An enticing offer

[Gunner Stahl]

CAPITAL CITY OF IZIZ

PRIVATE BANQUET HALL

Several pieces had to fall in place for him to have this invitation; it wasn't easy, nonetheless, he was happy he had reached this point. Journeys through Myrkr, Karatos, and even Tatooine had finally paid off their debts and he was one step closer to finally achieving what he sought out to obtain. The scientists he had employed were working diligently on the prototypes, the harvested material and zersium would do well to manufacture the new durasteel and duraplast encassing. The only worry that still lingered on his mind was how he'd manage to pay for all this manufacturing. Sure, he had earned quite the hazard pay from those Makeb bounties, but those funds were intended for other purposes, more notably when he was promoted to Commander.

The R70 Dalyrake was docked in the spaceport while he was putting on finishing touches in the hotel room he had rented. The high rise gave him a nice vantage point of the capital city, certainly a view to enjoy some liquor at. Cleanly shaven and dressed in an ebony tuxedo, he slowly made his way to the outside curb where a rental speeder ushered him to the venue. Assault Combat Machines, arguably a well known weapons manufacturing and distribution congolmerate had become one of his more favored companies as of late. Their newest line of "Aggressor" series prototypes were in line with the types of weapons he preferred. Their leader for the past 3 decades, Victor Ling had stepped down due to illness, replacing him and assuming mantle of leadership was his fiery daughter; Victoria Ling.

The coronation would begin shortly; how he'd manage to squander this invitation was unknown to all else but him. Perhaps, being an imperial officer did have its perks afterall. The venue was carefully guarded but expensive in taste and luxury. Service droids were replaced by exotic waitresses, serving the finest of appetizers and several high self bars were scattered through the lobby. His usual, high end vodka on the rocks, he squandered over to a high top and stood by. Eyes shifting from patron to patron, until he finally caught notice of the woman of the hour.

Adjusting his tie, he waiting for the crowd around her to slowly move itself to the dance floor while she still remained conversing with some crusty old men. Drink in hand, he moved up behind her and spoke gently. "Congratulations Victoria, I'm glad you've finally achieved what you wanted. Care for a dance?"

@Rev

 

[The Storyteller]

It was when she drew back her hand from saying farewell to previous guest that her ears were filled with the voice of what she could have swore was a stranger. Her gaze fell upon the man before her and he stared in long question attempting to draw a name from her memory. It was during this time her head of security moved in behind Gunner and a firm grip would fall upon his right shoulder as a stun baton poked at the small of his back; luckily disengaged for the moment. Two more hands felt around Gunner's waist and down his legs as the Besalisk's 3rd and 4th hands continued frisking the Imperial Commander. Before he could get anywhere too personal Victoria's voice broke the silence.

"Let him be, Poq. We don't want the Imperial Commander to leave a bad report, do we?"

She quirked a brow at her muscle and the intimidating creature gave Gunner a firm push and took a step back. He wanted his presence to be known, and even if the Imperial Commander was a superior man it would only make a scene if he carried it further. Poq's arms crossed with the stun baton finally making a slap in his opposite hand as if to further test the water in what was supposed to be a private event.

"You really must pardon, Poq. He's been with me since I was a little girl. Some might even have said he was my father's loyalist of friends."

The juggernaut of a being didn't look particularly old, but his presence exuded confidence at the very least.

"A dance..?"

The words trailed off into the ambiance that filled the hall. It was as if she were surprised at the very suggestion of her stopping to enjoy the celebration. She let out a soft laugh before taking a long sip off the warm wine that had been held in her hand for what felt like an eternity. Extending her now free hand to Gunner she bowed her head as if to give the man lead in this dance he so elegantly asked for.

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

Gunner was a bit hesitant for the moment as Poq attempted to seize him and physically remove him from the premises. Yeah, he understood that Victoria had now become quite the important figure. Though to him, she was still the young girl he had met several years ago who lived for freedom and adventure. Unfortunately, while he went off for military training, she had been immersed in the responsibilities of being the heiress to a major corporate conglomerate.

He gave the woman a light smile as his fingers clasped around hers. His free hand gently settled itself on her waist as they slow danced to the delicate music in the background. "It's been a while Victoria, I'm sorry I haven't been in touch since I left. I trust your family is doing well with the loss?"

