Humanitarian Aid Charity Function: Open Social RP

[Fyremage]

((This thread is death disabled. No PVP Combat of any sort. This is open to Republic Senators, and any other characters within reason. If you would logically be here, then please come. :) ))

The sun was beginning to set upon the idyllic world of Chandrila, with one of the finest hotels in Hanna City having the honor to host a very special party, held by a very special guest. Invitations were sent to all manner of individuals, from Senators, to monetary benefactors, etc. The invitation read the same for all:

"Greetings! You are warmly invited to a charity function to be hosted by the esteemed Chancellor Gregory Rhone of Chandrila. Please see below for a personal message from your host:

'My fellow citizens, no doubt you are all aware of the atrocities which have been committed in the name of the Sith Brotherhood, in particular on Seleucami. While many of us have taken up arms to answer the call in seeing that justice is brought to these terrorists, we all can make a difference in meeting the needs of the many refugees that now find themselves on many worlds within the Republic, wishing to find safety from the reach of our enemies. Please join me in committing funds, in whatever size whether it be large or small, to help those displaced from their homes and families. Alone, it may be hard to imagine being able to make a difference. But the Republic is truly great when all of its citizens stand together, and it is when this happens that the most significant differences occur.

I look forward to greeting you personally at the Watermark Hotel in downtown Hanna City.'"

True to form, the Chancellor was indeed at this event, decked in his finest as he awaited the arrival of his guests. Over time, several arrived, greeting the Chancellor with a firm handshake or light kiss on the cheek, general press and reporters being permitted to attend within reason, in small groups for varying lengths of time so as to not swarm the guests as they socialized. Drinks were being served, hors d'oeuvres being partaken of, and laughter could be heard intermingled with conversation. Amidst the darkness of the galaxy around them, it was hopeful that peace could be found in these hours of merriment.

((Potential interested parties: @Sreeya @Nor'baal @Beta12 @Sangga. As stated above, please feel free to attend for general social rp.))

 

[Sreeya]

It had been some time since Talia had last attended a gala involving the senate and other higher ups within the Republic. Her role was as the liaison for the Bounty Hunter’s Guild. However, she was also involved in a multitude of business ventures, having made a prominent name for herself as a corporate magnate. Her dealings with Czerka especially had placed her on the galactic map, and she was known more by her name than by her role as a bounty hunter.

As soon as she had received the invitation to the charity function, she had donated several million credits to the cause. Without family and having her personal desires met, she found no use for her money outside of charitable cause. Her contribution would no doubt involve an invite to stand and speak about her generosity. In truth, she hated that part, and had attempted to donate anonymously. Nevertheless, her name got out and she dreaded the spotlight moment later.

For now, the woman made idle chat with others in attendance. She was on first name basis with a number of those around her, but she had yet to meet the new Chancellor. She was adorned in an elegant red dress, the backless attire revealing a multitude of tattoos on her back and arms. She opted to wear long earrings instead of her usual studs, her black hair neatly hanging over one side of her face.

Talia made her way over to the Chancellor, waiting patiently as others gushed over the man. She had done this introduction several times, and she hoped that he would stick around. As it was her turn, she approached the man, offering a smile and shaking his hand.

“It’s great to finally meet you, Chancellor. I’m Talia Al’Saif. I’m the liaison to the senate for the Bounty Hunter’s Guild. I admire the work you’ve done with the Republic so far. Outside of handling the galaxy going to hell in a handbasket, how are you liking your new role?”

Talia’s smile was genuine. It was nice to finally have a man that took charge instead of taking up his time squabbling in the senate halls alone. Silently, she was holding back her craving to smoke a cigarra. She vowed not to do it within the presence of anyone important, but it was killing her now.

