Open Social Onderon An Onderon Outing

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc moved effortlessly, though only Jaikus would notice it wasn’t as smooth as usual. There was no doubt that the alcohol was coursing strongly through his system. Deucalian alcohol hit like a freighter and he was feeling the full impacts. He felt warm, comfortable and in a great mood. And he was quite enjoying himself to boot. The Chancellor was surprisingly fun company on the dance floor and the drinking had removed some of his abrasive layers to reveal more of the man he was beneath it. Emryc decided he quite liked this layer to Emil, as it certainly added a new dynamic outside of the political punching bag whether it be media or the senate chambers.

The half Sephi led Emil into another spin, brows rising slightly at the answer of swoop races, “I partake in swoop races, actually,” He admitted with a grin, “Built my own and usually race in the Ryloth qualifiers and championships. Took the Queen of Naboo out for a spin once, I’m sure I can arrange one for you," Emryc gave him a quick wink, "You're certainly small enough to fit in my passenger seat,” Emryc’s body moved a bit more fluidly from all the drinking, his hips swaying to the foreign music though it was mostly an illusion from the way he stepped his feet.

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” He tugged Emil close again, “Chandrila. Where you will watch me embarrass myself on a hoversled,” Emryc had tried many things, but this was a sport he had never attempted before.

The song slowly came to a close and Emryc release Emil at last, nodding over to the bar area set up a bit further behind them, “Care for more drinks?” He asked before making his way over. Regardless of whether or not Emil followed, Emryc would help himself to a mixed whiskey drink. He gazed out towards the others, his eyes falling on Jaikus for a moment. As usual, the Axxilan confidently dominated the dancefloor despite being one of the clumsiest and uncoordinated people Emryc knew. And he was certainly not shy about dancing with the Prime Minister of the Free Worlds herself.

Emryc looked over at the others, eyeing the Blackwell woman he hadn’t met yet. He briefly gazed over at the host and Vaisra dancing. His keen ears could pick up bits of their dialogue which he found entirely amusing. He pointedly didn’t look at Emil when Vaisra made his commentary about him.

@Mockingjay

 

[Cassian Graves]

"Are you sure you could live with the sacrifice?" Cassian questioned, balking at the Fondorian's retort. "I think you'll find that the galaxy is not so forgiving to an unsightly man. Besides, it would be a shame to lose such a 'handsome' face. A face only a mother could love." After a moment's pause, he reflected, "I wonder if she does?"

The Zeltron did not like to be threatened, and it was not his intention to shrink back from the gauntlet Vaisra had thrown down. Vaisra spoke of 'friendship,' but it was clear that friendship was the furthest thing from his mind. The Senator of Fondor was out for blood, slanted lips parted to reveal his fangs, ready to pounce and sink his teeth into the first sign of weakness. As soon as his pearly white canines found purchase, there would be no mercy. His prey would be shaken and torn to shreds, cast to one side and forgotten. Cassian did not intend to provide the Fondorian dog with his next meal. At least not willingly.

"You don't like the way I'm dressed?" His eyes roamed the length of his own dark suit for added effect. "Aw. I'm hurt. And just when I thought we were starting to become 'friends,' too," he tsked, shaking his head. "I suppose you would have preferred I wear something like this."

Reaching out, his hand flicked the blue sash that hung around Vaisra's suit. "What is this? Your New Republic collar? So Ro can lead you around more easily? Fascinating. If only the Jade Queen had thought of it sooner."

Vaisra's description of Chancellor Ro was not a favorable one, but Cassian couldn't help but smile as he listened. His blue eyes never strayed from the senator, watching Vaisra with great interest. What was it the famous Gungan playwright had written? Ah, yes. "The lady doth protest too much, meesa thinks."

"Surely you're not as indifferent to the Chancellor as you would lead me to believe, Vaisra," he replied but would leave it at that. For now. The song came to a close, and Cassian watched the other dancers disperse and the dance floor fill with new blood.

Then he turned back to Vaisra, flashing the man a smile and lowering his voice. The two men might have been in the midst of a verbal battle, but there was no need to go and embarrass the New Republic Senator. "I'd offer you something to drink to discuss my plans for Onderon over, but judging by your breath I think you've had enough. You don't want to end up like your friend over there, after all. Unlike him, you have a sterling reputation to uphold."

@Song

 

[Korre Belasi]

"I'm afraid I haven't had much free time as of late," Korre sighed. There was a wistful look on her face as if she wished it weren't the case. Though the Prime Minister position held much less power than that of the ISC President or NR Chancellor, the Free Worlds had significantly more planets under their banner. The list of people she had to speak to was near-endless. She certainly wouldn't complain about the situation though. There was a lot of stuff going on, yes, but she felt it was necessary. Perhaps one day, once the war with the Sith was over, she would have time.

