Private Welcome the Eclipse

[Calyx Sundrift]

Z E L T R O S -- -T H E -C I R C U I T -B R E A K E R​

Theme​

Lights pulsed through the fifteen levels of the gargantuan tower, each beat of the bass sending a ripple of color down its frame. Even outside, you could feel it. The low thud that shook your ribs, the glow that beckoned you closer. The doors never fully shut, spilling a constant stream of revelers into the chaos inside. Zeltron pheromones hung heavy in the air, mixing with death stick smoke. Neon vendors swarmed the streets around it, hawking glittering trinkets and glowing shots in disposable tubes.

The Circuit Breaker.

Calyx had always wanted to see it.

The place was legend, a hive of music, bodies, and criminal enterprise. Not Hutt turf. Not Black Sun. Not Pyke. Calyx knew it once belonged to the Guevian Death Gang, They had sold it off years ago, but the staff never changed. They were hard and ruthless, the kind with reputations that kept even the syndicates at bay. It was an independent domain. And the independence made the place dangerous. To Calyx? That made it irresistible.

He leaned against the promenade railing, staring out at the tide of beachgoers below. Their laughter carried on the warm and humid air, a distraction from the gnaw of his own impatience. He’d asked Ace to meet him here. A gamble, considering that they weren’t exactly close. Even so, the lad had promised to show. On behalf of the Hidden Path or some other cause Calyx had only half-listened to.

He told himself Ace would come. That he’d do tonight what he’d done the last time they’d gone clubbing. But the longer Calyx waited, the more his smile thinned. If Ace didn’t show, the Circuit Breaker would still give him a night to remember. One way or another.

Acier Moonbound

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Zeltros - The Circuit Breaker

Equipment:
Club Attire | Lightsaber | Tic

Ace showed up late. By accident, of course. These days it felt like he was being pulled in fifty-million directions at once. Between the Path, personal stuff and now this. It was a balancing act - but one he was slowly mastering.

As he moved through the haze, it was like he could feel the pheromones and pulsing neon. Ace had heard Zeltron nightlife was all color and sweat, skin and smoke, but this was different. The Circuit Breaker felt like the galaxy's answer to sensory overload. He didn't hate it, but he didn't love it either.

Thankfully, he had the Force... and Tic... to ground him. The little BD-unit was perched on his shoulder, his flickering lens scanning the environment like it didn't trust a single thing it saw. Which was fair. They'd passed three vendors trying to sell "soul-altering spice" before even hitting the main tower. A spark cracked from Tic's left leg actuator - annoyed, maybe? Overstimulated. Or just mimicking Ace's own simmering tension.

The glow of the promenade lit his silhouette as he stepped out of the crowd. Boots slow, deliberate. Shoulders loose. White locs pulled back, strands catching the pink and violet of passing signs. He spotted Calyx by the railing but didn't call out. Just walked up beside him like he'd been there the whole time.

"Still breathing, I see." He said, casually "I hit up Rheyla. Told her you had work. She's interested, no promises but she's listening. Figure I owed you that much."

His gaze swept the view in front of them. Glittering beach, chaos below, and the monster of a tower behind them, pulsing like a living thing.

"Place is loud." he muttered, almost to himself. "Not just the music either."

Calyx Sundrift | Rheyla Tann​

 

[Rheyla Tann]

Zeltros. Been a while since she had been on the planet; in fact, she remembered her time much more dangerous. How was she to know decking a disrespectful and rude waiter wasn’t part of the nightlife package?

Now she stood at the base of the Circuit Breaker, wearing a velvet burgundy crop top, dark crimson leather pants cinched with a gold-chained belt, and a matching wrap that covered her headcones. Practically naked. Okay, she wasn’t naked, but it felt that way without her armour, her blaster, and most of her knives.

