Open Onderon Backing the Right Fathier

[Kaldar]

Per my OP template, thread is death enabled. While there is not a strict time limit, I'll be trying to keep the rounds to 48ish hours​

Onderon was a fairly nice-looking place. Most of their architecture was of fine design, and at this time of year, the jungle was surprisingly temperate. Kaldar had heard that other parts of the years were less nice, but fortunate had brought him here at a period where the weather was quite beautiful.

He'd spent the last couple of weeks on the planet, enjoying the weather, getting a feel for the day to day life, following the news and politics, and planning his best means of getting "in" to the system. It had been relatively slow work and required great patience, but he'd finally managed to find what he was looking for. The weak link in the chain that would let him poke his toe through the door and prevent it from ever shutting him out again.

The Houses of Onderon didn't all get along all the time. They vied for power behind closed doors, and although blatant powermoves and coups were unusual, they were not unheard of. There were plenty of people who had grown discontent with their station on the planet, and not the least of these was House Taevarion. Known as the "House of Wolves" Kaldar's reading put them in age approximating the age of the Sith Order itself. They had been a pillar of Onderon's society for far longer than House Vernize, and there were many old families who still remembered the cunning and intelligence of Taevarion.

And they were hungry. Their newest matriarch was young, only a few years older than Kaldar and recently graduated from university. She was by all account a wild partier, a cunning enemy, and hungry for more power. Just the kind of person that Kaldar was looking for. Just the kind of person who would need shady allies to make a move.

A quick swipe of the hand and nudge with the Force had gotten Kaldar access to the club she frequented, and he had dressed the part for the trip. He made his way through the crowd to the bar, purchasing a drink and nursing it as he let himself drink in the feeling of the crowd here. So many people in varying states of intoxication, living the moment free of the cares that bothered him. Even without the alcohol, it was intoxicating in its own way in the Force.

 

[Maeve]

Onderon was nice. Enough stupidly rich people. And stupid people. Negligence often follows credits, at least when people assume they're able to afford anything without thinking twice and if they do get reckless, just like a shark smelling blood, Maeve usually sees her chances and seizes them. And so she had.

She had spent a few weeks here, first carefully laying low before she had started to get engaged with a people. The right people, or so it had seemed (to be fair she had received some hints, but it was nothing noteworthy), because so far her little trip had been relatively successful. She could afford crashing in a upper-middle-class-y hotel and when she wasn't 'busy' trying to make more credits, she did also manage to enjoy her life a little.

It was a mild night and as a woman, she had the privilege to be admitted to almost every club - tonight she was checking out one she hadn't been in yet and the mood seemed fairly good. She wasn't entirely sure where she'd end up this night, but she was enjoying herself only on a light buzz, knowing she needed to be in her right mind still. Her black dress was a perfect mixture of drawing a few heads while at the same time not raising too much attention.

Drunk people were even easier to fool, so she decided if she could even mix business with pleasure, the night could turn into a full success, so she kept her eyes open. After a little while spent on the dancefloor with the pulsating basses taking control of her heartbeat, she returned to the bar for a little refreshment. "Hey there, handsome", she casually slid into the bar stool next to an admittedly handsome, well-dressed (yet unfamiliar) face and threw him a charming smirk. Maybe she had already found her first opportunity of the night - at least he didn't look poor.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

It was unusual for Kaldar to go anywhere without any weapons, but clubs like these didn't allow any in and his clothes were tight enough that there weren't many places he could have hid them anyway. Besides, the Force was his ally, and if tonight turned into him needing a lightsaber, he'd done something very wrong.

He kept a practiced casual stance as he looked around the bar, eyes cataloguing all the faces he saw in search of one. He was looking for the newest, young matriarch of House Taevarion. He didn't care much about anything or anyone else there, and when a woman sidled up next to him in greeting, his eyes flicked over to her.

You come here often? he asked, knowing full-well it was the most generic statement he could have made. Remaining generic made you forgettable, and possibly even would get him out of her pursuing him anymore. He was here on the hunt rather than for pleasure.

