.

"If you're up for it, I was thinking we could head to Club Cadaver after this. It might be nice to claim a night just for us. Something a little different from the waltzing we've been practicing." A low sound caught in his throat. "No promises on the style.. but the effort will be there."

​

 

[Anet Raine]

Adelle Bastiel

Anet tilted her head at the novelty lighter. It wasn't what she expected from Senth.

"I did yeah," She leaned into the flame and inhaled.

She clasped her cigarette case shut with a loud snap and stuffed it back down her top, then pulled and exhaled slowly. The smoke smelled sweet and carbon all at once.

"Much," she answered, then turned a question of her own. "So - you recognized Quinn, and maybe one or both of the Empresses at the bar. Who are they to you?"

The acolyte leaned against the wall beside her, neck twisted slightly with a sidelong gaze, the cigarette offered betwixt pale blue fingers, should the woman accept it.

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace​

Varin watched fascinated as Tatiana seemed to heal his datapad like it was a wound. The cracks on the screen melding back together as something whole. Almost brand new. He listened as she spoke of what was damaged and what she was going to fix, his eyes squinted as he watched, then it was done.

The cracks were gone, the datapad responded faster than before as he powered it back on, and he could type without issues. He pulled up Seren’s contact then looked at Tatiana.

“Thank you. I. I really appreciate it.”

He spoke quietly then picked his glass back up and finished his drink.

“Please excuse me, I’m going to go for a walk. It’s a bit stuffy in here.”

He chuckled as he stood up.

“Tatiana, Iandre, it was a pleasure to meet you both.”

He gave them a nod as he slowly turned around and started to head for the door. All the questions about his home and culture had made him homesick.

He picked up his datapad looking at Seren’s photo as he typed up a phrase.

I miss you…

He looked at the message for a moment before he deleted it and retyped it, then deleted it again then typed it once more, staring at it.

“Ahh, it’s probably best I give her just a bit of space.”

He placed the repaired datapad back in his back forgetting to delete the message as it sent to her from within his pocket.

{Exit Thread}

Tamsin Starfall | Iandre Athlea | Tatiana Sah | Seren Gwyn​

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Coruscant - 1313

Equipment:
Acolyte Robes | Lightsaber | Cybernetic Arm

Ace didn't answer immediately when Lorn echoed it back. He held Lorn's reflection in the mirror, then exhaled lightly through his nose.

"It's just a hunch." He said at last.

Ace trusted his hunches. On Coruscant, before the fight, he'd seen it in her... the guilt threaded through every word. Windrun hadn't followed the Covenant out of hunger or ambition. She'd followed Mercy. Followed belief. And the Siege had carved something into her that hadn't healed. Guilt like that didn't sit quietly. It festered. It cracked foundations. It made people lose faith.

When Lorn confirmed he'd look into Corsell, Ace didn't speak. He only met the Jedi's eyes in the mirror and gave a single, slow nod. Then came the warning. How he was walking a narrow edge, not to let himself become what he's studying, how he couldn't save anyone if he disappeared into it.

His jaw tightened, the muscle feathering along his cheek. His eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, in focus. He'd heard versions of that caution before from Sibylla. He remained still.

Then Lorn told him to punch him. Ace's eyes shifted from the mirror to the man beside him, sidelong at first. He let out a quiet sigh through his nose, almost tired, but he didn't move.

He pivoted sharply and drove a clean right hook into Lorn's jaw, careful to keep his cybernetic arm braced against the counter. Flesh and bone only, but still solid and convincing.

"Keep staring at me, old man." Ace said, voice edged just enough to sell it. "And I'll do worse."

Lorn Reingard ​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre watched the exchange quietly, her attention moving between Tatiana's careful work and Varin's reaction as the datapad was restored. There was a faint note of curiosity in her expression as the light bent and flowed around the device. It was not a technique she recognized from the teachings she had grown up with, but she had lived long enough to understand that the Force expressed itself in ways that could not always be neatly categorized.