"But I can't really complain," she added. "My research is important to me, but there are much larger things at hand. They can wait a few years."

Korre would continue to dance with Malik until the song ended, at which point she would indicate that their dance was over. The Belascan dipped a hand into the pockets of her dress (no matter how skin-tight, every dress deserves pockets and Korre was a firm believer in that) and pulled out a white aluminum card. She offered it to Malik with a smile.

"This is my contact card. If you would ever like to come out to Belasco to visit any of the history museums, send me a message and I can fast-pass you through the checkpoints." Unfortunately entering Belasco's atmosphere still required strenuous health screenings to ensure the AMS virus couldn't sneak up on the planet. There were talks of nixing it, but nothing had gone into effect yet.

The woman would then excuse herself, and after swiping a fluke of champagne off a tray, would make her way towards Jin and Graves, who were having their own little conversation during a lull in their dancing. It'd been a while since Korre had spoken with Jin. She wanted to catch up.

tags: @Altaris @llamallove @Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

He would have loved to shove a handkerchief down the man’s throat, but Jin leashed his anger, keeping his expression cool and relaxed. He didn’t want to let Cassian know he’d struck a nerve by the mention of his mother, the Jade Queen, and the rest of the royal family. He had never been on particularly good terms with them. Even if a tiny part of him longed to be recognized, to be loved, he wouldn’t show it. He knew this game the senator was playing, and Jin wouldn’t give him anything.

Except, perhaps, for this small victory.

“Cute rebuttal, Senator Graves. You have a sharp tongue, but be careful not to cut yourself. You may end up provoking the wrong person, and it would be a shame to lose a man like you in the Senate.” Jin leaned forward and straightened the man’s tie, smoothing the lapels of his fancy suit. “Clever, handsome, and even modest, too—inviting the public into your little city apartment. It’s to be admired. I’m even surprised you can afford it on your monthly stipends. Now, shall we?”

The music faded to a soft lull. With the dancing over, the two men sauntered over to one of the drinking tables, where fresh champagne and cocktails sat in tulip-shaped glasses. Their conversation was finished. Jin saw no point in continuing the battle further, not when Cassian had already won. If anything he hoped the two might meet again in the future. For now, however, he had other, more important things to focus on—like Prime Minister Belasi, who was making a beeline toward them in a stunning, curvaceous dress patterned with jewels.

Jin bowed, perhaps more humbly than he would have liked. “Prime Minister, at long last. It’s been a while since we last spoke. How goes your new position?” He prayed Cassian wouldn’t butt into their conversation with another one of his pretentious quips. But knowing him, he probably would anyway.

@llamallove @lizziie

 

[Emil Ro]

Chandrila. Swoop biking and hover-sledding. Emil could barely believe he was hearing the words. When was the last time he took a vacation? He was sure the media liked to see his opulent dinners with other politicians in such a light. And he could hardly blame them. But to Emil, those dinners were work. Building consensus among politicians was nigh impossible these days, and the Republic was a different beast than the Galactic Senate. Any meeting with President Thorne would still be work, but he was warming up to the man. An old mentor on Balmorra had once told him that the best kind of work was the kind you enjoyed.

Maybe, just maybe, this could be that.

At last, the song was over and Emryc released Emil. The Chancellor almost wanted to protest, to signal for a new song and continue dancing. But that would hardly be fair. The President had others waiting for his attention, and he was sure there were a few who wanted to speak to the New Republic's Chancellor, as well. For the moment, the best he could do was nod and accept the President's offer.

"More drinks would be quite welcome," he replied. He was still not recovered from the last round, but who cared? The rags that called themselves tabloids were going to have their fun no matter what he did. No reason he shouldn't give them a show worth their fixation on him. "Preferably something that burns the taste buds."

He eyed Jin then, unaware that Emryc was doing the same. He didn't have the Sephi's astute hearing, but he did have the benefit of knowing the Senator since before his career as Chancellor began. Vaisra was talking to the Prime Minister. But the look on his face was like he'd just been forced to whiff the exploded carcass of a Mon Cala sperm whale. Clearly his evening with Senator Graves had not gone well.

"Might want to throw Vaisra a drink or two," he added with a lopsided smirk. "I've seen petrified wood less stiff than he is right now."

He made no move to save Jin himself. There were others around the drink table that he could benefit from talking to. Blackwell had representatives here, and there were more than a few Consortium governors he would like to patch things up with if given the chance. @Sreeya

 

[Cassian Graves]

"I do hope my words didn't cut you too deeply," he said under his breath, his tone half sincere.

Their conversation over, Cassian turned to speak to the approaching Prime Minister. Her form fitting dress floated across the dance floor, her light blue eyes fixed on the Senator of Fondor. Dancing had brought color to her fair complexion, and Cassian offered her a welcoming smile. "Prime Minister," Cassian greeted, bowing to the Belascan for the second time that evening. "I hope you've been enjoying yourself? You're a marvelous dancer."

