Masquerade (Coruscant)

[Embrye]

Masquerade Black Tie Event
The Embassy Suites
Guest of Honor: The Honorable Marque Bortolov

You are cordially invited to join us for a magical evening of intrigue for a fundraising event to support Veterans in Need. Donations from prestigious benefactors will be auctioned at 10 o'clock. Please join us for a night of fine dining and dancing and show support to our military and their families.​

Humph. Not shabby at all, she thought as she admired the handiwork of her good friend and talented fraudster. Her eyes twinkled as she smiled up at him and tapped the invitation against her hand. "Very nicely done, Malik. Very nice inded," she praises as she looks at the document again. It matches the one she had described perfectly.

"That'd be 2,000 creds as we agreed," he reminded her, greedily sticking his hand out. He was awful flighty today. Did he think she was not good for it? Well, there had been that one time, but they were past that.

She frowned as she looked at his hand and reluctantly pressed the credit chips into his hand. There went some of Saqid's money, but it would be repaid quickly. Besides, she needed a little release from the stressful encounter in the cantina. "Remember our agreement. That," she said as her eyes fell to the chips still in his hand, "buys your secrecy as well." Her eyes flick up to his and she flashes a cold smile. "I'd hate to have the authorities learn of this little establishment." Saying no more, she made her graceful exit.

The lower levels were dark and glum and stank of rotting trash and things better not mentioned. Down here only the poor, destitute and average thugs ever dared tread. Slipping the invitation into her jacket, she looked around, making sure no curious eyes were about before making her way back to her little hidey hole. She, or rather Sophia Chu'ler, had a fitting in a few hours. Em knew she needed a bath before she even ventured into the hosh posh establishment.

OOC: Invitations have been sent out to the esteemed and prestigious members of Coruscant's high society. If you are counted among that number, please send me a PM and post your preparations and possible "donations". I look forward to stealing from you. :)

 

[Carud Aaray]

The Masquerade Black Tie event was the perfect place to make a statement. Of course Carud knew that all the high roller's would be there and he would not miss out on this attempt. His Target was the honorable guest Marque Bortolov. Him and his partner knew that if they killed him there would be alot of talk, they thought maybe this was there chance to get there names know by completely ruining the event by killing an important guest.They also knew that a lot of credits were around there.

Inside a hidden house in the undercity of Courscant was Carud and his partner Nathan. All day they were making plans of how they would pull this off. He went through a list checking things off for preparations pacing back and forth around the darkly lit room.

• Ship fully repaired. (Check)
• Gun's fully loaded. (Check)
• Stealth gear.
• Jetpack's. (Check)

Still there were many thing's he needed to check off and add to the list but he knew that would have to wait. His partner Nathan was probably off in the bathroom talking to himself or what not, so he decided to read a book for now.

 

[Embrye]

After a well deserved and much needed bath, Embrye emerged clothed in finery Saqid's money had also helped furnish. Stepping before a cloudy mirror, she adjusted her hair and pinched her cheeks to add some color. There. She looked the part, right? Sophia Chu'ler, aristocrat with overflowing pockets. The very thought brought a smile to her face as she blew a kiss to her reflection. Oh yes, Em was a little narcissist.

Humming, she exited her room and made her way to her appointment. In just a few hours she would be surrounded by hundreds of guests, priceless heirlooms, jewels and masks. It was a thief's dream come true.

 

[BZenwrath]

After cleaning a fresh cut added to his face courtesy of the glass he ran through earlier, Nathan exited the bathroom dropping a bloodied rag on the ground. He then walked to an empty chair and looked over the cache of weapons he called his own. He went through his belongings checking all of their systems, cleaning them, and loading all of his weapons. He pressed a button in the palm of his right hand as he made a quick jab and a small vibro blade extended from his wrist armor. With a second click the blade retracted and Nathan began to check the blaster systems on his left arm. When he was finished with his checks he took his helmet and placed it on his head. Immediately the visor lit up with various displays of armor power, weapon power, distances, and target locks. After he saw that everything was in order he removed a scope from a pouch on his belt and began attaching it to his rifle...

"So, we've got our weapons. You've got those jetpacks. Your ship is fixed... We need a secure comm channel. If your helmet has any uplink systems we'll need to link those so we know whats going on. I wouldn't mind knowing a little more about the venue. And finally, we need a plan."

