Open Social Ceremony and Celebration

[Varyn Atrix]

Open to all Imperial characters and their allies!​

The hunt for Darth Andruil had been a mission surrounded by controversy. Many soldiers felt they shouldn't have been there at all, lives had been lost, and hearings had been called. Ultimately, though, the objective had been accomplished, and it produced an opportunity to recognize the heroism that would keep the Empire together.

During the throes of the battle, Imperial Knight Astrid al-Bahir had drawn away a deadly blast of energy from the Witch Queen and saved the life of General Dram. The action had cost her an arm, and even when Varyn had later visited her in the hospital, she was more concerned with what had been going on with others than with herself.

This ceremony had been postponed enough time for Astrid to be healed when it was finally called to order. Members of the Imperial Knights, IAF, ISB, diplomatic corps, and more were present. All were here to honor the sacrifices that made the Empire great.

Tonight, we come here to recognize the actions of Imperial Knight al-Bahir, whose actions during the confrontation with Darth Andruil saved the lives of her fellow soldiers at great personal cost. May we all strive to act with the bravery and commitment that she demonstrated by her actions, he said, taking the medal laying atop a pillow and placing it around her neck.

As it fell into place, he was the first to lead the applause of those gathered. It was a momentous occasion, and one he hoped would herald a future of cooperation and camaraderie between the Knights and the other branches of the Empire.

And, of course, after that there would be food, drink, dancing, and mingling long into the night.

 

[Merian Sere]

You weren’t there.

Merian stood among the Imperial Knights and she had no right to. They held a special place tonight, almost on display, like al-Bahir’s heroism reflected on all of them. It did, Merian supposed. At least to those present who didn’t know better.

You weren’t there, you weren’t there, you weren’t there.

She joined the others in applause, but the roaring didn’t drown out her thoughts. Neither did reason. What did it matter that she’d been assigned elsewhere? That she hadn’t chosen Botajef, that she’d only obeyed the orders she’d been given? That her task could well have meant life or death for the main force, even though it hadn’t? She hadn’t been there. They’d lost Knight-Captain Winnz, they’d lost Knight Rasheer, and now she stood here clapping like a fraud. Celebrating. It made her sick.

At least she’d recovered. Astrid, not her. Merian deserved the scars she hadn’t kept. At least her mind would remember what her body wouldn’t. Never again would she let her guard down. Never again would she trust a Sith. Never again would she love.

“Hey,” someone whispered, subtly in her ear. A Knight? She didn’t even know his name. “Less scowling.”

Right. Astrid.

At great cost to herself, Merian adjusted her face, because this night was al-Bahir’s, and she deserved all of it.

 

[Altair Din]

He strode into the chambers shortly before the medal ceremony commenced. Others saluted him as he walked past them, and he returned it without too much enthusiasm. The losses of his men and the Knights wore heavily on him and he still didn’t like where things went with Commander Baize’s trial.

The Grand Marshal was adorned in a crisp uniform and all four of his horns were newly polished – he had to have his uniforms replaced several times on account of battles and his spicy encounters with Vahliri. Despite how he felt, he carried himself with pride. Their objective was completed regardless of what it took to get there. He had been there to fight Renfry in the end, he had shattered her body, he had weathered the blows from her deputy, he had survived every collapse and horror the Nightsisters unleashed on him. While there was a time to mourn, so too was there a time to celebrate and honor. And today was about honoring those that gave their lives and celebrating those that returned alive after completing the insurmountable task of felling one of the most powerful Force users in the galaxy.

He came to stand between where the Imperials and Imperial Knights stood – he always felt a blend of both on account of being a Force user. The tiefling gazed over at those around him, seeing a lot of new faces. He gave them all a polite nod before joining in on the clapping to celebrate Astrid. She had gone above and beyond to save General Dram’s (@Alhon) life and it would never be forgotten.

