For a Good Cause

[Braun Stoker]

Braun could tell, by Alema’s constant self-correction, that she was much more interested in the grandeur of the party than she might have wanted Lieutenant Stoker to believe. Braun found that amusing and figured it was best to let it be. He knew nothing of being a socialite and was very much out of his element here in the ballroom. He was a solider, much like Lt. Drast on the other side of the room, but he also knew that there was an expectation of the Republic and its officers. They had to represent the ideal government of security and the people. “Well then we'll do so gladly,” he responded pleasantly Alema mentioned not wanting to be a monkey-lizard. “Like you’re following me? I’m the trooper here, you’re the one in charge,” He joked without a single drop of irony as she proved him very much correct.


She pulled him by the arm and made their way towards the senator. He clearly had no choice in the matter, and he was okay with that. He appreciated her initiative. Alema’s boldness was certainly one of her admirable qualities. They approached the pair of senators, now walking together in pace as he caught up with her pulling him. He would gently rest his hand on the shoulder of Senator Hawkes, not wanting to scare the man like he had in their first meeting. “Senator? I hope I’m not interrupting?” he would intrude after senator Waszylla had a chance to answer the previous inquiries of Alton Hawkes. “Oh, and senator…Waszylla, it’s wonderful to see you as well” He commented as he had to think to remember the senator’s name. He had personally met Hawkes, but Waszylla he had only seen on holoscreens. “I only wanted to say hello my dear friend,” He would start offering to shake the hand of the respectable senator Hawkes. “and I wanted to introduce you two to my compatriot, Lieutenant Alema Torr” He would offer, moving away so that Alema could take the spotlight and address these great men.


He in this moment caught a glance of a strange box that the senator seemed to be holding. Was it a gift of some kind? Or maybe a bomb? Braun’s warfare scarred mind ran wild with thoughts as he tried to remind himself that this was a simple dinner and not a battlefield. He watched on as Alema was surely going to show off her impressive social skills. She was a Navy officer, and her future could one day be in politics after all. She would certainly have his vote.

@Sandshark @Faster Than Light @Insalius

 

[Caliban Antares]

Cal was pleased to hear that he hadn't been off the mark, but had no illusions regarding the extend of his abilities and knew he was not going to be able to guess what planet she was from. Better to come up clean and quit while ahead. "I am afraid that guessing that might be beyond my abilities, though I have no doubt it must be a wondrous place for someone as remarkable as you to call it home." He hoped that would do, he wasn't really the best at things like these. And by things like these he meant talking to those of the fairer sex. There was was only so far he could get by faking it.

He nodded his head in acknowledgement when she guessed him being from the Core, and was surprised once more when she revealed that she too was not familiar with most gathered at the gala. That was interesting, what were the odds. "Funny you should say that, I myself have been at a loss for identifying more than a few on the guest list today. Actually I was rather surprised to find myself on that list. You see, I am from Coruscant, here representing my planet's motion to join the Republic. Given our history, I haven't really recieved the warmest welcome from most." He trailed off for a moment as he noticed someone behind her, a man sharply dressed in dress uniform. An oddly familiar looking man.

"Ryker?"

Surprised to see the man here of all places, he forgot where he was for a moment and almost walked off right then and there to approach the man. But he remembered himself just before he rudely walked away from Jurya. "You said you were unfamiliar with most here? Why don't I help rectify that, it's the least I can do after almost spilling my drink on you. Come, why don't I introduce you to one of the Galaxy's finest. "

With that he moved towards Ryker gesturing for Jurya to accompany him. Coming to a stop before Ryker, smiling widely as he approached his old friend, only then realizing how good it felt to see an old friend. "You always were full of surprises, weren't you? Whatever are you doing here you crook?" He was about to pull the man into a hug, decorum momentarily forgotten, till he noticed who the woman Ryker had been in conversation with was. Her back had been to him so he hadn't noticed, but now that he could see who it was he felt the strong urge to kick himself in the ass. "Madam Chancellor!" He too stepped back a little like Ryker had not too long ago. He had hoped to run into her here, but having done so so unexpectedly he found that he was momentarily at a loss for words. "Forgive me," He finally said after a moment when he looked from her to Ryker and back to her, wondering what Ryker was doing talking to the Chancellor. He really was full of surprises. "where are my manners. Caliban Antares at your service ma'am." Hopefully she wouldn't be aware of the countless messages he had left at her office requesting a meeting, that with the less than ideal way in which he had run into her would not really result in the best first impression.