When the datapad settled back into Tatiana's hand, whole once more, the former Jedi inclined her head slightly in quiet acknowledgment of the skill it had taken.

"That was…impressive," she said softly.

Her gaze shifted to Varin as he checked the device, the faint tension in his posture giving way to relief. When he thanked Tatiana and finished his drink, she offered him a small, warm smile.

"It was good to meet you as well, Varin."

There was no attempt to stop him as he rose. If anything, her expression carried the easy understanding of someone who knew the feeling he had described only moments earlier. Homesickness had a way of arriving uninvited, and it was rarely improved by crowded rooms.

"Enjoy the air," she added gently. "Sometimes a walk is the best medicine for a restless mind."

She watched him go only briefly before her attention returned to Tatiana, her brow lifting slightly in quiet interest.

"I must admit," she said with a small, thoughtful smile, "repairing a datapad by persuading its atoms to cooperate is not a method the Temple ever taught me."

Her tone carried no skepticism, only genuine curiosity.

"Where did you learn something like that?"

She rested her hands lightly against the edge of the counter, relaxed now that the brief tension of introductions had passed.

"And more importantly…does it work on starships?"

The faint glimmer of humor in her eyes suggested the question might not be entirely hypothetical.

Tatiana Sah

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //: Srina Talon //: Mercy //:

The attention.

Mercy gave it to her.

Reina gave it to her.

She loved it.

But it was something she couldn't revel in with her mother there. So instead, Quinn gave Mercy a slight tilt of her head with a smug little smirk to it.

"Enjoy looking while you can, Knave. Looks like your eyes might be Mother's next target."

A little cheeky remark, but that's just how it was between them. Despite the bit of banter, there was a part of Quinn that wanted to reach over and help fuel the healing process of Mercy's face. Despite wanting to slap it from time to time, she did enjoy the woman's grin.

There were only a few people who could disarm Quinn swiftly, Mercy being one of them. But she had known the Echani far longer than most, and had seen her at her worst and at her best. A part of her wished the Knave hadn't seen the hint of affection she reserved only for the Tionese woman.

Her attention returned to Srina, where she saw the display of whatever was happening between them. They had their world, and Quinn would always be a bystander looking in. She hated it, but only because she didn't understand any of it. Was this jealousy or something more? Quinn couldn't fully pinpoint the emotion. Either way, her heart softened the annoyance.

"Neither of you is interrupting anything." Quinn smiled, her eyes settling back onto Mercy, wanting to make known the message she had received.

"Like you, I got an interesting message that drew my attention." She watched Mercy, wondering if the woman was coherent enough to understand that she had called her during the time she was speaking so sweetly. Her own emotions were a mess, but she did her best to maintain that disciplined composure.

Looking to Reina, then back to her mother, Quinn easily picked up that this was not the time or place for her to have a tantrum. A hand gently rested on Reina's forearm, as her face softened apologetically. She didn't say anything else; instead, she removed her shawl and moved closer to Srina. It was evident things weren't alright, something had happened, and she didn't know what. The only thing she could do was be a good daughter and care for the woman who had done everything in her power to care for her.

The soft fabric of the black shawl brushed against the blood that smeared against her face. Quinn had caught only the last moments of what had occurred, figuring it was some odd ritual. As she wiped away the ichor, Quinn smiled softly to her mother, her voice low enough just for them.

"You're never an embarrassment, Mama." Quinn nodded along as she continued to wipe away Mercy's mess.

"Since this emergency was a false alarm, care to accompany me home?" Quinn tucked her arm gently under her mother's arm as she stayed close. "I can make your favorite snack while we catch up on our shows."

Nodding towards Reina, Quinn gave a passing introduction.

"Reina was the one who invited me out. I had not been feeling quite well, and she sought to cheer me up, by the way."

