Ask A Tale of Two Accents

[Laeonas Tannaras]

It had taken the last shreds of Laeonas' good mood for him to not grab the concierge by the collar, and slam his balding head into his desk. Aquamarines had narrowed to pointed slits, and it didn't take a force user to feel the anger radiating from him. The twitching in his left eye had stopped, but the verbal slurry that whispered from his lips were filled with venom. It took him awhile for his words to return to something coherent, instead of the endless stream of curses that it had been. "Ai'm friends with tha guy stayin' in tha penthouse. Sennin Rahvelo; ya just got a call, said so yerself."

The concierge looked visibly distressed through the entire situation. Laeonas had met enough people to know the man's type; a classist oaf, to easily intimidated to openly suggest anything about someone's station. The balding human instead chose to hide behind manners, euphemisms. All he'd gone through had been an elaborate attempt at the man to get him to leave. It wasn't clever, it wasn't polite, and as much as he tried, it wasn't even subtle.

It was something that the man had gotten plenty of experience with in recent years, yet he hadn't grown even slightly more comfortable with it. Aggression was something he could take and pass back. Passive aggression was something he didn't know how to respond to. Outward aggression was usually frowned upon under such a situation. But as his patience wore thin, he cared less and less about the repercussions of his actions. "Sir, PLEASE try and calm down. That kind of language isn't appreciated here, and I can't accommodate your reque-"

"Can't accomodate?" Laeonas spat, a hand smacking down onto the desk in front of him. The display, while barely even aggressive, prompted a yelp from the concierge. The temptation to do something more was strong, but he didn't engage. "Ai don't need ya t'accommodate." The man whispered, lifting up the key in his free hand. Pulling his palm away from the desk, the man walked past it and began walking across the lobby. The concierge, visibly distraught, began to speak up, but he would find that there was a knot in his throat.

As the man started to cough, Laeonas would walk across the room with irritated haste. By the time he reached the elevator, the man would be grasping at his throat, leaning over the desk. Entering the top floor, the doors would close, and Laeonas' mental grip on the man's windpipe finally loosened. He stood still as he took the ride up, not a muscle moving while his lungs inhaled and exhaled. Not a muscle... except for those that pulled at the corners of his lips.

--------

He hadn't spent long in the penthouse. Under normal circumstances he would've taken his time to appreciate the finery within the room. But after his mood had been so badly soured, he was no longer interested in anything this place had to offer. He moved past the comfortable the master bathroom and ignored the kitchen entirely, instead moving straight into the main bedroom. Swinging the door wide open, he'd move across the room to the closet in a matter of seconds. With a cursory glance, he spotted the outfit Senin had wanted him to grab.

Seizing it, Laeonas would turn right on his heels. Walking back out into the main room, he'd proceed to head back into the hallway. He'd entered the room, grabbed Senin's clothes, and left-- all within 45 seconds. Such was his disdain for the building and everything in it that had resulted from the concierge's treatment. It was rare for him to be feel such absolute displeasure for a person or place. Yet the concierge’s treatment had left him fuming.

Arriving back in the lobby, he’d see the concierge at his desk, putting away a comm link. Laeonas made a show of carrying the hangar and clothes over his shoulder. He didn’t gloat any further, simply staring daggers over at the concierge as he continued to rub his throat. Exiting the building, he made his way out onto the front landing pad. That was when he felt it.

“…Senin?”

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

After Senin dressed with some of Laeonas’ clothes, he quickly called for a taxi. The Acolyte wondered what happened for the other man to invade the building. He had given him the keys of his penthouse and had notified the staff that he was going there. There was no reason for him to act with violence, which was what the concierge told him through the comlink.

When the vehicle arrived, the Acolyte got into it as fast as he could. He didn’t even answer when the driver said “hello”. Senin was too concerned with what was happening with Laeonas. The concierge had also said to him that the older man seemed to be insane and refused to identify himself. The man said he was going to call the police, because he was afraid for the others living there.

Since he didn’t want to end up needing to bail the man out of prison, Senin decided to go there to see if he could prevent this from happening. After what seemed to be an eternity, the speeder stopped in front of the building. He paid the driver and without saying anything else, left the vehicle.

Before he could enter the building, Senin saw Laeonas crossing the door. The older man was carrying the clothes that he asked him to pick. When the Brentaalan saw him, the Acolyte noticed that his eyes widened with surprise. “Gato, what happened? Are you fine?” he asked the older man. He didn’t know that if someone tried to use force against the dark haired man. The person would probably regret doing it, but since Laeo’s lung was still recovering the young man was concerned that a fight could affect it. “The concierge called me saying that was going to call the police because you invaded the building. I thought that some misunderstanding should have happened, so I came here to solve it.”


@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

The angered expression that Laeonas wore evaporated, replaced by a mixture of confusion and concern. This had not been the plan. He'd come all this way to pick up clothes for the redhead. It was a favor, a gesture of friendship. That Senin had come all this way regardless, wearing his clothes...

Lips were tugged downward into a frown, and Laeonas would stop in his tracks. Even though Senin's tone was that of concern, the man's expression didn't soften. "Y'know, if ya wanted ta wear mae clothes, ya could've just asked." He'd reply icily. Any other time the line would've been lighthearted, a quip that might prompt a giggle from the redhead. But there was nothing funny about how he was speaking right now.

The mention of the concierge caused the man’s jaw to clench. Nostrils flared as he took in a deep, drawn out breathe, lips parting for him to exhale. Closing his eyes for a few seconds, he’d promptly open them, his figure relaxing slightly from the exercise. He didn’t want to snap on Senin, piss him off, torpedo any friendship they had. Laeonas drew on every fiber of patience in his body to hold back.

Yet what came next wasn't by any means calm, or collected.

