Open Chandrila Night at the Opera

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc offered Senator Lassiter a faint smile, “He did not offend at all,” He reassured the woman, casting a sideways glance towards Tristodd before looking back at her, “He shows a lot of promise,” His grin widened slightly, “Perhaps he may yet help you see things from new perspectives.”

His focus shifted to Belasi when she asked about the museum. Emryc took a sip from his whiskey before nodding, “Even remnants from the Clone Wars and further back beyond that,” He explained, “It is one of the few museums that hasn’t been censored or influenced. That means it contains artifacts from the time the Sith governed the Core. Naturally there has been a lot of protest about this and there is even talk of shutting down that entire wing of the museum especially in light of recent events,” Emryc shrugged, “While I understand the sentiment, I think it’s important to preserve history good or bad to offer insight to what happened once prior and what we hope never to repeat.”

The half Sephi took another sip of his whiskey before checking his chrono, “I do believe the performance is about to begin,” He began to stand from his seat, once again towering over those around him, “Shall we go inside?”

@lizziie @LouJoVi

 

[Korre Belasi]

'It contains artifacts from the Sith government?' That certainly caught Korre's attention. While she was fascinated by history--rightfully so--she would be the first to admit her knowledge was generally lacking. There were certain historical niches she could delve into and expand on, such as the history of Septorus on Belasco or the history of the Belasi family, but for the most part she just had a general knowledge of what she learned in university. If she had to pick a niche subject she wished she could know more about, it would be the Sith. Though despicable in every way to her, because of such despicability, they had no qualms about going to lengths in science that Korre would never want nor dream of doing. Korre would react to this slowly, her eyes widening and her eyebrows raising just the slightest.

"Interesting," she would respond when the time came. Emyrc continued on about his belief that history should be preserved, "good or bad," and Korre found herself nodding in agreement. The erasure of history always came with ulterior motives. It was important to keep history honest and as factual as possible. That was her opinion, at least. "I understand that it may be cause for concern for some, but I wholeheartedly agree. As much as possible, history needs to remain as honest and factual as possible." Korre paused. History would always be biased, unfortunately. There were two, three, four sides to every story sometimes, and yet, only one (maybe one and a half) would survive to find its place in the history books. "As honest and factual as history can be, at least."

While Korre loved history, its uncertainty was one of the reasons she sometimes found it frustrating. There was uncertainty in science, yes, but there were methods to test it out. She could rely on certain laws of the universe to always work the same. There might be different variables and constants... but in the end, it was measurable. History? Not so much.

When the ISC president suggested they make their way into the theatre, Korre immediately smiled to mask the disappointment she knew would creep over her freckled face if she didn't. 'Man, I can't enjoy a play when there's a museum right down the block.' Korre crossed her legs the other way and replied to the half-Sephi with, "I'll be right there." She held her drink up as she said this, indicating this was the reason she would hesitate for the moment. In reality, Korre had other plans.

'What time does the museum close?' The senator pulled out her datapad, and while attempting to be discreet, casually searched up nearby museums to pinpoint the one the man had mentioned earlier. Her eyes narrowed at the digital screen, then widened again with a slight grin. If she could find time within the hour to slip out, it would be certainly possible to make it in time before they closed.

'I could leave shortly into the beginning to "use the restroom." ' If she sat near the doors, slipped out and headed towards the bathroom, she might be able to find a back exit to leave out of. The senator's rented method of transportation was parked outside as well. She wouldn't need it to get to the museum, but she'd left more comfortable shoes and a cloak inside. Her original thought was it would be nice to slip out of heels and into a warm cloak during Chandrila's cool nights. It turns out her plans would take a different turn.

After quickly finishing her Korre, could would get up to join those headed into the opera.

tag: @Sreeya @LouJoVi

 

[Tristodd Brentioch]

Tristodd gave one of his cheerful smiles to Senator Redrish. "Thank you, ma'am! I really hope to one day be able to participate directly in the Senate." After all this is why his parents prepared him, to one day become the Senator of Brentaal. But you are so worthless, do you think that you will succeed with that?

