Debutante of the Empire

[Killtec]

Link stumbled in quietly, barely sliding through the front gate with his invitation - which was really just a fancy command to find another job, in his mind. Striding carefully, the contract killer wove his way through the crowd, working around the different nobles to find his next contract. If anything, it was the thrill of the hunt that he seemed to live for.

The pretty princess caught his eye for a moment as he made his way to the bar. Maybe I'll chat with her tonight. Doesn't hurt to be friends with royalty. Reaching the bar, Link ordered a glass of blue milk, being underage and all. Even with as many kills as he had, alcohol was still kept out of his reach. It's not that it bothered him, he didn't mind having a clear conscience. He'd yet to realize that he sat next to the Dark Lord of the Sith, but based on Force presence alone the man seemed important. His thoughts wavered as he contemplated his next order of actions, wondering who to chat with and who to ask for jobs from as he glanced around the room, taking light sips from his blue milk every so often. He was confident he could pick up something here, even if it was just a potential contact for the future. He was surprised he was even invited, in all honesty. Who was out of their mind enough to invite an underage assassin?

 

[Vinn Esper]

As The Nameless One was finishing his conversation with the female Anzati, he noticed Cain approaching him. Then, he had decided to change directions for some reason only the Dark Lord was aware of. As the Nameless One and the female Anzati wrapped up their conversation, he relocated Cain after locking his sensory organs upon his prospective prey. This would allow him to track his target while still being able to devote his full attention to Lord Cain. As he approached, Nameless noticed Cain spoke to another being.

He waited patiently out of earshot. He had no desire to eavesdrop on the being he wished to serve. Instead he patiently waited, then moved to join Lord Cain at the bar. "I apologize for the delay, Lord Cain. I was engaged in a business conversation and did not wish to appear rude and detract from this most elegant gathering. I imagine you put much time and expense into its planning. I believe it was well spent, and your speech was quite inspiring."

The bartender came over to the Anzati and asked him if he would like a drink. The Nameless One raised his hand in an automatic response, but stopped himself. He usually would not bother, as consumption of liquids and food did almost nothing for him. However, he felt this occasion called for it. "I am not familiar with the items on your menu," the Nameless One responded, "however, whatever Lord Cain is drinking will suffice." The bartender poured a drink from an olive greenish bottle.

The drink was golden in color like the Nameless One's lightsaber. However it was very bubbly. The Nameless One picked up the glass and swirled it's contents as he examined it. "Lord Cain," he said in an inquisitive tone, "why do beings consume such substances?" After hearing his answer, the Nameless One would nod and take a sip. It was rather sweet and fruity. It also seemed to be... what was the word... tart.

 

[Danee]

As Joanna finally had managed to maneuver her way over to the bar she leaned against the counter with her elbows as she waited for the bartender to come over to her. Luckily, she didn't have to wait very long. "A glass of Corellian whiskey if you have it, otherwise you can decide." She said and turned around to look out at the nobles mingling on the ballroom floor. She felt more at home at the bar counter than out in the crowd, it allowed her to observe from afar instead of having to get personal with the various aristocrats that Lord Cain had invited.

Turning back around she saw her glass of whiskey, she put her fingers around the glass and raised it to her lips, taking a slow sip from it when he heard someone speaking behind her, though not to her. Judging by the way the man spoke she assumed that it was either someone very important or someone pretending to be.

Taking another sip of the fiery liquid she closed her eyes for a moment and turned her head to the side to see someone standing over to her left. At first, she didn't recognize the man(@Vinny ) for who he was, after all, most of her time had been spent with her nose in battle reports, weapons design or weapons testing up until quite recently when she had taken over Wattra Corporation.

Once again she took another sip of the spicy whiskey, looking down into the brown liquid while she did what she was pretty good at, listening. She heard the people around her talk more and more as they drank more and more, 'Eugh... drunks, don't they know when to shut up?' she thought to herself when she heard someone mention the name Lord Cain. Raising her brow she turned her head slightly back to the left and through the corner of her eye she saw an Anzati (@Vinn Esper )speaking to the man who had just about arrived here.

Hearing the Anzati call the man Lord Cain she realized that perhaps she was in company of the Dark Lord himself, but she wouldn't just speak up and interrupt, that was after all quite rude. Taking another sip of her whiskey she decided to wait until the Dark Lord's company made himself scarce.

