A Dinner and a Show

[Beta12]

If there was one thing the citizens of Chandrila were most proud of, it would be their successful marriage between technology and the environment of their planet. Over thousands of years, this marriage was eventually worked into a science, and from this science the Grand Cafe was born. Serving equally as one of the largest buildings encircling the Hanna City's public rotunda and its most exclusive, the Grand cafe had made a name for itself by serving the most expensive freshest food in the entire capital.In fact, the meals served within the cafe come from flora and fauna raised within the rest of the buildings upper level. Once harvested, the food itself is transported to the kitchen, where it is in turn served to the patrons at bar-like stools. A series of landing pads taper themselves around building, and are reserved for the smaller transports of the most influential clientele. Though the cafe itself lacked the atmosphere most other notable establishments held, its prime location right off of the Hanna rotunda made it a perfect venue to see and be seen.

Zeke, Charon's husband, had recently received one of his rare reprieves from the political life of Zeltros. Instead of spending his free time on Zeltros as he usually had, he approached Charon specifically, hoping to meet and "rekindle the romance they once shared". Though the offer in itself seemed genuine, the last four conversations Charon had with her husband ended with him petitioning their son's right to return back to Zeltros. The only news they had received about Dyson had come from her own parents, though all communications ceased about a year back. Zeke was convinced that she should care more about her son than her career. She had indeed worried about him over the past few months, worried that whatever trouble he was surely causing might come back to haunt her.

"You are spending too much time worrying about your hair, it looks fine." Murmured the wife to her husband, as the two made their way into Zeke's personal transport. "He doesn't even have any." A specific condition that Charon had set in place was for their first night out to be attended by a guest. She could handle the next three days of constant verbal torture if she could actually enjoy the first night she had to spend with him. For that reason, she had invited the CEO of the Czerka Corporation, Voren Makr, to attend dinner with them. Having met him at the most recent Senate Soiree, Charon was more than convinced that he could take what would be a lackluster evening and turn it around for the better.

"Fine, alright." Zeke surrendered after Charon's fourth elbow jab, allowing himself to be cajoled into the main lounge of his own vessel. Introductions were short and sweet, and before Charon knew it the three had taken off for a night on the town. The flight itself was rather unremarkable, with small talk made between the three here and there. However, the night picked up as soon as the three landed and exited the craft.

"Chancellor! Chancellor! What do you have to say about the senates most recent decision on.... Chancellor! How do you react to the news that..."

Voices of at least one dozen reporters assailed the trio as they made their way to the Grande Cafe's main entrance. Though Charon tried to look her best for the cameras, her and her husband offered little other than "no comment" or simply ignored the questions all together. The Chancellor kept her eyes locked on the doors of the establishment as she made her way forward, so however Voren reacted to the paparazi was left a mystery.

"You think that they would gate those pads off. I think one of those guys touched my sleeve." Bemoaned Zeke as the three made their way through the sliding glass doors of the establishment. The silence that followed after the doors hit shut caught both of the Zeltron's completely off guard. Charon offered a look to her husband, who returned it with the same doting gaze that she had grown use too over the years. "Here, let's find a spot near the end of the bar. I always thought it was interesting when the chefs cooked the food in front of you." His cheerful smile brought a slight frown to Charon's lips.

Maybe he is serious. The thought hadn't crossed her mind before, and now the presence of Voren felt like a bit of a mistake on her part. The invitation had already been accepted, however, and she couldn't abandon the CEO to his own devices just yet. "Alright, let's go over there." She raised one long arm and pointed to a larger set of stools at the far right corner of the dining area. Before anyone else could second guess her judgement, the Chancellor stalked her way over to the counter. The Chef behind it seemed cheerful enough, if not rather impressed that he was speaking to the Republic figurehead herself.

"I will take the nerf cube stew." It was a simple enough dish, and was almost good enough for any meal. She had heard through the grapevine that their personal take on the classic was far more refined and delectable than what she was use too on Zeltros, so she was dying to try it. Zeke ordered some sort of vegetable stew, but Charon's focus remained on the CEO. What a man enjoyed eating could say a lot about him, surprisingly enough. "Have you ever been here before, Mr. Makr? I heard that the food is phenomenal." Business moguls often traveled more than Senators, surprisingly. Politicians simply represented the people of a single planet, but CEO's conducted business with the interest of countless shareholders in mind. "I trust you aren't disappointed with the options?"