The karking club had been strict about weapons and plating, so here she was, stripped down and already regretting it. Still, she wasn’t on a job tonight. Ace had promised drinks, and apparently, there was someone she had to meet — a Cal-something. Calax? Calyx? She wasn’t sure why Ace made such a big deal about the introduction. Meeting new people wasn’t exactly her favourite pastime, especially when she was half-disarmed. She tilted her head back at fifteen levels of pulsing bass and blinding light. The whole karking tower looked alive, its glow spilling over the crowd like a lure dragging fish into a net.

As she stepped up to the entrance, the guards gave her the usual pat-down. No weapons, no armour plating — nothing but the faint outline of a belt clasp and a lot of attitude. They waved her through. The moment the doors swallowed her, her lekku twitched at the assault. Pheromones clung thick in the air, sweet and sharp all at once. Bass rolled through her bones, the kind of low thrum you felt in your teeth. Lights strobed in every colour, catching on bare shoulders, spilt drinks, sequined fabric. Her lekku shifted restlessly against her shoulders, trying to process it all, straining against the sensory flood. To a human, it was noise. To her, it was a full-body static charge, like drowning in light and sound all at once.

Standing in a sea of patrons, Rheyla already felt the prickle under her skin. She wasn’t a girl who went clubbing. She didn’t dress up for art galleries or linger in fancy restaurants. Fun, to her, was half-shady gambling dens and the rush of a chase, or testing herself toe-to-toe against a Wookiee and walking away grinning. This? This was noise and perfume and light pressed together into one overwhelming blur.

The crowd surged around her, bodies of every shade and colour, voices drowned under the bass. Her lekku twitched, restless, trying to make sense of too many signals at once. Old instincts kicked in: eyes moving to the exits, counting security, noting who looked sober enough to fight and who was already halfway gone on glitter shots. Survival habits didn’t die just because the walls glowed.

What she didn’t see was Ace. Sparkleboy had dragged her here, then disappeared into the chaos. Normally, she’d ping him on her gauntlet’s comm, but the karking club had a kriffing tree so far up their asses that armour wasn't allowed. No armour, no link. Just her, the crowd, and the hum of bass in her bones.

“Perfect,” she muttered to herself, lips quirking. “Lose the Jedi in a neon fish tank. That’s just my kind of luck.”

Instead of wasting time hunting down Sparkleboy, she drifted toward the one thing that felt familiar: the bar. Behind it stood the most androgynous Zeltron pretty boy she had ever seen in her life, framed by shelves stacked with colour-shifting liquor that looked more like art than something you were supposed to drink.

Calyx Sundrift | Acier Moonbound​

 

[Calyx Sundrift]

Z E L T R O S -- -T H E -C I R C U I T -B R E A K E R​

Calyx perked up at the familiar voice. His grin came quick, twisting into something almost too warm. “Acier Moonbound!” He threw his arms wide and pulled the man into a hug far friendlier than their history deserved. “You nearly had me thinking you’d bail!” He laughed, his eyes quickly shifting to the tower’s glowing bulk. “And you even brought back-up. Smart. Very smart.”

He hadn’t invited his own crew. The staff at The Circuit Breaker knew them by face. Therefore independent contractors and half-acquaintances would have to do. The trust he had in them was thin, reliability likely even thinner, but that was all part of the gamble.

“Oh, it gets better.” His tone gave nothing away. “The plan’s simple. They think I’m coming to negotiate. Pay off a debt. Turns out that’s the only way to get face-to-face with their boss.” He shot Ace a dangerous smile. “So, I’m willingly jumping into the sarlacc pit.” Not fool-proof. Not even close. Everything would hinge on strength, skill, and a whole lot of luck.

“If we make it out, your Hidden Path gets information and resources you’ll never find elsewhere. And if we don’t-” He shrugged lightly, as if death were a minor inconvenience. “then we die ugly.” He gave Ace a beat to mull it over. Then asked “So, any idea when this Rheyla of yours plans on showing? I'd love to go inside already.”

Acier Moonbound Rheyla Tann

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Zeltros - The Circuit Breaker

Equipment:
Club Attire | Lightsaber | Tic

Ace had forgotten how... touchy Calyx could get. Whether it was genuine or for show, he still couldn't put his finger on - Sundrift was good at that. He stiffened when Calyx went in to embrace him, eyes darting left to right in confusion. After a moment, he simply patted the man's back with a single hand.