 

[Tamsin Starfall]

Theme: Get The Party Started
Location: Club Cadaver
Tamsin Tag: Varin Mortifer | Iandre Athlea | Tatiana Sah | Ghruna

Tamsin somewhat continued listening to the conversation going on around her even though she was no longer apart of it. Just an eaves dropper on the fringes, she took @Varin words to heart both him telling her to never apologize and the internal ones about staying safe. Though staying safe was easy for her she barely knew anything about herself that she could ever share, the demon kept it from her.

She turned and looked at the next shot that was set down on the bar counter, as Iandre Athlea went on about being a Jedi and her tragic life. That was why she wished to build something that endured. Everything burned Tamsin thought to herself though she didn't say it out loud, noting her own growing cynicism.

Her head only turned back to the others slightly when Varin got up to leave. She just gave him a nod as she picked up the new shot that sat in front of her. She felt a little woozy as she looked at the yellow liquor in the shot glass. Unknown that she was consuming the Demon's alcohol as well.

Her little hand grasped the shot glass still though trembling slightly. "Down the Hatch." She said to herself as the others were in their conversations. As she slammed the glass back burning all the way down. The Music drummed in her head, that warm feeling liquor gave you hit. She hoped off her stool standing all of her four-foot ten height, she felt like a giant in that moment.

She turned to the tender with a smile. "The Abyss will have to wait, my feet want to move." She laughed at her own little joke. She then turned to those Varin had left behind and in that polite manner she often displayed even for a sith she gave them all slight nods.

"Have fun the music is calling me, I need to dance." Then she did a little twirl as her feet carried her out to the dance floor.

Demon Tag: Nunterc Trundiav​

The Demon let the talk of Anet Raine die, mostly cause she was disinterested. Even if part of her wanted to argue with the Bothan to the point of annoyance. Perhaps she would find another opportunity for that, the do's and don't of scummery in clubs wasn't a hill to fight on.

She returned to business as he gave his price, a hundred thousand credits was high stakes even if she knew she could afford the gamble. She mulled it over for a moment, the upfront being more of a point of contention than the overall cost to her. She could front it of course but she had played this game herself many times before. Take the upfront and run there was no honor among thieves and former husband was a pirate.

She closed her eyes for a second, triggering the Mind Crown on the back of Tamsin's neck. As she did several accounts opened up across several banking institutions throughout the Galaxy then a little bit from here and little bit from there filtered into a two separate accounts on Niro Eleven. All the Bank accounts had been opened under different alias's the Demon had used over her long life.

"Come here?" She spoke to the Bothan's droid that had first delivered the message to her. She looked at the droid amount as she thought again on what she was about to do. As she took another sip of the Whiskey she without a spoken word transferred the transfer number to the Droid. Then she turned back to the Bothan.

"I have transferred the Credits to two transfer accounts into a bank on Niro Eleven." The Bank known for its privacy and very exclusive. "I have given your droid, the transfer number for the first half of your asking price." She took another sip and looked down at the dance floor noting the girl had moved from the bar to the dance floor. Her sights remained looking down at the dance floor.

"Know this bothan, I am better at making enemies then I am friends. If you take those credits and run, I will without a second thought destroy everything you might hold dear. Your guild, your species, and whatever else I deem worth it are your collateral if you run or fail." She then turned and gave the Bothan a slight ghostly smile as she took one last sip from the Glass.

 

[Nunterc Trundiav]

T H E - B O S S B A N - O F - P O R T - N O W H E R E

Nunterc didn't flinch at the threat from the specter of Tamsin Starfall , as being promised total annihilation was about as common as a Hutt throwing a tantrum, loud, dramatic and usually just part of the cost of doing business. The Criminal Underworld had long ago beaten the feeling of fear out of him as beneath the table his fingers moved once more with practiced stealth.

A twitch of his wrist sent the encrypted data from his sleeve, the damning admission of Tamsin's less than favorable views on the Triumvirs and the covert recording of Senator Raine pulsing toward a secure backup drive on Port Nowhere. Two digital nooses, tightened and filed away, just as the credits hit his accounts on Niro Eleven.

