[Hutt-Aligned Only] Imperial Ball

[Santoro]

It was a fine day on Nar Shaddaa, warm and bright with a certain kind of energy in the air. It had been a full week since his almighty Tusa Ujalli Hai had decreed the first annual Imperial Ball to be held on Emperor's Day- a formal celebration of the regime change and the prosperity that followed. An entire palace and accompanying had been appointed to the celebration, with the guest list numbering in the tens of thousands. Lavish dishes had been made in abundance, with the finest silks imported from Serenno, the strongest woods from Kashyyyk, and the cleanest stone from Naboo. Corellian import brandy filled the tall dispensers located in every room, roast zucca from Tatooine displayed proudly by the Imperial House'es finest chefs. All was prepared for the fantastic celebration that Tusa had arranged for his guests- the soon-to-be nobility, the notable soldiers, and the up-and-coming commanders. Loyalty breeds efficiency, his father had repeated to him in between lashings. It's important your cartel is happy. Quite the cartel. The slug chuckled to himself as he slid into the off-limits upper level of the palace- his temporary suite. Darksaber soldiers and Razorback commandos swarmed around him at full alert, the ever-present hum of his Security Team's sensors sweeping the palace for the fourth time. His aide came to his side.

[We have the final bill, almighty.] The Twi'lek eye candy gave Tusa the datapad, the figures clear within the tens of millions. Without batting an eye, the Imperial Seal and Signature was placed at the bottom, and the girl took the datapad away. [It is time to change into the royal garb, illustrious one. Your guests are due to arrive within the hour.] Tusa sighed.

[Yes, yes. Bring them in.] The slug slumped down in unhappiness as an entourage of dressers and tailors was brought in, carrying a custom-made robe and jewelry. Tusa always considered himself more of a warlord than a true Emperor, but his staff had repeatedly told him the importance of appearance. He must not dress as a vicious killer, but a refined leader- bold, wise, and powerful. Grudgingly, Tusa allowed his aides to attach the first layer- heavy armor designed to withstand even the constant force of a Jedi lightsaber. Shortly after, a long, thick robe was pulled on top, followed by a carefully designed set of bracelets and necklaces. Last but not least came the elegant head dress- concealment for an emergency shield generator. The aides left so Tusa could adjust himself in the mirror. Once he was certain they left, he wriggled his way over to the cabinet and took out his Rodian Blade Pistol, shoving it in his flowing garments.

"I don't think you'll need that, m'lord." The Hutt smiled, turning to view his Darksaber.

[Cedos, my boy. I'm glad you could make it. You seem better.] Sola raised his hand, flexing his fist and feeling the robotic augmentations.

"Yes. I'm looking forward to this last distraction before I get back on the galaxy."

[Me too... Me too.]

Little more than half an hour later, the crowd began coming. Security checks ensured guest compliance, and the celebration came immediately. Music filled the streets of Nar Shaddaa as Imperial speeders tossed handfuls of low-denomination credit chips to the hungry citizens, with the highly fortified palace grounds broadcasting on the Imperial HoloNet.


((OOC: This is a 'fun' thread where we can bring our characters to bullshit around a little bit. Everyone's awful upset over the recent battle threads, so we'll come here to hang out and try non-combat, fun RPs. Anyone Hutt aligned can come (Hutt, Taung, DSS, allies), but I'll set out some ground rules: No weapons are allowed, and your characters are thoroughly searched at the door. Ysalamiri are hidden in the walls, so no Force powers. Guards are given nonlethal weapons and are posted on an elevated floor. They will bring you down. The Emperor's personal fleet is right above the party with his vast security force swarming the area, don't be stupid (if you wan't me to, I'll go over just how many soldiers that would be). Hopefully, it's clear that this is not the place for fights, bombs, what have you. Tusa will be passing out royalty here, but the point is to get to know your fellow Hutt- have fun!

Edit: As another note, this is in continuity. However, this won't keep you from other RP's, consider this either after or before those threads.))