 

[Eccles]

For a second Malak's attack on the First Princess' mind was blocked by a more powerful presence and he saw how the teenager stumbled. Two things became clear at that moment: First, his attack on the Dark Lord's daughter had been noticed, but more importantly it seemed that his attack had worked and whoever noticed it didn't put up a more lasting defense. Malak had to be careful now, however, and didn't resume his attack right away, choosing instead to accept another drink from a waiter and laughed at the joke of an already tipsy aristocrat in his vicinity. "I heard Moff Ambros met an explosive end recently," he butted into a conversation knowing that gossiping about that peculair late Moff and former Darth was still a popular topic within the Empire. Truly, Geir Ambros had been on the verge of being recruited into the Shadow Conclave, which to the disciple begged the question whether it had truly been an attack by Jedi or the Empire cutting away a tumor. "Heard the Emperor's apprentice refused to intervene.." a pause pulled in everyone's attention "-despite being at the scene."

There he had it. A fresh round of gossiping ensued with Malak Regnus seeming right in the middle of a discussion about conspiracy theories on the Emperor's unrelenting presence. Most were convinced that in the upcoming five years the biggest struggles the Empire would know would be internal now that the Republic had so thoroughly been defeated on Coruscant and Chandrila. Malak, however, hadn't been listening to the conspiracy nutters and once again laid his eyes on the First Princess.

This time the application of Dun Möch was centered around her father's dubious position of power. She would hear lamentations of the Sith on his strange quirks and the outspoken doubt whether he was solely promoted because the true Dark Lord had to take the mantle of Emperor. The voices said his actions didn't warrant the respect he ought to get from his position, making Tara Olpierr the First Princess of nothing.

 

[Intratec]

His cool demeanor only seemed to provoke an air of mystery among the ladies at court. Be they young damsels, or older dames, he drew stares. Ignoring them all, his attentions had been cast forth in a wide net. Sowing the seeds of desire and envy served more than the blatant purpose. They allowed him to gauge those around him in the most exciting of ways. While the inane chatter picked up, he placed his glass on a nearby table before moving with a fluid, predatory gait. Someone was playing with fire. A fire that had turned on the young progeny of the Dark Lord.

Appearing affable as he approached, Caduceus soon crossed the path of the damsel in distress. Not stopping, only slowing a moment to provide a steadying hand, he soon left the young woman with her oddest of companions. Had Rokuro proved to be a credible threat, well. . . He'd have been met with Caduceus' attentions. Coming upon a stuffy looking nobleman, he placed a hand lightly on an elbow whilst donning a cheeky little smile. Words were briefly exchanged. All while appearing friendly if not a little condescending in the Sith way. He'd warned the nobleman, really one of the disguised Inquisitors. The brief exchange abruptly ended with a laugh and slap on the back from the tall Inquisitor to a now rumpled, grumpy looking noble. He'd warned his peer. Something was afoot. To be on the look out as he was able.

Set in motion, Caduceus moved on. Nearing the Dark Lord, he paused a moment to pass a silken handkerchief to a middle-aged Baroness who had sloshed her drink. Imbeciles. Finally making his way to Cain, he leaned against the counter, back to the majority and hands within the pockets of his dress slacks. Undoubtedly he'd seen Caduceus speaking as he went, playing his role, but having picked and chosen those he'd spoken to carefully. And now here he was, an open invitation for Darth Cain to speak to one of his own.​

 

[LordOfShadows]

The words of the Dark Lord felt pleasant, but had been shortly interrupt as the time he spent standing next to the Dark Lord. The His head turned quickly toward Lord Cain's daughter. He felt a disturbance, but couldn't place it. The Templar wasn't and expert, but he would trust in the Dark Side to guide him nonetheless. The Dark Lord wasn't exactly specific about finding the assailant. There could have been a number of people that shouldn't be here. Letting the rage flow through him that he had built up. It was time to act.

"It will be done, Dark Lord Cain." he said before marching off to the beat of his own drum.

He walked around the room trying to get a hold on what was going on. His pride didn't let him get anyone else involved. Though one thing for sure is that it wasn't a Templar. It would have been easy to tell right off if it had been one of them. His eyes began wandering over the crowd looking for any out of the ordinary. Though, nothing seemed to stand out at that moment. Ralmeri made his way closer toward the princess in hopes to pick up on any force signatures that weren't of the Dark Side. He closed his eyes and focused.