Eyes glanced up from his wrist naturally, to seem if he was just checking the time. "A forceful warning," Nunterc said with a dry rasp. "The Guild always appreciates clients who understand the value of collateral. It keeps everyone focused on the objective at hand." Though the objective was to travel to the Night Sister planet of Dathomir to obtain a translation talisman from the core of a stronghold, he was skeptical that the agreed-upon credits for this mission would be enough to pay for all the equipment needed to protect his men from their dark magic.

He extended his hand, the sound of his claws softly tapping on the tabletop as he drew the silver chronometer closer to his side of the booth and into the pocket of his coat. The device reflected the violet strobe lights, its hands moving toward the beginning of a perilously costly journey. He had no plans to flee; a client with such influence and numerous secrets to exploit was far more valuable than a handful of stolen credits.

He reached out, his claws clicking softly against the tabletop as he pulled the silver chronometer back toward his edge of the booth. The device caught the violet strobe lights, its hands ticking toward the start of a very expensive, very dangerous journey. He had no intention of running; a client with this kind of reach and this many exploitable secrets was worth far more than a few stolen credits.

"The transfer is being verified as we speak," he said, his eyes locking onto the specter's orange gaze while his Supercommandos shifted into a tighter, more protective formation.

"My men will be on Dathomir within the hour." From his perspective, the agreement was finalized as he rose from the booth and offered a respectful bow to the shadow that shared the meal with him. As he descended the steps to the lower level, he took a final moment to glance at the physical Tamsin Starfall before exiting through the door to the streets of Coruscant.

End Post

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin Mercy Srina Talon
Location: Coruscant Level 1313 Club Cadaver
The Fit

For a slight moment, Reina tensed up. Clenching her hand into a fist before letting out a slow exhale. "Quinn's friend". Of course there wasn't anything else for Mercy to call Reina. Well, there could have been Red, or something around those lines. But "Quinn's friend". It was something that pissed Reina off to no end. She didn't want to be known because of who she was with. She didn't want people to see her as Carnifex's apprentice. As Quinn's "friend". No. She wanted people to see her for what she had achieved herself. Not off the laurels of others. That being said, the stress swiftly faded from her as she released her hands, flexing her fingers out.

"Reina. My name is Reina."

With that being said, Reina stood there and watched whatever was going on between the two Empresses. It didn't quite involve her either way, so there was no point to get her nose stuck into it all. Instead Reina just kept her expression neutral. Up until Quinn placed her hand on Reina's forearm, and it took a slight moment for Reina to figure out what it meant, before Quinn moved off to Srina's side.

...Well. There goes any chance for a dance. Stupid. It's your own fault.

Either way, Reina was better at keeping her disappointment hidden than she used to be, just giving a small thin smile as Quinn placed the reason of them coming out on Reina's shoulders. Reina just gave a short nod in agreement of it, giving a small glance across the club, before looking back towards Srina with a somewhat sheepish smile.

"I'm...not accustomed to dating...I just wanted to see Quinn smile again. She has a way of lighting up the room when she does that."

Too much? Maybe. But Reina meant it. It was why once Quinn and Srina left the club, Reina was more than likely going to get wasted at the bar. It wasn't as if she had anywhere to go later on in the day.

"Though that does remind me...I'd like to have a conversation with you, Lady Talon. Not today, of course. Just...at your earliest convenience. I hope you both have a wonderful rest of your evening."



​

 

[Tatiana Sah]

Tatiana smiled with how Varin Mortifer was genuine appreciative. A quick blink and the smile flattened as her blue eyes tracked the towering figure rise. "I hope we get the opportunity to talk again, Varin." Ah, it was over. Had it been the drink? It was quite strong. Still, he seemed to possess the fortitude to weather it well enough. Had he become suspicious of her motives? She wasn't always certain how people took her openness and even eagerness to meet them.