"It's uh... good to see you." He said, tone making it out to sound close to a question. As if he was unsure what to say.

When Calyx finally broke away, his brow rose. Still completely at a loss to what that interaction was. Thankfully, Calyx shifted the focus to backup. To Rheyla. Which reminded him... where was she? The ashen haired rebel acknowledged Sundrift's statement before glancing behind him, searching for wherever the Twi'lek was.

While his shady acquaintance went over his plan, Ace's dark gaze lingered. Still hopelessly wandering for any sign of Rheyla. When the Hidden Path came up, his attention finally returned to Calyx. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lip, something between confidence and arrogance.

"I don't have any plan on dying today. It'll be fine." His smirk was unwavering "I've gotten a lot better at this since last time."

Fighting. He meant fighting. Since joining the Hidden Path, Ace had been thrown into the fire tenfold. Forced to adapt and learn under life or death circumstances. It was better than any formal training, in his eyes.

When Calyx brought up Rheyla, Tic finally chimed in. Emitting a curious chirp and tilting his head, it had only now occured to Ace that the BD-unit had never met either Calyx or Rheyla.

Ace patted Tic's head casing, then returned his attention to Cal. "I told her to meet us here." He paused, rolling his eyes slightly "There's no way she could be lost. Some bounty hunter she is, otherwise."

Silence stretched for a moment before he sighed. Ace then closed his eyes and began to inhale and exhale calmly - he reached out, stretching his senses and perception outward. He knew Rheyla. Her presence in the Force. If he could tune in to her, like a living radio signal, he believed he could pinpoint whether she was here or not.

A few more moments passed before he finally opened his eyes, and his breathing returned to normal.

"Yeah. She's here. Somewhere." He confirmed.

Rheyla Tann | Calyx Sundrift​

 

[Rheyla Tann]

Her steps muted by the blaring music, Rheyla slipped up behind the white-haired teenager and gave the back of his head a slap. Not hard enough to start a fight, but definitely harder than playful. Somewhere between a joke and a warning.

“You know,” she said, smirk tugging at her lips, “when you drag someone to a fifteen-story karking club, the polite thing is to meet them at the door. Or — wild thought — tell them what floor you’re on.” She sat down in the last free chair, crossing her arms and legs. Her lekku still hadn’t adjusted to the neon chaos. The left trailed down her back, the right draped forward over her shoulder, both flicking in faint, restless movements. They twitched every time the bass hit or a strobe light cut the room, her body reacting before her mind could. Even here, stripped of her gear, her senses stayed sharp; a hunter’s tools refusing to dull.

Tracking them down hadn’t been difficult. Even stripped of armour and visible knives, she was still a hunter. What annoyed her was the principle of it: being left to wander a neon madhouse like some glitter-drunk tourist.

Her judgmental honey-brown gaze lingered on Sparkleboy a moment longer before shifting to the man of the hour, Calix or Cal-something. Her posture didn’t change, arms still crossed, one leg hooked over the other, but the look she gave him was sharper now, deliberate, with just a flicker of interest beneath the scrutiny.

“So you’re the one with credits burning a hole in your pocket,” she said, tone flat enough to be dismissive but edged with a smirk. “Sparkleboy tells me you’ve got work. I’m listening. No promises, though. I don’t buy blind, and I don’t dance on strings for strangers.”

She stayed leaned back in the chair, gaze steady, letting the words hang. To Rheyla, every job was a gamble — and this one hadn’t convinced her to place a bet just yet. Whether or not she took the job was still up in the air. At least the man pitching it wasn’t hard to look at. Credits were nice. Pretty faces didn’t hurt either.

Calyx Sundrift | Acier Moonbound​

 

[Calyx Sundrift]

Z E L T R O S -- -T H E -C I R C U I T -B R E A K E R​

"At what, hugging?" He feigned scepticism. "Nah, I'm kidding." He laughed. "But that's good! Cause you're likely gonna have to do without your lightsaber. They've got a strict policy regarding weapons. Especially in the VIP-sections." He didn't doubt that that was where the Breakers would want to talk with them. A quiet and secluded place where they held all the power.