@Rev

 

[The Storyteller]

She had been impressed at how he handled the light altercation. Poq was by no means a being anyone wanted to cross, especially when it was in connection to herself and her protection. As he gripped her fingers she took note of the grasp and how firm he held her, after all it was his job to lead this sort of thing; wasn't it?

"I'd nearly forgotten about you until Father died.. you and many others came out of the woodwork once his last breath was taken from us. We are handling it as any family would.."

Her words trailed off as she became lost in thought of such recent memories. It was unlike anything to experience the loss of a parent. It made her for a second feel bad for those that never met their parents; but, as she broke her grip from Gunner's to wipe her left eye she couldn't help but smile. It was them that didn't have to feel what she was in that moment, and that was enough to bring some peace to her mind. Retaking her old companion's hand she held that fake smile while staring into his eyes.

"So what is it you came all this way for, Commander?"

That smile would twist into a smirk as she was curious to see just what reaction her own bluntness would bring out of Gunner. She was sure in the companies most desperate time of need that the Empire would surface to offer a helping hand. They both knew the Empire likely had a larger hand in putting her near defunct company into the position they now were in. Giving a glance to her right she gave a nod to a second security guard who darted towards the door in the back with a routine quickness.

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

He allowed his fingers to intertwine into hers as he continued to lead and glide her body along the dance floor. He could feel the eyes of many upon them, as arguably Victoria had numerous suitors and they probably all wished to change places with him. However, she was his for now, as he was the only one bold enough to lay claim to a first dance. Gunner acknowledged the smile and met with one of his own.

"Ahh yes, well you can't entirely blame me, he was never a huge fan, thought I'd steer you down a wrong path. Perhaps he was right, you've done well for yourself." He chuckled, slightly pulling away and twirling her around on the axis of his hand before bringing her close together again. "An arrangement, to make sure your company reigns forever..."

 

[The Storyteller]

A smirk began to form on her face at his comment of making it for herself. He had no idea who she was anymore, what she had done to get to the place she found herself in now... nor what her father had done. Before her white teeth could glow in an open smile he pulled her into a twirl which caught her a bit by surprise. Moving away from her old friend only to get pulled back close was a feeling she didn't realize she missed; but somehow he was exploiting it. His final comment nearly stopped the dance dead in its tracks. She was fortunate in that moment Gunner was leading the dance, because her body merely went where he took her at this point. A blank stare one might amount to before getting sick had paled on her otherwise attractive face.

"-I.."

She paused in her speech. Did he truly not know just how far her father had dragged ACM before this 'sickness' had taken him out of the game? She stared into this stranger's eyes, every few moments catching a glimpse in them of a friend she had years before and couldn't find the words for what she felt she should say. Instead the CEO of the company took over, that cold, calculated, and fierce demeanor rushed over her.

"I'm listening."

It took more than she knew to bite her tongue now, but she did it and this time locked her fingers tighter into Gunner's grip. It was as if she were shifting control of the dance to her side of the table, at least in appearance. Whatever it was Stahl had up his sleeve, she didn't want to ruin it by taking control of this number.

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

It had been a while since the IFL soldier had an opportunity to showcase his dance moves; perhaps the last time being the inaugural ball when he first was commissioned as an officer in the Serenno armed forces. Those days seemed like centuries ago, and he had a hard time taking his eyes off his long time acquaintance. She had grown to be quite beautiful in the past several years, and above anything else, he was eager to rekindle their friendship. "Come" He whispered as his fingers remained locked within hers, guiding her out of the dance floor and onto the balcony outside. Two champagne glasses later, he suggested a toast for her victory as he shifted his attention towards the nightfall outside and the stars twinkling in the dark sky above them.

"I've always cared about you, even though my actions never truly made you think so." He took a long sip from his alcoholic drink before turning to face her, hand slowly stroking the hairs ruffling against her face and making eye contact difficult. "I've heard that you weren't too happy about knowing that many of your board of directors are shared with rival companies...perhaps you should acquire a new team of investors.." He said, wicked grin coming to his face. He knew that she would indulge in similar tastes as he, afterall, she wasn't too far off from resorting to such means either.

@Rev