After Anat accepted the invitation for a drink, Tristodd smiled and guided her to a table. "Yes, this is my first time watching Squid Lake. However, I'm used to going to the opera. My parents would bring me and my brother to watch The Kallea Cycle nearly every season." he made a pause, nostalgia hitting him while remembering how he and Reegian would say that they were going to the bathroom during the presentation, only to go exploring the Votrad Stadium together. He missed how his brother used to be.

Seeking some privacy, he chose a table that was furthest away from the others. When they arrived at it, the young man pulled a chair for Anat to sit on. After all, he had been taught to be a gentleman. He sat on the chair across from her.

"Ms. Asteria. I'm really sorry if what I did scared you." there was no reason to ask if she saw something, Anat was looking at him when the ball flew. "I only discovered this ability recently and I still don't know how to control it." Tristodd looked at the ball that was still in his hand. He really needed to learn how to control it or more people would discover his secret. "I beg you, please don't tell anyone what you saw me do." the young man said, with a bit of desperation in his voice.

@Tess @GABA

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl wanted to laugh about what President Thorne had said. Tristodd showing potential for something? It could only be a joke. "Perhaps you are right, President." she said smiling at him, better not disagree with the man if she wanted to make a good impression with the people of the ISC.

The Brentaalan woman turned to Korre. "We should take a day to visit the museum. I would love to see some of the works of art that are on display there. I heard that they even have paintings that were used as propaganda by the Rebel Alliance." Sibyl said, smiling at the Senator of Belasco.

As some patrons started to enter the room where the ballet would happen, Sibyl followed Emryc and Korre. "Senator Belasi, as you are interested in history, perhaps you would like the opera The Kallea Cycle. It's inspired by the real events of the founding of the Hydian Way." this was probably the greatest opera made about Brentaal. "It also tells about the life of Freia Kallea and how she ended up marrying Sival Brentioch, both of whom are considered the ancestors of both modern House Brentioch and the Lassiter Family." she was proud of saying it. After all her family was an offshoot of House Brentioch. "I can invite you to watch it next season, if you are interested." The Senator of Brentaal said, smiling to Korre

@Sreeya @lizziie

 

[Preef Callo]

The human looked at him with some recognition written on his face, but then again, aliens all look alike. "Spleef Tello?" he asked, digi-stamping the invitation and stepping aside to allow the rodian before him access to the higher sections. Preef nodded, "Yes, I know. I look a lot like-" but the human, who now finally seemed to put two and two together, interrupted him in giddy awe; "-the actor that plays Preef Callo in the Good, the Bad and the Rodian!" That took Preef aback for a second, for he was going to say he looked like himself, not the actor impersonating him in the Holonet movies. Couldn't hurt, though. He feigned a sigh, "Exactly, now if you'll excuse me." the human suddenly startled by his own sudden lapse in professionalism let Preef pass.

He had purposefully not come at the appropriate time for social chit-chattering in fear of the other guests seeing through his thin disguise. After all, Preef had heard that Emryc Thorne was in attendance and that man could recognize the rodian as sure as the rodian knew that Emryc and Darth Raze were actually the same person. Best not leave such things on chance and slip into the opera during the opening act.

The rodian took his private seats and looked down upon the many uppity nobles and their senatorial lackeys. Oh how different their worlds had been. Preef had to fight through slavery as a child, survive on hostile planets on his own and make a living off his blaster for two decades before he had any of the luxuries that these people were born with. Perhaps, one day, he would turn the tables on them. Let the streetrats of Shaddaa, his little legends, live high and mighty while these nobles begged for crumbs on the streets. Oh how he'd reve-- oh the curtain's opening..

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

<Kava pihoha uba?! Uba neu wa Yih, an hiee naa banbonzahag? Jee hatkocanh pankoph mah jasetka, Jee hatkocanh neu uba bimhee dah patka!> Nor'baal spat as the nervous-looking ticket officer waved the guards down, whilst Nor'baals droid rapidly translated his masters shouts into basic. <Jee oto ta bai cohai bai mee babcenetky! Tah doth ba pauahau doi!>

Nor'baal had worked hard for these tickets. Breaking that Senatorial aides legs as punishment for non-payment of their debt would, it seemed, have been much easier than nabbing his opera tickets!