@Killa Ree @Sreeya @Painus

 

[Jurya Kelborn]

She blinked once. Then tilted her head, internally debating revealing her origins. It seemed he preferred directness to any clever wording, and it was surprisingly refreshing for the Hapan. Most of her company didn't even dare to be to the point, far preferring their own voices to echo than to have anything meaningful to say. But before he seemed to recognize someone else from behind her, she smiled again.

"Forgive me, I may have forgotten to tell you a few things. Jurya Kelborn… from the planet of Hapes. And though I don't believe in anything like Fate, it seems our ambitions are aligned. I too am here on behalf of my planet to join the Republic... though such an endeavor may prove difficult."

Since most had no idea where she was from, she had no doubt that once most did, what were probably once decently warm greetings would turn cold quickly. This was no charity ball, after all, she wanted to rub shoulders before putting forth her petition.
She turned her head briefly to glance at whomever this Ryker was. Spotting another male, who seemed very uncomfortable in his uniform. Ah, so her intuition was correct, Caliban must have once been military.

To say she wasn't envious of those that could physically fight for their cause would be lying. Like most of her people who had assimilated into Mandalorian culture, the will to battle for her cause was strong... but she was very much not. She nodded once, trailing after him when he moved towards this new face.

"I'd be delighted." And it was true, she was genuinely enjoying herself.

She made sure to smile at the new man, and then the other woman accompanying, even opening her mouth to greet them both, when her companion seemed to notice her, and step back. Instead, she stood at the proper distance, gaze direct as she glanced at both Ryker and the Chancellor herself. She offered a slight bow with her head and shoulders, eyes closing briefly before opening them and giving both a pleasant expression. "Good evening Madam Chancellor, sir. A pleasure to meet you both."

Not an auspicious beginning, she thought wryly to herself. But at least there was one, and certainly less ceremonial than meeting on the Senate floor. Still, this was new circumstance for everyone, and certainly a new beginning for Jurya. Still, she couldn't allow herself to hope for anything beyond making acquaintances tonight. She still had a long way to go before things would finally fall into motion in the way she desired them to.

@Wit @Sreeya @Painus

 

[Ryker Knight Victor]

Ryker had taken the time after his little faux pas with the Chancellor to grab a few crackers, some cheese, and a piece of ham. He needed to distract himself with the stupid way he conducted himself seconds prior, so, while he waited for the Chancellor to chastise him as he expected, he busied himself with a little ham and cheese cracker. Bits of the cracker decided to go their own way and abandon ship down towards his uniform, so he had to stick his head out a little bit farther to avoid dirtying what he wore.

He didn’t even realize how ridiculous he had to look when Cal approached him mid-bite. Ryker pulled his head back and brushed off what few crumbs made it onto his top with the back of his beer-holding hand. Yeah, galaxy’s finest, alright. Cal almost moved to pull him into a hug and Ryker opened his arms somewhat to receive it, but it never came. With that, he brought the cracker sandwich back for its final strafing run into his mouth and finished it off. The woman he was with greeted the two of them and he responded with a polite nod of his head. These Senatorial types were always so polite.

”They said the food would be pretty good,” he said with a grin in response to Cal, shrugging playfully, ”I had to see for myself, y’know? It’s great seeing you… Senator Antares.” He said, unused to referring to a friend by such a new title. He took a sip of his beer to wash out his mouth and looked at Jurya, smiling warmly. ”You here with Cal, ma’am? I gotta warn you, he’s polite about everything except his field rations,” he joked, raising his eyebrows at Cal, ”That’s something for later though.” He smiled again and nodded at the two of them, taking another nervous sip of his beer. It was great seeing old military friends, but it was weird being one of the few in this impromptu circle who wasn’t some kind of politician. Remembering his manners, he stuck a hand out for Jurya, adding on to the end of his sentence with a polite, ”Lieutenant Ryker Knight-Victor, ma’am.”

Provided the Chancellor didn’t begin to take over the conversation, Ryker would look at Cal and point his beer at the well-dressed man. ”So, politics, huh? What made you go crazy?” He chuckled and looked around to gauge if his joke got any traction. Maneuvering the political battlefield was a whole different beast that he’d not yet learned to tame. This was like on-the-job learning at its finest, right here.

@Wit @Killa Ree @Sreeya

 

[Keira Zale]

Keira was momentarily distracted by all the people milling about before she realized she was being approached. She smiled at the few that did, turning first to the new junior Senator that was making waves, “Mr...Antares, is it?” She reached out to shake his hand before he even introduced himself, “I’ve heard through the grapevine you’ve been quite busy with some things that could prove largely beneficial for the Republic,” She gave him a knowing smile.

She then turned to look at the woman that had introduced herself as the Senator of Hapes. Keira had heard of what the woman intended and she had drawn her interest at once. She shook the woman’s hand, smiling, “Good to meet you, Senator Kelborn,” She said excitedly, “You are tremendously brave for what you are going to do. I hope you know that you have my full backing. If there’s anything I can do to assist you, please let me know.”