Meanwhile, Iandra had an interesting thought regarding Varin's departure. Something to do with a restless mind. Hadn't Varin said it'd been stuffy? An excuse! But then what had been the real cause of his departure?

There was that and the fact she was in 'hostile' territory, of course. Suspicion might be high of her being both outsider and insider alike. Unfortunate.

Iandre Athlea addressed Tatiana in the wake of Varin's departure, which drew her blue eyes to the other woman. Obviously, Iandre was able to use the 'Force' to notice the manner in which matter was rearranged. Well, that or the far rarely technological lifeform that existed, but was often outcast by organic life.

"It is an ability many of my people possess. Complex repairs require specialists, but general repairs can be performed by any operator." They couldn't have an entire initiative held up waiting for a particular entity tasked with doing repairs to show up. It was a plight Tatiana knew the people of this galaxy understood well. They often complained about having to wait on a 'repair guy' or technician.

Tatiana blinked in the wake of the second question. "A single person would require time to conduct an extensive repair; the time of which would be directly related to the overall size of the vessel or repair intended. Even missing components can be replaced if sufficient material is available. May I ask if this is a purely academic question?" True, it was natural to ask how far one could take an ability, but to leap directly to 'starship' was either meant to be a laughable option or for particular purpose.

Tamsin Starfall was next to depart roughly in the direction Ghruna had gone: to the dance floor. Tatiana smiled with how carefree the short woman was as she twirled about.

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Club Cadaver
Tags: Anet Raine

The cigarette case disappeared back into the tightly fitted top. Adelle slipped the lighter back into the interior pocket of her jacket. She preferred pockets. They were more comfortable, generally speaking.

Anet took a drag from the cigarette, pale grey clouds billowing into the air, and asked her question. Adelle waved off the offered cigarette. Too easy to get poisoned or drugged that way. That and it was a habit she didn’t want to start up again.

“I mentioned I’m many things to many people,” she said. “And I don’t like to discuss clients or client-adjacent people outside the contract.”

Technically true, although she didn’t exactly do contract work for the Mand’alor. She hadn’t done a whole lot of contract work since the Yaga Minor operation to be fair. It hadn’t been needed.

Adelle stretched her neck from side to side, watching people of all kinds move on the street: entering and exiting Club Cadaver; slinking by, hands in pockets; ducking down an alley with a glance over their shoulder. It was much easier out here, where she could have her back against a wall, awareness on the person next to her, eyes on everyone else.

Still, in spite of how weak Anet felt in the Force, she hadn’t forgotten about the lightsaber.

“I assume you’ll tell me when I’ve passed your test,” Adelle said. “I was hoping to get a few more errands done.”

 

[Anet Raine]

Adelle Bastiel​

Offer rejected; Anet took another drag...

Her smirk -- a frequent feature tonight -- returned when Senth waved off her question so professionally.

“I assume you’ll tell me when I’ve passed your test,” Adelle said. “I was hoping to get a few more errands done.”

She looked her way and sighed, "No fun," in a dramatic tone that'd make a pout seem redundant.

"Okay - you passed my test. Who or... what did you need me to find again? Something to do with a kingpin in the Coruscanti underworld, hm?"

There was a certain insecurity on display in her body language. The half-pantoran felt defeated in their social sparring. Oh well. She'd take solace in watching Senth squirm in the presence of Sith Lords; at least one of whom she knew. That alone suggested details she may get to drill into another time.

"Oh," she didn't want to forget. "And this is a favor for a favor. I expect that this exchange will be weighed in... well," that smirk widened, "my favor."

She took a final drag before putting what was left out on the leather of her choker.

 

[Mercy]

Tag: Srina Talon Quinn Varanin Reina Daival

"You called me a dick because you were bored—"

Mercy's head tilted there.