 

[Fyremage]

It didn't take long for Gregory to soon become bored at the several lobbyists and politicians vying for his attention. He had grown accustomed to the shameless, and disingenuous pandering those who wished to cozy up to his office engaged in. Yet, it was quite refreshing when someone broke the seeming tempo of the usual and mundane. And that someone was a rather ravishing woman in a red dress who took a moment to introduce herself to the Chancellor. As a general rule, Gregory didn't take more than usual notice of other women, especially when in the company of his wife who stood by his side. He loved her, after all, and although many men lived by the adage of 'looking and not touching' was acceptable, Gregory ascribed more to the school of thought that emotional infidelity could invariably lead to the physical. So he, by force of habit, kept those thoughts at bay, and instead remained visibly neutral but cordial, whilst internally he was at least thankful for the presence of someone he would likely be more interested in speaking with, if the tattoos shown on her body were of any indication.

Shaking her hand in turn, the Chancellor replied to her compliment, which elicited a slight chuckle: "Well, things are going as well as can be expected I suppose. I'm afraid I am all out of handbaskets though, so I can only imagine what I could use if anything else happens." His smile was equally genuine, and some of the others around him seemed to laugh (a bit too hard) at his small attempt at humor. Although he did find it easy to smile, it was apparent from the subtle bags under his eyes and apparent graying in his hair that seemed to grow a bit more severe when compared to his life prior to becoming Chancellor that the stresses of office were beginning to take their toll.

"I must say, you are the first bounty hunter I have met in person, or at least I assume you must be one since you are the guild's liaison. If I might ask, Ms. Al'Saif, how does the guild fair amidst the events that have recently transpired?"

His tone was harmless enough, although the question may not have been. Although Gregory styled himself, and others styled him, to be a father figure of the Republic, it was apparent that also brought with it a certain, innate desire to be informed about how others viewed the Republic, and how the Republic itself stood in the eyes of others. Even when the Chancellor was supposed to be relaxing.

 

[Sreeya]

Up this close, Talia could tell the man was weary. The battles kept him up, and with attempting to arrange alliances all over, she was surprised he could still find time to organize events. Still, there was no denying he was an attractive man. If he didn't have a wife icily staring at Talia, she wouldn't have minded letting him get very well acquainted with every tattoo on her body. She only smiled at the man’s words, her eyes briefly flashing over to another woman that guffawed like a hyena at his mild joke Was he used to this? The woman appeared to be in her early 20s, looked like a reporter of some sort. Her steely eyes moved back to the Chancellor.

“The first bounty hunter? That wounds me. We’re a lot of fun to be around, actually. We have a fair few lounges where you and... Mrs. Rhone would be very welcome in.”

She grabbed a glass of champagne as it went by, taking a sip.

“We had a change in leadership. I didn’t want the role because I enjoy hanging around the senate far too much. Diva Tumi is at the helm, and I'm sure you've seen her all over the HoloNet. Business is booming, I must say, especially with the Sith crawling out of the woodwork.”

Talia glanced over at a Holoscreen that had been showing the donation monetary count. It abruptly changed to a news report about Zeltros. There had been more attacks. Rather quickly, the entire conversation within the hotel turned to the topic in hushed whispers. Talia grimaced.

“The war really has begun, Chancellor..”

 

[Adèle-Luisa Palliser]

Senator Palliser walks in with a few of her retinue, mostly those she know can contribute to the cause. The Archduchess would wear her old military uniform, but quite frankly, if she did she would look like she belonged in a museum. She's too old to be wearing her old uniform, so she settled for pinning on the badge for the Colonel-in-Chief of the Onyx Guard, her own regiment, which she is preparing to send off to fight and die for the Republic as soon as they are asked to.

She walks up to her friend, now Chancellor and gives him a light curtsey and waits for a lull in their conversation before interposing herself.

"Your Excellency, it is wonderful to see you once more. We apologise for not being here personally for such a long time, but alas, events on Kuat required our full undivided attention. The vote was much closer and harder fought then we would like, but we do say with pride, that Kuat stands firmly behind the Republic and that we are committing the vast majority of our forces to your Grand Army."

She glances at the woman she was talking to and gives her a respectful nod.

"We apologise for our rudeness but we do not know your name. We are Adèle-Luisa of House Palliser, Archduchess Castermaine and Senator of Kuat and you are?"

She raises an eyebrow and extends her hand to shake at the end of her introduction and has a soft smile on her lips.