Breaking away from Mandalorian regime was one of the toughest challenges the Senators had. The Sith had fallen prey to the Emperor’s decision to dissolve the Empire, but the Mandalorians were very much in active power. It would take some skill and finesse to peacefully take away what they claimed to be theirs.

Before she could say anything else, one of the military men came over. He appeared to be on friendly terms with Cal Antares, and she was amused by the exchange. He then turned to her and said something about coming here ‘with’ Cal Antares. Her eyes widened and she chuckled softly, “I’m here by my lonesome, I’m afraid,” Keira smiled and shook his hand as well, “Nice to meet you, lieutenant and thank you for everything you’re doing.”

@Painus @Killa Ree @Wit

 

[Alton Hawkes]

It's so busy in the the bar. After Braun put his hand on Alton's shoulder, he would turn around and then see the person he met in his office that one day with a blaster. Accept that this time this is a much more friendly setting and there are no blasters involved at all. He's also in a Republic military dress uniform. Alton would smile as he's done well for himself. It's good to see. Not only that he has a lady friend, also in the military, but not in uniform.

Still it's nice that he's made a good choice for himself and he's already making new friends. "No, not at all. Nice to see you again, looking sharp in that uniform." he would smile and nod towards Braun and then wave towards Braun's twi'lek friend. "And nice to meet you Lieutenant Torr." he would nod and then raise his hand out for a handshake towards her. "Alton Hawkes" he introduced himself to her "But you can just call me Alton if you want" he continued smiling, he's a pretty chill person. He'd leave some room for Waszylla to exchange friendly remarks as well. "You two having fun here?" he asked the two, making friendly conversation.

@Insalius @Sandshark @Tetsu

 

[Alema Torr]

Alema was pleased to see that Braun's connections had worked out to her advantage. At the very least, she had the chance to get her foot in the door. She took Alton's hand and gave it a firm shake. "Pleased to meet you, Alton. Braun says you're a good man."

She let go of his hand and reached over to pat Braun's shoulder playfully. "We only just got here, but I'm enjoying meeting the Lieutenant's friends. He knows a lot more of the old guard here than I do." She gave the Senator a prize-winning smile and brushed a hand down her lekku in an absent-minded way. "It's an exciting time for the Republic, don't you think? So many people coming out to help fund charity after the wars... I think it would be nice if the Navy could play a role in relieving the suffering on our worlds."

It was a fairly oblique pitch, but it was just speculative enough to come off as light banter. She already knew she would push for it if she could, but the effort from her end was nothing compared to the weight of a Senator's words.

@Tetsu @Faster Than Light @Insalius

 

[Braun Stoker]

Braun was elated to see his friend in good condition! He greeted himself and Alema with the decency of a man of his stature. Braun had even heard rumors of the man being a candidate for vice chancellor, which was an exciting thought; however, Braun thought it best not to talk about suck gossip without any official backing. He listened attentively as Alema spoke to the senators. She patted his shoulder and her could feel her friendly natured gesture.

“Yup, that would be my fault. I’ve got no sense of time,” he expresses while rubbing the back of his neck. He bent the truth, letting their tardiness fall on him rather than on the dressing mishap Alema had experienced prior. He felt like that was the right thing to do. Alema mentioned the old guard and Braun had to contain his internal chuckle. The only member of the “old guard” he really knew as Alton Hawkes in reality. He found her statement ironic, but hit his amusement behind a gentle smile.

Alema, as Clever as a fox-lion, began trying to weave some of her thoughts into the casual conversation. Braun listened and nodded quietly as she spoke. He had nothing to add that would sound beneficial. If anything him speaking would just get in the way of Alema’s words. He was very pleased with Alema’s compassion for the republic and the good of the galaxy. He had done too much evil in this world to ever repay his sins. He was contented that people, Like Alema, were trying to stop the cycle of hate and warfare instead of feeding it.

His mind had wandered for only a minute before he snapped back into reality with Alton’s simple question. He responded, “I think we are having a wonderful time senator, I think what is most exciting is the opportunity for us officers to do charity for others, be it fiscally or on the battlefield.” Braun expresses in a smooth Corellian way that might have displayed how hard he was trying to fit in. He didn’t feel at home in all the pomp and circumstance of socialite life. He looked at Alton and then back to Alema, letting the pair converse while he would occasionally chime his thoughts. He listened quietly to the gentle music of the hall as he wondered about how to actually do small talk without sounding like a baboon snorting carbonite.

@Faster Than Light @Sandshark @Insalius