 

[Nightmare Moon]

The entire event stank of deception. As soon as Count Ghraff received the letter in the mail he knew something was up. Running a check through holonet had resulted in very little in the way of information - suspicious for an event of this size. To make matters worse a serial killer had been spotted in the area - a being by the name of Ghora who had cut a bloody path through the galaxy using darkside enhanced weapons. And if that was not enough already his sources had told him that two robbers (One of whom has killed a Trandojan by throwing him off a bridge previously were last spotted fleeing in that direction. Times were busy for Coruscants only superhero - Ghraff made a mental note to start recruiting next chance he could. "Alfroxx please get me Adran on the line" He asked his butler.

Later that night two dragons were headed out to the event. The real count Ghraff flying high above invisible and undetectable by radar in his stealth suit and his body double for the night - one of his most loyal servants a dragon named Adran who play his part during the events to come due to thier striking similarity in looks. It would not do the public any good to know that it was the count himself who was dispersing vigilante justice. And thus Adran was wearing the counts suit complete with giant ruby cane , top hat and monocle. Also clutched in Adrans claws was a box containing a Tetraxeph sapphire for the auction - a very rare kind of gem for the donation. Ghraff would watch from above for the first sign of trouble and swoop in deliver justice and save lives when needed.

 

[Embrye]

Nine o'clock and time was ticking by slowly. Why did it seem as if time was tied to one's anxiety?

Embrye was already dressed and ready. she wore a gown the hue of amethysts with silver brocade and tiny crystals that sparkled and shone in the light. Her hair was twisted atop her head with corkscrew curls hanging down on either side of a silver satin mask with purple feathers. Ruby lips smiled at the transformation. No one would assume that this was the same girl from the cantina. She truly was Sophia.

"Here goes nothing," she said as she turned and smoothed the dress down. It was a shame there was no one to escort her. She pouted at the thought but quickly got over it. Beneath all of these layers of her removable skirt were all the tools she might need to hack the security.

******************************​

The Embassy Suites were lit up complete with red carpet unfurled at the entrances. Two lines had formed outside the hotel; one line filled with those who were quickly ushered inside and the second with those less fortunate to have an inside track. Music drifted out of the grand halls where the high brow of Coruscant and distinguished guests gathered in cliches in pomp in circumstance, sizing up their so called friends as they tried to prove in their own mind that they were far better off than the next man or woman.

A room to the side of the ballroom held all of the donations under display cases and complete with redundant security. Masked revelers made their way through the room to admire those items to be offered up in the auction. It truly was a marvelous and beautiful event.

 

[Embrye]

Embrye handed her invitation to the security at the door, playing the innocent and coy, spoiled rich girl before the eyes of all of these deep pocket men. The bouncer frowned at the invitation for a moment, causing her heart to pound a little harder. Was she going to make it in? Knowing she needed to do something, she turned her eyes to a man who had been oogling her since she had arrived. He was a member of the fast track line. She giggled and blew him a kiss in the hopes he might come to her rescue. She did not know who he was. It really did not matter. All that mattered was that she got inside.

The man excused himself and came over. "Is there a problem here?" he asked her before turning back to the guard and raising his mask. The Senator!

The guard looked at Embrye and then back at the Senator and then waved us through.

As the Senator led the thief away she smiled and wrapped her arm around his. "Thank you."

"It was nothing," he said with a hint of amusement. "I am always honored to have a beauty on my arm." His eyes scan the room as if looking for something.

Stepping closer to him as a couple passes, she slipped her hand into his coat pocket making purchase with a old fashioned lighter, an elaborate one by the feel of it. Deftly, she removed it from his possession.

"Where is your escort for the evening?"

Slipping the lighter into a fold of her dress, she looked up at him innocently. "He asked that I meet him here."

The man's lips turn in a frown at such news. Clasping his hand protectively over my hand, he takes a deep breath and bows his head. "Then, m'lady, I am at your service until he arrives." He leans near, "one such as you should not be left alone among a pack of wolves."

Oh, if he only knew, she thought as she smiled innocently up at him. "Thank you."

"Would you like a drink?"