 

[Voren Makr]

Inside the Chancellors shuttle, surrounded by the usual luxury of a private shuttle, Voren Makr - CEO and Chairman of the Czerka Corporation - couldn't help but notice the tension between the Chancellor and her husband. He cut through it, maintaining a certain patina of small talk, mundane in the extreme, to ensure that the flight passed with minimal issue. Away from the usual hustle and bustle of the Corporate world, the CEO found that he enjoyed spending time with the Chancellor, the Titan of the Economic world, and the powerhouse of the Political one seemingly getting on well with one another.

He was at ease, and somewhat amused by the flamboyance of the Chancellors husband, unaware as both of his fellow guest were, as to what even now lay beneath them. Despite the Zekes humorous behavior, Voren had never liked him - a fact that he had only revealed to one other man, several months ago, a young Risk Analyst by the name of 'Oturo' who worked for the company - in a face-to-face unrecorded meeting between the two of them. By the end of the evening, the CEI would find out just how seriously Oturo had taken his suggestion that he 'Take care of the man'.

Stepping of the shuttle, inviting the Chancellor off the vessel before him naturally, none of them noticed the small package bearing Kuati logos, stowed beneath the vessel, placed their by a petty Gang thug - himself on contract from a central Gang, at the orders of the 'oh so loyal' Oturo. Immediately, the press began to barrage the Chancellor with questions, and quite rightly she headed inside as fast as she could, offering the usual 'No Comment' response that the political elite prided themselves on.

Voren however, thrived off such media attention, and shook hands with several of the reporters, placing in a good word for the dinner venue of the evening, dropping in a note about Czerkas forthcoming plans on Kashyyyk, and of course, bigging up some of his favorite Senators in the Halls of Power. Ever the charmer, he took a photograph with a young Student, wishing them 'The best of luck...' with their studies, before giving them a warm handshake.

The Press' thirst now slated, he headed indoors to one of the best restaurants on Chandrila. It was an interesting venue, one he had only been to once before - many years ago - during its first few years, when it had struggled due to the new and somewhat risky food that it offered. ''Once Chancellor, nearly a decade ago, when this venue had only just opened.'' he replied, looking through the menu ''And there have been some significant leaps in the Menus, diversification since then.'' Voren concluded, ordering a Bantha 'Twist' - which came as some form of ornate vegetarian dish, forged into the shape of a Bantha - some bizarre political stance on eating animals. It came quickly, modern cooking techniques proving to add a great amount of haste to culinary expertise these days.

''I must admit Chancellor, there are some items that surpass all expectations.'' he said quickly, as he tucked into the odd looking dish.

 

[Beta12]

Both Charon and Zeke's meals arrived in the same timely fashion as Mr. Makr's. The Chancellor was impressed, needless to say, by both the quality and presentation of the food offered. The fact that they had to sit in stools reminded Charon of time spent during her younger years, propped up in the various stools of the club owned by her parents. Though she hadn't met Zeke there, it was where the two had gone on their first date. It was a bit old fashioned, being taken out to a nightclub, but she had enjoyed the night. Despite their years spent apart, the pink man beside her always found a way back into her life, for better or for worse.

''Once Chancellor, nearly a decade ago, when this venue had only just opened. And there have been some significant leaps in the Menus, diversification since then. I must admit Chancellor, there are some items that surpass all expectations."

The Chancellor's rust colored eyes flicked toward Voren Makr for the briefest moment. She wasn't quite sure what it was about the man. Perhaps he had been a bit too friendly with her at the last reception, but the sheer warmth of his tones and actions toward her had been especially alluring. It wasn't often that she was caught off guard by a man, especially a human man. He wasn't a politician, and that might have freed him from the polite stoicism most of her peers took when speaking to her. The only problem with sitting at the top of the ladder was that everyone beneath her watched her with the same hungry indifference. A single mistake could be her undoing.

"This is pretty spectacular." Zeke often gushed about things he liked and apparently this meal would be one of them. "So good. The way they added in the Andris. Oh man!" The Chef beamed behind the counter and Charon offered a polite smile to both the Chef and her Husband. Both Zeltron knew how to work people over, and sometimes that natural inclination could be very hard to leave behind. She had spent enough time away from home that it had given her the edge she needed to succeed. A Zeltron on a planet of Zeltrons was useless, but a Zeltron on a planet of humans could go a long way.

