Open Social Hutt Ball Observation

[Ramail Lone]

"No waves, got it," Ramail called back over her shoulder. A hard promise for a mando'ad to keep, but she respected Srucayr more than enough to do what he asked. Besides, she wasn't in a fighting mood - not enough to stick it to a collection of random aruetiise.

Skjorn, however, seemed ever the happy krath hound, inadvertently making a show of himself by keep an area around him clear of anyone else. He saw her approaching and waved her over. She obliged, unable to keep a grin off her face at the excessively large area her fellow Mandalorian had worked to keep clear of other patrons - patrons that were giving both him and Ramail the stink-eye.

"Skjorn," Ramail said, clasping hands with her vod. "Making friends, as always?" She indicated the sourly patrons Skjorn had shooed off. Slumping down on a bar stool next to Skjorn, she let out a low whistle. "Narcolethe, eh? Who would've thought. The other barkeep deserves a Keldabe kiss for the watery shit he poured me earlier." Her eyes would stare down the barkeep at the other end of the bar, who would look away instantly. "Corellian whiskey. What a rip-off."

She offered Skjorn a smile. "So, who've you got your credits on?" she asked, with a nod towards the Huttball arena.

@Rhogar

 

[Dhari Rast]

Dhari wasn't much for ball sports. Swoop racing, speeder racing, anything high velocity and high risk, sure. But the needless pounding of one another over who had the ball, who got to pass the ball, who would get their name written on the ball afterwards? Nah, it seemed like a fool's venture if ever there'd been one. However, it was a sport with an actual league, which meant it was backed by money. Which meant that there were betting opportunities to be had. And Dhari could get down with that.

There was another reason (other than betting) for Dhari's presence in the Huttball stadium. Taldorak, the Mandalorian she had met on Nimban and gotten to know as 'Nakadr', had commed her some days earlier, asking her to meet him here. Just if she happened to be in the sector anyway, you know. Dhari had not been sure whether she should come or not. Things with Nakadr- with Tal - weren't exactly uncomplicated. But in the end, Dhari had decided to come. For reason she would likely never fathom, she was drawn to the complicated.

Dhari Rast appeared outside the booth, obscuring Taldorak's view of the Huttball game. She was dressed in a loose-fitting white shirt and a pair of navy blue tight-fitted trousers, both of a nicer material and cut than the flight jackets and cargo pants she normally wore. "Hello, Nakadr," she said, offering the Mandalorian a hint of a smile. "Or is it Tal, now? I don't know which you'd prefer."

@Rhogar

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

"You know me, mesh'la, always eager to make friends." He said with a grin. He'd then pour her a glass of Narcolethe and slide it over. "Yeah, well.. once you learn the game, you can get what ya want. I think I winked a few times then gave them the Old Man's holo-frequency. For that bit he pulled on me in the barracks."

His gaze would shift towards Srucayr as he leaned against the bar, mindful of his leaders surroundings and ensuring nobody got too close. "I made the mistake on betting on our own. Shoulda bet and that Mr. Puffo or whatever his karking name is." He'd take a sip from his very strong drink and glanced back at the Zabrak. "So, what brought ya over here? Making sure I'm playing nice, old man kick you out, or did you just miss me?" He teased.

@Casmer

 

[Taldorak Trenessar]

Tal just laughed over the course of the match, cursing as Laren got smote by the gods. "Sonuva Hutt. Ouch Town, population you, kid." His laugh would break up for him to take a pull from his drink.

That sip would pause a ladies form stepped in front of him, blocking his view. Emerald skin, tight trousers and a loose fitting white top. He didn't even have to look up to see those verdant eyes. "Luckily for you Dhari, I'm into roleplay. So you pick the name and I'll make it work." He said with a laugh.

He'd gesture for her to take a seat as he poured her a glass. He'd never been a date before. Just a lot of parties and a lot of random spice encounters. So, he was kinda nervous and had no real idea what to do. "You look beautiful, though. Dhari. I got us drinks, maybe they have food here, maybe they don't. Personally, I wouldn't trust it." He'd say.