@Phoenix @Volene

 

[Cipher 4]

Marsh Cloud was a simple field operative. The lowest of the low, putting it lightly. She was nothing compared to the Imperial Knights who put their lives on the line for the Din Empire's glory. And although she did not have what it takes to have a place among those honored Knights, she could at least recognize the good they bring for the Empire they served so faithfully. The least she could do for them, Marsh thought, was to show them her unwavering support. Although she wasn't strong nor capable enough to join their ranks as they stormed Dathomir to bring the former Empress Darth Andruil to justice, Marsh would show her appreciation by attending the ceremony meant to honor the Knights and those who sacrificed themselves for the greater good.

She stood at the far corner of the hall, yellow eyes lighting up with obvious admiration as Lord Commander Atrix (@Phoenix) awarded Knight al-Bahir (@Mr. Teatime) for her selflessness which in turn saved General Dram's life. Although literally deaf to the thunderous applause for the honorable Knight, Marsh raised both hands at chest level and clapped the way she knew, shaking her hands to and fro enthusiastically. At the appearance of Grand Marshall Din (@Sreeya), however, Marsh' applause intensified. If she could shout her support out loud for the grand hall to hear, she would have. But she knew she had to show proper decorum befitting her status, however, and kept her lips sealed tight - and it was as if she could even speak in the first place.

The field agent hung in the background, basking in the glory of the victors on the battle on Dathomir. As the applause died down, the woman ran a hand on her braided hair before heading towards one of the many tables laden with food.

Plucking a finger food from a tray laden with assorted hors d'oeuvres, Four smiled to herself. She hoped the Empire would continue to rise against the challenges set by the galaxy upon them.

@Volene

 

[Venthis Habrak]

Venthis Habrak was in many ways lucky to be standing where he was. For centuries his family had viewed the Sith as gods among mortals. And now he stood honoring the final defeat of Darth Andruil on Dathomiir. The lady of the Sith that had granted him his first and most prestigious of assignments.

The defenses that were broken on Dathomir were his defenses. He had developed and overseen their construction at the request of Darth Andruil, who was then simply Lady Renfry, years earlier.

But in the end, even the most blind of devotees such as Venthis, could see the destruction the Sith brought on themselves. In a matter of years, he had served and crusaded for five short lived emperors and empresses. And in the end the only constant was his Empire.

Venthis was a man of honor, and of strict rules. Yet in spite of this, he was not an utter fool. The Empire was not gone, and he had trained and warred on its behalf his whole life. That could not change.

He did not applaud for the Knight Astrid. He could not. The knights victory amounted to Venthis final failure in defense of the Sith. But he could still respect the victory and that this moment amounted to his step into the new world.

Venthis took up a single drink, standing in the crowd, somewhat empty and embarrassed of even being alive. Each sip helped take the weight of the burden of his survivors guilt off of him, but he'd either need to find a way to survive this new Empire... or find himself being the reason for the next gathering.

 

[Kalique Baize]

Some time had passed after Dathomir and Kalique had been well involved in the aftermath. There had been losses, plenty of trauma that followed and the mood hadn't been great, so to say, but now that a little time had passed, the Knights and the Empire in general seemed to have actually progressed in processing the fateful events.

Darth Andruil was dead. The Empire had won. The occasion today was cheerful and it did even fill her with pride. She was overly grateful that Astrid was better and finally released from the hospital, knowing that her sacrifice had been a decisive factor, not that just in the final battle, but also in its aftermath.

She had talked about this with Varyn, their Lord Commander, not long ago and they both knew that her actions had also been another olive branch to the IAF. It was their genuine interest to not only improve their general reputation, but to build a genuine connection to the IAF and she had greatly helped with that. It was a little ironic that General Dram had been the one she had saved, but perhaps that even made it so much better after his trust in force-users had definitely taken several hits in the past.

She attended the event in her formal uniform and was one of the first to arrive and pay Knight Astrid her respects. It was good to see her on her feet again and she was happy for the opportunity to not only celebrate the victory a little, but excited to have not only Knights but the military and ISB involved here as well. Socializing was of great importance for the stabilized, growing Empire and she watched Varyn honor Astrid with a genuine, warm smile before she joined the applause.