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

Admiral Vorsch arrived on Nar Shadaa via a small security transport. The shuttle landed near the palace where the ball was taking place. Orion stepped down from the shuttle boarding ramp. He was an elegant and noble site, this admiral. He wore his own dress officer's uniform, complete with the most expensive metals, cloths, and leathers; under it all was his traditional armored vest and personal shield. His medals were polished and reflected the light brilliantly, adorned upon his left breast. He approached a landspeeder that was to take him directly to the palace, and stepped into the topless speeder and took a seat.

The speeder whirred out of the hanger, and began to casually glide down the extremely well maintained streets of Nar Shadaa. As they continued, flowers and confetti were thrown into the air towards them from windows and sidewalks, citizens relishing in the victory over the Republic at Ando Prime, as well as the many others accomplished recently. Citizens waved and cheered, and Vorsch simply stayed seated, nodding and smiling slyly as he passed.

Arriving at the palace, Vorsch stepped out of the speeder, along with two of his own personal guard. At the entrance, he unclipped his blaster pistol and handed it to a guard, leaving his holster empty at his side. Entering, the palace was filled with celebration and pleasure. Orion however immediately sought out the Emperor. Finding him, he approached and bowed.

"My lord, our victories bring you great honor. May my hand forever glorify your might.", Orion said sincerely.

 

[Dread]

Well, this is a change. Thought Radzkie as he followed along with the pace of the moving crowd. As they entered the ball the multiple light sources illuminated his fair complexion, exaggerating the lacking color along with his almost as colorless hair.

His shaggy haircut clashed with the garment and black dress pants he worn for the party. It was a unusual style for him, but a change he didn't mind. Being dressed up was only to blend into the crowd, as he suspected a cloaked and drab individual would get more attention then one dressed on the side of fancy for a party.

Radzkie flexed his hands, the subtle russle of oiled leather rubbing against itself could barely be heard from his gloves with all the noise around. His grey eyes darted side to side, what was he suppose to do here? That was the real thing that put him off his game, as he spent so much time traveling in Hutt space and working on his own goals that just a causal day seemed almost unthinkable. Maybe he would treat this just like work and put on the act. Only time would tell, and perhaps he would become more relaxed as time ticked by.

 

[Phil]

General CDR-382 made no attempt to hide his face tonight, and his armor was left on board his personal shuttle he took, along with his weapons of war. Instead, he wore a dark red military uniform with dark metal boots, no gloves to cover his hands, a black cape of sort that started over his shoulders and went down his back. On his head was a black officer hat that he recently snagged, something about it just caught his cybernetic eye. The door guard took a step back at the scarred face of the former Alsakan, looking into the glowing red eyes of the cyborg commando.

"I'll need to search you, Sir."

"Search then."

CDR insisted, lifting his arms some as he was searched and scanned for weapons. When none were found, he was waved on through with a salute and smile, and that's exactly what he did. Looking on at the guests and others who had arrived, he adjusted his cufflinks a little and slowly strolled on. He caught glimpse of a few Hutts there, one appeared to be Gorrbag in his own area as he gorged himself on what appeared to be an ewok sized pie of sort, bits of it going about as onlookers observed in awe. The other was the true host of the ball, the Grand Hutt Tusa himself, and one to be well respected of all the giant slugs here.

The first thing he did was catching a serving girl, and ordered himself a strong drink and to bring it to him as he decided to "mingle" with the others and to pay his respects to the Mighty Tusa.

((His outfit, if it helps, is sorta like M. Bison's.))