“…d’ya really wanna know what ‘appened, Senin?” He’d ask, the final line that would come before all hell broke loose. “…Ai’ll enlighten ya, if it’s th’at important. Now… oh yeah. Th’at baldin’, overweight, dickless coward of a scumbag ya call a con-see-airghe decided ‘e got tired of spyin’ on little girls or kickin’ ‘omeless blokes, or whatever it is th’at useless pile of bantha shite does whenever he ain’t makin’ tha guests at th’at place’s lives a livin’ ‘ell.” Laeonas spat, glancing back inside to see the cowering man behind the counter.

“What was tha word ya used… misunderstood? Ya, th’at works.” He’d say, glancing back over at Senin. ]“Th’at simperin’ twat misunderstood tha situation when Ai arrived. ‘e thought th’at ‘e could bullshite me inta leavin’, based on some garbage about needin’ ta ‘ear yer name.” He’d go on. Lips pursed before he continued, adding, “course, didn’t matter when Ai did give yer name. Why would it? ‘e was just keepin’ tha buildin’ clean of trash.” He’d spit out the last words with utter disdain.

“So Ai did what any man would do. Ai ignored ‘im, got what Ai needed, and Ai left.” The man finished his tail, before his eyes ran over Senin’s figure. The man had somehow managed to slip into a cardigan that Laeonas hadn’t touched in years. That it was accompanied by a pair of gym shorts was a bizarre choice, but clearly a hasty one. It didn’t change what would come next.

“…and than, mae darlin’ shows up, in mae clothes, after tha single worst conversation Ai’ve ‘ad tha displeasure of ‘avin’ since a Sith near karkin’ gutted me a few years back.” The man spoke, not even addressing the bombshell information he’d dropped about his past. “Now, we’re gonna go get dinner. Kay?”

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Laeonas's reaction to his arrival made Senin raise an eyebrow. Why was the man acting this way with him? He only came here to help him avoid going to prison. Perhaps the concierge was right and the older man was really out of control.

However, before the G'weneen could say anything, Laeonas started to explain to him what happened and how the concierge treated him. This made the youngan furious, he had warned them that his friend was coming to get his clothes, there was no need to interrogate him. But he knows why the man did it, prejudice. The Brentaalan’s accent and way of acting are far different from the “level” of people that stays at this building.

The young man remembers how he suffered with prejudice when he lived on the streets. In the early years as a homeless child, he used to beg for money and food. However, people would act as if he was a criminal. Some even threatened calling the police if he didn’t stop bothering them. After some time he stopped caring for morality and only wanted to survive. In the end he became what they thought that he was, a pickpocket. And many other things.

He looked furious at the concierge, who was watching their conversation. Senin would never allow one of his friends to be treated this way, this bald guy was going to pay. Then Laeonas mentioned his meeting with a Sith. The Acolyte turned back to the older man, surprised. From the way he had spoken of this event, it doesn't seem like it had gone very well. The G’weneen was curious to know what happened in it and the Brentaalan’s opinion about the Order as a whole. It seems that he would need to delay his plans of introducing him to it.

After the dark haired man finished talking, Senin smiled at him. “Now I understand what really happened there. It seems that I was misinformed about it.” he looked at the concierge with a furious scowl, making the bald man quickly turn away. “Yes, let’s go have dinner. There I’ll call the owner of this place, who is a friend of my father, and tell how one of his employees treated my friend so badly.” he offered his hand to Laeonas “Come on, Gato. I’m really hungry.”


@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

Senin took the information quietly, though his facial expressions spoke as loud as any words. As Laeonas regaled him with his side of the confrontation, the redhead seemed to grow increasingly angry. Not quite on the level of seething, barely restricted hate that Laeonas felt, but close. He hadn't cared what reaction he'd get, but the apathy he'd built up for such feedback existed because he was so used to it being negative. The feelings radiating from the man sure as hell weren't kind, but they weren't directed at Laeonas; they were directed at the man they both hated.

He'd pick up on the man's reaction to his mention of the Sith. It wasn't surprising; if he was going off of reputation alone in regards to the Sith, he'd be shocked that anyone that had encountered one could live. Senin wasn't a basic civvie; that much was becoming increasingly clear, based off his access to such an illustrious penthouse, and his training in martial arts. Still, he seemed entirely ignorant in regards to the force, or it's practitioners.

The first words that Senin spoke were pleasant, contrasted against the deathly glares he'd send the concierge's way. Glancing over his shoulder one final time, he shot a final look at the middle aged man. Whether he'd intended to or not, he'd pissed off two very passionate people. The offer of revenge finally prompted a smirk to play across his lips. Laeonas didn't care what happened, so long as it would cause the concierge a similarly high amount of turmoil and inconvenience as Laeo had gone through; preferably, much more.

"Th'at makes two of us." He'd answer, following behind the redhead as they'd head back towards his taxi. "D'ya wanna stop someplace else first? Maybe find a fresher so ya can change." Laeonas suggested, glancing at his shoulder to look at the outfit he was carrying. "Ai sure as shite don't plan on carryin' this around, or leavin' it with yer pilot..." He'd say, the man glancing over his shoulder at them. "...no offense." Laeonas added. "None taken." The devaronian called back, motioning for them both to enter.

Regardless of what was said or done, Laeonas would hop into the speeder first, cutting in front of Senin and shoveling himself inside. Hanging up the outfit on a hand rail inside, he'd sit back. "Don't keep me waitin!" He'd say aloud, a callback to the line he'd used the night before.

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin looked with confusion when Laeonas asked if he wanted to stop somewhere to change his clothes. Then he remembered how he picked the first thing that he found in the older man’s wardrobe. Cardigan and gym shorts, a combination that he would never use with his right mind. “Yes, please. I prefer to use nothing to wear this combination.” looking at the building in front of them, the Acolyte turned to the Brentaalan with a sad smile. “I’ll change in my penthouse. I’m so sorry for making you come here.” he approached the older man and gave a peck on his lips “I promise to compensate you tonight.” he whispered at Laeo’s ear, before picking his clothes and the keys.

