A Night to Remember

[Nicolás Cormond]

The night was finally here. Everything that Nicolás worked and hoped for had culminated into this night, this lavish ball. For so long, the Senator of Brentaal remained an outcast to his own homeworld. Despised and rejected by his own family, who continued to poison the planet with their ever corrupt reforms, Nicolás would at last make his move against them. With the support of his newfound allies in the Senate, he would present his case before them: that Brentaal needed change. That his father was now under the influence of the Cartel, much like Alderaan. If he wanted to save his world, he would need the help of the Republic. Of his fellow Senators. Tonight was indeed a night to remember.

The finest wines, foods from both the closest and farthest reaches of the galaxy, a view of Coruscant worth dying for. The ball he had planned was better than he imagined— and more. Senators and bureaucrats and aristocrats from every corner of the galaxy had also come. It was to be the party of the year, from what the media had been told. Surely, even his father back on Brentaal would have heard of the festivities, heard of what Nicolás might have planned. But what could he do? He had dug himself into this mess the moment he chose to force his own son into a position he never wanted, onto a world he never wished to remain. There was nothing he could do. Or so Nicolás thought.

The Senator drifted through the crowd, a dry martini in hand, until he caught a surprising face. Aurora kriffin’ Adasca. Senator of Arkania, clear rival, major bitch. What she was doing here, he had no idea. But there was little for Nicolás to do, given he had invited the whole Senate. All he could do was bear a grin, offer a short bow and greet her with open arms— and maybe a clenched fist. “Senator Adasca! What a surprise.”

Spoiler: Notice

@Malon @Arclight @Cheshire @Nefieslab @StratusGold @The Matt

All other Senators or members of the Republic are welcome to join. This is a death-disabled thread.

 

[Aurora Adasca]

.

When was the last time she had been to a ball? Was it secondary school, back on Arkania? Or, perhaps, shortly after she had graduated university? Hard to tell. She had never much enjoyed them, so it was rather easy for her memory to become foggy as the years slogged by. Yet here she was at another, this time on Coruscant, and this time without a suitor. Not that she minded. Company would only drag her down tonight and make it impossible to antagonize her greatest rival in the Senate. Nicolás kriffing Cormond. They were running into each other more-and-more lately. She couldn't tell if that was a good thing or bad. The Senator from Brentaal was often as entertaining as he was insufferable.

And then there was the way he welcomed her: like he was pleasantly surprised she had come to his ball. She knew better, though. He was neither pleased nor surprised to see her here. He was probably seething underneath all of that makeup and perfume. Truth be told, she had come because someone had to keep an eye on him. Everyone else seemed to fall for his charm and quick wit. Only Aurora every seemed completely immune to it, and tonight was no exception. She had to give him this, though: the wine was exceptional.

She took a long sip and glanced at him as he came at her with open arms and his signature grin. The expression on her face was a mixture of amusement and scandalization. Was he about to embrace her? Was she about to embrace him? Surely this was a sign of some impending doom; but, she sucked up her pride and gave him a half-hearted hug, for public appearances if nothing else. She breathed in his cologne, which clung to him like Sha'rellian toops to a Hutt.

"Hardly a surprise, Senator Cormond," she said pleasantly as she released him and took a step back. The smile on her face was as forced as his grin. "When news came down through the pipeline that you were throwing a ball, I made sure my schedule was free for the night. I couldn't wait to see what charitable work you were preforming this time."

A veiled jab. Pleasant to anyone listening in, but Nicolás wasn't stupid. He knew the routine with them. Truthfully, for once, Aurora didn't think Nicolás was up to anything in particular. If anything, this was just another one of his publicity stunts, meant to make him look like the perfumed ponce he pretended to be: a kind, caring, and generous Senator from a wealthy world. But that didn't mean the night wouldn't prove to be an interesting one. It always was between the two of them. @Deviant

.

 

[Numenius Pax]

Perhaps coming here was a bad idea?