 

[Voren Makr]

The list of invitees amused Voren, yet he hid it well as he read down the list on the way from his shuttle. Czerka, KDY, CDC, all had provided donations to the aid foundation, and all where in some way profiting from this war.

He smiled briefly, looking at the entrance guard to cover his mirth as a greeting, and showed his invite - not that he needed to. Checking his encrypted dataslate, he read over the abnormally high security, and walked in.

Nodded to the chancellor as he entered, but not approaching (for the man was already conversing with Talia, a woman he ironically had employed at one point) he walked over to the Senator for Kuat @The Star of Chaos and greeted his relative.

 

[Fyremage]

"Whether others want to admit it or not, you are right Ms. Al'Saif." Gregory stated flatly as he cast a stray glance at the news footage of Zeltros. GAR units were deployed on the world, yet it seemed the Sith's plot to engage in terrorist activity could not be so easily quelled. Although a slight look of disappointment and pity for the people on Zeltros could be seen on his face, his tone and demeanor remained the strong pillar of hope he needed to be in this dark time. "Unfortunately, radicals will do as they please, without any regard for the well being of others. They blame the Jedi, when they themselves attack innocents to prove their point. Those aren't warriors, or men. What you see before you, are the actions of cowards. And those cowards will soon meet their end, even if I have to grab a rifle and do it myself."

The Chancellor remained silent thereafter for several moments in deference to the suffering being felt on that world. His appetite for champaign seemed to wane, as evidenced by his setting his glass on the tray of a nearby servant. As the footage rolled by, Senator Palliser of Kuat made her entrance, and rather elegantly approached the Chancellor by way of greeting. Even in light of the sorrow being displayed on the news screen, which was soon replaced by the donation figures, Gregory gave the woman a slight bow of his head and a courteous kiss on her hand as she offered it, as per the custom of her people if Gregory remembered correctly. "As always, Madam Palliser, it is a pleasure to receive you yet again. I am sorry to hear of your absence and the need for you to be away for so long, yet I trust everything is now in order for the people of Kuat."

His usual smile remained on his face, cordial and to a degree genuine. It seemed to broaden a bit at the reminder of Kuati support for the upcoming war. After nodding his thanks and graciously bowing his head out of respect, the arrival of Senator Makr seemed to divert her attention, which allowed Gregory's to return to Talia.

"While I understand the guild is by no means beholden entirely to the Republic... I do hope we can count on your support in eliminating these terrorists from the galaxy."

 

[Liam]

On his homeworld, Hummux had been a rather big fish. He had been second in command at the planet’s biggest manufacturing company, and his face was nearly unmistakable among most of Falleen’s citizens. However, once he had left the planet to become a member of the Galactic Senate on Chandrila, he at once realized how small of a pond he had been living in before. The galaxy consisted of what appeared to be billions and billions of people, many of which whose importance and influence extended far beyond that of the Senator’s. Many of those same people had gathered here tonight, in downtown Hanna City.

Hummux had jumped at the opportunity to rub elbows with these humanitarians, and he had made sure to be dressed in his finest purple-and-gold robe that he reserved for special occasions. He had made sure to donate a couple hundred thousand credits to the charity; after all, it was for a very good cause, and was already enjoying his fair share of the drinks that were being offered to the guests. For the past few minutes he had been conversing with a rather attractive purple-skinned Twi’lek, until something else caught his eye entirely: a tattooed human in an extravagant red dress. The beauty of the woman forced Hummux’s eyes to wander from his current conversational partner, and for a moment he lost his train of thought completely. Shaking his head slightly as he turned back towards the Twi’lek, he offered a polite "excuse me” and rose from his seat. The mystery woman appeared to be in conversation with Chancellor Rhone, whom Hummux was familiar with from Senate hearings, which seemed to give Hummux a viable excuse to introduce himself.