While the Acolyte crossed the main room, he glared toward the concierge who was obviously afraid. This man was going to suffer for what he did. Entering the elevator he hit the button of the floor where his penthouse was located. While it moved, Senin would think about what Laeonas said of the Sith. He wondered if the older man had some bad opinion about the Order. If it was true, the young man would need to find a way to introduce the Brentaalan to the Dark Side without losing the other’s trust. He isn’t a Champion or a Sith Lord, but the young man can feel that Laeo had potential.

Arriving at the floor, Senin would run to his penthouse. There he would quickly change to his own clothes, leaving the ones that he borrowed folded on the bed. The Acolyte would return them to the older man later. Looking at himself in a full body mirror, the young man would think how perfect he was. Before leaving, he sent a message to the owner of the building, showing all his indignation about what the concierge did. He smirked after sending it, the concierge was going to have a surprise.

Arriving at the main room again, he would look at the concierge again. Senin smirked devilishly to the man before crossing the door. Approaching the taxi, he would see that Laeonas was already inside it “I’m sorry for the delay, Gato. I ended up sending a message that will probably destroy the life of the bald guy.” he said with a smile, as if it was nothing. “Now we can go. I know a dinner where they have the best…”

Before he could finish, there was a loud sound at the other side of the street. When Senin turned to see what it was, he saw that a speeder had crashed against the glass of a store. Soon a crowd was starting to form around it.

@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

Laeonas hadn't thought much of Senin's choice in outfit. It was an absolutely bizarre combination, one Laeonas could never be caught under the light of day in. Yet oddly enough, he hadn't questioned Senin's choice. It hadn't even registered in his mind that the outfit made such little sense until he himself had brought it up. The redhead still looked just as incredible as he had the night they'd met, and last night.

It was an odd feeling. Most of the time he spent admiring a person's appearance, it would be himself that he was judging. The time he spent on others was mostly on automatic reactions, like his eyes catching a pretty face, bust, or rear. His judgements on beauty were still reserved for himself, but Senin's appearance struck a higher chord than what he'd get glancing at a pretty dancer. When he burned for someone as intensely as he did when Senin whispered in his ear, it was usually right before he'd start to undress. Like a particularly addictive strain of spice, Laeonas was starting to get hooked.

As Senin left, Laeonas was left to ponder about what they'd do tonight. While the previous night had been incredible, half of it had been the both of them getting acquainted with each other. Laeonas wanted another opportunity to explore. He wanted to find the places where his nails could dig in best, where his teeth could prompt a gasp, where a smack could best coax out rolled eyes and bitten lips. They'd been sober strangers to each other when they'd gone to bed last night. How incredible would it be now that they knew each other, and that they'd have a whole keg of spice to share together?

After several minutes of lewd imaginings, the man found his way back out to their cab. At his apology and his further words, Laeonas smirked slightly, before he'd frown. Telling the man off was one thing, but destroying his career? A part of him was all to willing to accept it, but it didn't sit well in his stomach. "Ya... don't gotta go th'at 'ard on 'im. Bastard might 'ave a family; ain't their fault th'at 'e's a piece of shite." He'd comment. It was the most charitable that he could possibly be to such a man. "Ai get destroyin' 'is arse, but c'mon, ain't th'at what Ai'm supposed ta be doin' t'y-"

C R U NCH - S H A TT E R

The ear splitting crash caused Laeonas to curl up in the car, instinctively covering his head, thinking that the speeder had been hit by something despite zero movement. Looking out onto the platform, aquamarines met Senin's. Laeonas' gaze was frantic, wide eyed and focused entirely on not just his safety, but the other man's. Looking around the cab, he'd figure out that they hadn't been hit by anything, and would promptly leap out and into a barrel roll. Springing up into a stance, he'd look around, before spotting the smoking wreck a few blocks away. Laeonas mouth opened slightly, shock painted across his face as his mind was taken back to the near death experience three nights prior.

"...holy fuck." He'd mutter, eyes widened as he'd stare in disbelief. Speeder accidents were a reality wherever one went in the galaxy, but the likelihood of this... it was practically unbelievable. Two accidents, within days of each other, witnessed by the same people, in completely different quarters of the wider capital city? Eyes narrowed to slits, and Laeonas would turn back to the cab pilot. Grabbing Senin by the sleeve, he'd yank him inside, not having the time to properly compliment him on how he looked.

"Take us t'tha crash site. Now."

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin frowned at Laeonas’ negative reaction to him saying that his message to the owner was probably going to destroy the concierge career. Why should he care for the man’s family? The bald guy should have done his job right and not acted as a prejudiced idiot. If he had a family, it was going to be a lesson for them too. Prejudice is bad and can ruin your life.

The loud sound of the crash came before he could answer the other man. It startled Senin, making him jump. He looked at Laeonas, noticing that the man had curled inside the vehicle. Probably thinking that something had crashed against it.The Acolyte looked around and saw that the accident had happened some meters from where they were. From the smoke that came from there, it was probably worse than the one that happened the day he met Laeo.

Senin noticed that Laeonas had left the taxi and was now by his side, staring at the place where the accident happened. The older man had a shocked expression on his face, probably thinking about what happened to him three days ago. The Acolyte thought that it was really a huge coincidence that they ended up watching another speeder crash.

Suddenly, the G’weneen felt the older man pull him by the sleeve, forcing him to enter the taxi. “Gato, what happened?” after Laeonas asked the driver to go to the crash site, Senin understood what he wanted. The older man wanted to see what had happened. The vehicle soon started to move, while the Acolyte wondered if the other thought that there was some relation between these accidents.