"Yes, thank you." Oh I knew all about Senator Corvyen. He was notorious for his 'unique' tastes. The fates were smiling upon me tonight.

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it before leaving to grab a couple of glasses of bubbly.

 

[Carud Aaray]

Carud came upon the entrance dressed in a dark green casual suit with a bright red feathered mask. He could tell he was late as there was no longer a line at the front entrance, his partner was to go through the vent systems while he entered the party and caused a distraction. At first he thought that the heavy gear would be very noticeable so he just went along with the event's theme. He walked up to the strongly built bouncer who had been giving strange looks to him as he walked closer. As he came to him he cleared his throat reaching inside his suit pocket handing him the stolen invitation.

The guard observed the invitation looked back up at him then back down to the invitation then back to him.

'' Your clear to go, enjoy the event Mr.Martson'' he stepped to the side moving his hand towards the door to direct Carud through.

He nodded passing the guard walking inside the entrance. The Party was filled with lots of people in different mask's dancing around on the party's dance floor to the simple orchestra, he knew this was the perfect cover. By now he thought Nathan would be up in the vent's but he knew it was more to it. He knew that the guest of honor was probably going to make the speech he just needed the right timing.

He pushed his way through the crowd until he came to a small door that read bathroom he pushed the door open noticing it was empty he went inside. He pressed his index finger and middle finger to the comlink in his ear.


''Nathan Im in.''

 

[BZenwrath]

Nathan took in the beautiful surroundings as he balanced on ledge nearly halfway up the building. With a smirk, he looked down through his visor, scanning the crowd of people below for his partner. As he looked he chuckled while thinking, ‘well now, this is probably the first time these people are being looked down upon.’ Nathan really did enjoy his slapstick humor, even if others found it lacking cleverness.

After a short few seconds of failing to spot his partner Corud, he figured he was late and began without him. Carefully, Nathan silently slid the hatch of a ventilation shaft that was the hotel’s air-conditioning system. He felt a cool breeze as he opened the hatch, sending a small shiver down his back. With the same skill and care he took opening the hatch, he crawled into the shaft and closed the hatch behind him. He was in.

Immediately his visor lit up with live streamed info; the attendance list, security checkpoints, donations, random chatter, but most importantly the Blueprints to the Embassy Suites. After a quick scan through the blueprints his helmets systems found the most direct route through the ventilation system to a point where he could barely see the main hall’s stage. With that, he began his discrete trek through the shafts. A few moments later his partner chimed in. Replying, Nathan whispered sarcastically…

“I was beginning to think you left me alone, what did you do? stop for food?”

Without waiting for a reply Nathan continued…

“I’m inside, it’ll be about 20 minutes before I’m in position, the air ducts are a little more… cramped than I expected.”

 

[Dragon Fae]

Marq Bartolov was enjoying the evening's events. Women were flocking to his side, seeking a dance with the most esteemed and honorable guest, much to the chagrin of his wife. If the assassins were hoping for a clear shot, they were sadly mistaken. Perhaps a more direct and discrete method would be far more appropriate. The good Marq Bartolov was advanced in his years afterall.

*******************************************************************************************************************

Embrye had taken advantage of the Senator's absence and moved to the holding room where guests were still browsing. Each guest had been given a small datapad to make notations and a list of the items. Several guests had brought their appraisers with them. It was not beneath a member of the upper crust to slip in a fake on the hopes of retaining their precious heirlooms, some of which had been in the family for years. The thief's eyes had been caught by a beautiful Tetraxeph sapphire. It was breathtaking.

"You would look divine wearing that around your neck," came a voice purring from behind her as a finger traced a line down her neck.

Embrye gasped and turned toward the voice, completely caught off guard. "Senator, you frightened me," she breathed in relief and blushed. Seriously, that's the line you came up with? I have heard better from the smugglers on Nar Shaddaa. She took the proffered glass of champagne and took a sip. "It is more grand than anything I have imagined. But, don't you think it might be a tad heavy to wear around one's neck?"

Her question brought a chuckle from the Senator who wrapped his arm around her and began to draw her away to the dance floor. "Dance with me," he whispered to her.