As he approached the pair, he paused, waiting for a break in conversation, as to not be too much of an interruption. He gave a polite smile and bowed to both the Chancellor and his wife, before extending his hand, first to the man, in a cordial handshake. “Chancellor Rhone, a pleasure as always. I would like to offer my thanks to you for hosting such an important event tonight. Allow me to extend the gratitude of the world of Falleen, as well. I have reached out to some of my former business partners, and they assure me that they, too, will make donations.” he then turned to Gregory’s wife and offered her a friendly greeting, as well. “Mrs. Rhone, you look lovely as ever.”

Finally, he turned his attention towards the unnamed woman and gave a slight bow before offering his hand once more. “My apologies for interrupting, but I do not believe that we have had the pleasure of meeting. I am Hummux Det of Falleen.” Hummux took notice of the other two Senators that stood near the Chancellor, but they seemed to be engaged in conversation. He made a mental note to greet them at a later time, as he was currently preoccupied.

 

[Sreeya]

Talia listened to the Chancellor's words, her eyes trained on the Holo display that abruptly switched back to the donation numbers. Within moments, the conversation topics changed. Talia turned back just in time to catch the entrance of Senator Palliser. Initially, the bounty hunter's eyes narrowed slightly. However, her gaze drifted to an attendant present with the Senator, wearing a rather sheepish and apologetic expression on her face. Talia's own visage softened, her gaze warmer as she turned back to Palliser.

"My dear Madam Palliser."

She grasped the woman's hand into hers, offering a warm smile.

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here and rubbing elbows with the Senate. You voted me into my role as liaison and voted on my proposal of the new Bounty Hunter's Guild terms. I am Talia Al'Saif, at your service."

The words were true, the Senator having been a crucial ally during the voting. However, the woman did have a penchant for being slightly scatterbrained. The rumors surrounding this little fact were notorious. Talia paid them no heed, happy to see the woman. Talia briefly caught sight of Voren Makr. She had worked with the man before and always managed to come across him after he had suffered some traumatic event. The first time was after he had survived a bombing, the second when he barely escaped alive from a Sith attack. Today she was in his presence as Zeltros came under attack. She offered him a nod of recognition, allowing him to steal away Palliser's attention. That was when the Chancellor addressed her again. She had missed the urgency in his request.

"Of course, Chancellor. We will do our best to hunt down our bounties."

She held his gaze for a moment longer. Her voice was quieter when she spoke, taking another gulp of champagne.

"You...do have all the help you need, right?"

Moments later, the Senator of Falleen made his appearance. Her steely blue eyes met his, a smile gracing her lips as she grasped his hand.

"Talia Al'Saif, and the pleasure is all mine. I must say, I don't come across too many Falleen, so this is a delight. I'm the liaison to the Senate on behalf of the Bounty Hunter's Guild. Are you familiar with our work?"

Talia glanced back at the Chancellor, gauging his expression. He appeared to look progressively less comfortable, and she couldn't exactly blame him.

 

[Adèle-Luisa Palliser]

She gives Talia's hand a firm shake and a warm smile.

"My dear, we are truly sorry for forgetting about you. We did you a disservice and hope that we can make up for it at some point. Please leave your information with one of our attendants and we will work on making it up for you at some point!"

She has an earnest glimmer in her eyes and one of her attendants run over and in a soft voice says.

"May we take down your contact information? Her Excellency will want to make it up to you somehow and we can schedule something so she can make up for her rudeness."

After receiving her information Senator Palliser glances over to where Talia looked and with a quiet smile she curtsies and excuses herself to go and talk to her esteemed relative Senator Makr.

She does a full curtsey and smiles as she grabs two glasses of wine off the tray of a passing waiter and hands one to him.

"Senator Makr, it is a pleasure to see you again. How are you doing?"

Makr was always good for conversation, he seems to be constantly scheming and plotting, a man after her own heart.

@Nor'baal

 

[Arcangel]

Caedryn strode into the Watermark Hotel, brash and confident. Decked out in armor, Blue and black with silver trim, painted durasteel plates polished to a shine. He was of course completely unarmed, for while he was certain he could sneak a weapon past the hotel's security, there was no reason to for he did not have violent intentions. He also wore a stylish black cape, better to make his outfit seem more "formal".