In truth, the Zeltron had been so preoccupied with Vaisra that he hadn't observed the woman's dancing, but he was confident enough in the accuracy of the compliment to make it anyway. Surely the Prime Minister was a good dancer, even if she had spent a good deal of time in science labs. He smiled at both of them like a good host and then disengaged himself from their conversation. Vaisra would be eager to see him go, that much was certain. Now he could have the lovely Prime Minister all to himself. Core worlders rarely learned how to share. "Well, if you'll excuse me."

Walking away, Cassian scooped up a glass from a nearby table and threw it back, downing the contents in one swig. The unidentified substance burned as it traveled down his throat, but he definitely needed it after that conversation. Usually the Onderon Senator tried to play nice with others, but something about Vaisra drug out the worst in him.

He cast one last glance at the pair, eyeing them furtively before putting the incident behind him. Their paths would cross again, and Cassian was looking forward to it.

The Chancellor and ISC President were still engaged in conversation, so Cassian settled nearby the pair. Senator Hergalor was seated comfortably atop one of the stools that lined the bar, his head resting against the apartment wall. Chancellor Ro wasn't the only one to practice a bit of indulgence this evening.

Cassian grinned at his comrade. "Senator Hergalor." The Zeltron slid onto the stool beside the Ithorian, a hand absentmindedly loosening the tie around his neck. "You're having a good time I see. Did I see you taking selfies with President Thorne earlier?"

The Senator of Tanaab did not strike him as the sort to join the infamous Emryc Thorne Fan Club, but the ISC President had a nigh supernatural knack for instilling loyalty and admiration in people from every walk of life. Even Kiacro was a fan, and that was saying something. The young aide had an annoying penchant for negativity.

@Song @lizziie @Fine Dining Set

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

The song gradually came to and end, and Jaikus eventually took a single step back – his dance with the Prime Minister finally coming to its conclusion. Even then, the polite smile on the Axxilan’s lips lingered – emerald eyes following as the Belascan reached into her impressively usable dress-pockets and fished out a contact card.

Jaikus accepted the card, tucking it into his pocket with a smile. “I have never been to Belasco, to be honest. So I may just have to take you up on the offer sooner rather than later,” He grinned a bit wider. With that, Jaikus bent ever-so-slightly at the waist and swept an arm out in front of himself, leaving the Prime minister with a respectful bow.

“My Lady,” He spoke smoothly, watching as the Belascan began to make a beeline for both Senator’s Vaisra and Graves. While Jaikus only caught bits and pieces of the conversation while traveling the dancefloor, he could practically feel the tension in that section of the room, and pointedly opted to move in the opposite direction.

Emeralds then flicked across the room, settling upon both Emryc and Emil, that bit of warmth returning to his expression. The Axxilan had glanced in their direction a few times during the dance, subtly noting his the effects of the Deuclian whiskey on his partner.

His attention then briefly flicked over to both Sibyl and the new arrival of the Blackwell representative. While the Axxilan quietly made a note to introduce himself to the latter at some point during the night, he had no desire to butt into the conversation quite yet.

For now, Jaikus turned his attention to the bar where the Chancellor and half-Sephi had congregated. The Axxilan was already in the mood for a drink before the next dance, and the two other men were easily the safest bet in terms of company. Thus, Jaikus quickly began to cross the room – making his way over towards the bar.

“Emryc,” He smiled towards the half-Sephi, a bit more warmth bleeding through his expression before turning then to Emil. “Chancellor Ro.” He smiled politely to the Chancellor, dipping his head towards the man. With that, Jaikus began to help himself to something to drink, opting for something a bit stronger than the champagne he’d been sipping all night.

He tipped his glass towards the two of them. “I see I’m not the only one in need of another drink before making my way back onto the dancefloor.”

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc, against his better judgement, helped himself to another drink. He took a sip and glanced over at the others. His gaze lingered a bit longer on Graves, studying him quietly. Behind the pretty face, he could already judge the man to be shrewd. Shrewd politicians usually made great business partners. He had already mentioned investing in ISCRA, and Emryc began to consider more profitable ventures that could come from partnering with Onderon. He had already struck a deal with Tanaab, no reason to stop there.

For now, he glanced over at the Chancellor, grinning as he followed his gaze to Vaisra, “So is there a grain of truth to the tabloids?” He asked as he sipped from his drink, “You’re not so bad under the layers of politics, perhaps the same holds true for Vaisra,” Emryc had to commend the Fondor Senator for managing to be universally despised perhaps even more than the Chancellor himself. He always presented himself as a despicable snake, but at least he was blunt about who and what he was. Emryc could respect that.