He hoped things could get back on track, he knew Nimban kinda put things in a slicer, but she was here. And she made a real effort. That had to count, right?

 

[Aska Ryun]

Aska was entirely content being away from the rest of the gathering, and the game, as the Zeltron sister’s catered to her every need. While one had laid herself across the clone’s lap, nibbling gently on her ear lobe and whispering seductive promises between, the other had found a place behind the chair she was sat in running one hand through her hair while the other had managed to scrounge up a bowl of berries that were gently placed past Aska’s lips.

”I am never leaving this place, I swear,” Aska laughed as she closed her eyes, enjoying the attention she was receiving. It was then that the server had arrived with a tray of drinks at Emryc’s order. Leaning forward, the second sister plucked a shot glass from the tray and coaxed the clone’s head forward before tipping it’s contents into her mouth.

”You can stay here as long as you want, beautiful,” the Zeltron sister whispered.

”The longer the better,” her sister added into her ear.

Aska could only chuckle. To think that mere moments ago, she was ready to drag some broad out of the bar by her ponytail and throw her into the missile tube to fire her into space and now she was here living like an Empress. But as Emryc’s booming voice echoed through the VIP lounge, it spurred the woman to investigate. Pushing herself up from the tender care of the Zeltrons, Aska made her way to the door but turned and motioned for both the women to wait.

”I’ll be right back. You two just stay right there,” With a coy smirk, the woman turned and made her way back into the main chamber of the VIP section as she placed a cigarra into her mouth just in time to catch the replay of Poffo smashing Laeo’s skull. Her eyes shot wide open in disbelief and her jaw dropped, almost allowing the cigarra to fall from her lips.

”Holy fuck!” Well, maybe she was going to be out some money after all...

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Her grin widened as he did seem to recognize her and even remembered her name. He pulled out a cigarra case and offered her, "No thank you," she quickly waved, "Always a pleasure to see a familiar face." He turned to face her, taking the cigarra for himself while she leaned comfortably against the table. He was not specific on where he had been, just haven't been around and she could accept that. There have been plenty of times where she couldn't pinpoint just one place, fleeting as she were was in her nature, and most the time she enjoyed her own time among the stars.

"Very interesting places, certainly not the first thing people would think of." she smirked and her attention turned to the Huttball game as it seemed things turned fairly brutally real quick. The whole bar erupted in hollering as they watched one play get RKO'd into durasteel. Even Tiamat cried out in shock and awe. However, there was something about watching these players fight over a ball for a score that she was starting to see the thrill of it.

She watched the reply again, her attention turning to the player who was struck by lightning and glanced at Amon when he asked about her whereabouts lately.

"Nothing too much happening." she explained, "Had some challenges, definitely not going waste time in the VIP section." she grinned flagging down a server droid for a drink. "I don't think this is the type of game where you can sit and watch, at least not for me." she said and her eyebrows rose in thought, "Honestly, this is my first huttball game I have ever attended," She said leaning in some, her voice slightly lowering as though it were forbidden to utter such things, "I am finding there is just too much excitement to just sit still and only watch." Tiamat explained, she thought Emryc would have been right about the rowdiness of the crowd and her preferences, but she was finding this was not too bad.

@Orbit

 

[Newton]

Newton Arden was aboard the Daedalus, he came here for business, boring stuff, meet with people, give a presentation, sell some droids to the the Daedalus so they can use as security, rake in the credits, and all that stuff. After all that stuff, Newton thought he could use a glass of wine. So went inside and took a seat at the bar. He would see some of the Crisp-E-O droids around, they look like they are doing good. Newton was dressed down for today, he wasn't wearing a suit. Just some casual clothing, and a nice brown space-leather jacket.