"I don't think I ever called you a dick..." But her words trailed off a little, when Mercy saw the slightly distant look in Srina's eyes. It was... new and yet not at the same time. It wasn't the first time Mercy had witnessed it, but before it had been in private. She hadn't considered how easily the experience could be triggered back into existence.

"—And you bleed so easily for me…"

"Don't forget that."

She smirked upside down at her.

"Careful, darling, I enjoy bleeding... there is little else that makes me feel more alive."

A hiss escaped Mercy's teeth again as Talon's grip on her hair increased.

Enough that her shovel-shaped hand began to close around Srina's thin wrist, wrapping around it with ease, but she did not... grow violent. Even if every honed instinct in her body desired to do so. Amber eyes squinted at the expression in Srina's body, noticeably to her in this proximity, in a way it might not to others.

It was clear all was not well and there Mercy stopped playing into the shenanigans. She was up on her feet and about to hid Srina out of sight within a breath's notice.

But Quinn was too fast as she left Reina's side and approached her mother.

She did not interrupt the moment, but her attempt to clean Srina's face of the blood was a step too far for her.

Her hand came out and wrapped around Quinn's wrist before she could.

Mercy met her eyes.

"Manners, Quinn, you know better than to abandon your date in a place like this." Mercy said quietly, but implacable. "I have my sister and will make sure she is safe, just as I did during the invasion."

There was a canyon between her words and her true feelings.

She would never admit that she felt responsible for Srina's state. That her death had clearly caused her harm that was beyond a simple physical ailment, Mercy had brought her back to life, yes. But the blame was inside of her, knowing that her hands were not made for life and so when Srina needed her protection most... they failed to deliver that, when they only knew how to spread death and mayhem.

"Enjoy yourself, but don't be a stranger for too long. I have hardly seen you around since your ascension to the Echani throne."

There was no jealousy inside of Mercy. She knew hunger, she knew desire, envy... yes. But jealousy was beyond her. No, all she felt was pride that Quinn had managed to find herself a cute date, who clearly was pining after the Echani Queen something fierce. Mercy winked at Reina, making it quite known to her, just how much Mercy saw.

And Mercy would never allow her presence (or that of her sister, who was only here because of her - dick? what even?) to interfere with Quinn's fun.

The door slid open, and in stepped Arris Windrun.

"Where the hell are they?!"

Her arm had already moved to settle on Srina's shoulders when Arris stormed back into the place.

"Windrun, what the fuck, where have you been, you dick?" Oh, so that is where 'dick' came from. That made more sense. "Also, you look like absolute shit, that must have been some rager you were part of."

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre watched Varin's departure quietly, her gaze lingering for a moment as the tall figure disappeared toward the door. There was no judgment in her expression, only a quiet understanding of the way certain conversations could stir memories that were easier faced in solitude.

Her attention shifted briefly when Tamsin announced her intention to dance. The small twirl earned the faintest hint of amusement from Iandre, a soft smile touching the corner of her lips as the woman disappeared into the movement and music of the floor.

For a moment, she simply observed the shifting lights and motion before turning her attention fully back to Tatiana.

The explanation about the repairs drew a thoughtful look from her, her head tilting slightly as she considered the implications. It was not the sort of ability she had encountered often. The Force, in her experience, was rarely so… methodical.

When Tatiana asked her question, the Jedi gave a small, almost apologetic smile.

"Academic curiosity," she confirmed gently. "I spent most of my early life around people who believed the Force was best used for diplomacy, healing, or defense."

She folded her hands loosely on the bar.

"Reassembling a damaged device by persuading its structure to cooperate is…not something any of my teachers demonstrated."

A faint note of humor touched her voice.

"So when I see something unfamiliar, I tend to ask questions."

She inclined her head slightly toward Tatiana.

"I promise it was simple curiosity."

Tatiana Sah

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Club Cadaver
Tags: Anet Raine

That was a very nearly petulant reaction from a grown woman. Adelle gave her a sidelong glance and allowed herself a little incredulous amusement. It faded when Anet asked what she was after.