"Master Nor'baal I can only apologize." the manager appeared, waving the security away and desperately trying to get everyone calm, the show was about to begin after all. "Perhaps an upgrade to a box and we can forget this unfortunate incident?

The Hutt smiled, for even, he was a generous and understanding man when he needed to be. Nodding, he took the freshly upgraded ticket. Making his way up to the box, he found himself in some swanky seats just next to a dashing looking Rodian, and the Hutt did a double take.

Was that?

No.

It couldn't be?

Unless...

"By the force that's Spleef Tello! Droid, have a bottle sent to that mans box at once!"

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She couldn't help but notice the feeling of disappointment from Shane. And with the ever-growing crush of people that seemed to swell around them, suddenly she had no desire to linger. She could always watch a later recording of it, without the risk of developing a headache from all the feedback.

Emryc seemed enaged with a crowd of senators; though she would have approached to greet the man, she was suddenly tired. Tired of pretense, tired of the many faces and whispers. Glancing over at Shane again, she pulled out her comm from her clutch, and texted him a quick message, before quietly slipping back out the doorway, unseen. She was not up for socializing this evening.

Spoiler: Doc Morata

Care to join me for some fresh air and caf?

//Exit thread

@Taz

 

[Flauki Ubbeson]

Just as Flauki had begun to enter the opera building he realized just who was walking past him out of the door. It was Dr. Ilana Morata. She was a very well known and high reputation doctor. Though it was unfortunate he had not the pleasure of getting to conversate. Life goes on he supposed and would turn back to the direction he had been going previously. Flauki looked around and found President Emryc Thorne speaking with a couple others, so of course he decided to go say hello. Talk about the future of Vendaxa possibly.

When he made his way over his presence was established by his smile and graceful custom Vendaxan suit tailored for his nights like this. It may not be the popular look that everyone else likes, but it is his own look and if you should do anything in politics it's one, lie to the people for their betterment, and two, have your own style.

"Good evening everyone, I do hope I am not too late. I must beg for your pardon. As for the Opera over your family lineage I would say personally I have to pass. I do prefer relevant history. Much like the formation of the Empire, or even the start of the Rule of Two. Though it had been ignored for a while now clearly. I would offer the musical "The Betrayal" as it was the story over the famous Jedi turned Sith, Anakin Skywalker or as many know Lord Vader. That right there is true, meaningful history. Wouldn't you agree?"

Flauki would smile at the Senator as well as the others in the group. Yes it was very obvious Flauki had injected himself into the conversation though he did love to mess with the New Republic representatives as they had refused to offer him any sort of deal for Vendaxa's future. The ISC was obviously the right choice to be made.

@LouJoVi @Sreeya @lizziie

 

[Claudias Tannaras]

Attention from the political class directed his way usually came in the form of mockery or derision. That the senator from Kuat (@Tess ) was not only abstaining from such behaviors, but actually praising him, was more than refreshing; it was exciting. There were plenty of reasons to engage in conversation with Claudias; his political position, his family connections, and just his wealth were all good motivations to treat him kindly. The Senator from Kuat could've seen him as a political ally, or a bargaining chip to help secure lower taxes on moving through Brentaal IV's space for Kuat's goods.

But right now, it just seemed like the senator was talking to Claudias because she wished to. For whatever reason, she seemed to genuinely enjoy his company. Perhaps it was because he had also put aside the politician inside him, and disregarded his obligations in favor of genuine conversation. Regardless of why, Claudias was beginning to thoroughly enjoy these opening minutes. Perhaps this would be more than just another gathering of the galaxy's most lucky.