He glanced over at her again, taking her face in. She was attractive enough, and it made him curious that she was hitting on him. Surely there were plenty of people trying to buy her drinks and not the other way around. He wondered why that was and let his mind momentarily linger on explanations. Knowing why people did what they did was everything. He'd learned that himself. Once you'd identified that, figuring out how to make it work for you was the key to success. That was what Raze had taught him.

@LadyRen

 

[Jayna Thorne]

Jayna had visited Onderon more times than she could count. The prominent world had often been the place of assembly for the Galactic Senate - and the Thorne family frequently journeyed together for the occasion where her father was expected. Fond memories of Iziz and the surrounding countryside lingered within her mind, even if recent events had begun to turn them bittersweet to remember.

Iziz was gorgeous to behold - albeit scarred from the invasion of Raze decades prior. But it was not for pleasure that Jayna journeyed to Onderon this time, making her way through the entrance of the exclusive nightclub. The Heiress had begun the tireless work of piecing together an Alliance within the former Republic and Free World territories, and Onderon was amongst the most powerful players on the board.

While the Vernize Dynasty might have aligned itself with the Hapans, Jayna turned her attention to other, oldest houses on Onderon. To the Taevarion, and other ambitious players, eager to rise within their station.

She was playing with fire and she knew it - but such was the arena the Heiress had willingly entered into.

Flanked by an Orcolan bodyguard, Jayna was let right through the front of the club - a single glance at her identification was enough to open the way. The Heiress was dressed in a slit black dress, her dark hair pulled back into a loose bun.

The Heiress casually made her way towards the bar - the bodyguard beside her serving to clear a path through anyone who got too close. Her silvery gaze flicked up to the VIP lounge positioned above the rest of the club, already banking on the fact that the young matriarch would be nestled within the most exclusive sections of the club.

Seated a few places down from the others, she waved down the bartender - ordering herself something to drink before she would make her way towards the lounge.

 

[Maeve]

The stranger's reaction was absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. His attention was on her, the way he quickly took her in and how he casually posed an absolutely non-meaninful, empty question. He didn't seem drunk, which was a shame, but she wasn't yet sure whether he was worth the energy.

She scanned him, too. His clothes didn't say a lot about his finances, which did make her curious. Those were the more interesting targets, she had learned, but she wondered whether this one was an easy one. With her legs elegantly crossed, she leaned in a little- it was loud inside after all with all the music and the conversation around.

"I do", she confidently lied, her performance perfect as always. She was an actor and this was yet another stage. "I haven't seen your face in here before though". It was a wild guess. But it usually worked. Even if he frequented the club, chances were high their paths hadn't crossed yet.

"What are you drinking?", she wanted to know, a sweet smile crossing her lips as she curiously nodded towards his drink. He had been sitting alone prior to her interference, perhaps he was waiting for something as well, so her curiosity was definitely piqued. The relatively casual pants told her he wasn't here for much dancing either, but then again, he could be in a costume as well.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

The woman leaned in closer, intent on something, but Kaldar couldn't quite tell what. He was confident that whatever it was, there was more to the situation that met the eye. It was the gentle bristle on the back of his neck... or maybe that was just his indication that his target wasn't far off. Sometimes in a place as packed as this it was difficult to narrow down the point of origin of a concern.

His constant attention did bring to his notice the daughter of Emryc Thorne. She wasn't the person he'd expected to see, and he had a weird feeling that it wasn't going to be in his best interest that she was here. The now-declared Jedi-lover and hater of Kaldar's new boss (that felt weird to say) meant that she probably was neither too popular with the current King or the Hapans after the Jedi's recent decision to stand against Hapes. Political suicide as far as Onderon was concerned.

You sure about that? he asked the woman in front of him cryptically before glancing down at his drink. What was he drinking?

A Tiefling Trashcan, he said, taking a swig for the first time. A mixture of strong liquor and a Red Rancor.

You must know all the other faces here, then? Any frequent patrons I should meet? he asked, letting his eyes flash up toward the VIP section and implying he was curious about it.