 

[Santoro]

Unlike most Emperors, Tusa was not one to sit on a throne and survey the party. While a seat had been set aside for him covered in lavish jewels and fine cloths, it remained empty as the host slithered through his guests- an ever present squadron of armed Razorbacks trailing him anxiously. Many were forward with the Hutt, going so far as patting him on the arm, shaking his oversized fist... Still, the Hutt never faltered and continued on- a spectacle of confidence and a center of calm. It had taken much practice to speak so clearly, keeping his booming tone to a minimum while allowing the full range of the Huttese language, but it carried the correct undertones: You are safe. I will lead us to victory. Those wise enough would realize the political impact such an event would have on the Empire, with Holonet cameras zipping left and right, the handful of reporters allowed on premise overwhelmed at the high-society and powerful guests. A tally was being stored at check in for Tusa's own benefit- it was not above the Emperor to reward those who attended his parties. One such attendee approached, the soon-to-be-Grand Admiral Vorsch.

[Ah, Admiral! A pleasure you could make it after the debacle at Ando.] The slug continued through the crowd, no doubt heading towards the snack table. As he walked, he grabbed the Falleen's arm and brought him along with impressive strength- using him as an excuse to avoid conversation with some waiting bureaucrats. The Emperor winked at his long-time accomplice, continuing without mentioning the dodge. [Our might, Orion, our might. We share in loss, we share in victory.] Tusa smiled, finally pulling his weight to the table. While he was lean for a Hutt, the analogy would be similar to 'dry for water', and the attendants were quick to fill a plate for him. Deciding against the degrading act of having a servant carry his plate, Tusa picked up his own meal and continued to inch about. Another being caught his (and everyone else's) eye- probably the only cyborg Alsakan in the Empire. Unsettling and unwavering. I like it. The Hutt raised his voice to call over the hubbub, hoping to add another to his growing group of high command. Servants and guests alike started as the Hutt called happily, an uncharacteristic move for a Chairman... But Tusa was no longer a Chairman, and he was willing to remake the rules.

[General! I have someone I'd like you to meet!]

Elsewhere, Cedos was busy making himself a drink much to the bartender's dismay. He felt exceptionally uncomfortable in the palace- the ever present pressure from the yslamiri had practically driven him insane during his first exposure, and time had done little to reduce the blind sensation. Force or not, it was clear the man was an unhappy one, and the bartender only put up a token resistance as Sola made himself at home. After a few moments, the Corellian monstrosity left with a large glass filled to the top.

Sola looked through the crowd for a bit of conversation, doing his best to ignore the giggling 'escorts' who were starting to wave. Cedos didn't feel like women tonight, and certainly not in that manner. Allegiance or no, he had spent a majority of his life with the Jedi and found such businesses despicable... But the Hutt paid the bills, and the Hutt called the shots. Instead, he saw the Darksaber Commander milling about, clearly as uncomfortable as the Emperor's Hand himself. Cedos took the opportunity.

"Commander. Get dragged here also?"

 

[Wit]

Admiral Yur Trey'lis, recently returned from the conquest of Yag'Dhul, stood patiently as he waited for his turn to be searched thoroughly before being allowed to enter the ball. Some of the other guests standing besides him were not very pleased by being forced to be searched, but he understood completely the need for such precautions and admired the emperor for taking them. In times of war it was always good to be prepared, to take precautions rather than risk suffering losses due to being under-prepared.

As he was waved into the screening room he nodded to the officers on duty and raised his hands to his sides, ready to be searched. He might be an officer in the Hutt military himself, but that did not mean he would be treated any differently from the other guests. As the various scanning devises finished their task, the search coming negative for any sorts of weaponry, he was cleared to enter. As he stepped through into the ball room, he couldn't help but admire the elaborate decorations and elegant beauty on display. Beings of worth from all over the Empire, nobles, businessmen, artists, scholars; everyone who was someone seemed to be present.

An eclectic group of beings, all dressed up for the occasion ambled about here and there, enjoying each other's company. Not completely unused to such situations, Yur began moving about through the crowd, shaking a hand here, nodding there, making new acquaintances and reconnecting with some old ones. He didn't know most of these people, but having contacts with such people was an asset, a powerful resource he might be able to use in the future. His oath of Krevi ensured his completely loyalty to the Hutts, or more correctly to the emperor, but there were still ways by which he could increase his own power without breaking that oath.