"I-I-I'm afraid the p-p-p-paparazzi c-cares about things I d-do not emphas-size, dear s-senator. They s-s-seem to t-treat us like we're celebrities, r-rather than p-p-p-public s-s-s-servants," He began, a coy smile slipping across his lips. "Wh-what is it they wish to c-cover? Why, what a p-person wears, wh-who they're s-s-seen with, who they c-come out of their s-speeders with. They did c-cover me, for a t-t-time, but they quickly f-found that my wardrobe c-consists of 10 varied r-r-robes, and th-that my public c-company is entirely composed of my n-nephew, my s-senator, or whichever d-diplomat I meet. Quite... boring." He finished, a playful tone escaping his lips at that last quip.

When the woman extended her invitations to Kuat, Claudias nodded, smiling warmly. "You honor me, l-l-lady Redrish. The p-p-p-prosperity of K-kuat..." He began, before pausing. "...if I may s-speak frankly, m-my dear, I am n-not well versed on Kuat at all." He said, a blush of embarassment slipping across his face. "Usually I would emp-p-ploy a bit of poetic license... I s-suppose I'll just have to c-come up with s-something once I go. It'll be on the t-top of my list of priorities."

On his own system, Claudias was... a bit reluctant. Tourism to Brentaal was a small part of the planet's GDP in comparison to the capital generated from trade, but it was still one of their largest industries. However, Claudias had come to appreciate time away from home. "F-for me to adequately show all my w-w-world has to offer, it would take a lifetime. We would have to s-settle on the capital city... or somewhere else. I should p-prepare a list of places to v-v-visit." He went on, smiling as he tucked the idea away in his mind. Perhaps the tourism industry would benefit from a brochure written by a man who'd studied every scrap of his world's past.

At her comments in regard's to scheduling, Claudias couldn't help but laugh alongside the girl. Taking a glass, of wine, he'd give the woman's telbun a nod, and take a sip. Sweet... a fitting flavor so far. Their conversation had been pleasant, and now, he could simply laugh. A laugh occasionally interrupted by the twitch of his neck, but a laugh nonetheless.

As if the woman couldn't find any other ways to win Claudias' approval and good feelings, she praised his young nephew. Claudias simply nodded at her comments, but inside he was giddy. Admittedly, there was a bit of humor in her referring to Tristodd as a "young man" when she herself was probably only a few years older, but he put that aside. Such jokes were reserved for when he kept company with politicians he disliked... which he had to admit was a very broad category.

When his nephew took him into his embrace, Claudias couldn't help but smile again. He hugged the young man tight, letting out a laugh at the boy's strength. Eumi's comment on paparazzi prompted another laugh from the man as he pulled away, and another sip of wine. "You'd fit in terribly!" Claudias suddenly exclaimed, a look of what seemed to be genuine anger on his face. "Paparazzi t-t-takes dishonesty, trickery, a lack of r-r-respect. You possess n-none of these qu-qu-qualities." He said, the joke becoming more obvious as a grin slipped across his face.

Seeing Tristodd (@LouJoVi )head off with the blonde woman (@GABA ), he'd nod at them both, beaming. "D-drink responsibly, m-my boy! I m-m-might be to busy watching the opera to assist with a h-h-hangover!"

With so many people beginning to arrive, Claudias glanced at the woman beside him. "I b-b-believe the sh-show is about t-to begin, L-lady Redrish." He said. "I should s-say that we go in." He suggested, offering a twitching free hand, and a bow of his entire upper half.
​

 

[Covax]

Covax had just gotten his second drink. This was supposed to be something of a meet and greet for him but it was becoming obvious that these were not his kind of people. He couldn't even keep up with the conversations. The realization made him sigh. "I could be shooting something or stealing someone instead of this."

Things were looking up however, as a Rodian who looked remarkably like Preef walked into the main hall. Followed by a Durr wannabe in Nor'baal. "This is gonna be good." he said aloud to himself. Suddenly the sound of his comm chimed a 'new message' noise. Taking the datapad from the pocket of his jacket, Covax read the message.

"Oh...."

The merc finished his drink and made his way through the growing crowd. He didn't like the damn opera anyway.

@Killa Ree

//Exit.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

The woman's eyes light up with delight when he spoke about it being the first time seeing Squid Lake. He continued, sharing other shows he had seen, more specifically The Kallea Cycle.