"Hmm, yes, the food is delicious. You have my regards." She offered her own praise to the Chef. After all, the man did deserve it. "Tell me Voren, what brings you to Chandrila beside the recent soiree?" While it was important to have corporate interests vested with the senate, most came in the form of political lobbyists. Though Chandrila was the capital of the Republic, its harsh environmental regulations stifled the more industrious practices of large businesses. That alone was likely why industry had drifted to Corellia, and trade to Coruscant. "The recent debates in the Senate... have been interesting... but surely the senate isn't the only thing that interests you on this planet." While politicians came for the democracy they often stayed for the beauty of a relatively untouched world.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZTTT

Zeke's right pocket vibrated violently as the comms device inside came to life. It wasn't uncommon for either of them to receive calls during a meal, especially in their occupation. The Zeltron reached into his pants and yanked out a small rectangle. The device continued to glow and sputter as he brought it up to his ear, his mouth becoming a little slack as a message played back over the phone to him. "Charon, I have to take this. Excuse me, Mr. Makr." With a polite nod, the Zeltron got up and quickly made his way out of the building, likely toward the shuttle they had arrived in.

"Ah, that might be the Queen, or one of the various others that still has him on a leash." If she appreciated anything, it was that she didn't have to answer to others as much as she had in the past. "I'm sure he will be right back." Added the Chancellor, hoping her husbands sudden disappearance wasn't too rude.

 

[Voren Makr]

Voren would be lying if he said that in some way the Chancellor did not fascinate him. She exuded authority, commanded respect, and as a Zeltron - had other qualities of note. He barely noticed when her husband stood up to take his call, instead keeping his attention on conversing with the Chancellor, as the Man walked out on his Comms unit.

Zeke, himself a high powered and busy man, often had to take calls at such a late hour, and he no doubt cursed under his breath as he did so. Walking out to the Shuttle, past a gaggle of tourists taking what appeared to be photographs of their own faces against the backdrop of the Coruscant Skyline, the man leaned against the ship - taking his call.

It was testament to Zekes lack of Military acumen that he failed to notice the Kuati Package strapped to the underside of the ship. A sonic charge attached the fuel cells of the ship, operated by a trigger being held by a lowly Gang man, who had been paid the wholesome sum of 200 Galactic Credits. Far above, looking through a set of holo-glasses down at the pad below, the Ganger sat in the accommodation of a KDY Employee - recently asked to retire as part of a package of redundancies KDY had put in place due to the falling sales resulting from Czerkan competition.

The Ganger had been paid by a local crime boss, who had been paid by a regional boss, who had been paid by a Hutt, who had in turn been paid by Oturo - from his own funds - operating under a false name. Watching as the Chancellors husband started to get emotive on the holo-cell below, the Ganger detonated the Kuati bomb, and covered his eyes, unaware of who it was he was terminating, and equally unaware of who it was who had even paid him.

Down below, the shuttle split apart, a Sonic Boom rupturing through the its casing, ripping apart the fuel cells beneath. Zeke was immolated in an instant, the gaggle of tourists falling next - their last 'selfie' to be found against the lovely backdrop of a fireball.

Inside the restaurant, Voren was knocked from his chair, his head smashing into the bar as he fell, the Sonic Blast ripping through the front half of the room with terrifying force. Slowly, he rose to his feet, patting his hand around looking for something to hold and pull himself up to his feet. Rising to his full height, he looked around for the Chancellor, to help her up as well.

He looked out, through the gaping hole in the side of the Bar - seeing the flaming wreckage of the Chancellors Shuttle. What? he thought, his mind struggling to understand what had happened. Terrorists? Sith? he thought, before realization slowly dawned. It appeared Oturo had taken his words to heart, and decided to remove the Chancellors husband in a more permanent fashion.

Voren had to play it cool, for there was no link to show this event could be traced back to him, indeed the only one within Czerka that was linked to the Bomb was Oturo, and that would be hard enough to prove in itself. Drawing his data-pad, he called for aid from the Czerka HQ - before checking on the Chancellor ''Chancellor, Chancellor!'' he shouted ''Are you hurt?'' helping he to her feet.