Numenius was already beginning to feel uncomfortable just being here and he knew, logically, that he had no reason to feel like that. He hadn't done anything with Nicolas that was worth feeling shame about and he would laugh at the very suggestion that he was nervous to see the other senator again!

And even if he was - it was likely nothing more than a tiny crush.

It would pass in time.

Dressed immaculately as always in a rather lovely suit, Numenius was granted entry to the party and he collected a flute of champagne as one of the servers passed him by. Numenius didn't really want to drink the alcohol so much as he wanted to have something to keep his hands occupied, lest he come across as someone who was nervous about something... which he totally was if he was being completely honest with himself.

But his father had always taught him that fear was something you conquered and something you used - it could never be allowed to conquer or use you.

Arriving to greet their host, Numenius found himself beaten to the punch by Senator Adasca... he let her speak before stepping forwards to add,

"Sorry to interrupt but I just wanted to say thank you for the invitation Senator Cormond." he thanked Nicolas with a bow of his head before turning to the other senator, "Senator Adasca - a pleasure."

He stepped back from them with a small smile,

"Regrettably I believe this is the part where I have to mingle... wish me luck."

With that, Numenius would begin some truly dull conversations with other guests just so that he wasn't going to be getting himself in the way of different schemes happening... and so his own schemes weren't so easily visible to the others.

@Deviant @Malon

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Why, Senator? Looking to learn a thing or two about it yourself?” He answered, his jab not so veiled. Not that anyone else around him or within earshot cared, knowing the man. Nicolás was a douche. At least, to those who had not either earned his respect, his trust or his interest. And it went without saying Aurora did not match any of those descriptions. She was on his list before, but now her name was crossed off, ripped from the page and tossed down the nearest garbage chute. She was his greatest threat and rival in the Senate, that he knew of. Although for some strange reason, he always did enjoy their little chats. Nothing like some taunting and mocking to get the blood flowing and the night started.

Anymore continued attacks came to a sudden stop at the arrival of Senator Pax, his good friend and, well, it was complicated. The pair had first met under the roof of a lavish nightclub not only a dozen clicks from the gala, where they came face to face with a band of mercenaries and bounty hunters. It was there Nicolás also got a little close. Maybe a little too close. Still, in the Senate, everything was all fun and games, was it not? Little did the Senators know such fun and games were about to come to an unexpected end. For Nicolás, it was Andraste’s new empire, along with the expansion of the Cartel, that would mean an end to his antics. But in the end, was that such a bad thing?

“Senator Pax, of course. I’m glad to see you here.” He gave a smile. Caring and generous, for once. Even as the young man curtsied and returned to the dull crowd around him, his eyes lingered longer than they should have. A mutual alliance was not all Nicolás found in Numenius Pax, needless to say. Not that Aurora would realize that, unless she looked closely enough. Not wanting her to go further than she needed, however, the Senator of Brentaal made a quick getaway. “You’re going to have to excuse me, Senator. There is so much to do. So maany guests to greet.” He gave a friendly bow, clearly sarcastic and without heart or concern. His contempt for the woman was impossible to hide.

“Now, I suppose I leave you to your company.” He gestured over to an empty stretch of the gala. “And by company, I mean that empty corner over there. Enjoy watching paint dry, Aurora.” He started to walk away, but not before adding. “Although I’m sure you already find quite entertaining compared to the rest of your day-to-day routine.” The Senator soon joined the crowd, looking to mingle with more bureaucrats, elitists or especially fellow Senators as the night dragged on.

Spoiler: Tags

@Malon @Nefieslab ah, pls join: @Fyremage @Faster Than Light idk. I'm desperate lol.

 

[Anthony Price]

To be honest, to have a break from the craziness that characterized the past few months for Anthony Price was welcome indeed. From the Senate vote on the NAP, to the Alderaan Investigation - it felt at times that he hardly had time to breathe. He hadn't had much opportunity to meet Senator Cormund - and to be honestly, he wasn't sure what to think of the man. He only knew Cormund by reputation, and thus far Anton was of the impresison that he was quick witted, and sharp-tongued: not to mention the general unsettling feeling he had about the Senator of Brentaal.