"Ah! I always wanted to see that one, tickets are so hard to get." she explained and they were hard to get. The show was a classic, a tradition for many to see it and for the longest time, Tiamat was unable to compete with those who were able to afford tickets. She hoped with the agreement with Blackwell, many of those things would change now that she had the credits.

He picked a table fairly isolated from others, but seeing how nervous he had been, it didn't concern the woman as she took a seat. When he sat, he immediately begun to apologize for his use of the Force. Internally, she held a sly grin, but Tristodd would only see her confusion.

"Wait..." she paused, genuine confusion could be heard in her tone. She leaned in closer, "So, you're not like an undercover Jedi?" she asked him as he begged her not to tell anyone. The server droid brought

"I mean, if you are, I'm not going to say a word." she whispered as she reassured him.

@LouJoVi

 

[Tristodd Brentioch]

Tristodd listened to Anat say how she would like to watch The Kallea Cycle, but never was able to buy tickets to it. This was true, most of it would be bought by the Brentaalan nobility as soon as the sales started. It was customary for nobles to watch the opera in all seasons. The young man thought that it was a cool story when he watched it for the first time, but after nine times it became boring. He had even memorized the lines of each of the characters.

"I can invite you for the next season." he said smiling to Anat "Being a Brentioch, it's easy for me to buy an extra ticket for you, Ms. Asteria." after all, his family was one of the sponsors of the show.

Tristodd became more nervous after she asked if he was an undercover Jedi "No!" he said a bit too loud "I mean, no. As my uncle said, I'm only the aide of Senator Lassiter of Brentaal. I discovered that I can use the Force yesterday and I'm having problems controlling it." he looked at her, his face red with shame.

"Please, don't tell anyone I can do this." he said with fear in his voice "My family, they don't like Force users, neither the Jedi or the Sith. I'm afraid what will happen to me if they discover it." Tristodd doesn't know why he told this to a complete stranger, who could use it to blackmail him. Because you are a worthless idiot begging for attention. "I need to find someone to help me control this before I use it by accident, again." he was really desperate, but who could help him?

@GABA

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Internally, the woman was chuckling to herself about the guy's reaction to his Force powers. He had no clue what exactly what it meant for him and the potential he held. She wondered if this was how naïve she was when she first realized her own capabilities, now of course, she was still learning, but in a different way, a refinery of power and now, she was face to face with just someone who was infantile in the Force. Only knew for two days, and she started to wonder if there were other odd things that would occur that he just took for granted or chance luck.

He did offer to invite her to the Kallea Cycle and the woman's eyes light up with delight to know there was the possibility she would be able to see it. He begged her not to say anything to anyone as there was a deep underlying fear from what? Oh, his family, well that was not surprising. So the worst that would happen to him is that his family would disown him, that of course was the least of his worries. Tiamat though displayed concern across her face, "To control them? I..." she felt surprised that he was desperate enough to be asking a woman he had just met for help. The woman frowned, "I think its cool." she glanced away, deep in thought as she looked to be trying to problem solve for him, "Hey," she reached over to gently touch his hand, "I got an idea." she said.

"I don't know where you could find someone to help, but maybe I can reach out to some of my contacts." she said offering something to him. Tiamat leaned in a little closer, voice low, "Its ok, you know, I do think its cool, besides what can your family do to you? You're grown." she said pulling out her comm, quickly sending out messages, "I'm sure someone will get back to me before the end of the show, then I'll let you know?"

@LouJoVi

 

[Tristodd Brentioch]

Tristodd became surprised when Anat said that she thought that his ability to use the Force was "cool". "Since the time of the Clone Wars, the members of House Brentioch developed a hatred for Force users. At first only for the Jedi, who they blamed for the war. After the events of the Final Order, the Sith also became hated, more than even the Jedi." he looked at her eyes with sadness. " For House Brentioch, being a Force user is to be cursed."

When she reached out to touch his hand, Tristodd thought that perhaps she would not tell his secret to anyone after all. When she said what his parents could do to him, the young man remembered how cold Caledan was and how Livilla was always distant. They would hate me, when I only want them to love me. But he would not say that, the Brentaalan didn't want to annoy her with his insecurities.