Before he would place this order, and he looked to on the scenes and saw what all the ruckus was. And there it is, he was seeing the Huttball Game. The first thing he saw was a man wearing a really strange outfit grabbing a smaller guy and plowing his head down a whole level unto metal flooring. It was given a replay several times, in slow motion. Brutal. There was lots of blood too.

How barbaric.

But is it really bad if he wants to see what happens next while he's drinking? He shouldn't be watching it, but he is curious on how this game of Hutt Ball will go now that he laid eyes upon it. There was that, a Sith getting shot up by a Mandalorian? And a different, familar looking Mandalorian getting hit from lightning from the sky? "Wow." he muttered. The Blackwell Executive would order up a glass of wine, He'd look around, and there is an awful lot of people here...

 

[Kliedden Raxx]

Klied may not have been any great fan of Huttball but even he felt a bit of a thrill seeing the game explode into a much more action heavy ordeal, laughing a bit afterwards as Poffo went into his usual routine of showboating after knocking out his opponent. He quirked an eyebrow in surprise and chuckled a bit at Thorne's reaction, and the inadvertent damage he caused to the bar. Well it was blatantly obvious now that he was hiding something far more intense under that civilized exterior.

As Ali made her way to the stage Klied watched her with a neutral expression. Ever since learning she was a slave he hadn't been able to look at her the same way. It was a strange thing. Aska treated her like a friend, as did he and Poffo. For all intents and purposes she was a free woman. And yet she insisted on the collar. He had difficulty wrapping his head around the girl's thinking. It was easier to distract himself from it.

Thorne (@Sreeya ) had asked him what would make his company different, and seeing as he appeared at least somewhat impressed by Poffo's display of skill, now felt like the time for an answer. "Mercenaries are often considered unpredictable and untrustworthy." He explained. "When your only loyalty is to your paycheck, you tend to be unreliable. Not to mention they commonly dip their fingers in illegal activities. Most lack a moral compass. We're different. We conduct ourselves with self-control, precision and dignity. We honor contracts once they're taken, regardless of what offers the opposition might make." He smirked and gestured again to the TV, where the Red Team, two of whom were Mandalorians, were now clearly on the defensive. "And we're better than the competition. Even the Mandalorians."

 

[Hypaxian]

Having made his way over to the bar himself, disappointed with the distinct lack of booth service, Hypaxian hovered up next to a young human male, and placed his hands on the bar. "Wow." the young man exclaimed, as the Shadwa Ubb drew level with him. "Indeed, it is I, Hypaxian the Twenty-Seventh." he waved royally to the man "It is quite the honour for you, to be here, observing 'Huttball', the sport of Kings, in the presence of one!"

Waving over the barkeep, Hypaxian tapped the empty space between them and ordered a bottle of wine, and two glasses, one for him, and another for his newfound drinking partner. "My great-great-grandfather, Autocrator Hypaxian the Twenty-Third was something of a connoisseur of the sport of 'Huttball', taking to the pitch himself on more than one occasion. Of course, none of the other players would dare lay a finger on him, making his plays somewhat uninhibited, but still - the poets say it was a glorious sight to behold."

The bottle arrived, accompanied by two glasses, which soon were filled with the purple liquid of Kanattian Berry Wine. He pushed one toward his drinking partner, and asked "What brings you to this planet my friend?"

@Newton Arden

 

[Newton]

Newton would then look at the person who started speaking to him. He tried following along what he said, and was having a hard time. He was trying to introduce himself but it seemed grandiose and random at the same time, and he was taken aback and confused. The Blackwell Executive has also never seen that species before, he had no idea what the diminutive alien-thing was.

So, then he was talking about his 'great-great-grandfather' and apparently he was some sort of autocrat. So does the mean Newton is talking to someone of supposed royal linage, or one in a long line of dictators. Aliens tend to use weird titles. If Newton had to be honest, Newton just guessed he was drunk, because what he is saying is pretty implausible and that all does sound like a drunk person would say.