@LadyRen @Altaris

 

[Maeve]

His eyes wandered around a lot, she noted. So he was looking for someone. This just made him a whole lot more interesting. She tilted her head to the side so that a loose strand of hair fell into her face. She slowly brushed it back and a smirk crossed her lips.

"I'd remember those eyes", she replied sweetly, her voice soft. Another rather meaningless phrase, for some it meant much more though. As he revealed his drink, she raised a finger for the bartender to notice her just to order the same. It sounded awful, but drinking without flinching was a skill she had acquired a while ago.

He asked for the other guests and she saw that as a confirmation of her assumptions. Who was he after though? The stranger proved to be a riddle and she intended to solve it. She turned and followed his gaze, scanning the VIP area. Of course she had done her research properly and had picked up a few names.

"If I were you", she met his gaze again, "I'd stay clear of young lady Taevarion". She was a known face, so Maeve immediately recognized her. A classic party girl, and mighty, but Maeve was smart enough to stay clear of the big fish. Not that she couldn't get any closer, but it wasn't worth it...Was that what he was after though? Or perhaps an associate of a different house? She needed more information and so far she was making it seem as though she had more.

"Who'd busy himself with nobility though anyway? Commoners are more fun", her drink arrived, and she took a sip, the strong alcohol burning against her tongue but she didn't even grimace the slightest. He had at least verbally confirmed he wasn't too familiar with this place, so she went with that."You seem curious though", she stated the obvious, voicing it with a trace of playfulness. "What brings a stranger into such a club? I rarely find attractive men at the bar who are just looking for answers in such a place...".

@Phoenix

 

[Jayna Thorne]

Even with her sensitive hearing, Jayna opted not to engage in the conversations taking place around her - allowing Kaldar and Maeve to flirt as they pleased. Even still, the Heiress paid close attention to what was being said, observant and analytical as she’d inherited from her own father. The Heiress allowed her silvery gaze to flick back to the bartender - watching as the man placed a simple cocktail down in front of her. It was lower quality than what Jayna was used to, and there was a reason for it, even if she said nothing about it.

She took a single sip from the glass before pushing off from the bar - taking her beverage with her as she went, without indicating where she was going or why. Slipping through the crowd, Jayna casually made her way towards the VIP lounge - the Orcolan bodyguard towering at her side. The quarter-Sephi hadn’t come to Onderon to waste time or chit chat, and she frankly needed nothing from anyone to achieve her goals.

As she began climbing the stairs to the lounge, Jayna glanced back at the Orcolan bodyguard - a flick of her wrist gesturing just inside the entrance of the lounge. “I do not wish to be disturbed.” She said simply. Her name and station was enough for Jayna to pass without scrutiny, but that likely wouldn’t be as easily for anyone else. The presence of her bodyguard was another layer of protection, to ensure that the conversation about to take place wasn’t interrupted.

With drink in hand, Jayna crossed through the thumping music and dancing crowd - approaching the booth where the aristocrat was seated, nestling amongst the bustling activities.

“Lady Taevarion,” She said smoothly, a smile brushing across her expression. “What a lovely coincidence." A hand extended out to shake that of the Onderonian noble, her head dipping ever-so-slightly. "Jayna Thorne."

@Phoenix @LadyRen

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar wasn't really here to flirt, and he was even more annoyed to see that Jayna was making her moves like the entitled, prissy princess she was. Out to just take whatever she wanted because of whose DNA she came from. Never had to work a day in her life. Disgusting.

Lady who? he repeated and gave a perfect face to imply he didn't know who she was talking about as he pushed himself away from the bar. Could be anyone in the VIP section, after all. Everything about this woman was off. It just rubbed him the wrong way. He didn't know what idiots fell for the "I don't find attractive people in the club" line, but he could fed people enough lines to be able to easily recognize one when it floated his way. Maybe she was an intelligence plant, but he was too random a target for her to pick out. No, he didn't know who she was, but she was bad news.

I don't think I can afford you, he added after a moment with a smile and nod before walking away. Of course, the implication was none too kind, but it had more meanings than one in Kaldar's mind. Not that he was going to bother explaining the others or stick around to chat. It would serve its purpose of getting rid of the other woman so he could focus on his business at hand. Business that was now on something of a time crunch.