Then he heard Anat say that perhaps she could find someone to help him. This made him feel hope.

"I would be forever grateful for that!" Tristodd wanted to hug Anat to show his gratitude, but this would be improper and the woman could become annoyed. So he only held her hands and looked at Anat while giving one of his cheerful smiles. His eyes were shining with hope. "Thank you so much!"

@GABA

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Bored of waiting for the show to start, Nor'baal and head to the bar to get a drink, and was on his way back when a youngster, by Hutt standards, stepped backwards and into him. He grinned as he saw it was some important dignitary, based on the man's dress. Nor'baal had never understood why humans dressed so gaudily, not even the most obsessive of Hutts would cover themselves in such excess. He breathed in a great slobbering breath and crooned it back out in a long groan as he placed his chubby right hand on the mans shoulder.

"I should s-say that we go in."

<Kiyea bai mah ahaua whobai.> Nor'baal breathed, his pustulent tongue lolling across his lips as his droid let out a defeated sigh.

Here we go again.

The Droid helped Claudius find his feet, and then spoke to him "His great august majesty would like to extend the honour to you, human, of sharing his box for this evening."

Nor'baal ignored the fact he did not have a box, this was a triviality he could deal with at a later date.

 

[Eumi Redrish]

Eumi could tell that her new friend was enjoying their little talk and, to be honest, so was she. So often the 'important' people she spoke to were so self-centered and callous. She hated it. She hated how oblivious and how heartless some of them seemed to be regarding their citizens and the citizens of the planets around them. Even while having such a pleasant conversation, her mind wound back the clock to replay the other senators' and governors' words in her head. Words that made her wonder if any of them even believed what they said, or if they just spit out whatever sounded good or whatever they thought would get them re-elected. It wasn't as far-fetched as she used to believe, the depths to which some would go to proclaim themselves the owner of the high ground, and it was eating her up inside.

Claudias was different. He spoke with compassion and honesty. Maybe that was the reason he wasn't the Senator of Brentaal.

A shame, really.

At his comments about what the paparazzi 'wanted', she would smile knowingly and nod in agreement. The man was right. “Well, I do believe I stand corrected then.” She noted, “And you have no need to be embarrassed. Kuat is a surprisingly insulated culture, despite our main export being so commonplace that you've probably flown in one of them if you've ever visited the Core Worlds.” She paused to take a sip of her wine, only to smile again in amusement. “Ships, my dear Ambassador. We build ships. The Kuat Drive Yards are well known and matched only by our craftsmanship. We have a few luxury goods we export as well... alcohol... art... rare delicacies... but we're mostly known for our ships. Big or small, we make them all... as the catch-phrase goes.”

“I would be lying if I said I knew everything about your planet, so I think we can call it even.”

When he spoke of preparing a list of places to go, rather than trying to show off his entire planet, she would let out of a soft laugh. “You do that, and I will do the same. Enough to fill a few days visit, and hopefully enough to encompass the essence of our two cultures.”

She would watch with curiosity as the young nephew of the Ambassador trotted off to buy a drink for the blonde who had bumped into her earlier. That was a curious development. He seemed so much younger than her in the way he spoke and acted, despite their ages more than likely being close. Maybe it was his naivety that made him seem young, or maybe it was just the ease with which he spoke to people so openly. It was a luxury Eumi rarely got to enjoy. In any case, it was none of her business what he did or who he did it with, so those dark – almost black – eyes of hers would soon find their way back to the older man as he spoke to her again.

“Hmm? Oh yes, I do think we should head in or we may miss the prologue.” She'd motion to her Telbun, who moved to the other side of her so he wasn't in the way of her and Claudias. For her part, she'd offer Claudias a graceful dip of her head and a curtsy in response to his bow. Then she took hold of his offered hand and gave it an appreciative squeeze. “Do you think they'll let us sit together? Of course, I would understand if you'd rather sit with your nephew.”