It seemed like there were a number of force signatures that aligned with the the Dark Side. Some of them even seemed conflicted between the darkness and the light. He was looking for anyone's force signature that didn't match that of the Sith. The Dark Side began leading him closer to the princess as he continued to get closer. There it may not have been what the Dark Lord was looking for, but it may salivate the Lord Cain's anger. It would probably do for now, anyway. He didn't like outsiders and he even hated the Light Side more. Ralmeri moved closer to the princess and squinted his eyes..."Jedi?" It couldn't be and on Dromund Kaas. It was an insult to his very being to ignore this 'scum' even if it didn't seem like he was really a threat. It would be just the beginning of his witch hunt.

He walked up and attempted to put his hand on the stranger's shoulder, "Come with me." (@Cheshire)

Ralmeri took a glimpse at the princess before he felt something sinister within the Dark Side. It definitely had to be another attack, but it was hard to pinpoint.

 

[Kiro]

It was always said that it was a good thing to arrive fashionably late to a social event. However, as Ricca advanced up the stairs to the grand ballroom in her brand new dress, she fumed to herself, despite all of her deep training to control her emotions. The kriffing speeder traffic and her own duties had prevented her from joining the party earlier, when she might have actually had an opportunity to witness the debut of her Mentor's daughter. But despite of how her emotions roiled within her, the young Chiss' face was a mask of serenity, revealing nothing of her true state.

As she passed beyond the guards, having been scanned for weapons, Ricca felt the mood of the room crash into her like waves against a cliff face. What should be a joyous and amicable occasion was tainted by anger and suspicion, and as she slowly descended the stairs, she cast her ruby red gaze over the crowd, and she could see a number of her fellow Inquisitors amble through the crowds. To the untrained eye, they merely looked as if they were being social, mingling with the Sith nobility, but Ricca knew a hunting pattern when she saw one.

With a smile she most certainly didn't feel like displaying secure upon her lips, she entered the crowds and quickly picked up a glass of Hapan gold wine, and after secretly slipping a pill into her mouth which would prevent her body from becoming intoxicated from the alcohol in the beverage, took a sip of the beverage as she cast the net of her mind wide into the crowd, searching for any kind of hints or telltale signs of an intruder or hostile. She eventually catches the eye of Darth Cain, and slowly nods to her mentor.
( @Vinny )

 

[Vosrik]

It would hardly be a party without one of the Galaxy's greatest party-lovers present. And so it was, Lucius Vasch had been mingling among the aristocrats and Sith aspirants all, enjoying beverages aplenty while keeping an eye on the prize. The pretty princess? Well, sure -- who else wouldn't be keeping an eye on her. But Lucius had another interest, and that was the host. His connections among the Empire and the Priesthood would be priceless...and that was something this aspirant needed.

Of course, Lucius Vasch wasn't really Lucius today. He'd undergone a little change on his gorgeous vessel while in hyperspace. It'd been a while since he'd shifted, but it was still second nature and only took a minute or two. Today, he was a brown-haired noble in a sharp, burgundy suit boasting a loud and proud orange tie.

"Ah, I'm quite partial to Ardees myself," he commented lightly to a group of importantly dressed attendees. Gone was the smooth, lazy voice he was most used to. All it took was a slight thickening of the vocal chords and voila, he spoke with the air of a knowledgeable and respectable gentleman. A few more hands were shaken all around as introductions and pleasantries were made.

"Name's Silas Keep. No, you haven't heard of me? Ah, what a shame."

Those men would forget him as soon as they left the gala tonight. Not that it mattered much, for Silas wanted to make a lasting impression on...more important members of the evening. He approached one such attendee (@Intratec), giving him a nod and a glass raise before making a simple comment.

"Excellent choice in suits, good sir. How does the evening find you?"

 

[Intratec]

Appearing momentarily bemused, Caduceus was quick to recover as his attention was drawn from the Dark Lord to another attendee. Moment passing, he adopted an affable smile, hands still tucked in pockets while Darth Cain seemed content to be silent for now. Offering a nod of thanks for the complement he let forth a short, amused laugh. "It finds me quite well." he said, "Plenty of Pretties to keep the evening refreshing." Nodding to one in a corner, her black satin dress made to 'give some slink' to her otherwise spectacular figure made all the better by a pleasantly comely countenance.

It was then that a questing look crossed his features, "Oh where are our manners!" pulling a hand from his pocket, he stuck it out to be shook. "Rhade, a pleasure, and you are?"