It would be rude not to answer his question, what brings him here. "Had to take care of some business." he said. He wouldn't come out with what exactly that business is. "What about you? Just here for the big game?" Newton would say to his new acquaintance as he would then begin to grab the glass the other kindly nudged over to him, he supposes that the never did say which kind of wine he wanted. But buttom's up, he'd raise it and then take a sip, sampling it.

@Nor'baal

 

[Alisaah Tila]

A short while after leaving the main group in the VIP area. The trance style music that had been being played into the room suddenly started to die down. There was a moment of quiet during which only the sounds of the Hutt Ball match on the screens and talking between patrons of the Daedalus could be heard. If the lack of music filling the air was not enough to turn heads in the direction of the DJ, the change in lighting around the stage, followed by the appearance of Alisaah, flanked by two other dancers - one Mirialan and one Twi'lek - would have been reason enough for people to look. One red, one green, one blue.

The three of them stood there, looking out ahead towards the general room and suddenly the silence was broken. An upbeat, dance track began to play (Theme) and the three women immediately started their dance (Choreography). Anybody in the room that kept up with the latest music via the Holonet would recognise the music as the work of galactic popstar, Joda Tac. Though Ali had only a few brief minutes to speak with the Mirialan and Twi'lek dancers and explain her routine to them, it was immediately obvious to anyone in their audience that these were highly trained dancers. Their moves were slick and precise, they knew how to interpret the beat of the music, how to move their bodies. It did not matter that they barely knew who Ali was, because they all understood music and had honed their craft over many years. There was no need to teach professional dancers, slave or otherwise, new steps. Ali had explained the choreography and away they went.

Owing to it being her choreography and being the guest performer, Ali was positioned in the center, with the Mirialan to her left and the Twi'lek to her right. Getting into the dance, Ali felt lighter, as though she were able to forget about how nervous she had been for the time being and focus on something familiar, something she knew. Being a slave, dancing had been one of the only ways she could really express herself, given that she had no real control or power in her life for the majority of it. Meela had taught her to dance when she was little. Her surrogate mother had been a slave dancer too. Looking at her on the stage now, you would not think she had a care in the world, even smiling a little to herself in between certain moves.

Though for most of the dance Ali was in the zone, at one point she did look out into the wider lounge and notice that her mistress had briefly reappeared from her private room and had caught a glimpse of whatever was going on in Poffo's Hutt Ball game. Aska and Emryc would have seen Ali dancing before at the Blackwell conference, but for her friend Klied who was also in the room, this was the first time he would have seen the Togruta doing what she did as a slave, as opposed to being brought along to complete mercenary work with the others.

@Tulos @Reyn @Sreeya @Killa Ree @Isen @Raydo

 

[Amon Aldinari]

It was indeed a pleasure to meet a knowable face. It had been a while since he was given the chance to come across one. The game caught her attention and him along with it as they spoke. The players played with a certain ferocity that he could appreciate, even if he was losing money from it. A clean block earned an appreciative roar from the crowd and Amon hooked his bottom lip with teeth before letting out a clean whistle.

He listened to what she said but his eyes remained on the players while they created a new formation. When she commented about not wasting time in the VIP section, Amon couldn't help but chuckle as he pushed off the support with his elbow before facing where his gaze was aimed. "There are many here that would scoff at such a statement." A quick drag followed after his words, the thick smoke filtering out from his mouth and into his nose before back into his mouth once more. "Some would kill for the open bar." It was a half sarcastic statement as he knew well enough.

When it was mentioned that it was the first game she had ever attended, it made him tear his gaze away from the onslaught, and towards her, his eyes shot up in slight surprise but was reigned in afterward. "Don't have too much of a worry, depending on who you talk to. There are many in the galaxy who haven't either." He had spent most of his younger years only viewing the sport through a holo before he was old enough to finally sneak in. Amon leaned forward so his arms rested on the counter before extending one hand out to the field and stands, "Welcome to live hutt ball. Where you can find as much debauchery as your heart desires while viewing blood sport on the side. It's a quite beautiful place when you squint a little."