Fortunately for Kaldar, he was still a Force-user and had tricks of his own. He didn't have to climb over the bar to get to the fire alarm that was across the room, all he had to do was twitch a finger and focus. In other words, no one could link him to it but "luck" was on his side.

Sirens began to blare throughout the club and the music quickly cut as people began to shuffle out. The growing confusion and the "boo's" began to grow, but people began to shuffle outside nonetheless. Fortunately, the Lady Taevarion and Jayna Thorne would have to take the same exit as everyone else, and Kaldar just happened to end up next to them. Too many people bustling about for the exit for the guards to keep him away.

Just my kriffing luck, he said, reaching up and running a hand through his hair and pretending not to know who Jayna was. Truthfully, there were probably about half the people in here who actually didn't know who she was on sight. Her father, sure, but her? Not on sight. And he'd play that part just fine. If there was one thing that most famous people wanted it was to be treated like a normal person. To feel like they were just another being in the galaxy when they were normally harrowed. He played to that reality, and he also let a feeling of soothing and attraction push into the Force in the direction of both women. Not so direct that it could be detected, but just enough to make himself appear even more charming than he normally was. Or rather, could be.

Barely even have time to get myself a drink yet. You know any other places around here to get a decent drink and dance? he asked them both. It wasn't about getting invited for a drink, it was about a foot in the door, and the Force should give him just enough of an opening to weasel the rest of the way.

@Altaris @LadyRen

 

[Maeve]

There was something off about this whole situation. Maeve would have loved to squint, but of course she didn't, not when she was pretending to be someone else. The not so kind gentleman soon gave her a reply that was admittedly effective for him now, yet it raised more questions for her.

She didn't break eye contact just yet, but the smirk on her lips turned into a slightly sarcastic one. She was about to answer, yet the blaring of sirens cut her off before she could even start. Now that...was even weirder. Maeve immediately glanced around but there was nothing. No fire, no smoke, but the stranger was suddenly gone, vanished into the masses.

She wasn't done with him yet. Maeve pushed herself off the bar stool and threw herself into the crowd, carefully squeezing her way towards the exit. She had lost sight at him at first, but even through the chaos, the noble ladies bodyguards sticked out and just right there she spotted the stranger from the bar, conveniently close to the lady Taevarion.

Bingo. It was enough confirmation for Maeve to know something about this seemed set up and so while keeping her safe distance, she intended to follow the trio. Not having had the chance to see the other heiress' face, she was unaware that Jayna Thorne was in the mix, too, but this game had just begun.

@Phoenix @Altaris

 

[Jayna Thorne]

Despite her typically inexpressive countenance, even Jayna couldn’t help the displeasure that manifested outwardly - completely interrupted by the fire alarm that screeched through the establishment. Her fluted ears twitched and flattened against her skull, mild pain lancing through her entire head. It was one of the few occasions when she didn’t wear her usual earbuds, and proceeded to regret the decision instantaneously.

With no real choice - and no reason to believe the alarm wasn’t legitimate - Jayna began to slowly filter out of the club, keeping close to the side of the Onderon Noble. Nothing was going to voluntarily separate her from the potential the woman had to offer.

Of course, it meant that Jayna was funneled through the same exit as everyone else - occasionally bumping shoulders with the random passerby. Her eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly, up until the moment she caught sight of Kaldar. His voice brushing against her ears for the second time that night. Of course, it was only this time that the Heiress happened to notice that Kaldar was rather good looking. Far more than she remembered.

Perhaps it was mere coincidence - but that didn’t mean Jayna had forgotten the exchange at the bar. She clearly could remember the woman that Kaldar had been flirting with before - seemingly also interested in Lady Taevarion.

Jayna didn’t know who either of them were, what they wanted, or why Kaldar had returned to pick them out of the crowd. But it was all information that played within her analytical mind, raising her guard ever-so-slightly. Being raised by Emryc made the Heiress more paranoid than most. Surviving three assassination attempts, even moreso.