Embrye knew she needed to get away from the display case before she attracted any unwanted attention. It would not do to have her plan foiled before she had even began. Reluctantly she went with the Senator, who did not seem as if he was about to be denied. Her eyes did glance at the large clock in the foyer. Five minutes before the auction...

 

[Nightmare Moon]

On the ground floor Adran - Ghraffs body double noticed the woman known as Sophia inspecting the Diamond. He politely broke conversation with several of the guests who were all thrilled to be talking to an actual star dragon and made his way (As lightly as a giant reptile of his stature could) over to the pair who were about to dance. "Pardon me Madame but I must ask as I do not have a partner for this evening may I have the next dance with you? Of course I shan't attempt to spirit you away till his lordship has had the first" Strangely enough the very rich are through creatures and there was infact rules for dancing with a dragon though it mainly involved using a claw to turn and spin yourself. If 'Sophia accepted the dance Adran could keep a close eye on her and send info to Ghraff via hidden camera. He did not think she was one of the murderers but her behaviour was a tad suspicious and mayhap if he asked her a few questions he could find the necessary answers as to who was.

High above Ghraffs continued to circle. That was untill Ghraffs vistor lit up in a manner similar to the one Nathan was wearing. It focuesed on the Nathaniel as he entered the hatch switching to xray mode and matching his proportions with that off the man who had been caught on speed camera assaulting a Trandoshan which had later resulted in his death due to trauma to the head. This was probably manslaughter but Ghraff was still wary of what a criminal like this was doing in a place with so many of the cities important individuals. If a bomb were to go off the results could be catastrophic. And there in the shadows a large figure cloaked in red moved. Ghora - the main reason that Ghraff was attending tonight. The mass murdering weapons fanatic was for some reason wanting to make an appearance. Once he showed himself , or the highway killer tried something it would be time for Ghraff to swoop down to action - as his alter ego of course. Everyone knew that count was down in the building hobnobbing with the rich folks. This was a lie however Coruscant did not need just another fat businessman or snooty lord what it needed was a hero.

 

[Carud Aaray]

Carud listened to Nathan's sarcastic reply as he sighed before leaving back out to the party. They had knew nothing about there target at all, they knew that he was the honorable guest and by taking him out they could raise the moral. He knew by doing this mission it would not be easy for him or Nathan, only time could tell. He worked his way through the huge crowd still donning his mask.

Carud worked his way into the holding room. Guest filled the room carrying data pads perhaps to tell them a list of items at the event. Carud moved his way into a more darker and emptier part of the room pressing his finger to the device in his ear.

'' Its going to be more harder then I expected. Whoever this guy is he aint no fool.'' he spoke while noticing the massive amount of guards while looking over his shoulder. He did not want this mission to go wrong. He turned around removing his finger from his ear smoothing out the lining in his jacket.

 

[BZenwrath]

As he continued through the ventilation system Nathan cursed, hitting his head on the interior of the shaft. His helmet was receiving Comm interference; a loud sharp noise coming through the audio. This meant one of two things: either someone else was using a similar device nearby on a similar frequency or, the building was interfering with the signal. Troubling yes, but it didn't weigh too heavily on his mind.

After hearing Corud speak over the comms he replied...

"Well, he isn't high profile for nothing. Hey, keep an eye out for anyone out of the ordinary while you're down there. I have a feeling we're not the only ones here. I'll be able to get a better idea of the situation when I have a line of sight, I'm about halfway there now..." before finishing he added, "If I can't get a clear shot I'm not going to fire, I don't want to hit anyone else. You need to be prepared to have a secondary plan."

 

[Dragon Fae]

Embrye blanched as she saw the large, but beautiful dragon make its way toward the Senator and her. She swallowed hard as she kept a smile on her face. When a star dragon moved, people paid attention, even the good Senator. The young thief had heard of such beings, but not ever been this...close to one.

"Pardon me Madame but I must ask as I do not have a partner for this evening may I have the next dance with you? Of course I shan't attempt to spirit you away till his lordship has had the first"

The Senator's eyebrows rose as his smile faltered for a minute. He needed all the political support he could muster for his newest bill inside the Senate. If he could perhaps add the endorsement of a star dragon... "By all means," he said with a bow, "There is a matter I must attend to before the auction anyway. I will catch the next dance," he said to Embrye as he kissed her hand once more. "If you both will excuse me," he said, bowing again to the dragon before leaving the dance floor to speak to a beautiful redhead near the refreshment table. So much for his knight in shining armor act.