@Phoenix @Sreeya @Volene @Forsythe Crowholde @Morse

 

[Astrid al-Bahir]

THEME​

Somewhere in the back behind the podium, in the short time before the ceremony began, a half-Tiefling woman brushed something off her shoulder. Metal fingers rose, then fell again, replaced by living digits to make sure tied-back black hair had stayed in place. Her tail flicked somewhere behind her, knifelike ears bent inward. A living hand was placed against one of cold metal. It felt foreign despite being a part of her now. Lost along with much of her squad.

Tail wrapping neatly around her waist, ears and shoulders squared, she turned and strode out once it was time.

Astrid al-Bahir, Imperial Knight, stood tall and proud at attention beside the Lord Commander as he spoke. She wore black Imperial dress pants and boots along with a white Knight's tunic tucked into a wide cloth belt in Imperial blue. Rank pins were flawlessly displayed on the left side of her uniform, a soldier and a diplomat. Across her shoulders, the crimson cloak declared her a Knight of the Empire. Behind her, neatly braided and tied hair fluttered in a wayward breeze from open windows.

Her expression was unreadable as ever as Varyn had to reach up to place the Medal of Valor around her neck owing to the height difference. She saluted the Lord Commander to the sound of applause, then stepped forward for a speech. It was, after all, tradition.

"Thank you, Lord Commander, and everyone here today. This recognition is a great honor. The Empire also honor the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of the 17th Siege Battalion's third squad who joined us on the shuttle to the Queen." The squad who'd gone with her, drawn from one of three battalions sent to Dathomir, many of whom suffered defending the landing zone. More died or were injured when the shuttle fell from the roof. "We honor those soldiers who fight shoulder-to-shoulder with brothers and sisters for the dream that is the Empire."

Astrid was sincere. She appreciated the medal, but she also appreciated the soldiers who'd fought beside her. Carefully, still unused to the machine limb, Astrid lifted a glass of champagne. "To Knight and soldier, who I know would want us to celebrate. To Grand Marshal Din, fighting strong on the front lines. To General Dram, who fought the Queen of Sorcery with little more than a rifle; thank you for the get well card," the slightest hint of an amused smirk showed on her face at that bit, "To the Empire. Vivat Imperium." A metal finger tapping the glass sent it ringing in toast before she rose the glass to sip.

Dancing Music Began​

Afterward, she stepped off the platform to mingle. Various officers and officials from various groups crowded in to offer their own congratulations, although Astrid was readily visible given her height and curling horns.

@Phoenix @Volene @Sreeya @Forsythe Crowholde @Morse @LadyRen

​

 

[Rhiannon]

The day of triumph had arrived and yet Rhia could only imagine the types of horrible things that their brave soldiers and warriors had faced. Barely a squire, she wouldn't have been remotely ready to face the hellfires of an invasion let alone of the caliber they faced.

Compared to that this event was an exciting affair and one that she was proud to be a part of. Dressing in a crisp clean uniform, the squire joined in on the general applause. There were many heroes of Dathomir and each was worthy of praise and admiration in her eyes. Slipping through the crowd as only a fourteen year old could, Rhia tapped on the jacket of someone appearing very far away. @Sreeya

"Excuse me sir, are you okay?" The girls words were soft and full of guinuine concern. It was hard to miss the reports of what had gone down that day. Without a hint of fear of his visage, she offered her small hand to shake his if he was so inclined. "Imperial Squire Delevingne at your service, although most people just call me Rhia." A tiny chuckle escaped. "But definitely Delevingne when im in trouble."

 

[Kellan Solari]

At long last, fatigue had begun to nest itself deep within the hollows of Lieutenant Solari’s eyes. As a part of the Imperial Navy’s designated Honor Guard assigned to the celebration, the past several days had been little more than a frenetic blur of briefings, rehearsals and logistics. Seraph Fleet had joined several of its cohorts at the Imperial capital nearly a week prior, the vast collection of vessels turning the system’s orbit into a sprawling web of activity. Even at its reduced capacity, the sight of the Imperial Navy’s Star Destroyers amassing above a planetscape never failed to inspire awe in Kellan.