He was well aware that such attire would be frowned upon. That was the intent after all. Better to be seen as the barbaric Mandalorian rimworlder than as a political and intellectual nemesis. So in such a guise did he walk into the grand ballroom of the Waternark Hotel, where the fundraiser for the refugees of Saleucami was being held.

Spotting the Chancellor of the Galactic Senate almost immediately, accompanied by a the bounty hunter, Talia Al'saif, an unmistakeable public icon, in a ravishing red dress, whom he eyed appreciatively from a distance for a moment, Caedryn began his approach. Walking through the crowd, which departed before the armored and helmeted Mandalorian nervously, he removed his helmet as he closed to talking distance, clipping it to his belt.

"Supreme Chancellor Rhone," he boomed pleasantly, giving nobody any doubt who he was talking to. "Caedryn Vizsla, Commander of Ha'rangir's Chosen." Holding out his gloved and gauntleted hand expectantly as he introduced himself before turning to the woman dressed in red and offering his hand to her. "You must be Mrs. Rhone." He boomed again, bowing down to kiss the back of her hand in his before turning once again to the Chancellor. "Your wife looks absolutely stunning tonight Chancellor, and you don't look half bad yourself." He said with a wink.

 

[Fyremage]

The Chancellor sighed at he at Talia's question. It was innocent enough question she asked him, namely if they had enough help. "We have the Grand Army of the Republic. However, quite frankly we could use all the help we can get."

Gregory was about to continue when a heavily armored Mandalorian waltz up to him and extended his gauntleted hand in greeting. When the name left his lips, Gregory arched a brow. The H'rangir's Chosen was a mercenary band, and although there was no evidence to suggest being suspicious of them, that didn't stop his guards from perking up. The Chancellor's Jedi Bodyguard (@Shalken) stood ready to intercede nearby, as Gregory noted out of the corner of his eye.

With a flick of his wrist, Gregory motioned for the men to stand down, and grasped the mercenary's hand into a firm handshake. When the man complimented Talia, assuming she was his wife, the Chancellor grinned slightly and responded politely: "Thank you, Mr. Vizla. I must admit, I am a bit surprised at your arrival. I'm sure you are a very busy man... with your contracts and such."

 

[Voren Makr]

Offering the usual pleasantries to the other guests, Voren approached the lady he had done business with in the past (@Sreeya), and offered his hand in accordance with the social 'rules' of such a venue. An invitation to dance, from one of the most powerful men in the Galaxy - something oddly most women would shy away from, by Voren knew she was a practical Lady. The music changes, some sort of medium paced tune that would facilitate their discussion.

Guiding her to the floor, he took her right arm, and placed his hand around her waist ''Talia, you really do keep cropping up in the strangest of places.'' he remarked, making no secret of his efforts to keep tabs on the woman with whom he kept doing business with. As they moved across the floor in a practiced motion, he spoke again, using the music to hide his voice from prying ears ''Indeed, your skills have not passed unnoticed. It will come as no secret to you that I am seeking to return to the Corporate World, having tired of the world of politics.'' he stated, aware of his dancing partners own abilities at tracing information.

Raising his arm and allowing her to pass under it, he drew in close in time with the music once more ''Are you looking to get back into the world of Security again? If so - I feel I may have a tantalizing proposition for you Talia.'' he stated, aware that Talia was indeed on the lookout for some coin, a stable income, and of course, a challenge. The A.T.L.A.S project was known to few, but Voren would see it to fruition, for in uncertain times, Security was always needed, and Talia was just the person he needed to kick start this endevour.

 

[Sreeya]

Talia eyed the Chancellor curiously. It became more and more clear that he wanted her out on the battlefield. Talia hadn’t intended to get involved, but it was hard not to when the Chancellor himself was silently pleading. She was taken out of the uncomfortable spot by an even more awkward event. She glanced up to see a fully kitted Mandalorian make his hamfisted way over to the Chancellor. Everyone around the group visibly tensed. As he removed his helmet, Talia rolled her eyes. Naturally, it was someone from Ral’s posse. Like with Ral, she constantly ran into this man.