Helpless Embrye looked up at the dragon and smiled. "I guess I'm free," she told him, looking flustered and a little nervous about endeavoring to dance with a giant reptile. "I must admit, though I am not the best dancer."

The crowd around Marq began to thin as he was ushered out of the ballroom and out a door. Did they suspect anything? Or was this all in preparation for the auction. Only time would tell. Three minutes until the auction...​

 

[Nightmare Moon]

Adran held out a claw to Embrye. What followed was at once both bizarre and strangely beautiful. Due to the reptiles great strength the twirling and spinning was made effortless and moves that would have vexed even the most skilled of ballerinas came easily. Polite claps came from across the room. Coruscant's nobility had taken some time in accepting the Star Dragons till they had realised that a good number of them were rather well to do and fit quite nicely into the upper crust with their fortunes and hundreds of years of etiquette. "Thank you for that dance milady the pleasure was all mine" Adran gently removed his talonous digit from Embrye's hands.

Above Ghraff's actions somewhat mimicked that of Nathan he was planning for a swoop but he needed just the right entrance to the building so that he could make his entrance into the building significantly dramatic enough to stop whatever murders were going to take place but not hurt anyone himself. In the shadows Ghora had signalled out a target - perhaps someone who had caught his attention. Stopping both him and the highway killer would not be easy but this was his duty and by the force was he going to carry it out.

 

[Carud Aaray]

He listened closely to Nathan's comment while he adjusted his mask, he knew he had to tread carefully if he was going to get this mission done. He wanted to pay attention to the dragon but he really did not care, he wanted to complete his task only. He carefullly followed through the crowd as Marq begun to make his move. While staying hidden in the crowd he spoke in his comlink pressing his finger to his ear.

'' He's moving.'' the auction was just nearly there as he looked down onto his watch wondering what his partners plan was. '' He spoke back into his comlink still following the crowd.'' If you dont get that shot Ill take the shot myself, If you have to kill anyone in the way do it I need this mission completed! he shouted over the noise of the crowd.

 

[Dragon Fae]

Embrye's head was spinning as she tried to catch her breath after the dance with the intimidating yet very exciting creature. She smiled from ear to ear as she looked up at him, both glad and sorry that the dance had to end so soon. Delight was bubbling up as she chuckled lightly and gave a mock curtsey to Adran. Never did she imagine the Masquerade could actually be fun. "I highly doubt that," she said with a light chuckle, mirth dancing in her eyes. Applause roared around them, which seemed to click something back in her brain. Eyes were upon her...all eyes were upon them. This was not good...She cleared her throat and bowed her head, looking for a speedy escape from the limelight.

[/COLOR]The auction was just nearly there as he looked down onto his watch wondering what his partners plan was. '' He spoke back into his comlink still following the crowd.'' If you dont get that shot Ill take the shot myself, If you have to kill anyone in the way do it I need this mission completed! he shouted over the noise of the crowd.

A man and woman nearest to Carud overheard his communication. The poor woman looked horrified as she blanched and grabbed her husband's arm. Steadily, they made their escape from his stranger and soon to be assassin. The man did his best to keep his wife calm and collected as he grasped her arm firmly and tried to appear inconspicuous.

[Clang] Attention! Ladies and Gentleman, may I have your attention please! Please make your way to the double doors on your left. Refreshments and the galaxies finest h'orderves will be provided as tonight's auction commences. Thank you.

The man made haste to the nearest security guard, telling him what he had heard. The guard looked to the crowd, now a jumble of bodies moving to the foyer and quickly raised his comlink to his lips, belaying a heads up to the other guards.

The man of the night, the honorable Marq Bartolov was laughing at a joke that had been conveyed as he too joined the throng making their way to the auction room. Embrye saw two guards grab him by the arms and speak something in his ear before attempting to usher him toward a door in the southwest corner of the ballroom. What was going on? Like a leaf falling in a raging river, she was at the mercy of the crowd who made their way to the auction, oblivious of what had happened. Chocolate eyes glanced at the security officers as they seemed to be scouring the crowd.