 

[Vosrik]

"Ah, excellent, excellent!" was the reply from the equally sharply dressed newcomer. Silas' eyes trailed to the figure in question Caduceus nodded towards. Raising his eyebrows, he took another sip from his drink while the Lucius inside contemplated what her type was. After all, he was everyone's type. Rhade's exclamation brought Silas back to the moment, and he caught the hand of the tall man and shook it firmly.

"Silas Keep, and the pleasure is mine. I'm an...opportunist, you could say. One with resources, drive," he paused a moment to let his next words sink in a bit more. "Useful skills. Looking to make some connections, and I sense you're a good man to know."

Of course, the host of the evening wasn't the only one Silas wanted to meet. This particular man seemed to carry himself with an air of importance, on that surpassed the other rabble of aristocrats and nobles. A certain condescension, sure, but what Sith didn't look down upon their lessers? Silas, on the other hand, portrayed a firm confidence and excellent wit. A diamond in the rough, as it were.

@Intratec​

 

[Intratec]

He continued the affable facade, body language denoting interest. As Silas spoke, Caduceus rolled each word, nay, each syllable over in his mind for shadowed and hidden meanings. The implications were vast, what this young man was suggesting. Adopting a carefully employed smile of adulation he nodded to what was being said. He'd practically hooked the line just by standing at Cain's side. That, or he was just damned good at his job.

"Well, you know what they say, Silas: A good opportunity is seldom presented, and is easily lost." quoting near the end an old proverb. Alcohol flowed freely around them. And it wasn't long before the tall Inquisitor found himself holding a long-stemmed, wide-mouthed glass that tapered off near the stem. The only garnish was a pair of olives on a toothpick. Taking an experimental sip, he found it pleasing on to his palate. Enough so that he took the toothpick up and promptly pulled the olives off to eat. These new Imperials made the oddest drinks.

Motioning to the man with his glass he continued after his brief reprieve. "Perhaps I am," playing coy he sipped at the drink again before pounding the rest back in one swallow, a hiss of appreciation at the bite of his newly found favorite drink. "I suppose that would depend on you, Mister Keep."
​

@Vosrik

 

[Vosrik]

The insight, the stature, the confidence this man portrayed. Truly, Silas had a gift for plucking a needle out of a haystack. And this needle was sharp. Silas would be a fool if he took everything from Rhade at face value. No, that was what a simpleton would do — that was how one became enthralled and caught in another's iron grip.

"A good saying, and absolutely true," Silas replied while taking another sip of his Ardees. Funny, how shifting one's shape also tended to alter their tastes. Lucius wouldn't touch Jawa Juice with a ten-foot stun pole, but Silas thoroughly enjoyed the drink. Enough to know he could enjoy it longer by sipping it slowly rather than downing it like the tall Sith.

A smile played at the corner of Silas' mouth, followed by an exaggerated display of surprise. "On me, you say?" queried the opportunist, placing a hand on his own chest for effect. He chuckled, "I always found that one's own worth was best found by themselves. Though I'm sure I can make a deal sweet enough."

Clicking his teeth, Silas readjusted his sleeves. "Surely one such as yourself has needs, wants, the like. Of course, I have an agenda of things I want, but I think we can help each other. Mutual benefit. Working together only works so well as each gain something from it, and I'm sure you know this better than others." Silas glanced back at the other group of aristocrats he'd been mingling with moments earlier, their airheaded laughs echoing through the hall briefly.

@Intratec​

 

[Cheshire]

Rokuro was rather shocked when Tara locked arms with him and was dragging him everywhere with her. He was forced to walk around the ballroom and talk to the various nobles scattered down the room. However, when she called him out for him not meant to be here, he knew that he couldn't get anything past her. Well, I suppose it was a father like daughter situation. "I'm sure your father won't mind. I've known him for ages. We met on Corellia when he was in the lowest rank of Sith. We got drunk and sat on the beach together. It was quite nice I have to say" He joked, smiling at a noble that gave him a nod in greeting.

However, he was soon approached by a man who walked over to him, barking demands at him and putting his hand on him. How dare he! Rokuro felt his anger flare up at him and released his dark side. Letting his force presence rise and the dark tint that was attached to it, Rokuro stared at the man with complete despise and annoyance. "Get your hands off me before i break each finger off in front of all these lovely people. And if you feel like testing your luck, you can ask Lord Cain himself if you should be wary of me. He will give you the assurance that I will uphold my end of the bargain."