Soon they arrived there. The vehicle not only crashed through the glass of the store, but it continued to move until hitting a wall inside it. A crowd had already formed around the speeder, which seemed to be completely destroyed. Senin would leave the vehicle and approach it. “Do you think that the driver died?" he heard a Mon Calamari ask a Quarren “No, it was one of those new self piloting 'Zoober' speeders. But the passenger is still inside it. I hope that they are alive.” the Acolyte turned to the wrecked vehicle, looking at it with wide eyes. Another “Zoober” crashing. He was starting to think that it wasn’t a simple coincidence.


@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

He hadn't even bothered addressing Senin's concerns. He hadn't so much as spared him a glance. It wasn't apathy that drove these actions however; Laeonas had simply lapsed into instinct. The first and most primary objective had been to protect himself. When he was sure of his own immediate safety, he'd moved on to making sure that Senin was safe. When that was assured, he moved on to long term safety, and the threat that this posed.

Crashing speeders were a danger to him, and to everyone. By flying over to the crash site, he was doing something simple; assessing the threat and it's source. Finding that source was a matter of safety, and once he did, he'd find a way to make sure that this didn't happen again. If the solution wasn't permanent, it'd at least be a long, long time until this happened again. There hadn't been any thoughts or planning that had gone into this; it had been a simple, almost machine like process that had cut through bravado and volatile emotions to deliver results that were as close to satisfactory as possible.

Hopping out of the speeder, Laeonas gave a quick "Wait 'ere." To the pilot, with no further words. The Brentaalan would once again drag his "friend" by the wrist, moving through the store entrance and arriving in the department that the speeder had smashed through. The two men cut through the crowd like a knife through butter, picking up on the gossip and concerned whispers that came with it. Even as determined as he was, the man would listen, picking up the slightest bits of information as they went along.

"Self piloting? Isn't the whole point of a self piloti..."

"It's insane, didn't you hear about the other one a few ni..."

"Their stock prices must be through the floor!" One neimodian exclaimed, before his colleague, a muun, thwacked him in the side of the head. "Don't be silly; two dozen self piloting accidents within a few nights is hardly a cause for alarm. It's self contained to this world from what I've heard." He replied, in that monotone that was so common amongst their species. Despite the sleep encouraging tones, Laeonas easily picked up on the number that the Muun mentioned. It was apparently far more common than what the two humans had seen together.

As the two men cut to the front, there were already a few zeltron officers in the front. Their uniforms were... comedic, to say the least. Both the men and women looked like they were dressed more like they belonged on an erotic film set rather than a serious scene. Laeonas' eyes didn't linger on any cleavage or the sculpted posteriors of some of the officers though, and instead focused entirely on the wreck. As one in the crowd had mentioned, the speeder did indeed belong to zoober. As Laeonas tried to give it a closer look, however, he was stopped.

A male officer in a skin tight pair of booty shorts and a top that barely even covered the chest stopped in front of them. "Stay back, civilians. This situation needs to be carefully moderated, and outside influence has the risk of impacting the injured." He'd explain, prompting a scowl from the man. Despite his ridiculous get up, the young officer spoke in a professional manner. "Officer, please, Ai've gotta protest. Ai nearly died ta one of these same accidents a few days ago; Ai merely wanna get a closer look." He'd explain.

The officer stood still, pondering the human's words, before shaking his head. "I completely understand your interest civilian, but your interference isn't authorized."

"Ai ain't interferin' with nothin'! Won't touch nothin', won't talk ta nobody." Laeonas clarified, raising his hands up to show deference. The officer chewed his lip, before shaking his head once again. "I'm sorry, but I can't make any exceptions." He'd finish, turning away from Laeonas. The raven haired man sputtered a bit, before clenching his teeth and stomping a foot in defeat. He was about to turn and yank Senin off as well, before he'd stop.

"...d'ya know if Ai can contact yer precinct, or at least show up later? Ai wanna provide all tha info Ai can about mae own experience, similar as it is." The human suggested. The Zeltron stopped, pausing for a moment. "...filing a police report is something available to all who need to report suspicious activities or incidents. Usually it could be administered right now, but as you might be able to see, we're quite occupied." He'd say, gesturing out to the other officers. The holographic police line had officers stationed every 1-2 meters from each other, keeping back the growing crowd of observers. Others were focused on the vehicle, cutting open the door to get to the passenger in the backseat.

"Thanks; can Ai get an address?" Laeonas asked, prompting a nod from the officer. Handing him a holocard with an address stamped on it, Laeonas would return the nod. The officer got back to his work, and Laeonas decided to walk off again. He didn't drag Senin with him this time, but he'd still head out of the store as quickly as his legs could carry him.

"Ai don't fuckin' believe it." He'd swear as he slipped into the speeder again. "Two dozen in tha past few days, and two right in front of us? What're tha odds?!" He'd exclaim, crossing his arms. "Ai don't know what ta do about it.... should we even do anythin' about it? 'Ell, when would we do anythin' about it?!" He'd exclaim.

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin was still astonished by this accident. Two self-piloting speeders from the same company crashing in less than a week. This was all too strange to be a simple coincidence. He wondered if it was some type of malfunction or there was something behind all of it.

His musings were interrupted by Laeonas once again pulling him by his wrist. The older man dragged the Acolyte, moving through the store entrance until they reached the place where the speeder had smashed. While they passed through the crowd, Senin could hear what the people were talking about. What a muun said sparked his interest. The mention of two dozen other accidents was alarming. Now he was certain that it wasn’t a simple coincidence.

When they reached the front of the crowd, the young man saw several Zeltron officers around the vehicle. They were dressed in uniforms that in normal circumstances would make Senin smirk while he stared at them. But now he was more interested in the pile of metal that once was a speeder.

While Laeonas argued with a male officer, who seemed to be dressed as the character of a erotic movie, Senin looked at the vehicle. Some of the officers had finally opened the back door and were looking at the passenger. By the look on their faces, the person was probably dead. Then he turned in time to see the officer instructing the Brentaalan how he could fill a report. Laeo seemed to be very annoyed by it.