The participants assembled at last, the IAF logistics coordinators had the unenviable task of pulling the parade’s discordant pieces into a singular display of Imperial military might. Battalions of Imperial soldiers, who for weeks had drilled in preparation, had to be organized, ordered and structured to move in coordinated effect. Accompanying them was the cadre of Stormtroopers, assault vehicles, walkers, diplomats, and support crews. Glittering military bands from across the branches required extensive last minute rehearsals. Raxus was a buzzing hive of splendor with the various components of the celebration being diligently, if painfully, sewn together into one cohesive vision of Imperial dominance.

For the Navy’s part, High Command had been all too pleased to take part in the spectacle. A procession of the Grand Fleet had been arranged. The greatest and most impressive capital ships the Empire had to offer took center stage in the skies above Raxus. There, in concert with their retinue of cruisers and support ships, they engaged in an intricate choreography set to an orchestral swell. Engine flares ignited the atmosphere as tracer fire streaked across the skies. Below, countless wings of TIEs, including Solari’s own 81st, had soared over the vast thoroughfares of the capital in a grand display of precision and power. Far beneath them, the crowds had bayed and cheered as the decorative flags and tapestries strung from every conceivable surface whipped and fluttered at their passing.

All this militaristic pomp had swelled Kellan’s chest with a jingoistic zeal that threatened to pop the buttons from his obsidian dress uniform. But even there in the great hall, standing amidst the 81st’s Honor Guard, he could not deny the exhaustion that swept over him as a result of the rigors of the past few days. But as the Grand Marshal (@Sreeya) and the Imperial Knight al-Bahir (@Mr. Teatime) took their turns addressing the assemblage, his resolve stiffened. The Sith had left the Empire cobbled. Humbled. Seraph Fleet had taken no part in the great victory on Dathomir, yet the actions of those brave men and women belonged to them all. Each such sacrifice was a step back towards the order and glory the Empire offered the galaxy. And that was a fact worthy of celebration.

@Phoenix @Forsythe Crowholde @LadyRen @Morse @Xorism

 

[Altair Din]

Altair listened to Astrid’s (@Mr. Teatime ) speech and couldn’t help but smile, proud to have someone like her within their ranks. Her actions became well known within Imperial circles, finally turning a new leaf on the animosity that often existed between the Imperial Knights and the IAF. Even if Altair had crossed that bridge himself, Astrid took it a leap further.

The music began and he considered asking the other tiefling for a dance, but he felt someone tap him on the side. Altair looked to find a girl no older than a teenager looking at him expectantly. A few higher ranking Knights stared in stunned silence, along with a few IAF. It wasn’t often that anyone just casually walked up to engage the Grand Marshal like that.

Altair, on the other hand, offered the girl a warm smile, “Hi Rhia,” The smile was in stark contrast to his general formidable appearance with his four, majestic horns and otherworldly purple eyes, “I’m Altair Din,” He introduced himself as he shook her tiny hand, “And I think I’ll be okay now,” He said as he gazed at her. She reminded him of his little sister - lively and full of promise, stepping into the life of a Squire. Would she have to see bloodshed like he did? Would that starry glint in her eye fade as she saw terrors like what he witnessed on Dathomir?

“Do you have a Master, Rhia?” He asked, curious.

@Xorism

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven had a hangover the size of a space station so rather than listen to the semantics and niceties of the IAF play out over the course of some drawn out ceremony he’d opted to slip outside when no one was looking and spark up a cigarra.

The view of Raxus from the balcony was beautiful. The mottled coloring of the sky was reminiscent of the bruises on his ribs and under his eye. He was in a black on black suit, but he’d unbuttoned the top few buttons while he was out of view from prying eyes.

His attention was stolen by a swelling of applause and he glanced down at his half smoked cigarra.

“Better finish what you started,” he decided, putting off having to adorn his usual mask of pleasant company a couple breaths longer. On his initial sweep of the space, he hadn’t spotted any familiar faces, and he wasn’t sure if he was upset about that yet or not.

He finished his vice and began buttoning up his shirt as he made his way back into the main room. Once barely presentable, he slipped through the door and caught it before it closed, just in case. Luck was apparently on his side as the music kicked off as he let the side door close behind him with a soft click.