“Crimelord named Krayt. His territory was lower than 1313 but he was one of Coruscant’s wealthy elite years ago,” Adelle said. “He’s been dealt with but he purged all his systems of information. I need his connections. Who he knew, who he worked with, clients he took on. The only lead I had was his top wetwork agent, Kory, and she was dealt with the same time he was.”

Adelle kept her face carefully neutral through the spiel. She’d rehearsed the points she needed to say, worked out how to word her own involvement with Krayt, until she could talk about it fairly naturally.

“As far as compensation goes,” she said dryly. “That all depends on the information provided. Good intel gets its due.”

She folded her arms over her chest. “Unless you have alternate payment arrangements you’d prefer?”

 

[Anet Raine]

Adelle Bastiel​

"Krayt. Kory. Got it. Will you be sticking around?"

The Covenant had collected extensive records from ISB during their invasion. Few people really knew it, but as far as the spoils of war went, it outright eclipsed what they gained in wealth or materiel. Very likely, then, that this Krayt and his network of contacts existed somewhere, buried in the records. Of course, it would take her a couple of days at most to sift through them.

Anet pushed herself off the wall and stretched her back; shoulder blades pressed together.

Her ears were figuratively perked at the mention of compensation. "Vague as fuck, Senth," the acolyte thought.

But then the woman said something that forced Anet to flash a surprised and thoughtful glance across her shoulder. She turned in full with a thoughtful finger on her chin.

"Is that a pass at me?"

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Club Cadaver
Tags: Anet Raine

Someone was full of themselves tonight. Adelle raised her eyebrow at the direct accusation, a smirk playing around her mouth.

“If it was, you wouldn’t have had to ask,” she said. “I was trying to nail down particulars, not you. Like I said, I have things to do and sadly, you’re not on my list.”

She pushed herself off the wall. “Since you seem agreeable to a favor for a favor, let’s talk details. Information for muscle. You want something done clean and quiet, you call me. Names, locations, security, what they eat for breakfast… The more you give me, the more dangerous the job I’ll do.”

Adelle tilted her head, studying Anet for a moment. “Do we have a deal?”

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Acier Moonbound​

Ace's fist landed clean. Lorn felt the crack of it in his jaw before the pain followed. The force of the hit knocked him sideways off the stool. He hit the floor hard, shoulder first, the room tilting for a moment as a few nearby patrons barked out laughter. Good hit, he thought, tongue pressing against his teeth to make sure none were loose.

"Mmgh," Lorn grumbled under his breath as he pushed himself up. His jaw ached. That one would bruise by morning. He staggered just enough to sell it, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he turned toward the door. "Crazy kid," he muttered loud enough for the room to hear.

A couple of gamblers snickered. Someone told them to take it outside. Perfect. Lorn took a few steps, then paused near the exit.

Just for a second. He let the walls down. The Force opened around him like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. No control, no suppression. Just presence. A reminder. This is what it feels like. Then he closed it again, the light folding back into silence, and stepped out into the alleys of 1313.

 

[Tatiana Sah]

Tatiana listened attentively as Iandre explained her interest. As she spoke, the blonde's brow rose slightly and a nod followed. Her inquiry made perfect sense in light of what she'd said. "My people had no concept of the Force until recently. We developed an understanding of manipulating energy and matter through application of science and quantum fields. In hindsight -- and a matter presently explored by my people -- some of our... capabilities may actually be derived in part or whole from the Force. The growing Consensus is that it may be a combination of both."

"Perhaps our basis being more... mechanical in nature might explain it? My people did not possess the same breadth of abilities I have witnessed Force Users utilize." Tatiana smiled, curious if this academically-inclined woman might agree or be interested in discussing such topics further. "I would actually be quite interested hearing how you were taught to use the Force, if you'd be inclined."

Iandre Athlea