Calyx frowned. "Bounty hunter? She's a Bounty Hunter?" That screamed trouble. Somebody who turned sides depending on whomever held the most credits. "And you're sure we can trust her?" He gave up on that question almost immediately - Ace was concentrating.

When he opened his eyes again, Ace had an answer. "She's already inside, isn't she?" Calyx groaned. "And here I was planning to take the back entrance." They would've been able to circumvent the chaos of the club's dancefloor that way.

"Fine. We'll just- take the front entrance. How bad can it be?" With confidence and a nudge to Ace, Calyx strode forward. Up the steps, weaving past crowds of drunken or high partygoers. The music, electrifying synth beats, boomed louder with each step he took closer.

Until he could go no further.

Flanking the door were a towering Khaleesh and Belugan. Both clad in black, both not visibly armed. Yet the confidence with which they carried themselves said otherwise.

"Name" The Khaleesh grumbled.

Calyx spread his arms wide. "Fellas, it's me." The Belugan did a threatening step forward. "Calyx Sundrift." He added, a warning in his tone.

The two bouncers exchanged a look. "You were expected here hours ago, Sundrift." The Khaleesh spat.

"Yes I know. But I prefer to make an entrance." He took a step to the side and gestured toward Ace. "This is my associate, Acier Moonbound. He'll be accompanying me. All the way." The Belugan seemed to consider something. Then nodded. "Oh, and my girl's in your club." Calyx added, further pushing his luck. "Real wild one, that. I'd like to go fetch her if you don't mind."

"What?" The Belugan asked incredulously. "You know why you're here, Sundrift. The kriff did you bring your woman for?"

He smiled. "Always need something pretty at your side when you've got to make an appearance."

The Belugan's face twisted. "Fine. You'll have ten minutes before we sent somebody."

The Khaleesh extended an arm. "Weapons." Calyx had come prepared for that. Saying they carried none would be too suspicious. So he'd taken what he considered dispensable.

From his sleeves, Calyx produced two vibroknives. Then handed over the small blaster pistol hidden in his trousers. Finally, he knelt down to remove the darts strapped into his boots.

The Khaleesh nodded satisfactorily, but the Belugan still found reason to frisk him thoroughly. Then they turned to Ace.

Calyx just hoped that, unlike last time, the white-haired teen wouldn't make a scene.

Theme​

Truth be told, Calyx hadn't thought they'd make it this far. Not through the front entrance. Inside was some sort of a reception hall, a place of multiple leveled plateaus where people were having deep - and admittedly stupid - conversations. Drinks stood abandoned on the edges, coat racks lined the walls and higher platforms, and rows had formed toward the strategically laid-out toilets.

Calyx turned to face Ace, walking backward. "Ground level. Entrance and club halls. It's where you go after a break-up. Or have a good time with friends." With a casual gesture, he pointed up. "Situated above us is the private lounge. Classy but very scandalous. All drugs and hired dancers up there." He grinned. "And the levels above that, you ask? Nobody knows. S'pose we'll be going there today eh?" He swivelled again, just in time as they reached the low stairs. "But this Rheyla of yours comes first. Lead the way."

And, inside the wild dream of neon, bodies, and drumming beats, she found them before they found her. She was a Twi'lek. alluring by all means, had they not stood in a club where the alien pallette drew his eyes away every other heartbeat.

He listened bemused as she spoke to Ace. Then she turned to him. Immediately made a comment on his spending. "Beauty is priceless, dear Rheyla. As is a good time. That mindset tends to make a man part quickly with his credits." He smirked. "So what can I buy you?"