His baby blues lazily sought out the bar, skimming past the high profile marks, laser focused on chasing his hangover away with a little hair of the Vornsker. Then he found it. The oasis in the desert.

“Thank God,” he muttered, making his way toward his paradise with his usual swagger.

He settled in at the bar, leaning not sitting, and ordered his go too, a shot of house whisky and a cheap beer. The server droid informed him they didn’t have any cheap beer, so with a sigh he ordered a craft pilsner.

In the back of his mind Seven knew this was a prime opportunity to mingle and network, but he didn’t think he had it in him. He was here for the free booze.

Oorah…

 

[Venthis Habrak]

Unlike the civil gatherings in years past, Venthis did not feel quite so out of place here. He felt that way as few, especially those in the Imperial Military, could claim that were not. They had all been loyal servants until the coup led by the Grand Marshal. All of them bore varying degrees of fanaticism for the cause, and they all had carried out deeds in the name of the Sith that could never be undone.

In fact it was at such a gathering not long ago that Venthis Habrak had overseen the execution of dissidents on behalf of Darth Andruils predacessor... at the event. Some of the guests may have recalled that.

Venthis was entirely unapologetic for his actions. He was a military commander, and loyalty meant more to him than the morality of a moment.

But with no more Sith around, he did not feel the stiffening tremble of being surrounded by gods. Rather he was surrounded by people that were waiting for dust to settle and see what the new galaxy would bring them.

Though he had not taken part in any military campaign since the coup he was still fascinated by how it had happened. And to see the "hero" of the hour was not something he could pass up.

He approached Astrid with a firm stride, left arm fixed firmly to his back and his right holding a drink.

"Lady al-Bahir." Venthis greeted with a bow. "I am Commander Habrak. I am given to understand that it was you that dealt the final blow to the Queen of Dathomir." His tone was firm, neither hostile nor welcoming. "I had not seen the Dark Lady for many years, and I wish to know." He took a pause. "Did she appear as twisted and deranged in the end as they say?"

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Rhiannon]

The charming mini-socialite was simply delighted that the Grand Marshal would be okay. Looking up into his bright violet eyes, she could see the strong, stoic being that he presented as. Rhia could only imagine the good and bad memories that came with every soldier's career, a lifetime of war both externally and within.

"Oh yes, I think so." The inquisitive teen looked back over her shoulder into the vast crowd, not quite spotting her with everyone else around. "On our first day, Knight-Captain Demici came and helped me and my new bestie Laila get settled in. It was quite an exciting day really, and since then she's been mentoring all the squires!"

With all the eyes nearby wondering what was actually going on, Rhia was not disturbed but rather excited to be speaking with Laila's big brother. But she was also quite well aware that such an important man was quite busy and she was already taking up so much of his time, where he'd likely be doing stuff all night.

"I should go and make sure that I'm not needed.." her voice trailed off for a second in thought before bouncing back. "But I just wanted to thank you for protecting us all and making the hard decisions to keep everyone safe even if it's like really hard. Someday I can only hope to find my place to help." Once they had finished speaking, the young squire would disappear back into the crowd as quickly as she arrived.

@Sreeya

 

[Levik Karn]

As Cipher Seven settled in at the bar he only needed to look to his left to see Commander Karn nurturing a First Year Raxus Brandy. It was reported to be the Emperor's favorite, even made it specifically to fit his tastebuds, but Levik had quickly realized that whatever they fed the Emperor when he was a kid.. his tastebuds had definitely developed differently than his own.

The cheap brands worked best for the son of a spaceport engineer and yet those that knew Levik would be surprised by it. He had, after all, purchased shares in Systech Corporation and rented the penthouse in one of the many new skyscrapers of Raxus' skyline. "To the Force user," he gently lifted his glass as if to toast with Cipher Seven on the health of Astrid Al-Bahir. He knew Cipher Seven, ofcourse, but he had known him as 'Lieutenant Dolan' and was perhaps one of the few that knew his real parentage. Knowledge that would no doubt shatter his world, Levik mused, but perhaps not that much if he looked anything like his father.