When there was a tiny break on the field, Amon flipped back around so his back pressed against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest. "With this being your first time, I know you haven't been there but have you heard of the nosebleed section?" There was curiosity in his eyes and anticipation. It wasn't often he came across someone who was at their first hutt ball game.

@GABA

 

[Hypaxian]

his ears effectively pricked up as his newfound drinking partner spoke of 'business', and Hypaxian, placing his glass down, practically bristled with delight, a large smile bursting across his face "Commerce! A passion of mine, make no mistake." he chuckled to himself, plopping an odd looking crustacean from the bowl of snacks he had flagged down, into his mouth. "I have always been something of a connisuer of the art of business myself. Whether it was the Scinitillian Commerce Dance, or perhaps the traditional Drinking Rituals at a Wookiee lumber sale, I, Hypaxian the Twenty," he paused, counting on his fingers "...seventh, could always be found at the barter table!"

"What about you? Just here for the big game?" he listened on as Newton asked his question, whilst sampling the excellent vintage Hypaxian had purchased. "Indeed. I've always enjoyed such engagements, even if the company is a little," he sidled up to the man, whispering in his ear and jabbing a stumpy thumb over to box Emyrc (@Sreeya) sat in "...over-the-top for my tastes." he returned to his place and continued "When I was younger, watching Huttball with my father, and my perfidious brother, we surrounded ourselves with fellows of our stature, not these 'Senatorial' types. Never understood the blaggards myself. Always talking themselves up, you know? Bad conversation if you ask me, and I should know, I was schooled in that art since I was a pup, by the finest tutors on Manpha!"

"My credits are on the green team," Hypaxian added, unaware that neither of the teams where green "You?"

 

[Vodoriandr Kaltraxica]

"Indeed it was, my king." Hypaxians faithful Captain would say in reference to the 23rd playing Huttball. "A sight to behold. He also held the record at the time for the most beheadings." He would remain silent through most of the interaction, only interjecting with corrections or tasteful comments. "May your brother rot in the finest flames of the deepest hells, my king." he'd grunt, resuming his stance positioned just behind Hypaxian on his his hover throne. He'd lean in when the bets were discussed. "We bet on the 'savages', my king. We had hoped they would remove their helm and begin to devour the other contestants."

@Nor'baal @The Good Doctor

 

[Ramail Lone]

Ramail swept up the glass, put it to her lips, and knocked the Narcolethe back in one go. It argued with her esophagus for just a moment, the latter not sure whether to allow entry to the former. Then it reached her stomach, and the familiar warmth spread like a blanket. It felt almost like pissing drunkenly in one's own pants, but without the unpleasant side effects. She pouted her lower lip. "Not bad," she said, nodding.

She listened to Skjorn as he talked, chuckling as he explained how he had used Srucayr's holo-frequency. "You're smarter than you look, jare'la," she said, offering her vod a wry grin and a gentle punch on the shoulder. She held up her hand for the barkeep to come over. "Another round of these," she said, indicating her and Skjorn's glasses. "And I'm with him-" she turned and pointed towards Srucayr, whose imposing frame was visible from where they were "- so you can put it on his holo-frequency, alright?"

She nodded as Skjorn spoke about the betting. "Come now," she said in a voice coated with sarcasm, "Laren might still rally, you know?" She offered the barkeep a nod as a thank you when he put down the glass of Narcolethe. "Although I think you're right on the credits with Mr Poffo. It looks like this is not his first space rodeo." She slid one glas over to Skjorn, then knocked back her own. "I think the Old Man wanted a bit of peace and quiet," she said, her voice raspy. "Besides, we didn't get to catch up after our trip." She shrugged. "I guess, now that it's over, I feel like getting out there again, you know? See more places, find more mando'ade."