After walking around for some time he finally spotted the emperor himself, in the company of some others, two servants of the empire much like him. Placing his drink on a small table he made his way over to them, bowing slightly in front of the emperor. "Sire, I hope I find you in the best of health?"

 

[Dread]

He was slightly taken back when he was addressed by the Darksaber himself, as he wasn't able to sense him. "Of course...not," Radzkie's eye twitched, and he flashed a sharp set of teeth in a awkward grin. Clearly he was lieing and his facial expression did little help to hide the unhappy tone in his voice. The awkwardness didn't stop there, there was also the small issue of how to address Cedos at the party, "..er...sir.." His words were riddled with hesitation before he gave a bow of respect. Bowing, and any sign of recognition, towards those of higher rank had been built into him as if it was natural instinct. Radzkie almost couldn't help himself, unless, of course, he was on a mission that required subtly towards rank.

Pushing his uneasiness aside as much as possible, he changed his tone to try to make things more interesting, "So, what do you do at these events..hmmm...drink?" Radzkie turned his grin into a welcoming smile. Though he had worded his question as if he was making small talk, he was actually asking for his own benefit. One thing he didn't do was drink, he saw it as getting in the way, but tonight maybe that could be forgotten for the sake of enjoyment.

Everyone else around started to fade into obscurity as his focus temporarily fell on Cedos. Though here and there he felt the brush of another body against his, the stare of eyes or the recognizable nods of other males when they made eye contact with him.

 

[Count Sam]

It was always a good idea for celebrating after a hard fight with the Republic, and gladly Tusa was holding a great event tonight which was Orazion's chance to drink and enjoy his time before his coming deployment. Quietly Marcus walked through the doors as he handed his weapons to the guard, and made sure that he let those guards search him well before he entered. However that did not keep him from giving them a look of hate as he got inside. Indeed, it was in the nature of Marcus to always make people fear him and he has been working hard for that since the days he was still a low mercenary serving the Hutts.

Gladly, it seemed that he has gone too far since those days, but still Marcus was a mercenary and a soldier who unlike many others fought hard for such a position...one of the many proves was the huge burn on his face and some other scratches that were around his body, but of course Marcus's military suit which was well ironed and cleaned had everything covered up for him.

However, even with all his loyalty Marcus was still hated by many due to the fact that he was a member of a well known Republic family which he hated being a part of.

As soon as Marcus got inside he quickly made sure to head to Tusa the Hutt. After all, it was always good to pay your respect to the Emperor before doing anything else.

"Greetings your highness....It's an honor to be here under your presence" Marcus spoke these few words in an emotionless tone as he bowed to Tusa. After all, Marcus always spoke a few words, and to the point during celebrations and other meetings that had nothing to do with his work as an officer.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

Orion was pulled away with Tusa as he headed around the ball. He walked beside him with great pride, chest out, standing tall. A server walked by with a platter holding several exotic drinks. Orion eyed them suspiciously, then grabbed the most expensive one, and begin to sip regally as he walked with Tusa. There was a cornicopia of individuals at the ball, from all corners of the Empire. Entertainers from every world, including dancers and musicians. Sipping his drink and eyeing a twi'lek dancing girl, Vorsch actually began to enjoy himself.

[General! I have someone I'd like you to meet!]

Vorsch snapped to attention, and looked forward to see this general.

"A cyborg, interesting. If only all of us could be so incompetent as to need such improvements", Vorsch thought to himself.

Orion was no fool however, and kept such thoughts to himself. He had learned to progress in political lines during his time as heir.

"Salutations General, I am Admiral Orion Vorsch, commander of the Firespear battlegroup.", said Vorsch casually.

 

[Phil]

CDR turned his head towards the one that Tusa had addressed he meet. When the same serving girl passed Orion started to pass CDR, he moved his hand to grab a drink that had his name on it and held it in his left.