It seemed he always carried the impression of having something up his sleeve, or more accurately an angle he was trying to play. Of course, it may not have been an entirely fair assessment given Anton had yet to make his personal acquaintence. The Senator of Corellia came dressed in a tuxedo - a classic cut with a perfectly tied black bowtie. All in all, he appeared to be in his element, and he hoped to capitalize on his familiarity with such high profile events to add to his growing base of allies in the Senate. He had ideas to interchange and a bill he hoped to pass - and it was altogether likely he could only successfully do so with the right support. Perhaps Cormund would prove to be a valuable ally in that pursuit despite Anton's misgivings. He would only know after actually meeting the man.

He spotted Cormund in the crowd, not far off from where he was standing by one of the windows - occasionally enjoying the view of the skyline. A servant offered Anton a glass of wine, which he accepted graciously before making his way to Senator Cormund. As he approached, he offered his hand in a pleasant gesture of greeting as he closed the distance, saying in his usual manner of eloquence: "I am glad to finally make your acquaintence, Senator Cormund."

@Deviant

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Arriving at the event in a dark fine pressed suit Zamid Sarlo strolled inside the gala. To be honest he nearly didn’t come until changing his mind. The Senator Cormund of Brentaal seemed to becoming a rising star within the senate, and the old Duros wanted to gain his own impression of the man firsthand. Exaiming the room and it’s occupants, Sarlo thought. It seems our host is sparing no expense with this one. Whatever his intentions, he means to impress there is no doubt.

As Sarlo made way through the crowd, spotting the host himself along with Price and Adasca, exchanging pleasantries it seems. The elderly alien was familiar with the Corellian already but not with the woman from Akrania. Of course he remembered her speech during the NAP vote, supporting his motion. With great dignity Zamid walked over to the trio and offered a respectful nod to the Brentaal representative.

“Greetings Senator Cormund and thank you for your generous invitation.”Turning to the others Sarlo added with a pleasant smile.“Good to see you again Price and pleased to finally make your acquaintance madam.”

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Aurora smirked at him as he left to mingle with the crowd. His insults were, to her, like water droplets on a duck's back. They slid right off and she remained dry. She was rather pleased with herself for getting a rise out of him... and so easily, at that. Nico was known for his composure—for his dedication to his public image—but he could not maintain it when she was present. Something about her got so utterly under his skin that he simply could not maintain his slick, fake disposition whenever she showed her face. She wore that fact like a bade of honor.

And she wasn't done, yet, either. As soon as he was among the others, she slipped out of her seat and began to make her own rounds through the party. She shadowed him—though, perhaps "shadow" was a bad word for it. She wasn't exactly subtle about it. She sauntered behind Senator Price. Pompous ass. Who was ever glad to meet Nico? The man's taste in cologne was reason enough to leave him in whatever corner he was lurking in. She stood behind price, where she knew Nico could see her, but where he absolutely could not risk letting his mask fall way, and made sure he saw her roll her eyes. All the while she took another sip of her drink.

The next was Sarlo. Less pompous, but highly misguided for thinking Nico's invitation was "generous." There was nothing generous about the senator of Brentaal. This was a blatant attempt to jack himself off, which is all Nico ever did. But she could play this game too, and Nico could do nothing without making himself appear to be the two-faced Changeling that he really was. She put on a ravishing smile and bowed slightly to Senator Sarlo. "Charmed to see you again, Senator. Your reputation proceeds you." @Deviant @Minuteman75

 

[Dwight Antilles]

​

Having arrived fashionably late, as he does usual to things is Junior Senator Dwight Antilles, beause of... reasons. So, apparently Nicolás Cormond, a rising figure in the Republic senate, was having a fancy ball that was said to be the party of the year or something, based on what the media was saying, and it just so happens that the House of Antilles member was invited, so why not? If not for the free drinks, maybe he might be some interesting people, get to know Senator Cormond better. Always nice to have allies in the Senate, especially good ones like him. Wearing a navy blue-colored tuxedo and his hair all neat, he is dressed for the occasion. His first thing upon entering was taking in the sights. Looks pretty alright, and he would also spot some of the other senators. His friend Senator Pax, he could also see Sarlo. The Arkanian senator, and Senator Price as well, in addition to the Cormond. First thing is first, a free beverages, the best part about these kinds of gigs. Next, Dwight would waltz over to where the other senators are at. "Oh, hey there guys. Hows it going?" He said in such a casual, easy-going manner, with his default smile on his face.