Talia silently drank from her glass as Caedryn introduced himself. She about choked on her champagne when he turned to grasp her hand, kiss it, and nonchalantly refer to her as the Chancellor’s wife. The fool had met her several times and was entirely aware of her identity! What was he playing at?! Talia opened her mouth to protest, nervous about the actual Mrs. Rhone’s reaction. To her complete horror, the Chancellor himself did nothing to correct the mistake. He simply grinned and continued greeting Caedryn as normal.

She had to quell the urge to deck Caedryn in the face, and under any other circumstances, she would have. Silently mortified, Talia simply chugged the rest of her glass, attempting to find a way to excuse herself from this odd turn of events. That excuse came in the form of Voren. He was a class A crook, but she couldn’t have been happier to have found an out. Talia graciously accepted his hand, allowing him to lead her away to dance.

“Strange? I am a woman of many talents. I’m just as comfortable around soldiers as I am politicians. Mind you, the former are less terrifying.”

She offered him a smile, twirling out when he guided before spinning back into his grasp. His hand was on her slender waist, and she would feel deceptively frail. Talia drank in his words for a moment, pondering silently.

“Grown tired of it already? I don’t blame you. I have my duties with the BHG, but I can put in time for a new business venture. Tell me more about it, and perhaps I can set you up with some initial capital as well. You know I’m always looking to grow. But you know..”

She lowered her voice slightly.

“…playing both sides of the war won’t be profitable anymore.”

 

[Lion]

"You're sure about this? It...Doesn't feel quite right."

The words were perhaps to understatement as the word dense was in description to lead, as the Bothan tugged at his jacket sleeves, feeling the fabric tug gently against the sleeve of his shirt, and likewise, his fur. A gala like this, fundraising for the cause of the Republic and rubbing shoulders with the Galactic, seemed so far from his pay-grade that the young man couldn't help but wonder if he was dreaming. The Watermark Hotel itself seemed like the sort of place that was a bit beyond him; the racing league had its glamours but for a rookie driver to frequent a venue such as this?

Signing with Aratech had its benefits, clearly.

"We've been over this already, Sayar. Aratech was sent invitations, they had to make an appearance. Besides, it's not like the publicity won't hurt you; being seen to support a cause like this will help your image." The voice beside him, feminine but nevertheless clearly in control, responded; clear but almost motherly as the pair ascended the light steps toward the Hotel proper. Jera, Sayar knew, was a businesswoman at heart; part of Aratech's PR wing, it was the Chandrilan's job essentially to keep her charge in line in the public eye. It seemed her chosen tactic with the seventeen year old Bothan, however, was to go into full mother mode; practically a step away from brushing at the fur on the boy's head to ensure it stayed back.

Dressed in perhaps the most expensive item of clothing he'd ever worn, Sayar wore his hours of meticulous grooming well; every inch of visible fur had been brushed and perfumed, copper-and-gold earrings polished, and a designer suit provided by Aratech PR. As far as a cry as one could be from the sponsor-adorned bodysuits or the casual shorts-and-pants of the track, Sayar could have passed well into adulthood, were it not for the subtle indicators of his youth; uncertainty in his eyes giving it all away. Beside him, dressed in an azure pantsuit herself, Jera cut a commanding figure; her own blonde hair tied back in a short, bobbing tail to better show her fair-featured face.

"But, I mean...Senators? I just drive. What good am I going to do here?" Responded the younger male, gesturing with a slight turn of the head toward the ornate doors leading to the foyer, catching sight of the well-dressed figures around him. Myriad species, all dressed in finery and suits likely in the ballpark of 'average citizen's monthly wage', congregating and milling about; tended to by the hotel's likewise well-groomed staff. Fine alcohol, finger-foods, classy music; it was as far away from the stink of fuels, oils and the snug fireproof jumpsuits he had been immersed in hours earlier.

"Many Senators have interest in the League; investments are made to ensure track selection. Besides, you'd be surprised how many non-political figures congregate in these sorts of events; it's good for Aratech to be seen here. Some of Corporate is in there, but they wanted a more...public figure to attend. Lenna was occupied, so it fell to you." Replied Jera, the human's voice shifting tone ever so slightly, polite but refusing however to yield the firm and measured undercurrent; brooking absolutely no attempt at defiance. "Now, just smile, meet and greet. No alcohol; the last thing we want is a reporter seeing you drink underage."