 

[Beta12]

The Chancellor slowly brought a nerf cube to the cusp of her lips. The meal was certainly delicious, leading her to wonder why she hadn't come here more often. The elite of Chandrila would often spend their time in establishments such as this. Democracy was such a key point in the planet's culture that each cities rotunda had become defacto town squares. Public debates were held almost daily, and the structures themselves were extraordinarily beautiful. If the constant promise for screaming didn't draw the crowds, then the massive gardens and natural wonders showcased throughout the area likely would.

A blinding flash of light threatened to sear Charon's eyes, forcing the Zeltron to instinctively look away from its source. At first she thought it was a camera, but the destructive shock wave that followed soon after corrected her. The Chancellor was blown from her seat within moments. An explosion powerful enough to send the mighty Voren Makr sprawling to the ground was enough to send the petite woman flying. In fact, the explosion had tossed her directly over the bar and into the "show kitchen" beyond. Plates and utensils were either shattered or thrown about, and the Chancellor herself was sent sliding directly across a cook top. Her right elbow suffered the worst of it, catching on a corner of the stove before she finally came crashing to the ground.

The moments after the explosion were completely silent as everyone began to process what had just happen. Charon had kept her eyes closed during the majority of her flip, but now they opened lazily. Despite the chaos around her, the first thing the Chancellor fully recognized was the tattered and burnt state of her evening wear. Coils of white cloth, that had been torn from her, had long melted on the stove top. The acrid scent of burning wreckage mixed with the sudden emotional chaos of the world around her made her head swim. Before she knew it she had sat up, turned her head, and lost the contents of her meal all over the floor.

"Chancellor, Chancellor! Are you hurt?''

Her gaze slowly drifted upward toward Mr. Makr, the CEO of the Czerka Corporation himself. Several emotions, ranging from confusion to shock, registered as she opened her mouth to speak. "Wh-... where?" Her mouth was left hanging open as Voren lifted the woman. Everything came flooding back. An inhuman shriek left Charon a moment later, as she faced the now burning wreckage of her husbands personal transport, and more importantly, her husband. Her own wild red hair stuck to her face, glued in place by the tears that now flowed down her cheeks. She had no idea if Voren would hold her back, but she didn't care. Without hesitation, the Chancellor charged forth toward the gaping whole in the bar.

 

[Voren Makr]

Fire blazed around the open rotunda, tourists wept, security officials desperately tried to cordon off the area, there was no real controlling figure - everyone being in a state of shock. Voren stood in the center of it all, his coat torn, its once pristine whiteness spotted with smears of smokey black. He tried to make sense of what had happened Oturo, he couldn't have done this? the thought raged in his mind. He nearly killed me! he thought, part of his mind harboring doubts about the mans loyalty - despite his surety that the man had not intended to terminate him as well.

He turned, spying the lamenting Chancellor as she screamed - the noise piercing the deathly silence of the crash-sight like a blade through flesh. Voren moved toward the Chancellor, standing slightly in front of her as she cried out, presumably having spied the remains of her beloved in the flames. Far above it all, nearly a mile away, the Ganger sat - tears streaming down his face.

What have I done? he raged inside, seeing now that this was not just another random act of violence. The spouse of the most powerful person on the Republic had died, and he himself had nearly killed the Chancellor, and CEO of the god-damn Czerka Corporation. If the Senate Guard do not catch me, the Czerka goons surely will? he tormented himself. His mind was rushing, either through the adrenaline, the fear, of the vast amounts of spice he had been consuming.

Perhaps a mix of all of them, he considered, as he looked back at the carnage below, casting himself from the tower - sparing himself the suffering of witnessing the second fuel cell explode. On the landing pad, Voren only just saw the ignition of the second Kuati emblazoned canister, turning his body so as to shield the Chancellor from the conflagration, as it erupted from the canister, hurling him - and most likely her - to the ground. His coat caught fire almost immediately, as the flames hit, Voren taking the brunt of the impact, in his efforts to shield the Chancellor.

Meanwhile, Czerka Security teams departed the HQ Tower some distance away, in response to the panic button, and reports coming from the area, that their CEO was in danger.....

 

[Nor'baal]

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