@Minuteman75 @Fyremage @Malon @Nefieslab! @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Well, if it isn’t Senator Price of Corellia. I was hoping you’d show up. I have, admittedly, been dying to meet you.” He smiled, obvious flattery. He heard the man speak a number of times in the Senate chambers and debates, and despite their differences, the two men could relate in more ways than one. Particularly that they were both suave, stylish, charismatic— and not complete buffoons. He would make a fine addition to the young man’s own growing list of allies. Still, his mood began to sour as soon as he noticed Aurora watching over the man’s shoulder. Nosy bitch. Then again, he supposed she really was looking to pick up a tip or two on how to make actual conversation. Something, again, she clearly lacked.

He shook Anthony’s hand. “I’d love to talk later, Senator Price, whenever you have the time. I’m always looking for new friends in high places, after all, as shameless as that sounds.” He gave another wide though humble grin. “But please, enjoy the party. All drinks come at no absolutely no cost. Except for a brain cell or two, maybe.” He chuckled. Ah, pleasantries and smalltalk. How he loathed it. Either way, now that his introductions with Anthony Price was done, the Senator of Brentaal shifted his focus to the next Senator. None other than Zamid Sarlo of Duro. His fame had virtually grown overnight after his proposal to amend the Non-Aggression Pact. Enough to garner even Nicolás’ quick attention and esteem.

“Senator Sarlo! Well, it’s so good to see yet another new face here. And it’s an honor. Your proposition in the Senate during the Pact debates were very stirring. There are not many Senators as active as you are, I will say.” By his last remark, his eyes glanced over to Senator Adasca, who had somehow managed to get dragged into one of his conversation’s. By the Force, she was annoying. Although Nicolás made every effort to hide his disgust beneath his many pleasantries. And with another Senator making his way onto the floor, the man finally had another excuse to ignore her. “Senator Antilles.” A grin flashed over his face, charmed. “Also good of you to join us. We were just introducing ourselves.”

There were many fine Senators here. While Nicolás still hoped for more, there were more than enough to satiate his political ambitions. If nobody else showed up, then so be it. The Senator of Brentaal would make his impending speech either way, once pleasantries were exchanged and finished. Already, he was running what he would say through the back of his head. A speech denouncing his father and his own House for succumbing to outside corruption. That was the whole point of this gala, after all, to give Nicolás the opportunity to blacklist his father and his brother.

Spoiler: Tags

@Malon @Fyremage @Minuteman75 @Faster Than Light

 

[Numenius Pax]

Numenius could see that Nicolas had broken away from the female senator to start mingling with the other important guests and he couldn't help but feel the urge to go over to the other man now, to monopolise his attention. In the end though he really couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead he just swallowed thickly and watched as Nicolas moved effortlessly from one senator to the next, with grace and that damned smile of his.

The senator for Corulag finished his glass of wine and replaced it with a glass from one of the passing servers.

He needed to not think about Nicolas Cormond for a moment... which was damned difficult since he was only here before the man had karking asked him to be! Gods why did he have to enjoy that bloody kiss? No, he decided after a moment, he needed to distract himself and one of the best ways would be to talk to someone else.

He spotted Senator Antilles and was about to go and speak to him when Nicolas got there first. Swallowing thickly, he instead made a beeline for the one senator he doubted Nicolas had any interest in speaking to.

Maybe that would show him.

...

That he, as a senator, didn't like to be ignored by another senator. Yeah. That was it - he was annoyed because he alone out of the assembled senators had been given a single line and dismissed. Because he was... well he felt like he deserved a little bit more than just one sentence.