@Tom @LouJoVi @GABA

 

[Claudias Tannaras]

Ships.

How the kriff could he have forgotten about the SHIPS?!

Most mentions of Kuat were followed up by the mention of their DRIVE YARDS, which were specifically built to put SHIPS into space! His face flushed red as she explained, embarrassment coloring over him. Were he at home right now, he would be getting not so subtly insulted by his fellow assemblymen. He did his best to contain his internal disappointment in himself, smiling and nodding along. Even if he was dying inside.

The senator didn't give him much reason to feel as ashamed as he did, however. She seemed to have been rather amused, appreciating the opportunity to explain things to him. A basic outline of what Kuat was known for was quickly catalogued by the man. He'd think of some good lines when he wasn't so mortified... though, again, he didn't have much of a reason to be when talking to her.

She was perhaps the least judgmental woman he'd met in ages. Even the best conversations he'd had with people usually involved apathy towards his quirks, rather than acceptance. That he felt so embarrassed was more a reflex, rather than a reaction to anything she did. He did all he could to avoid displaying how uncomfortable with himself he was. He didn't want to risk a misunderstanding. Alienating the woman would surely be a missed opportunity.

Those dark eyes of hers met a pair of bright blues, set on a face that had just begun to show the signs of age. It was plainly obvious the two were of different backgrounds, even if they were of the same species. In a galaxy absolutely brimming with humans, the subtle differences that marked them apart contrasted on different wavelengths. Stylistically, neither of them fit with each other; her glamorous dress against his white and red tunic, his old, barely tanned face against her younger, smoother features. Even his bland hairdo didn't fit well with the woman's dyed, styled hair.

Yet on a different end, conceptually... they fit rather well together. Here they were, two people of different cultures. Theoretically they were servants of the people-- and both seemed to genuinely care about making that a practical reality. There was something that fit about the picture of the two of them that he just couldn't grasp. Comrades, friends, kindred spirits, political allies? Who would know what this would bring... beyond two people sitting next to each other in an opera box.

He gave her an appreciative smile at her mannerisms. (@Tess Beyond the genuinely important things, and even with his populist sentiments, he did truly enjoy the aspects of noble life that weren't antagonistic towards him. It was a final sweetener to the brief, but quite pleasant conversation they'd had. Hand twitching, he pulled himself next to her, careful not to squeeze to hard.

"I b-b-believe that nobody will f-find it inappropriate. An amb-b-b-bassador, surrounded by his colleagues, sitting n-next to a Senator? It would be as n-n-normal as a bribe in our l-line of work." The man went on, a bit of dry humor added in at the end. When she brought up Tristodd, (@LouJoVi ) he turned to see his nephew seemingly enraptured in conversation with the blond woman from earlier. Turning back to the senator, he smiled coyly, adding, "I'd r-rather let the b-boy st-t-t-trech his legs."

And that was when he fell.

He barely had the time to do anything, but in the less than a second he had, he released his grip on the woman's hand, trying to make sure she didn't go careening down with him. He could barely pay attention to if he was successful or not, however, as he hit the ground with a loud THUD.

He'd hit his head... but not to badly. Glancing around, he saw his cane, which had been scattered a few feet away. As such, he would glance down at his legs, and try to push himself to his feet. For an extended period he'd struggle, trying to push himself to his feet with his torso. But his muscles, half lame as they were, simply couldn't bring him up. Tears would begin welling in the man's eyes before he turned... and saw what had knocked him down. @Nor'baal

The man's mouth hung open a bit, both in a mixture of dismay, and genuine terror. The sight of the hutt lolling his lips, bearing down at him with such massive, bulging yellow eyes, made him want to retch right than and there. He shuttered as to think of what it was thinking, or even feeling to cause it to lick it's lips and gaze at him like that.

A droid attendant that appeared to belong to the Hutt finally helped him up. He'd managed to look away, to avoid offending the massive slug. When he heard the offer, Claudias pictured the image of sitting next to it for the next few hours, and he began to wheeze. He'd close his eyes, take a few deep breathes. He knew how to deal with situations like this. He'd been through worse... even if he had never been through anything like this.

