Ask Cruising Together

[Vossari Khaldun]

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The 3,487th Annual Charity Gala of the Core Antiquities Society was underway, deep in the cosmos. Aboard a massive cruise liner known as the SS Alpine, thousands of guests mingled, mixed, and drank to their heart's content. The Antiquities Society Gala was little more than an art-trading event for the galaxy's mega-wealthy, of course. It wasn't uncommon to see a Hutt even make an appearance.

Among this hoighty-toighty crowd, Vossari would typically stick out like a sore thumb. This wasn't his kind of thing - cruise ships. Vossari preferred the raw experience of connection when he traveled, and he had lived in slums on Nar Shadda and Wrea alike. But, as an acolyte, he had learned how to play pretend a little better. He had 'infiltrated' (that is, purchased work IDs off of a bored ship cook in exchange for marcan) this ship for a specific reason, with specific designs. This antiquities auction, although it had a security presence, was very lightly guarded relative to the value of their property. They thought that hosting this in the far reaches of space would keep them safe. They were wrong.

For several days now, though, Vossari had been scoping out the holds of the ship with his newfound 'ally' and partner-in-crime Zakkar Tesiss. Vossari had lured in an accomplice with promise of riches and adventure. The two of them were workers - in the cafeteria, on the deck, even sometimes bartending and helping with the entertainment. Instead of the luxurious, spacious suites of the richer clientele, these two shared a dank, cramped cot in the holds of the ship. The single sofa-bed this cot had could barely fit one of them, let alone both of them when they needed rest. Note to self: Next time, steal a ticket to the luxury seats, instead.

Yet being a crew member had its perks. They could walk through the halls of the ship undisturbed. And, in time, Vossari had recreated a map of the ship's hull. During an employee breakfast one morning, he pulled aside Zakkar. "I'm thinking today's the day." The auction properly began tonight. "You got any leads you wanna pursue?" Vossari knew which item he wanted most of all, yet this would be an amazing time to pick up some extra loot.

@Altaris

 

[Zakkar Tessis]

Zakkar despised the Core.

Such was the verdict that the Barabel had levied upon an entire swath of the Galaxy, based upon the limited occasions in which he’d been dragged along to pay a visit. It’s opulent skylines and pompous nobility made Shaddaa look even more like the hellhole that it actually was, and the floating palaces of the latter were no different. The cruise-liner was gaudy and opulent beyond comprehension, and left the oversized Barabel sticking out like a sore, scaly thumb.

There was a part of him that reveled in the attention and looks of terror that his appearance elicited from the nobility and wealthy - reptilian features and razor-like fangs on full display. Even still, Zakkar knew that too much attention would only spell disaster for their hopes of a heist. As such, the Barabel had unfortunately been designated to the cruise-liner kitchens as a cook, out of sight and mind for the pearl-clutching clientele.

By the morning, Zakkar was dressed in ridiculous employee-attire - complete with a poofy little chef’s hat that was placed onto the table where he was sitting. As he picked at his food, Zakkar glanced over towards Vossari, tilting his head a bit at the fine-looking Acolyte.

“Could raid any debutant's cabin and walk out richer than most of the Order combined,” He said with a smirk. After a moment, though, he nodded. “Rumor has it there is going to be a ring from some Drast Queen on auction. Coruscat gem and all.” It was definitely one of the most expensive pieces on display. Go big or go home, as far as the Barabel was concerned. How they intended to smuggle it away was.. Something they’d figure out eventually.

“Could sell it for a fuckin’ fortune.” He smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Or present it to our illustrious leader. I’m sure ‘ol Tempest would reward the Acolyres who brought her some old Sith finery.” If Zakkar had learned anything so far, it was the damn-near deification that people attributed to the name Drast. “Anything catch your eye yet?”