He was probably looking too far into it.

Moving on over to where Senators Adasca and Sarlo were speaking. He smiled brightly at the two of them, focusing on Sarlo first,

"Senator Sarlo... I don't believe I've had the pleasure of spending much time with you outside of the senate - lovely to meet you outside of work." he greeted the other man, seemingly genuine before turning to Adasca with his smile dipping slightly into a smirk, "And Senator Adasca. I'll admit I'm surprised you came... pleasantly surprised though. I feel like we could all use some examples of your biting wit to lighten up the festivities here."

He was being entirely honest that time to be fair - he really did enjoy the woman's razor wit.

@Deviant @Malon

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Speaking of well-oiled putzes, there came Senator Antilles. A good-looking man, to be sure, but Aurora didn't trust him. The man smiled too much. It's almost as though he knew he was attractive and sought to flaunt it, and, though he was less brazen about it than Nico, there was still something disingenuous about it. And now, with all of the recent controversy surrounding Alderaan, Aurora was almost certain that her instincts about him were correct. They hadn't failed her yet. But he was a bug she could squash later. There were bigger predators on the prowl.

She had to confess she was amused listening to Nico try to make nice with Senator Price. He was so absurdly shallow, she had to question how none of the other Senators had picked up or called him on it yet. "Friends in high-places," "shallow," she resisted the urge to throw back her head and laugh. For once, he was being honest, but his charming smile and natural charisma had prevented him from sounding as slimy and sleazy as anyone else would have had they uttered the same combination of words.

The corner of her mouth ticked upwards in a half-smirk as she watched him fight to hide his annoyance at her presence, which was especially evident when they both were addressed by Senator Sarlo. He loathed her, but was powerless to do anything, which is exactly where she liked him. Trapped like a rat in a maze. But there was more. He was antsy. Anticipating something. This event had a purpose. Was he going to give some rousing speech? Declare himself the top humanitarian in the Core Worlds? She wouldn't put either passed him, but, luckily she'd be around to see it all.

...and then came Pax. Senator Numenius Pax of Corulag. Aurora held few opinions of him, good or bad. When he joined them, addressing Sarlo and then Aurora herself, she thought to simply remain pleasant with him. He was but a dubious nobody in her quiet warfare with Nico... but... that's when she noticed something. The slight edge in the way he spoke to her, the looks he was giving Nico, the way he had behaved earlier. The realization was a slow one, but the grin on her face grew wider as it blossomed and she realized its implications.

Ohhhh... oooooooh.... Oh. She turned her head ever so slightly towards Nico, taking a momentary sip of her drink and cocking her eyebrow. The gesture—the smirk and the look combined—would be all she needed to convey to him what she had figured out, or at least what she suspected. She kept her gaze locked with Nico's as she replied to Numenius. "To be honest, I'm surprised as well, Senator Pax." Her voice was dripping with how absolutely scandalized she was. "But, I'm sure you'll agree, our host here is just so riveting, not to mention he puts on a good time. I couldn't resist making it here for the occasion." Finally, she released Nico's gaze and turned her head to the side to give Numenius a pleasant smile. "You're too kind, Senator. I will do my best not to let you down."

If she could've high-fived herself, she would have. This night was suddenly becoming worth all the subtle jabs between herself and Nico. Yes, this night might prove most interesting indeed... @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

The raise of her brows, how she sipped from her drink. Senator Adasca figured something out, and he didn’t like. It wasn’t until she made several quick, knowing glances toward Numenius that he caught onto what she was implying: his relationship with Senator Pax. How she was able to piece that together so quickly and so effortlessly, he had no idea. She must have as keen an eye as she was stupid. Which was saying much. No matter, Nicolás would dare not let Aurora get the better of him simply for believing he enjoyed the company of Numenius, perhaps in more ways than one. The pair weren’t in an actual relationship, after all. It was nothing. Nothing at all. Or so he liked to tell himself.