He followed it up with a muttered "To this," and then slung back the rather dull brandy. He didn't mean the drink. The toast was something they used in his extracurricular activities and for some reason, with life being short, the toast stuck more than any other ever had.

"Two more of those," he pointed at Jacen Dolan's shot of whiskey just as the newly appointed Cipher no doubt wanted to slip away again with the drinks in hand. "But with a pinch of Glit-"

The server droid already shook its head, <Repeat: This bar does not serve illegal substances like Glitterryll> Way to kriffing out him in front of one of the bureau's young rising stars. Karking droid.

 

[Tavell Hamber]

Tavell pinched the bridge of his nose, then his fingers travelled to his temples. Pomp and self import irked him, he had enjoyed - even loved them as a young man. But that was years ago, now as much as he understood their place, their importance, they irritated him. He’d much rather have been assigned to the aerial patrols far above. But alas, the Emperor, in his intangible wisdom and the order of his command meant that instead of the comforting skin of his flightsuit and the armour of his helmet he wore the ridiculous dress uniform.

“You wear it with such disdain, Tavell.” He turned at the sound of Marcus Darrow, his Wing Commander, the guttural yet strangely warm inflection in his words made Tavell’s guard fall some.

“No sir. It’s just.”

“Yes, yes I understand. Old soldiers, old dogs like us…war is all we’ve known. To wear the uniform is of course something to wear with pride, but we ache no? We yearn for the roar of the TIE, the death howl of our ships as we dive. Yes. But still, Tavell. Orders are orders.”

“Sir.” He saluted. His own speech was restrained, tight and enunciated with the precision of his birth-world, Eriadu. He nodded as his superior disappeared, seeking no doubt, the praise and egotistical dance of the higher officers. Tavell turned, straightened his uniform, checked his few remaining medals were gleaming enough before stepping into the massed ranks of his fellow pilots. His body stiff, stone-like, his eyes slowly scanned the faces and features present with a probe’s efficiency. There were so many new faces, so many in fact that those he recognised were all the more noticeable. Pilots he’d flown with, soldiers he’d airdropped

Hound! Hound! Take the shot! Take the shot! Hound!

The voice of memories passed made him look away from the gathering. He grumbled low in his throat, a sound that drew harsh glances from a nearby officer. Tavell cleared his throat and returned his wrinkled eyes to the assembly. The words of the Grand Marshal and the Knight muffled by his lack of concentration. He inwardly hoped the Emperor himself would appear. He liked the idea of this new Emperor, but he had yet to see him with his own eyes. As he resumed his sweep of the hundreds gathered, he saw a face he’d rather left in memory.

@Tic

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven looked to his left and spotted Karn.

Goddammit, he thought, but instead he flashed a shit eating grin and lifted his shot glass in cheers. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something about the guy that just rubbed Seven the wrong way. It was like he knew all your secrets and was just waiting for the chance to expose you.

Fucking weirdo.

Seven threw back his shot with the commander. Then sipped his beer for the second. Karn ordered another round, and Seven felt himself fighting a smile from his face. It wasn’t much, but knowing the guy liked to party was something he could use if he needed.

“ I didn’t hear a thing, Commander,” he said with obvious deadpan.

He took another sip of his beer. He could feel himself falling into the role of curious sycophant, and remembered Six’s words.

A smirk tugged at his lip as he cleared his throat before asking, “ How’s business going?”

Seven didn’t know any other Commander making enough money to afford the penthouse Karn lived in. Seven wasn’t the only one to wonder. Blackout had a running joke going about Karn being the Emperor's secret lover.

The more reasonable explanation was crime.

Either way this would be interesting or he’d have the opening he needed to head back outside and smoke another cigarra.

@Eccles

 

[Altair Din]

Altair smiled at Rhia (@Xorism ), “Knight-Captain Demici is a wonderful teacher and there’s a lot you can learn from her. Laila is my little sister,” He said with a chuckle, though she likely already knew that with how often Laila liked to name drop him. Her gratitude towards what he did was humbling. He had been serving the Empire for a while, but he couldn’t remember the last time anyone thanked him for it or showed genuine gratitude. The simple comment left him holding his head up a bit higher and with a sense of pride in what he did.