@LordOfShadows @Vinny

 

[Simonev]

Argo, Len, however you wanted to call him, was greatly enjoing himself at the feast, talking with various nobles and other higher-ups of the Imperial society, while actually preferring to stay a little far from the Sith's... For now.

As in fact, this wasn't to last, after having spoke to a certain Count something, not that he actually cared for his name, he would sense the burst of force presence coming off not too far from his position.
He had to intervene, somehow, and so he moved past the crowd, excusing himself a few times before finally managing to reach the two people as they attracted a little crowd around them.

Gentlemen, as i may notice your sudden changes of attitude, i especially want to remember we are guests of the Dark Lord, so for both the Princess and his sake, let's try to keep this peaceful...
...For both sides sake.

The words said by the Spawn gave hint that he knew something was behind the whole conversation, after all he felt the two sudden strikes at the Princess too, but he too couldn't pinpoint the true attacker.
At last, both his eyes would suddenly turn purple as he stared at both of them before letting out a deep sigh and talk again.

Or we could always bring this to the Pope's presence, if the princess permits it.

His gaze would now be on the Princess herself, the beast chuckled as the two purple dots were the only visible things inside the golden helmet's black visor.

@LordOfShadows @Vinny @Cheshire

 

[Vinny]

DARTH CAIN​

The Dark Lord watched Ralmeri move in the direction of his daughter. The Templar would be more than enough of a deterrent to keep the ministrations of whomever it was that was attacking his daughter at bay. If another strike occurred, though. He had a few spells in mind to deal with it. Regardless. He had to keep up appearances as well as wait for a particular message to arrive to him. That could take time though-and he was the type of Sith that enjoyed himself when he had the leisure time to do so. Turning away from those present he made his way to the bar-and to the beauty that stood at it.

He paused when he took the seat to her left. He could sense a moment's trepidation. She had heard his name. His lip quirked. The hunt was not nearly as fun when they knew that you could order them out an airlock if they didn't comply. It was also why he liked going to seedy cantinas where the women didn't speak basic. Sue him-he enjoyed his vices. Yet instead of letting out a disappointed sigh and meandering off to his next potential playmate, he rapped his knuckles on the table, and gestured with two fingers. "Corellian." He said flatly as the bartender quickly filled his glass and set it down.

Nearby, a rather talkative fellow had engaged with Cadeuceus. The two were talking and even drawing a bit close. He ignored their presence-while still keeping one ear on the conversation-and turned to the woman to his right. "Pretending to ignore the presence of a sith is just asking for us to say hello." Cain chided playfully by way of greeting Joanna. "If it isn't Miss Joanna, from Wattra. I'm glad you could join us all the way out here on Dromund Kaas. I hope the rain hasn't bothered you too much." He began. @Danee

He almost. Almost got to continue his little line of greeting. He really wanted to know this woman a bit better... but fate seemed to have other plans for him this evening. He turned his head as the conversation between the rather charismatic man and Caduceus reached a new level of absurdity. That last line from, what was his name? Whatever name he was giving-it wasn't his real name. The Dark Lord gave an apologetic bow to Joanna after only a moment, flashing her his best smile and turned back to the two men.

"Mutual Benefit implies you have something to offer beyond just pretty words and a pretty face." Cain chimed in, the last word coming out more like a hiss than anything else. He looked at him with cool eyes before he glanced up at Caduceus who had failed to deter him but had also managed to draw out enough information to get a feel for whomever this was. They were an annoyance, whomever they truly were. "Speak then, and know that I did not throw this party to discuss business." The Dark Lord of the Sith said through his teeth.

His eyes shift away for only an instant as another Sith entered, fashionably late, but he was pleased to see her regardless. He did not respond with any form of nod or smile, but he did meet her eyes-which was sufficient greeting enough. He shifted his gaze back to the two men, and specifically to the man who so desperately wanted to speak with him.

PRINCESS TARA​

Tara had to steel herself against the immediate impulse to retch when the man she had hoped would be interesting turned out to be just as unpleasant as the rest of them. He'd "known her father for ages". She certainly did not want to know what they had done on that beach while drunk. Her father had a rather sordid reputation when it came to younger men. She resisted the urge to shudder at the images that came to mind and instead focused on using the man as a veritable shield.