As she made her reassuring remark toward Senator Pax, Nicolás turned his attention from whatever conversation he was having now with Senator Price and Antilles— simply to throw in the final word to their little rivalry. “Indeed, but I wouldn’t keep your hopes up, Senator Pax.” He flashed a smile, content enough with his sudden jab, before returning back to the other Senators. The young man didn’t want the other woman to conjure up another terrible comeback, so he moved fast to escape the growing number of guests. Not to hide in the corner or the bathroom or to down another glass of wine on his own. Now, his party would move onto its next step. In fact, he would be moving onto his next step: proclaiming the truth about House Cormond, his family. And how to stop them.

Again, that was why they were gathered. Nicolás would make a proposal before the many active Senators attending the charity ball, calling for the intervention of the Republic in the affairs of Brentaal. To save his homeworld from his own corrupt father and brother. To save the Republic from the growing influence of the Hutt Cartel. It was happening on Alderaan, and if the Cartel were to seize Brentaal, the very gateway of trade in the Republic, what then? The Senate had to act, which Nicolás was hoping for. Especially with all the allies he gathered over the span of the month. Already, as he continued to run his speech into his head, the Senator of Brentaal soon found himself at the top of a makeshift stage, with many of the party attendees surrounding him.

With a spoon, he clicked against his glass. It resounded throughout the room, and silence soon fell upon the ball. Now, it was his time to speak, at long last. Everything he was working for would finally unfold here, on this night. Clearing his throat, he addressed the crowd. “Diplomats out of distant worlds, nobles from across the Republic, legislators, lawmakers— Senators. It is an honor and an absolute pleasure to have you here tonight. But I know many of you have come for a reason— other than for the free food and drinks, of course.” A few chuckles. “And that reason concerns Brentaal. It concerns my father. It concerns my very own House— Cormond.”

He sighed, as if he did not want to dive into the details he was about to reveal. “With every hour, the Hutt Cartel grows. Its shadow looms over the Republic. And most of all, over my own homeworld, Brentaal. Despite my pleas, my own father has fallen to their corruption. Even now, he has secretly funneled in spice convoys from Nar Shaddaa, spies from Nal Hutta, into Republic space.” He revealed a small datapad from his robes, pressed several buttons and revealed pixelated images of clear Hutt ships moving quietly through Republic space. And not just an empty void, but ships over the orbit of Brentaal. The evidence was there now. All Nicolás had to do was capitalize on it and make his real point known: to stop his father.

Spoiler: OoC

@Nefieslab @Malon @Fyremage @Minuteman75 @Faster Than Light @other Senators welcome

Sorry for the late response, expected more replies but I'll just move onto the main speech/proposal! You can post your reactions at the revelation and I can finish up the speech, and the thread, after.

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Whatever jab or continued harassment she had planned for that evening disappeared when Nico began to deliver his speech. Her smile suddenly faded. She incredulously watched the images at first. Then, she turned her gaze to him. What was the meaning of this? Was this what he had called them all together for? She knew Nico was ambitious, but, surely he wasn't this desperate for power. No, she simply wouldn't believe that. The man had his faults. They were numerous and disgusting. But this... this was beyond him. It had to be.

If such a man was moving Hutt goods and ships into Republic Space, then he did not need to be in power any longer. With everything happening on Alderaan, the Republic could not afford to ignore such a blatant insult to its sovereignty. Action had to be taken. Now. For once, Aurora sat quietly and listened to Nico speak. For once, she didn't insult him or disparage him. She listened to see what he would propose as a solution and what she could do to help... @Deviant

 

[Dwight Antilles]

Alright, this thing is progressing good, and then it's time for Senator Nicolas' speech. He would be sipping his drink here and there while he gathered around with everyone else and heard the man speak. His smile dropped to a frown once the words 'Hutt Cartel' was said. Appearing not to make light of the situation, and interested now that the Hutts are involved. When the the images of the Hutt vessels orbiting Bretaal, all Dwight Antilles could do is pretend to gasp, with his right hand covering his mouth, appearing shocked. "How could he do such a thing?" he would mutter, in reference to Nico's father.

 

[Numenius Pax]

She was grinning.