"What, so even if the Supreme Chancellor demands I take a glass to toast something?" Sayar shot back, the Bothan's face cracking ever so slightly into a cocky smirk as the boy walked, glancing up ever so slightly to his taller human compatriot as she, with a near practised grace, took the young man's arm. Rounding through the foyer and into the main chamber, the atmosphere of the event hit Sayar full; another momentary flash of nerves threatened to ruffle his carefully brushed fuzz.

Likewise, the woman shared her client's mirthful little grin, with just a flicker of playful malice in her emerald eyes; ever so carefully squeezing her charge's arm in reassurance. "I'll toast for you; you touch so much as a drop and you'll need more than the Chancellor to help you, Sayar. Now, come on, let's see who's here. Remember; smile, be polite, don't be nervous; you're representing Aratech, you've nothing to worry about."

 

[Liam]

"We're a wonderful people, I assure you." Hummux said with a laugh to the woman. "But alas, aside from the Senate vote that was held regarding it, I have had little exposure to the Guild. Perhaps one day you could do me the honor of familiarizing me with it." he replied coyly, a slight smirk having forming on his face. Before the pairs conversation had a chance to continue, however, Talia was soon whisked away, by the head of the Republic Army, no less. Aside from the actual Chancellor himself, Talia seemed to be the most popular person at the event, and it was almost as if people were fighting to get a moment to speak with her. Hummux shrugged his shoulders slightly and turned back to Rhone, who too seemed to be preoccupied, currently having his ear talked off by a rather large Mandalorian. Unsure of what his next move was to be, Hummux looked down, where he realized that his champagne glass had gone empty. Without much difficulty, the senator soon found his way to the bar, where he was able to order a real drink. Glass in hand, he took a seat and spent the next few moments staring out at the masses of people that filled the room. He took a long sip from his glad as his eyes slowly scanned the faces in front of him.

 

[DancingFox]

As Hummux stared across the room, the entrance to the hotel opened, revealing three members of that jackal faced species that named themselves the Nalroni, the people of the fields. It was well known that the guardians of the Hydian Way, whose taxes governed any goods that entered and exited Republic Space along that hyperlane, were among the richest individuals in the galaxy, and the large, even by relative standards, credit donation reinforced that perception. They were quite willing to give as much as they could to the Republic in order to protect their precious hyperlanes from the depredations of the Sith. As long as trade continued, they had little worry of their coffers running low, as the jewelry that sparkled along their slender robed bodies displayed.

The trio practically glowed with the collective reflected light off dozens of gemstones, set along their massive ears, a favorite for piercings, adorning each of their three fingered hands, gathered about their slim and elegant necks, and encrusting the trim of their fine dark green silk robes. The leader had golden fur covering his flesh, and piercing blue eyes, framed by black lines of paint, and upon his head was a circlet of gold. It was simple enough in design, but it centered a beautiful gemstone that flashed with every color beneath sun when it caught the light.

The two obviously lesser officials split off, going their separate ways as Senatar H'Skirr started towards the Chancellor with steps both slow and deliberate, clearing a path simply with the way he held himself. He was important in the world of politics, and he knew this fact to be true. It was not that he lorded it over those of lesser station, but more like a heavy cloak of responsibility settled about his shoulders that he bore with pride. This, was, at least, the perception he tried to give others. They were free to take it as the hedonistic arrogance that many of his detractors claimed it was, and it's true that the Nalroni always gave off opulent displays of decadence. However, those with knowledge of their culture would realize that these were markings of rank, and not necessarily to be attributed to intentional gaudiness.

Regardless, the canid Senator folded his hands in the openings of his sleeves and gave the Chancellor and his wife a bow when he arrived in his presence. The Mandalorian got a polite nod of the head. Harath knew well the prowess of the Mandalorians, seeing as they hailed form the same sector, and he respected that. However, Caedryn was no ruler, and his personal wealth commanded no need for a bow. "Greetings from Celanon, Chancellor, Esteemed Warrior. I hope this evening finds you well?" His lips curved and his jaws parted slightly in his best imitation of a smile. "I feel I must commend you for putting on such a splendid show, despite the stress you have no doubt been under." A discreet scenting of the air indeed confirmed his assumption.