A shield that did little to protect her from the next assault from her assailant. Fortunately she had prepared herself after the first one. Her father was unlikely to protect her a second time. He had a habit of showing mercy once and cruelty second. Not that he was a bad father, but she knew better than to rely on him for anything. Tara was a Sith. She hissed under her breath as the thoughts pressed against her mind, she was well aware of his tenuous ascension, but his actions while in power spoke for themselves.

She pushed back, reaching out to try to find the source of the assault but it seemed to be moving away. Grateful, and a bit winded, she shifted to lean on the man she had locked arms with and had not bothered to learn the name of. Only to have one of father's lackeys come to pry him away. Stars! She couldn't even use a man as a shield without Daddy getting paranoid. When the man tried to puff his chest and bark at the approaching sith, Tara almost had to laugh at his audacity. She held up a hand.

"Let's not go casting threats. This man is my escort..." she squinted at the man's regalia. "...sir Templar. So please be so kind as to explain why you are laying a hand on him." She was not going to lose her barrier against socializing without a fight.

 

[Danee]

The constant sound of blabbering drunks, glasses slammed almost to the breaking point against the counter and music, blended together into a loud messy noise. All of it filled her ears as she sipped the glass of Corellian whiskey in her hand. At least that was silent. Reaching up with her right hand she moved a strand of hair away from her face and back behind her ear to keep it away from her drink.

She didn't pay much attention to those who surrounded her, however the man she had figured out to be Lord Cain stepped closer and ordered a similar glass as she had in her hand. Either it was a mere coincidence or he was trying to make her aware that he knew that she was either listening or he knew who she was. Joanna didn't pay much attention after that and took another sip from her glass, only having to put it down almost instantly as Lord Cain began to talk to her. She found it quite flattering to have a Dark Lord approach her first.

"Pretending to ignore the presence of a sith is just asking for us to say hello" The Dark Lord spoke and she smiled. "I'd rather call it waiting for the right moment to strike up conversation, My Lord." Joanna replied as she turned to face him, "I'm not too phased by the rain, actually I find it quite relaxing, most of my work gets done during rainy days to be honest." She said with a smile, however she found her conversation partner to be interrupted and approached by, what she assumed to be, his underlings. How rude. Taking another sip from her Whiskey she kept the glass in her hand and decided to chime in to the discussion between the Sith.

"Pardon me, but isn't it rather... rude to interrupt an ongoing conversation?" She asked, knowing very well that it was what she had just done as well, though in her defense, she had been robbed first, and was merely taking back what was hers.

 

[Intratec]

Oh, it was enough to make Caduceus squeal with glee (He didn't.). In fact, he continued his friendly, open approach as Darth Cain ordained to speak. Goose the flock away from him, especially his intended night's diversion on a lark? Well. Turnabout was fair play. (It was!) A little bit of delaying, playing the somewhat slower-witted, coy 'spy' instead of the razor's edge (In his mind), honed to perfection that was standing between both of the men. He hadn't shown up to be a buffer. Far from it. He'd taken to the Dark Lord's side to pick his mind, he cared for his offspring, that was clear. The little metaphysical sparring match going on that blanketed the room was proof enough. It did not take a mind-reader to know a silent battle was going on. The steadying hand he'd offered the newly unveiled 'Princess' had seen to that with but a touch.

Speaking to the younger 'Mister Keep' had simultaneously intrigued him, and offered an opportunity. To gather information that the erstwhile unknown young man and his offers, and to find a rather unfortunate bullseye for the Dark Lord to vent a little upon. Figuring the somewhat overt game of Cat and also Cat would draw his attention. Throwing an almost apologetic look Silas' way. Well. Time to see if the boy could swim in the deep end. That was until the dulcet tones of a feminine voice brought his attention about to see a young woman on the other side of Cain. Oh. Revenge, you sweet, sweet beauty. He could've high-fived it. One glance was enough before shedding the sight of her from his mind. No, there was much more entertaining and important things to discuss, do, and in general muck about. Like for example gaining a higher view of the silent, yet full of drunken, sordid-fueled ape-mewling of buffoons. So as Darth Cain turned his penetrating gaze upon this poor soul, Caduceus took up the Dark Lord's vigil.

Hands coming from pockets, and on the turn of a heel, the Inquisitor turned about in one smooth movement to stare down at the plebeians below. He'd already alerted one of the hidden Inquisitors that something was amiss, to spread it around as unobtrusively as possible to his comrades. It was to cast a net. One that either caught the naughty little fish that was so brazen as to attack a woman at her unveiling ceremony, or to scare it off. Preferably catch, but if scared off. . . that was valuable, not as valuable as having caught the little aquatic cranite, but it would provide something just as well.