Then the older man would start to walk back to the speeder, with Senin following him. Soon they would enter in their taxi. Laeonas’ questions made the Acolyte stare at him. Why should they care about it? It wasn’t their problem. People die all the time and if these accidents were a problem for the Zoober. However, it could be an opportunity to have some action with the Brentaalan. Perhaps even start to influence him in the Dark side. “Why not? We could investigate by ourselves, Gato. Who knows what we could find?”

@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

To say that Laeonas felt uneasy would've been the understatement of the millennium. He'd encountered plenty of bizarre or downright supernatural phenomena before, but this was entirely new. Coincidences were often not real, but were simply an act of the force. How though, could this possibly by an act of the force? How could dozens of accidents of entirely mechanical vehicles be willed by the collective life energy of the universe to crash? It was highly improbable all on it's own, but so often, and so specifically...

There had to be foul play of some kind, but beyond that general idea, Laeonas couldn't come to any conclusions. He knew next to nothing about where to go from here. Usually, he was trying to avoid the police, but now it seemed as if he'd need to pursue them in order to learn more. That was if he even chose to bother; but he'd decided that he would. Why wouldn't he, after coming so close to death? It was a personal matter for him now.

The quick arrival of the redhead hadn't been something Laeonas had noticed when he'd gone on his monologue. His arrival and input wasn't shirked however. Even if they weren't becoming "friends," Senin was a valuable witness. It was as close to expert opinion as he could get on hand. Any decision that Laeonas could make would benefit from having him as an influence.

"Ai 'aven't got tha slightest idea of 'ow ta conduct an investigation." Laeonas replied after a long silence. "We need ta learn more, and we 'aven't got all tha information. Tha cops are tha first we're gonna 'ave ta go ta if we want ta get past just talkin' about it." He'd declare, crossing his arms and legs. He finally focused his attention on the man, lips curling into a frown.

"If ya wanna pursue this... Ai need ta get a clear yes from ya. Ai've never done this before, and Ai don't wanna wind up wastin' yer taime. Ya expected th'at we'd just fuck around and 'ave fun; Ai don't wanna take any of th'at from ya, but Ai need ta 'ere ya say yer down fer it before we do anythin'." Laeonas explained, looking Senin straight in the eye. Depending on his answer, Laeonas was willing to drop it; at least temporarily. Senin was beginning to become his friend, and wasting his friend's time wasn't something he wanted to do.

He doubted that Senin would refuse with how he'd suggested the investigation first. Still, the Brentaalan wanted to give the man time to consider his options. Impulsivity was something that Laeonas had a tendency towards, and he was keenly aware of how it could negatively impact decision making. Senin seemed, at the very least, to be similar to Laeonas on that front. A few extra seconds of time to think could do him a lot of good.

"'Sides, we're already wastin' enough of this guy's taime. Ai gotta tell 'im where we're 'eaded." Laeonas added, the faintest hint of a smirk playing across his lips.

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Laeonas' answer to his question made Senin smile. He didn't expect that the others would care that they were losing time in this investigation, while they could have fun. "Gato, I also have no idea of how we should do an investigation. The only thing that I know came from holomovies. But I think that we could do something to stop more people from getting hurt." the Acolyte didn't care if others would get hurt, he only wanted to have more time alone with the older man and more opportunities to make more of his negative feelings come out. He wanted the other to fall to the Dark side.

Since he felt how furious the Brentaalan was while hitting his punching bag at the gymnasium, Senin was starting to develop some obsession with this possibility. He could imagine how it would be, having Laeonas as fellow Acolyte. This delicious rage coming from the dark haired man through the Force, while the two invaded the planet in the name of the Sith Order. Maybe they could even have some fun together after that.

However, he still needs to find a way to corrupt the other man. Senin also needed to know what happened between him and the Sith. The Acolyte would need to convince Laeonas that the Order could give him power and a better life. Like how he had now. If the Ravelo weren't Sith supporters they would never have adopted him and he would had lived as a street urchin. Maybe he would already be dead.

Senin had decided. He was going to bring Laeonas to the Sith Order.

Smirking with these thoughts, he leaned to whisper at Laeonas' ear, while his hand ran through the man's shirt, feeling his chest "Also, who said that we couldn't have some fun during? We can always make out, no one cares about it on Zeltros. Think about that." then he bit the Brentaalan's earlobe, using his tongue to play with his earring. But soon he let go of it and looked at the dark-haired man "First we need to make a plan. Maybe we could talk about it during dinner, what do you think? I'm really hungry. "


@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

Senin's admitted experience-- that being none-- was still greater than what Laeonas had. Neither had proper experience even going to the cops for help, but Senin wasn't a career criminal (as far as he knew.) All of Laeonas' experiences with crimes and cops came from being the perpetrator and trying to avoid them. It was actually a good thing that Laeonas had been distracted by the ridiculous outfits of the police. Being around a normal police officer could've easily prompted a hostile response from either party.

"It ain't even a'bout everyone else." He'd state, not even bothering to put up a pretense as to why he was interested. "Ai nearly got ran down a few nights ago. Ai gotta figure out why, otherwise it might 'appen again." He'd explain, wincing a bit regardless. Casually explaining his apathy about such situations to others usually warranted disgust from the other party, and based on what Senin had said, he seemed to care quite a bit. Normally the Brentaalan would leave it there, but Senin was more than just a gang member or bunkmate on the cabin of a public transit ship. "It'll be a bonus if others don't get run down." He'd add, body relaxing a bit.

There seemed to be a bit of activity going on behind the redhead's eyes. It was only when the man leaned over to whisper in his ear that Laeonas figured out what. The touch of his hand against his chest forced the air out of his lungs, and the nibbling on his ear prompted a gasp. He'd let the man tease him; there was no force in the galaxy that could stop him from enjoying the feeling of Senin's lips on his skin. Thoughts of investigations, speeder wrecks and fears of danger were washed away by a wave of desire for the man who sat next to him.