"M-my d-deepest apologies, illustrious one." He said, finally managing to make direct eye contact with it. "I am... engaged at-t-t the moment. It would d-d-dishonor my c-c-company if I were to b-break off now." He explained, bowing his head in a conciliatory measure. "I sh-should h-hope we can... can m-meet... on a l..." He had to stop, barely even able to form words. It was both motivated by his disability, and the overwhelming disgust at his situation.

Were the hutt to have approached him normally, given Claudias time to prepare, and had not actually knocked him down, he would have had zero issues with him. Sure, Claudias might make the very reasonable assumption that the hutt was a crime lord, considering that that was the job description of near every one of their race-- but he wouldn't have let it interfere with his etiquette. He was ambassador of Brentaal; his behavior represented the attitudes and feelings that Brentaal felt or chose to convey to the galaxy.

But any veneer of diplomatic tact had been shattered when he hit the ground.

"...on a later d-date." He finally finished, managing to reach his cane after a few minutes of shuffling.
​

 

[Eumi Redrish]

Eumi could see the realization flash in Claudias' eyes just as easily as she could see the embarrassed red splash of color that appeared on his face soon after. She had tried to make the interaction humorous, tried to ease the blow to the Ambassador's ego, but it didn't seem she was able to elicit the effect she'd intended. His pride had been hurt, and there was little she could do but try to assure him she wasn't offended by his lapse in memory. There were thousands of planets in the galaxy, and she herself didn't know enough about each of them to know what they each exported, so she certainly didn't expect him to know them all either.

The Principal Director would have laughed and mocked him for it, but Eumi was not the Principal Director.

At his comment about bribes, Eumi's smile renewed itself. “Oh, but if you or I took part in those, we would be interesting to the paparazzi now wouldn't we?” She'd flick her gaze toward Tristodd as Claudias spoke of giving the young man some space to 'mingle' with the blonde he seemed so interested in. She let out a soft laugh, followed by a gasp as her conversational companion of the evening seemed to suddenly lose his footing and fell to the ground. The sound of his head hitting the marble floor made her wince.

“Ambassador, are you alright?” She asked, her dark gaze soon shifting to the hutt that had appeared behind him, the protocol droid in his employ soon moving to try and help Claudias to his feet.

The hutts.

Why were the hutts here? Of all places?

The smile that had become so natural and comfortable during the last few minutes quickly disappeared, replaced with a much more political and calculated one. She offered it to the hutt as she bowed her own head in time with Claudias'. Her telbun did the same. She'd never met a hutt in person before, but she'd been schooled in how to best deal with them, and they were very good customers of the Kuat Drive Yards, so she had to be sure she didn't insult him. It certainly would put her mastery of Huttese to the test. “Chobaso bai bu amaha, woe bo. Jee dotmay uba panwa bu cohou.”
<<Welcome to the Opera, illustrious one. I hope you enjoy the show.>>

With a tilt of her head and a quick look to Vilkinar, her telbun would leave her side to help Claudias retrieve his cane, the Senator herself keeping her attention fully on the Hutt until both she and Claudias were 'dismissed'. Hutts could very easily be insulted, but they could also be distracted, and she certainly hoped to do just that. “Whao uba ree kae cinph nan bai kyotopa Kuat, Jee canta kuna kee panwa neu doptkee jotke kabai see see'ybark.”
<<If you at any point plan to visit Kuat, I think you would enjoy seeing our latest model of sail barge.>>

Once Claudias had himself together, the Senator of Kuat would offer the Hutt another bow of the head before turning to head inside with Claudias. “Fa doth vee wa cuova bai cohai cay bo see mee lhonbag. Gee wa ji muna dooo.”
<<It is always a pleasure to speak with one of your greatness. Have a lovely evening.>>

@Tom @Nor'baal

 

[Korre Belasi]

After the opera began, Korre would stick around for only twenty minutes or so before excusing herself to use the restroom. Whilst gone she would slip out a back door, intent on visiting that museum she had caught wind of earlier.

/ exit thread