Without a doubt, Cain would've had security in place in some manner. Besides just the Inquisitors laced about the crowd. Surveillance feeds were plausible, once well-armed, but now dressed to impress guards also possible. Should the little attacks continue it was likely more overt action would be taken. If it ceased if the attacker blended back into the crowds and shadows that they thought were his safe harbor. . . Well. If the encroaching net did not capture him, or identify him, technology certainly could at the least capture an image. An image that after some painstaking work on some low-level flunky's part to identify that was not what they seemed, that stuck out, or perhaps just seemed off. It was not fool-proof. But it was all that could be had at the moment versus actively probing the masses through the Force.

​

 

[LordOfShadows]

The Templar didn't say anything at first as Rokuro made his threat which made him chuckle a bit. Then another approached trying to make peace. The idea of keeping this peaceful was laughable. Though, the Spawn seemed to intrigue Ralmeri. The Templar wanted to know what caused the dots in the individuals eyes to change. It made him very curious, but it was no time for such triviality. He wanted to know why someone one that he felt was not aligned with Sith was standing in a room full of Sith nobility and the like.

"Peace is a lie..I do plan on taking this to the Dark Lord. Before you go making threats at someone who serves the Priesthood, be wary that I could easily send lightning through your body and end your miserable existence," he snapped then paying attention that Rokuro had been locked arms with the Dark Lord's daughter.

At the comment of the princess, he let go of the younger man's shoulder. It displeased him that the Jedi had the nerve to cast idle threats when he was surrounded by force presences that didn't align with his. He took a deep breath trying to gather his thoughts. Ralmeri didn't care for responding. The Dark Lord gave him a task and he was more than willing to complete it. This was not turning out how he thought it would. He knew if he activated his lightsaber that it would probable cause even more unwanted attention. Though, push come to shove, there were other Templars here that he knew would back him if they weren't too drunk. There was no need to take that chance. He was a bit tipsy himself, but not enough to keep him from doing his job.

"Princess, I'm here on orders from the Dark Lord to find someone who should not be here," he answered without taking his eyes of Rokuro, "The Dark Side has led me here and I noticed that he isn't quite like...us. I plan on taking him to back to the Dark Lord to figure out what to do with him, milady. The Dark Lord wants them alive. You are welcome to come along if you seem fit. If need be, I'll guard you personally, but first I must deal with...him."

@Vinny @Cheshire @Simonev

 

[Intratec]

As the Dark Lord turned his attentions elsewhere, Caduceus' silent vigil continued in just that. Silence. The blunt as a sack of hammers Templar had made his overt appearance. And it was thanks to the enhanced hearing of his species that he was able to catch and discern what was being said. The Inquisitor sneered then in understanding. Shoving himself off, Caduceus took a moment to adjust his sleeves, cufflinks. Satisfied his appearance was secure, he began to stroll by Darth Cain, and Keep. Taking just a moment out of his now busy schedule to pat the younger man on the shoulder. "We'll talk later," offering as a means of giving a faint glimmer of hope.

His next endeavor had made itself known in the most garish of ways. By wearing a black boa, and a voice that could torture even the most stalwart of souls. It was enough to make him want to gut the man where he stood. But, appearances, appearances, appearances. Suppressing the urge for bodily or even verbal harm, Caduceus donned a fetching, friendly smile as he neared. Ever since returning to this newly ordained Empire, he had been slaving away. Building a base on which to stand upon. Deals made, various treasures exchanging hands and finally, a fledgling trade enterprise was born. From it Caduceus had begun to generate a modest income which only seemed to be growing steadily.

He was not a noble by any stretch of the word. But was quickly becoming wealthy through his own devices. So it was he had set his sights upon the nobility. The next logical step for one of his breeding. To grasp at power. But not in the typical slash and burn manner. Intrigue, politicking the more subtle side of things.

Spreading his arms wide, he then spoke while nearing the fabulously clothed Count.

"Count Diocletian!" he exclaimed, eyes just wide enough to feign surprise. "My lord, it is simply marvelous you made this Ball." stopping short, he gave a curt little nod of due respect.

"I must say, you stand apart with such a fetching boa." Caduceus gesturing to what was wound around the man's neck and shoulders, "I really must insist you tell me whom the designer of such an accoutrement are."

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