As if he couldn't tease any further, the G'weneese man pulled his lips away, smirking like a fiend before he started to suggest dinner. Laeonas' eyes opened and his lips closed, with only a slight aura of dissatisfaction hinting at how he actually felt. They'd open again to speak, before closing again, and opening again, than closing again. The awkward silence that followed finally forced words from his mouth, adding, "Ai don't know shite about tha restaurants around 'ere." In perhaps the most frank description of a situation he'd ever given.

Glancing around for a moment, Laeonas finally seemed to remember that the both of them were in a cab together. Looking up front, he'd spot their pilot glancing down, focused on a game of hutt ball playing on their comm. "Ayy, pilot, know any food joints around 'ere?" Asked the human, craning his neck up to look into the front mirror. Blinking a few times, the cab pilot glanced back at them once, glanced back at their comm, and than added an unenthusiastic "Yeah." The Brentaalan frowned at the distraction, and added, "Ai'll double yer tip if ya find us tha nicest joint this side of tha capital-- th'at doesn't take reservations."

The cab pilot repeated his glance routine, before letting out a long, exasperated sigh. "...kay." They'd mutter, silencing their comm.

Laeonas was starting to realize why driverless cabs were so popular...

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin was surprised with Laeonas answer. The reason for him wanting to investigate these accidents wasn't to help others, but for it to not happen with him again. This pleased the young man. At first, he had thought that the Brentalaan was one of these types that prized selflessness. For the Acolyte it would be a shame, the dark haired man was much better than that. The Galaxy was a place where only the selfish, those who do everything to get what they want, could survive. Thankfully, Laeo seemed to be a survivor.

Perhaps he could use it to help in his plans to make the older man fall to the Dark Side. After all, the promises of power would be appealing for a survivor like Laeonas. Senin would only need to find more of his ambitions.

Watching Laeonas reactions to his teasing made Senin smirk. He knew that the other man desired him, just as the Acolyte wanted him too. It was good to know that he had this effect over the other, it made the Acolyte feel powerful.

"I'm good with any place." he said, while Laeonas asked the driver, who was obviously uncomfortable with what they were doing, if he knew any good place for them to eat. Senin had eaten food from trash cans, for him anything was welcome.

While the speeder moved, Senin would put his head on Laeonas' shoulder and his left hand on the older man's leg. It was so comfortable. The Acolyte had decided that it would be a good moment to discuss more about their investigation "In the holomovies that I watched, they would always talk with the survivors to find clues. Maybe we could do that, Gato. We can probably find their names in interviews." he said to the older man.

"The only problem is how we will have access to the archives about the speeders. It'll probably be with the police or the Zoober. After all, I think that is important to check these informations. They are probably doing an investigation about that." with the Force, Senin could easily have access to all of that, but he didn’t want to reveal his abilities to the other man before changing his opinion about the Sith Order.

Senin would continue talking about what he saw in holomovies. After some time, the taxi would finally stop in front of a restaurant.

@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

Perhaps it was the immediate feeling of closeness that Senin followed up his teasing with. There could also be the added relief of pressure that came with deciding where to eat. In any case, Laeonas' began to feel the tension wash away, allowing the redhead to melt into his figure as they sat beside each other while the pilot began to fly.

Hearing Senin's ideas about survivors made Laeonas' eyes light up in realization. "Th'at's a perfect kriffin' idea!" He'd exclaim, a grin spreading wide across his face. "If it's got anythin' ta do with 'em we can figure out if there's somethin' in common. Hmm..." He'd begin, pursing his lips together as he'd focus on his own thoughts. "Maybe tha company wants a few business opponents dead?" He'd say, speaking in a way that sounded as if even he couldn't guess the right answer.

The mention of the struggles that went forward caught Laeonas a bit off guard, however. It was unlikely that either the police or Zoober would be willing to hand over confidential documents related to an investigation to two civilians. The process of getting them would require trickery, or thieving; all of their options would obviously be unappreciated by those they'd be pilfering from. Ofcourse, they could always could try and find the source of the documents. It wasn't like the police would have overseen all the survivors at once, some were probably taken to...

"What about tha 'ospital?" Laeonas asked, turning back to Senin. "Plenty probably got injured, they'd need care somewhere. They'd 'ave ta file their info, wouldn't they?" Laeonas asked, thinking back to his own experiences in the recent days. Thinking more on the issue, he recalled the one survivor they'd already "met," and his eyes widened a bit further.

"Th'at guy we saw th'at first night; 'e was in tha same area as us, right?" Laeonas stated, even if it had been phrased as a question. "'e wasn't injured, but 'e'd still need checkin'; he probably wound up in tha same 'ospital Ai did!" Laeonas finished, a wide grin on his face. They didn't even need to cover new ground to begin their search; all they needed was to get back to the hospital he'd been checked into a day earlier. It was convenient, easy, and best of all, they wouldn't need to encounter any police.

As the cab arrived at their destination, Laeonas handed the pilot a few credit chips-- twice as much as what was owed, as he'd promised. Stepping out onto the platform, the Brentaalan took a look at the place they'd arrived. "C'mon," He'd say the man beside him, "Ai'm kriffin' starved." Making their way inside, it was obvious that the place the cab pilot had brought them was a near perfect match for the two men. He'd requested a joint that didn't take reservations, but they hadn't exactly been brought to the slums. The people were clad in clothes of similar quality, yet were highly stylized, and the dining room didn't look run down by any means.

It'd suit their tastes, and their wallets.

"Look's good." Laeonas quipped to his "friend," glancing back at him. They'd made their way through the door, but were now in the back of a line of about half a dozen people. "Hmm... only downside is there isn't a dancefloor, but we've got a whole cargo bay ta ourselves fer th'at." He'd add, stepping behind an overweight pantoran woman.