Right after, the Twi'lek mentioned the work. Calyx simply laughed. "You don't dance for strangers? Let's get acquainted quickly then." He shook his head, chuckling at his own delivery. Then, more serious, explained in earnest. "Place is owned by a gang called The Breakers. Infamous arbiters of the Five Families. Also trafickers of all things worth credits. Men like us and women like you, most notably." His face turned a shade darker at that. "I've come to pay them back in full. Got Kanjiklub backing me. Arranged this meeting 'n all, made it seem as if I'm here to settle a debt on their behalf." He cocked his head to the side. "Bantha poodoo of course. I just needed an in." He smirked again. "And some back-up. My perfect picks, you ask? A rebel hero and a gorgeous Twi'lek. S'pose that covers most scenarios, no?" He let that linger. "In all earnesty, we're taking out their top. Help is much appreciated. I can pay whatever and however you like. Think it over." He glanced at Ace, then further back to where they'd come from. "We still have a couple of minutes for you to come to a decision, so take your time."

Acier Moonbound Rheyla Tann

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Zeltros - The Circuit Breaker

Equipment:
Club Attire | Lightsaber | Tic

Ace didn't say a word as Calyx strutted through the crowd, pushing his way to the entrance like he'd just won a podrace. He just followed, quiet and steady. Tic clung to his shoulder, photoreceptor narrowing at the strobing lights like he was preparing to shoot first and beep questions later.​

​

The bouncers weren't exactly subtle. The Khaleesh glowered with hostility, and the Belugan looked like he'd just missed his afternoon dismemberment session. When they stepped forward, Ace slowed his pace. Not in fear, just observation. He calmly and quietly watched as Calyx did what he did best.​

​

Then came the expected: "Weapons."​

​

Ace's brow ticked upward slightly. His lightsaber was holstered against his lower back, hidden beneath the folds of his jacket. He glanced briefly to Calyx, then back to the bouncers. A long silence stretched for a moment.​

​

Then he exhaled through his nose, not hiding the annoyance behind it. He reached behind his back, slowly. Tic gave a warning chirp, he didn't trust the process one bit.​

​

The lightsaber came free with a low click, handle gleaming faintly under the neon. Ace didn't offer it immediately, just held it, letting both bouncers get a good look. The skeletal hilt looked more like a piece of industrial machinery than a weapon, exposed and raw.​

​

When he finally handed it over, Tic emitted a single beep of protest - hopping from his shoulder to his arm, then back up again, like the whole thing left a bad taste in his processor.​

​

Ace didn't say much once they were inside. The music was a living creature in here, slithering through walls, pulsing through floors, crawling into his bones. He let Calyx talk, pointing things out like some kind of tour guide with a death wish. Ace just followed, dark eyes sweeping the reception hall, clocking exits and faces and high perches.​

​

The slap came without warning, quick and sharp to the back of his head. He didn't need to look, he already knew who it was and merely rolled his eyes. She was already dropping her line about "karking clubs" and "politeness," and Ace just stared at her, brow lifted.​

​

"I did tell you the tower." he muttered. "Just… figured you didn't need any hand holding."​

​

Tic, ever dramatic, beeped in agreement and leaned away from her like she might swat him too. Still, despite the slap and sarcasm, something in Ace's shoulders eased slightly. Rheyla showing up meant they weren't walking into this entirely blind.​

​

When Calyx laid it all out for her, and by extension Ace, the white-haired teen fell quiet again, listening. When he finished, he folded his arms over his chest.​

​

"So let me get this straight…" His eyes shifted to Calyx. "You talked your way into a meeting with a gang that sells people. You brought us in unarmed. And now you want to take out the boss of the operation… from the inside." He didn't say it like an accusation. More like he was confirming the odds in his head. A dry exhale followed. "Alright"​

​

His gaze flicked to Rheyla next, there was something sharper in it. Not cold, but clear. Certain.​

​

"You didn't sign up for this part. You can walk. I won't hold it against you."​

​

But he wasn't going anywhere. His fingers brushed briefly over the empty place on his back. The lightsaber that wasn't there. He hated how light he felt without it.​

​

"If they're still trafficking people. Then I'm in."​

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Rheyla Tann | Calyx Sundrift​