Why was she grinning?

Oh... oh no. No no no! She couldn't know that he was thinking about this whole thing... could she? He liked to think that he wasn't being as obvious as he could have been but it seemed to him that some people believed he was being. He held out hope that she might not have caught onto how he had been thinking about Nico but then she opened her mouth and he couldn't help but notice how she held Nico's gaze.

It made him want to slap the woman if he was being honest with himself,

"Yes well, I'm afraid it seems to be something he was born with." he smiled brightly at her, "I'm not sure you would be able to catch it yourself just by watching him so intently my dear."

He kept his smile firmly in place,

"Oh senator I have every confidence that you'll never disappoint me."

You had to have something of an opinion of someone for them to disappoint you after all... although if this witch kept making digs at his man he might just have to revise that opinion and be disappointed she could somehow get lower in his estimation of her.

...

Not that Nicolas was 'his man' at all.

And good god that sounded weak even to himself in the privacy of his own mind but he could ignore that for now since Nico was talking. And... talking about something rather dangerous if he was being honest with himself.

Nicolas was exposing that he knew his family had connections to the Hutt Cartel.

In public.

Numenius shook slightly and his grip on his wine glass tightened at he thought about what that could mean for the senator of Brentaal... he could be targeted. They could even send Sith after the man!

It hurt to think of Nico being hunted down like that and urged him to finish his glass of wine rather quickly.

Gods damn that man.

@Deviant @Malon

 

[Zamid Sarlo]

Sarlo nodded and responded civilly to the other senators when they greeted. He hadn’t know these people for very long yet but the Duros believed in showing good manners unless it proved unnecessary. Zamid accepted a glass of red wine offered by a serving droid. Taking a sip he just stood there and watched and listens to the other guests mingle with one another. The man nearly chuckled at Aurora’s razor wit.

My wife Naanse would’ve enjoyed her company if she was still...

Senator Sarlo stopped himself from going any farther with that line of thought while appearing calm on the outside. Underneath was a different story entirely. Once sure that he was in control of his emotions, Sarlo sighed softly and drink more of the wine. In many ways the representative of Duro hadn’t gotten over the death of his beloved.

It’s always gonna hurt, nothing will change that. All the same I wish I had spent more time with Naanse.

Just then Sarlo’s silent grief was interrupted by Cormond’s clicking his glass for all to hear. Turning toward the human’s direction, Durosian paid close attention to the speech that followed. Red eyes narrowed, Sarlo examined the holographic photos that appeared before everyone with subtle fury. Before doing anything the blue humanoid turned back to see what the host does next.

 

[Tage Mak]

Senators. Lots of them. All in one place like kriffing fish in a barrel. This was exactly how Tage wanted it, and just how the Cartel liked to have their sheep arranged for slaughter.

News about the gala spread like wildfire, and there was a lot of talk about this Brentaal senator and his little party. Tage had been involved in the Hutt influence on Alderaan, and he had gained quite a bit of reputation from that endeavor. However, while the NAP left the glowbat wielding maniacs out of the picture, it was still open season and fair game for the Cartel to go after the Republic.

Tonight was especially delicious as the senators were basically sitting ducks. It didn’t take long for Tage to knock out a guard and take his place. He brought his own weapons and grenades with him, also including a smoke bomb, and guns to take shots at the pathetic little politicians that lined up for him. He entered the gala as Nicolas or whoever the hell began his speech and had everyone’s attention. Tage knew there were several exits, but that was only if these idiots didn’t trip over their expensive clothing trying to run.

Not one to pass up some good food, he took the time to help himself to some expensive snacks, scanning the room to see how many Senators there were. Oh yes, this was a goldmine, and he couldn’t help but don a shit-eating grin as he kept to the edges of the hall. He was a nobody right now, and no one would bat an eye at him through the crowds.

The little speech barely ended when Tage threw a smoke bomb into the hall. Within moments, thick smoke filled the room and completely prevented visibility. He reached back and pulled out his pistols, fully prepared to start firing at the self righteous pigs gathered all around him. He knew their screams would fill the room at once, and it would be music to his ears.