 

[Jira]

The recent turn of events in the Senate had put Tycho in a foul mood. In his mind, he ruminated over the fact that he had bought safety for the steep price of Core-world monopoly. The citizens of Taris were upset about his decision as well, and Tycho found no comfort back home, or on Chandrila.

Tycho figured that the gathering at the Watermark would be a fine opportunity to begin recuperating his perceived losses by observing the movements of Core-world senators, and to take inventory of potential allies representing the peripheral worlds of the Republic. Tycho admired the justification for the gathering, and he felt slightly sick knowing his true intentions for coming. Still, he figured that the rest of the players here had not come for any humanitarian reason.

Tycho entered the lobby to the sound of soft music and muddled conversations. Senators and other representatives mingled and drank, each of them dressed in the lavish styles of their respective cultures. Tycho himself dressed in the style of a Tarisian noble: a blue, silk tunic with sable colored slacks, polished leather boots that rose up to his knees. As an accent piece, he wore a thick white cloak, held in place by a gold chain of office around his neck, which held the emblem of his father's now defunct house at his breast. It was a style that was now completely out-of-fashion on revolutionary Taris, but was stately among the elite on Chandrila.

He scanned the room, looking for representatives from the outer rim, and for the Chancellor himself. Once he found the Chancellor, who was swamped with formal greetings, he stood behind the representative from Celanon, waiting for him to finish his salutations.

 

[Voren Makr]

''It appears we share more than one opinion Talia.'' he replied, clearly echoing her belief that playing both sides in this war was a risk that few could afford to take, even him. He liked to play the odds, sure who didn't? However, Voren had not made it this far by making rash decision, for one way or another he was determined to see himself on the winning side. ''But do we really know all the sides as of yet?'' he asked, he curiosity apparent. He had his own views, namely that all parties had not yet made themselves known in the war, but it would be interesting to hear of hers.

Guiding Talia off the dance floor and to one side he spoke again ''Pragmatically of course, this provides opportunity. The correct contacts are in place for the formation of one of Czerkas old operations, Military and Intelligence Outsourcing. ATLAS, it used to be known.'' he informed her, assuming she would have heard of the old group before. ''In uncertain times, people will look for Security more than ever, and in many cases that provided by the Government is....inadequate.'' he argued, drawing on his own experience in the Senate where Private Companies often had to bolster the state.

''Opportunity strikes Talia.'' he finished, his words heavy with the implication of what he wanted. Talia would be a valuable addition to his team, and it was clear Voren was suggesting, here and now, that she sign on up with him.

 

[Arcangel]

"Aye the Outer Rim keeps The Chosen busy enough." Caedryn responded distractedly, his eyes following Talia Al'saif as she was lead away. The tattoo's on her back had a mesmerizing effect, one that he felt if he stared too long he would find the world spinning around him. Tearing his attention away from the tantalizing woman, he brought his eyes back to the Chancellor. "But you and i both know where the real business is Chancellor." Moving to stand beside the man and watch the dance floor, his voice dropping to a more serious tone, hushed so that eavesdropping would be difficult. "Saleucami is ashes. Zeltros is burning. The Sith have announced their plan quite clearly. My men and i can be on Onderon before the week is up. The price being right of course." At that point, the song ended and Talia and her dance partner moved off of the dance floor. "Don't wait too long, now if you will excuse me."

Moving away from the Chancellor without giving him a chance to reply, and giving a nod to the Senator that had approached, Caedryn walked purposefully across the dance floor. "Opportunity strikes Talia." He heard as he came before the pair. "Indeed it does!" he announced, holding a hand out to the red dressed woman and bowing slightly. "May i have this dance Talia Al'saif?" A playful tone in his voice as the musicians began to play a slightly faster waltz.

@Sreeya @fyremage