"Likewise, Admiral. General CDR-382, commander of Axe Squadron."

The thought to express his former posistion in the Alsakan Union occured to CDR, but he decided not too. The more he distented himself from that dead union, the better.

"I must say, our Emperor know how to throw a hell of a ball for those who serve him."


Gorrbag was finishing one of the massive pies as he watched the entertainment. He helped bring some of it, bringing The Comedian with him to tell his many stories that may or may not be true. He knew alot of what he said about his stories was heavily exagerated, but they were still quite entertaining.

The Comedian stood on a small stage with a few people looking on at him as he wore his coat over a suit to go with his fedora while he smoked a cigar.

"So have I ever told you all that this is not the first ball I went too? I was once invited to a Republic Ball, true story that! There was a lady there though, who wore the tightest dress I've ever seen, that everyone could tell just by a quick look that she had no underwear. I remember her name well too, since she kept rambling it on and on to her friend. Lady Tricia Wisteria Kita Punjari Mord Nic Cerceline Kalamack. One whole name I shit you all not. There were also a couple zeltron hookers there too, though I thought they were hookers. I later found out it was just a Jedi and her sister. Boy, if Zeltron Jedi dress like hookers, I should start to get myself into trouble more often!"

 

[Santoro]

Cedos grinned at his compatriot's rigidity- Radzkie wasn't one to come to such a formal ball. That being said, neither was the new-and-probably-not-improved Cedos, the Darksaber knew his mood had dramatically shifted since the incident on Malastare. A part of him had disappeared that day, taken out in the same fight that had taken his organic legs.

"Yes, drink. You've gotta pick up a glass of the Blue Sunfire- strong stuff, but the kick isn't too bad. It's nice to be in a situation where we're not getting sniped at, huh?" Cedos smiled again. He seemed to be enjoying himself, which was an increasingly rare sight: even his tone had shifted slightly towards it's old demeanor, not that many would notice. Maybe the ball would help more than just Sola's 'morale'... Maybe it was just the alcohol.

"The Emperor tells me of our success on Coruscant. It seems the riots were bigger than we could've anticipated, that's something to drink to."

----- Meanwhile..... -----

[Ah, Admiral Trey'Lis!] The Hutt was pleased- with the ink still drying on the memo concerning the defection of Yag'Dhul, one of the leading men in the operation had managed to make it. [Yag'Dhul is such a long trip, treacherous too- I take it our men are getting used to the planetwide vacuum?] It was a solid performance by the Emperor, caring for his cannon fodder. In truth he might've as he bore no ill will towards them, which is much more than he could say for half the nobility and the entirety of the Republic. The Emperor waited for a response before a fourth commander arrived.

[Yes, Admiral Orazion, a pleasure to have you here as well. We have been pushing the troops so fiercely these past few months it is a mystery they haven't gone insane- I give credit to our brilliant commanders. An honor to have so many in attendance.] Tusa waved his stubby arm at the group, the real workhorses of the Empire. It was unfortunate that Tyrell couldn't be here, though someone had to supervise the assembled fleet.

[I'm glad you're here. Soon I'll make an announcement regarding royalty, I hope you all will stay in attendance. Until then, as pleasurable time as this is we must keep in mind our ultimate goal. These are not merely assembled beings, the men and women gathered here are the Empire. We should take this time to get to know each other more- please, take a moment to familiarize yourself while I deal with the nobility.] He sighed. [They have been hounding all night. I shall return.] The slug turned and faced the swarming upper-nobles, facing a barrage of unbridled compliments and questions.

((OOC: You all will be working together on a couple large upcoming missions, so now's the time to have the characters meet.))

 

[Sirberius]

Sirberius Besadii Belij slid into the party. He socialized with a few nearby. He had hoped to speak with Tusa in regards to the seceding planets, but when he saw the group of peopled hording around the emperor, Sirberius decided to wait.
Sirberius explored around, searching for his next victim in social interaction.