@Rhogar

 

[Dhari Rast]

Dhari crossed her arms. "Maybe I'll try them both out. See which Nakadr - or Tal - I like better." It was surprising how easy it felt to fall right back into the banter they'd had in the cantina on Nimban. But Dhari wouldn't allow herself to let her guard down. Her trust was earned - and, usually, lying about your name didn't put you ahead in that race.

She sat down when he offered her a seat, though. She was there now anyway, and she had put a few credits on Mr. Poffo (a very shallow research had come up with his name as a good suggestion for MVH - Most Valued Hutt). She smiled thinly at Nakadr - or Tal's - words. "You cleaned up quite nicely yourself. Didn't think Mandos were comfortable with anything but their armor? And yes, drinks are fine." She gestured towards the Huttball arena. "I see Mr. Poffo is holding his own. You got a bet going?"[/abox3]

@Rhogar

 

[Newton]

That alien thing was still rambling, even whispering in his ear. And still rambling again. Newton couldn't have anymore confirmation that the alien was drunk, or at least maybe senile. Or a combination of both. First was mistaking the ship they are in to be a planet, and rooting for the 'green team' even though there is no green team in this game. Plus all the other stuff it said too, unbelivable.

But Newton would look at the other that jumped into the conversation, another alien of the same species he does not know the name of, and speaking weirdly. Newton would look at his drink and remember he only took one sip of it. Anyways, Newton is not the one to suffer fools. Newton would then begin to get up and then make his farewell. "Well, it's been fun talking to you, but I'm just gonna move away..." he would at least try to be as polite as possible instead of insulting them. Tempting but, unnecessary.

The Blackwell Executive would try find a more private area to finish his drink, away from those two.

 

[Skjorn Naskar]

Skjorn would laugh as he sucked down his glass and set it down, eyes shifting to "Yeah.. I guess we'll see." He'd offer her a thankful nod as she slid the glass to him. "Way I look at it, we got plenty of time to get caught up."

He'd drain the glass and set it back down, his gaze shifting back to Ramail. "Well, you already know I need to get out there. So let me know where you're thinking and we can hit the road."

@Casmer

 

[Taldorak Trenessar]

"Oh, I'll make that easy on ya. Definitely Nakadr." Tal would say with a laugh. "He's a lot nicer, less baggage."

He'd sit back in his seat and shrug "Well, one of my looks would draw a lot of eyes And I can't fight the whole of Hutt Space. Besides, my Clan has a history of owning their identity without the beskar."

He'd look back at the arena. "Rule of thumb, always bet against people you know. So I voted for Poffo. But.. what have you been up to since Nimban? Anymore kicking off elderly spacers into an endless pit?" He asked with a smirk.

@Casmer

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She wasn't mistaken. Even though he visibly emoted, to the point that the bar was fractured, she couldn't feel anything from the President. But she still laughed again, then gasped at the violence splattered before the screen. The physician wished she was there on call, but... drinking and work never mixed well. Still, that would be a nightmare to recover from. She gladly accepted another shot. At the President's words of going to watch him race, she slid a glance his way, and a mildly amused smile touched her lips.

"I'll be sure to bet on you, then," came her teasing rejoinder, knocking back another shot. These many drinks in such a short amount of time would have knocked the average person flat; but as it was for her, it was maddeningly only a mild buzz.

Sadly, Alisaah vanished... until the music started.

Amber eyes watched the woman alone. There were two others that moved to the music that would have gained her attention, but just for a moment, she watched Alisaah.

And then glanced to the male that seemed to watch her. The... mercenary? York certainly drew interesting company.

And then her attention turned back to the match. She was here for a game, after all, and she was content to settle and mingle unless others would approach.

Oddly, she wasn't up for flirting and getting close to others. In the past, she would have had no qualms about pursuing the pretty Torgrutan or her friends, or even the Senators; even the President. But now, she almost wished... No, no point dwelling on that. Instead, she'd watch, reveling in the thrum of violent emotions.

@Sreeya @Bex