He glanced over and spotted Kalique (@LadyRen ), waving at her from the distance. She had done wonders in turning things around from the allegations in the past. She was one of the hardest working Imperial Knights and was instrumental in training the next generation of Imperial Knights.

The tiefling grabbed a drink and made his way towards the woman of the hour - Astrid. He didn’t interject as Venthis approached her, but he did give them both a nod in respectful greeting as he came to stop next to them. He wasn't drinking a lot yet, so the polite and formal demeanor was still. Only time would tell if that fell apart.

@Mr. Teatime @Morse

 

[Cipher Six]

It wasn’t often that Six was actually present within Imperial borders for a social - she was usually deployed undercover for months at a time. Even though she had a promotion and a chance at operating as a handler, she preferred to rank up with her Cipher designation intact but with more influence and resources. And she managed her own missions instead of just being sent somewhere blindly.

The agent strolled into the hall shortly after the speeches were done. As a Cipher, she wasn’t issued uniforms, but she dressed in an elegant dress. Her hair framed her face and her turquoise gaze shined against her pallid skin. Her eyes were accented with a smoky haze, her lips painted red to complete a perfect evening look.

The whole affair with Dathomir was important to her because it had several names she recognized. She was pleased to see that both Varyn and Max returned alive. The agent did a quick scan of her immediate vicinity, spotting the Grand Marshal making his way over to the Imperial Knight that was making waves. Six still didn’t entirely trust Force users, but she could recognize their value.

Six grabbed a champagne glass off a passing tray, spotting a few broody fellows standing outside of the main social circle, “Look alive, gents,” She said breezily with a smile that revealed the glints of her fangs, “This is a celebration, not a funeral,” Six reminded them. It was no use moping over those that gave their lives - she would know, her line of business led to constant risk and casualty.

@Tic @OsricVek

 

[Kalique Baize]

After the speeches were over, Kalique had found herself engaged in a conversation with an Imperial Knight. It taken her a while to realize that in the corner of her eye, she suddenly saw her Squire Rhia walk over to the Grand Marshal and smirk had immediately tugged at her lips even if she had no idea about what they were talking about.

She could, however, literally see the nervousness radiating of the young woman. Altair waved at her a bit later and she waved back with a smile, deciding she'd say hello later as he was about to walk over to Astrid. As her conversation ended, she said her goodbyes and intended to get herself a drink, but she then passed Merian, which made her stop in her tracks.

They had crossed their parts occasionally, also, together with pilot Solari (@Tic), the Knight had been on the Killik mission she had issued, but as they had never formally worked together, Kalique decided to approach her. "Knight Sere, it's a pleasure to see you here" she greeted her with a warm, friendly smile. It was an official occasion, but there was no need to keep the socializing formal only.

@Volene

 

[Varyn Atrix]

The more festive side of things had begun, and Varyn made his way off of the stage, eager to be out of the spotlight again. As one of the trays passed by, he reached out and grabbed some frilly juice that he was told had - unfortunately - no alcohol in it.

He took a sip and smacked his lips together lightly at the sweet flavor as he looked around to see who was here that he knew. Many were faces unfamiliar to him, but he recognized a number of Imperial Knights, and of course Levik and Altair.

He spotted Six a few moments later, and considered making his way over to her right out of the gate, but she had started mingling with someone else, and he couldn't just immediately beeline over to her. He had to play it cool... nevermind the fact that that was pretty much antithetical to who he was as a person.

He started heading that way when he spotted one of the other Knights, Merian Sere, who looked like she was in some profound discomfort watching the ceremony, and he did his officer's duty to stop and make sure everything was stable.

You doing alright? he asked, head tilting to the side and an eyebrow quirked. He didn't know when he'd get used to being Lord Commander, but it wasn't today, so he just kept doing... what he did.

It seemed he had tied with arriving alongside Kalique. Perhaps they had both sensed something was off. Good sign for an officer. Good to see you, Kalique.

@Volene