The simple reality was that Jayna.. Didn’t desire to be treated like a normal person, or to blend in with a crowd. The Heiress wholeheartedly believe she was more intelligent and important than the overwhelming majority of people in the Galaxy, and her ambitions skyrocketed above her peers. There was little desire to let loose, or bump and grind with sweaty strangers.

Her nose crinkled. “There is another club close to here - Iziz Blitz. Not as popular as here, but I’m sure it’ll fill up quickly.” She gestured back to the crowd.

Her gaze, then, turned to the noble beside her. “Perhaps you’d allow me to buy you a drink - and we can finish our conversation.” Jayna said with a smile. She was happy enough to leave the nightclub if it gave an opportunity for a more private conversation.

Jayna was - as of yet - unaware of the random woman stalking them from aware. That was probably going to come up, sooner rather than later.

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar watched both women. Jayna had those same cold, harsh eyes as her father. Kaldar could respect Emryc for his work he had put in, but she was a different story. Time would tell if she was what she claimed to be.

Lady Taevarion was also an attractive woman. A bit older than either Jayna or Kaldar, and likely just as cutting and cunning. He watched her eyes settle on him, and there was a hint of curiosity there. It seemed the training he had received from Raze had paid off. Raze had forced him to overcome the thoughts of a man's mind to kill his wife, convincing a woman to be interested in him was far less difficult.

Perhaps the three of us could get a booth at Iziz Blitz, she said, casting a smile at both he and Jayna. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?

Ah, my manners, Tav, he said, using the name on his fake ID and extending his hand out to both women in turn and giving a charming smile. And I'd like to buy you both drinks as a demonstration of my appreciation for the invitation. I thought it was going to be a boring night, but now in the company of two beautiful ladies, it's one of those moments where I'm glad to be wrong, he said.

And what were you hoping to talk to me about? she asked Jayna, as she had been the one to bring up rounding out the conversation they'd had that had barely begun. For Kaldar's part, all he cared about was his foot being in the door.

Time would tell what exactly happened with the woman stalking them, but the hair on the back of his neck was still up. That odd and uncomfortable feeling of being stalked, and he finally laid eyes on that woman again. He didn't know what her game was, but he started formulating a new plan in his mind.

They headed outside and down the street, and Kaldar listened closely for the moment, letting the Force worm its way deeper and deeper into Lady Taevarion's mind.

@LadyRen @Altaris

 

[Maeve]

Something was off about the meeting and as the man from the bar weaseled his way up to Lady Taevarion, Maeve realized that there was another influential lady joining the game. Lady Jayna Thorne, Emryc Thorne's very daughter seemed to in just the right place at the right time and now Jayna and the stranger both seemed really interested in the Onderon noble...

How very suspicious. Maeve squinted every so slightly while she was still squeezed in the masses. It took a while for her to reach the exit, but it was enough for her to spot the trio while they were about to leave. She wasn't sure whether they were going, but she was skilled in following people unnoticed, so she was still following them at a safe distance.

They continued down the street and while they were chatting, Maeve could easily vanish into the shadows of the night while she tried to make out their target. She was a little surprised by how the two rich, high-class ladies allowed a random stranger to tag along, but Maeve needed more information on what either or them was up to and how she could twist the situation to her profit.

@Phoenix @Altaris

 

[Kaldar]

Well okay, then, she said as Jayna seemed to either lose her train of thought or become lost in the crowd. Kaldar was, of course, convinced that it was his devilish good looks that managed to give the heiress pause, but it was all he needed. The prongs of the Force were now firmly lodged in the mind of Lady Taevarion, and he put in her mind that instead of the Iziz Blitz, perhaps the two of them should just go back to her place.

Maybe we should go back to my place, the woman said, and Kaldar just gave one of his charming smiles.

I'd love to. Probably quieter there, anyway, and no chance of fire alarms, he said.

The speeder pulled up, and they were inside and on their way in moments. Could have gone worse, he thought to himself. It seemed that hitching his wagon to Raze may have been a brilliant idea, after all.

//Exit attempt based on @Altaris time out and nothing stopping Kaldar's mental intrusion making any interception by @LadyRen unlikely