After a moment, he glanced over as Jaikus walked over to join them. Emryc’s expression softened as he looked at his partner.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked the Axxilan as he took a sip, “Though some of us are as feisty outside of the Senate Chambers as we are in them.." He looked over at Vaisra and Graves.

Emryc looked over at Emil, grinning, “Emil here is an excellent dancer,” He nudged the Chancellor playfully before looking back at Jaikus. For now he was content to watch others dancing while he nursed his new drink and tried to stop himself from seeing doubles.

@Altaris @Mockingjay

 

[Hergalor]

Hergalor briefly closed his eyes when Senator Hawthorne started to speak. It wasn't anything the man said or did, it was just that time of the night. Hergalor sat his hulking frame into one of the chairs, the room starting to spin from the amount of whiskey he drank. When his eyes slowly fluttered shut, he began to snore. On Ithor, the sound of an Ithorian snoring was a wondrous display. Like wind rustling through the leaves, or the song of a mother whale to her child. It was the kind of sound that connected one to the natural world, anchoring them to the bounty of creation.

A drunk Ithorian snoring loudly through a vocoder conveyed a widely different set of feelings. The translator on his mouths picked up the sound of his snoring, a high-pitched melodic display, and rendered it into a horrid sound that resembled a loth-cat giving birth into a broken copying machine. Such a sound created a feedback loop - the translator filtered its own horrid noise into itself and the sound continued to rise as Hergalor fell deeper into his drunken snooze.

Luckily, Senator Graves approached him before the translator exploded. He snapped to when the Zeltron spoke to him - he tried to hide his nap. "Ah, Senator Graves." He rose to quickly regain his composure. "No, I'm not a member of the fan club. My daughter is, though." He paused, thinking about the incredibly pleasant interaction him and Thorne had shared. "Let me say, though - between me and you? I get it. Man's charming." He raised his drink to Graves. "But so are you, Cassian! You're a wonderful host to bring us ingrates and beggars into your home." The Senators present had bickered and drank around the luxurious apartment like they were a gaggle of schoolchildren. "Speaks wonders to your character that you could manage them." Graves could do it all, it seemed. Dance, host, flash a winning smile - his pheromones were starting to effect Hergalor's mood

Best to change to subject to business. "You know, on your world's Holopedia site, it lists your major exports as 'none.'" He stifled a chuckle when he had looked it up, before the shame set in that we was searching his colleagues on the Holonet for fun. "But I come to this world for our Senate gatherings, and you all seem alive with industry. Your cities and jungles, most of all, are a feat I can respect as an Ithorian. It takes tremendous skill to build a sustainable world - one where civilization and natural life coexist, hand-in-hand. It's the kind of engineering sensitivity we at TAC look for in our projects."

@llamallove @Charles

 

[Cassian Graves]

The party wasn't in full swing per se, but it had settled into a comfortable rhythm, and groups had naturally begun to form. Vaisra and the honorable Prime Minister. The Chancellor, the President, and the professor— which sounded like the opening line of a joke. The wicked witch of the core worlds and a liaison for Blackwell Technologies— the newcomer to the party, and the only guest Cassian had yet to greet. She must have snuck in while he was dancing. A better host would had crossed the room and introduced himself, but the Zeltron just couldn't bring himself to get up. There would be other opportunities to play nice with the corporate sector. Hopefully lots of opportunities.

His blue eyes lingered on the two women near the window, his mind made up as his gaze settled on Governor Lassiter. He would stay right where he was— he had no intention of approaching that woman for the rest of the night. The mere thought of listening to her prattle on brought the threat of a migraine. She'd dig her claws into a hive rat if it meant she could get the latest scuttlebutt. She was as bad as that journalist that worked for the Hydian Voice. What was her name? Hanivel?

Cassian would have preferred to listen to Hergalor, even if he did sound like a dying tauntaun as he snored. Luckily, the Zeltron was spared both alternatives as the Ithorian awoke with a start. Cassian would pretend not to notice the Senator's mishap, drawing a bowl of nuts closer and picking out the almonds.

"I'm glad you brought that up, Senator," he then replied, thoughtfully chewing on an almond before he continued. He wasn't being completely honest, but Hergalor probably knew that. The Ithorian was not only a shrewd politician but a cunning businessman, too. The Zeltron never liked to be reminded that his planet was so far behind on industry, but he tried to let it roll off his back. He would play the part of the humble politician, if there was such a thing.

"I think Onderon has been so busy trying to survive the dangers of the jungles around us that we haven't taken the time to explore our own planet's resources." His head tilted to one side, and he smiled over at the older, more weathered Senator. "I'm trying to change that. Actually, we're working on a project right now that might interest TAC. I know Onderon could benefit from TAC's assistance in this matter. If you can fit me into your busy schedule, I would like to discuss it with you sometime."

@Fine Dining Set