@Deviant

 

[Dwight Antilles]

After the Senator's speech, things were poised to proceed as normal, but then a smoke bomb was dropped and within moments the whole room was filled with smoke. Dwight was horrified at this development, he turned into the direction of where he heard the smoke bomb go off and couldn't see anything. Even with visibility down, Dwight remembers seeing seeing emergency exits off to the sides. With that Dwight would then high tail it out of there, heading towards the side exists on the right, going as fast he can while keeping his head lowered as to minimize chances of getting his head hit with even a stray blaster bolt. Where is security when you need it.

/exit thread

@Deviant @Sreeya

 

[Jon Atreides]

Food. Lots of it. All in one place like kriffing fish in a barrel. Some of it was even actual fish. This was exactly how Jon wanted it, and it seemed to be how the Senators liked to throw their little parties. And they threw a lot of parties.

He blamed the Arkanian Senator for getting him hooked onto Coruscant's fine food scene, as he had made numerous quick trips to Coruscant under various pretenses to try out more of what the planet had to offer. So when he had heard about the gala it had been too tempting and opportunity to pass up on. Free food, getting some insight into current mood of the Senate, and maybe even meet old Aurora again.

It had been easy enough to sneak in, there were quite a few guards with weak wills who had let him waltz in with little more than the wave of a hand. What had really been difficult was to find the fancy cloak he was wearing to blend in. Made of some weird silk like material, it felt weird to the touch and seemed to blend into the surroundings. It probably cost more than Jon would be able to make in a lifetime, but at least it got the job done.

He was drifting through the crowd, munching his way through a large slice of cake as the Senator from Brentaal began speaking when it happened. He missed the initial explosion, his eyes were on the Senator, but as smoke started filling up the room quickly put two and two together. He jumped into action at once, using the Force to clear up the smoke around him, and opening up a path to one of the exits as he scanned the room to try and spot where the attack had come from.

"Everyone out!"

His voice would ring out over the panicked screams as his eyes would land on Tage, spotting him standing a good dozen meters or so from him with his blasters drawn. Pulling out his lightsaber, the green blade would spring to life as he turned to face Tage. His gut told him Tage was the one responsible for this, but even if he wasn't the bright green laser sword in his hand ought to draw the attention of whoever was responsible. Better he made himself the target and bought everyone else time to slip out safely.

@Sreeya

 

[Aurora Adasca]

The night turned from mildly interesting, to extremely concerning, to horrific in a matter of seconds. Aurora was usually not one to run from a fight, but she was unarmed and would only get in the way of the ones who actually could make a difference. In the confusion, she couldn't process the convenience of this all. The Cartel attacks at the precise moment Nico made his speech? But she had already decided Nico couldn't be that low. Which meant only one thing: Nico's father had learned of his speech and sent an assassin to kill him.

Something happened to her then. Something even she hadn't expected. Throughout her long rivalry with the man, she had half-expected her loathing of him to always be there. But it wasn't there now. She looked for him in the chaos. Amidst the smoke and the screaming party-goers fleeing in every direction. She found him not far from where he had given his speech. In the rush of things, she couldn't discern his expression, but, somehow, she was able to meet his gaze. He would see there something perhaps even he wasn't expecting.

Concern. No. Fear. She feared for him. And suddenly the rest of the galaxy didn't matter. The shriek that tore away from her lungs was nothing short of horrified. She hoped he could hear her. Hope he heeded her warning. "RUN!"

Aurora wanted to stay and make sure he and her other colleagues escaped. But especially him. Him whom she hated the most. He couldn't die here. He just couldn't. Who would she torment? Who would torment her? But she couldn't stay. The situation was about to get much, much worse. So, blinking back hot tears, she picked up her dress ran for the nearest exit, slamming her hand on the alarm on her way out. Maybe someone who could help would arrive.

You better not die, she thought bitterly through blinding, surprisingly angry tears as she fled the building. You better not die, you kriffing prick.

Exit Thread​