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin smiled when Laeonas said that his idea was perfect. Of course it was, there was no doubt about that. Like his appearance, all of the Acolyte's ideas were always examples of perfection.

For it to work some effort would be necessary. They would need to find a way to have access to the files regarding the investigation. Without being able to use the Force, Senin would need to find another way to achieve that. Perhaps he could seduce someone or use money. Since he was adopted, the Acolyte had learned that everyone had a price.

However, the Laeonas seemed to have found the perfect solution. The victim of the accident that happened when they meet probably went to the hospital that the Brentalaan went to. "Gato, it’s an excellent idea! We can go there after we eat." he smiled at the man, before leaning to give him a peck on the lips. "Of course we would still need to find a way to be allowed to see these files, but I think that would be easier than with the police." even in a hospital there would be some corrupt workers that would accept his money.

When they arrived at their destination, Senin followed Laeonas when he left the taxi. The place that the driver have brought them wasn't a five star restaurant, but it seemed to be comfortable and clean. The Acolyte was grateful that they didn't ended in a dirty place in the slums. Eating trash wasn't something that the young man wanted to repeat now that he had money.

While they waited on the line inside the place, Senin watched the people around them. They didn't look like the super rich that he would see when going to dinner with the Ravelo.

He smirked with Laeonas comment. "Yes, Gato. I think that even if there had a dancefloor, I would still prefer to dance in your cargo bay. Because it would be only the two of us." he linked their arms and gave some kisses to the Brentaalan's neck and cheek. Then he leaned to whisper in a lewd way at the older man ear. "We could even dance without any clothes. It would be so hot." he winked at the man before giving him a kiss on the lips.

They would wait some time in the line, until finally a Zeltron waiter approached them. "Hello! We have some tables inside and others in the balcony. Where do you prefer to sit?" Senin looked at Laeonas, waiting for his answer. The Acolyte had decided to have the older man make the decisions of what they were going to do in this "date".


@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

The peck was followed up by an immediate grin from the Brentaalan, but he'd pause at the next comment. "Ya think it'd be easier than dealin' with tha police?" He'd repeat, raising an eyebrow before pausing. "...honestly, Ai don't even know. On tha one 'and they acted professional as all hell, but on tha other 'and they look laike they belong in an x rated 'olo flick." He'd add, a playful smirk returning. "Hmm... temptin' as it is, with all tha spice yer offerin', we're not gonna 'ave much room fer any more pink."

The line would move a bit slow, with parties being taken down, tables waiting to open and slowly being filled. There was only one receptionist at the front; a sign that the place was short staffed, considering how much traffic there was. The crowd wasn't dressed opulantly by any stretch; some people wore dresses, others wore t-shirts or tank tops. Laeonas' clothes weren't exactly of a high class fit, even if they were far more expensive than what most probably wore. Yet at the end of their assessment, Laeonas' and Senin were just two human men. Ordinary.

Senin's suggestion about a more private dance brought a smirk to the man's lips. He wasn't opposed to a dance in front of a crowd, but there was something appealing about a dance between just the two of them, witnessed only by each other. The brush of his "friend's" lips against his neck caused a shiver to run up through the human's figure, rolling up through his jaw and across his face, and down through his shoulders all the way to his fingertips. He'd exhale as Senin breathed into his ear, hearing the words.

When he heard the suggestion though, the flushing in his cheeks disappeared. Aquamarines opened, and a smirk began to play across his lips. He'd exhale a bit, and than let out a laugh. It was a light, bemused expression, one he wore briefly. It fell off as he tried composing himself, looking at the man beside him. "Ai'm... darlin', Ai'm sorry if th'at sounded rude. But when Ai imagine tha two of us laike th'at it just seems... ai dunno, odd?" He'd explain, a grin still plastered on his face.

"Ai mean, tha two of us doin' a waltz in nothin' but a pair of birthday suits?" He'd say, closing his eyes and letting out another giggle. He would've otherwise continued, had the two not finally arrived at the head of the line. The quick chirp of the Zeltron waiter who'd arrived without demand caught Laeonas a bit by surprise. Most restaurants he went to had sluggish service, and the the cheery disposition radiating off the man was as foreign to Laeonas as his pink skin.

Collecting himself and suppressing the childish demeanor he'd been giving off, Laeonas would quickly respond, adding, "Balcony; table fer two." Their waiter nodded, flashing both a cheery smile. "Very well, right this way!" He'd add, beckoning them to follow as he spun on his heels and went off. Laeonas would follow, still trying to suppress his giggling over what Senin had said.

Arriving at their table on the outer balcony, the two would get a view over the capital's cityscape. Blocks on blocks stretched out before them, neon of all colors mixing together. It was still early; barely had it hit GSU 1700 when they'd sat down. Yet their server still lit a candle for the two men, and left them some menus as well. It was by this point that Laeonas finally began to giggle again, pressing his fingers to his brow. "Ai mean, just picture th'at; ain't it a bit silly? Puttin' aside th'at we're both gorgeous, it's just an... odd image, y'know?"

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin laughed with Laeonas comment about the officers uniforms. They really looked like a character from an erotic movie. "Yes, I saw that too! I was already expecting the guy to start to undress." Zeltros was a really interesting planet. Everything there seemed to be lewd, even the police.

"I said that it would be easier because there are less chances of us going to prison if we use money to convince them to give us the information." the young man explained to Laeonas. The police could try to immediately imprison them if they saw Senin offering credits in exchange of information. He didn't want to spend the rest of his days on Zeltros in prison. The Ravelo would also be pissed with it. The Acolyte wasn’t in the mood to hear them complaining.

When Laeonas started to laugh after his comment about dancing, Senin thought that the other man probably didn’t know the type of dances that were common in G’wenee. “Gato, I don’t mean waltz. There are some G’weneen dances where we stay so close to each other that it is even difficult to move. The ancient species that lived on my homeworld used to do some ritualistic dances naked.” he explained to the Brentalaan, a smirk on his lips. “Think about the feeling of skin against skin, while our bodies move with the sound of music.” he picked the older man’s hand and brought it to his check, feeling their skins together. Then he kissed it. “Maybe I could teach you one of these dances.”

After Laeonas answered the waiter, the Zeltron guided the two to the balcony while crossing the restaurant. Senin needed to admit that it was a nice place. The place had neat tables, decent decor, and appeared to be pretty clean. On a shelf there were some holopictures of a Zeltron Family. The Acolyte thought that the place was probably a family business.

When they arrived at their table, Senin smiled at the sight. The city was really beautiful. After the waiter left them with some menus, the Acolyte turned to Laeonas when he heard the Brentaalan giggle. It seems that his proposal of dancing naked ended up becoming a joke. Now that he thought about it, the image of them doing a waltz while wearing nothing would be really odd. The young man started to laugh too. “Ok, you're right. It would be really a funny sight.”

After he finally controlled his laugh, Senin picked the menu and started to search for some food that could interest him. Then he had an idea. “Gato, why didn't you choose the food first? Then I’ll eat the same as you.”


@Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

The image of the two men laughing their way to the table was entirely ordinary for a place like this. The subject might have been a bit inappropriate, with some parents shooting glares at them. That didn't stop either of them though. Laeonas was modest when it came to his dress-- but never his own words. It helped that he wasn't alone, ofcourse; there was no other confidence booster in a social situation that worked quite like numbers. Even as Senin tried bringing the conversation back to a serious topic, it didn't last very long, as Laeonas would find himself giggling over his proposition of dancing in the nude.

His clarifications didn't do much to entice Laeonas to the idea, or even get him to stop laughing. If anything, the imagery that Senin provided only made him laugh even harder. "Wait, so laike, yer cannibals?" He'd ask nonchalantly, apparently oblivious to the implications of what he'd just said. Casually throwing around "cannibal" in regards to far flung, exotic rim cultures was an antiquated expression, to say the least. It stemmed from practically ancient prejudices that the founding worlds held towards the world's beyond the colonial regions, viewing them as backwards and uncivilized.

By now such attitudes were only prevalent amongst the most hyperconservative nobility of coreward worlds, or uneducated masses that dwelt on the worlds they governed. Laeonas had belonged to the latter, and the attitude had carried with him over his years. He hadn't really ever had an opportunity to express it, ofcourse, only ever sticking to obviously urbanized areas on worlds, or completely uninhabited stretches of land. The few times he had encountered natives, they were almost always hostile, and they were almost always put down as a result.

So, the man went on like he hadn't just indirectly insulted his "friend's" entire culture and way of life, sipping from the glass of water that had been provided. Senin's ultimate agreement in the comedy of the image had come before the Brentaalan made his little comment, but he’d laughed all the same. Ofcourse, Senin’s offer of allowing him to choose their dish prompted a pause from the man. “Eh… alright. Ai won’t get anythin’ th’at weird.” He’d reply, reassuring the man across from him as he glanced down at the menu.

As he stared at the menu, Laeonas’ mind drifted back to their tasks. He’d only been joking about the police being easy to deal with; his conversation with the officer had demonstrated the opposite. The police of zeltron were bizarrely dressed, but they were a calm and professional force, completely unlike the heavily corrupt and easily bribed police force of his home world. A hospital worker would be much easier to deal with, and with being a former patient, he’d look like he would belong. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t have to consider his options though. How could he get what he wanted from them?

“Sir?” A voice would pipe up. Laeonas would glance upwards, staring at the pink, bubbly expression of their waiter. “Sir? I asked if you’re ready for me to take your order.” The Zeltron repeated, clearly having waited a few seconds. Laeonas blinked, shaking his head. “Ah, yeah. Can Ai get…” he’d begin, glancing over the menu before his eyes stopped on a dish. “…huh. The G’weneese sea bass?”

​

@LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin continued to laugh with Laeonas. Really, the more he thought about his proposal, the more he agreed that it was ridiculous. Dancing naked would be something very bizarre to watch. Although he would love to run his hands though the older man's body, touching and feeling his skin.

However, he stopped laughing when he heard the man call the Arandu of cannibals. It was exactly the type of thing that people from the Core Worlds would think of those living in the Outer Rim, a bunch of savages. The Acolyte became furious, he hated when it happened. He remembers how in some social events organized by the Ravelo, people of the Core would look down at him. As if he was an animal.

It would be obvious to Laeonas that something changed in Senin's demeanor. He wasn't laughing anymore and his face showed how he was furious. "Then you think that I'm a cannibal, too? Because I have Arandu blood, together with those of the Humbariner settlers. The entire culture of my planet is based on the mixture of these two." he said, looking serious at the dark-haired man. "The Arandu can be extinct now, but they had an entire civilization and culture. They built cities, great temples, made beautiful works of art, wrote books, made songs and even knew about the Force. They could have liked to walk around half-naked, but it didn't make them savages. Do you know how hot G'wenee is? If you know, you probably would understand why they didn't use many clothes."

His blue eyes looked directly into the Brentaalan's aquamarine ones, they showed how furious Senin was. "I thought that you were different, but it seems that I was wrong. You are like all these Core Worlders that think that all things living beyond the Colonies are barbarians and incapable of doing anything civilized. Are you also a human supremacist? Are you sick with the knowledge that you slept with a guy that isn’t a "pure" human? After all, the Arandu were near-humans."

The waiter would arrive while Senin was arguing with the older man. The food that Laeonas asked for smelled delicious and it was something that was eaten in his homeworld. However, the Acolyte had even lost his appetite. He couldn't believe that the Brentalaan, who seemed to be someone from a common background, had the same thoughts of one of the hyperconservative and rich idiots of the Core.

@Tom