Open Induction Day

[Corran Velt]

Aboard the Lighthouse - New Sector Ranger Mobile Headquarters​

Above a massive gas giant with icy rings running from north to south, orbited a Quasar Fire II-class Light Carrier with a GR-75 transport in its shadow. Once military ships of smaller planets after the First Order War, they fell into the hands of corporate security forces before being gifted to the Sector Rangers for policing the Velcar Sector. All the markings of previous allegiances had been scrubbed away. For days the hangar bay of the carrier had been a hive of activity as administrative staff, naval crew, and Ranger archives moved into the larger ship than Outpost Blue. Additional personnel were arriving today, but not for any work that needed doing.

The mess hall had been rearranged into something more akin to a cantina than a sterile place to feed crew quickly and efficiently. Holographic banners welcomed the former trainees, fresh recruits, and veteran Rangers alike. Tables had been shifted from their neat parallel rows to more scattered and disorganized to allow for chatter and mingling. On the far wall, behind the serving counter, snacks and alcohol of all types had been assembled. Celebratory streamers, symbols, and lights hung from the ceiling - all representative of a different culture or creed. An area to dance was even cleared.

Normally Corran would be disapproving of such chaos aboard a disciplined vessel, but today wasn’t like other days. The Lighthouse had finally been obtained as the new headquarters for the Sector Rangers. A fresh group of recruits had been screened and inducted. One among them a personal friend: Rylee Asuchi. Today was a day to celebrate new beginnings and victories achieved.

Corran raised a glass (of water, but nobody needed to know that) to the assembled attendees. “A toast to our new headquarters and all the new Sector Rangers who earned their badge today. Welcome to the force and to continuing success well into the future.” The blond ranger then turned to a fresh-faced Ranger standing in the corner and in an uncharacteristic display of his true youth, he bellowed, “Let’s pop those corks!” Club music began to beat through the ship’s speakers and drinks began to flow. Celebrations like this weren’t common, especially for Corran, but this one he would relish.

 

[Draco Salem Virtus]

Draco Virtus managed to not be patrolling around the dusty fields of Tattooine which was rather nice as the Cowboy was onboard the ship and watching the new recruits being welcomed in. It was a variety of taste as every species around was present and both veterans and newbies mingled about. Some giving pointers for when they hit the field and others just taking it all in. Draco was wearing his Mako 03 armour except his helmet was off with a near cowboy like hat on. He was sat up against the bar having a corellian whiskey on the rocks as he just was happy enough to have a break. A lot of the sector rangers were overworked as it seemed as many as they bring in, it wasn't enough. Especially in the outer rim. Draco took a mouthful of his drink as he let the burning sensation tingle on his tongue. He wasn't to long before cleaning up a group of pirates harrassing tattooine towns and hiding out in a cave just outside town where Draco and two other rangers cleaned it up. Pretty sure the blood splatter was still on his helmet in his ship from that engagement. Least the rest of his armour was clean as his underweave cape flung over his shoulders. Turning to watch with the rest.


"Well, heres to them." Raising his glass and taking a mouthful mumbling to himself.

He was a jovial but calm ranger with a bit of a twang. Draco wasn't much for mingling with others off the hop but he wasn't a salty old bastard either. A 27 year old and already pulling his weight after being on the force for almost two years. It seemed to live past a year in this field was a celebration and folks like Corran and others were legends for the years put in itself. Regardless of it all Draco clapped along with the rest when the ceremony began to take place and the students lined up. Once the ceremony was over and the socializing began to go rampant Draco would turn back to the bar. He couldn't help but wonder where the recruits will be posted to. Tattooine was majorly understaffed but that could be said for literally every single planet in the outer rim. The music began to bump and everything just came alive all in one. It sure as hell wasn't no dusty bar back on Tattooine with a finger pickin' guitar but Draco would enjoy it none the less.

 

[Darmus Onn]

Darmus' shuttle had arrived in the morning and the old ranger had been stern, frowning and cranky while he inspected the new HoloNet and slicing departments. It had all top-of-the-line stuff, connection was better than in his Coruscant apartment and he finally wasn't the only one anymore. Dozens of slicer setups with brand new equipment. Kriff. This was any slicer's wet dream. He sat at what was going to be his desk for a bit, tinkered with the rig and calibrated it to his senses. This was going to change the game, for sure. Maybe he could even link in Kel's rig and have the entire department dismantle the KnowOnes in a matter of days. The possibilities were endless and to think the rookie was behind all of this...

Karking hell. He ain't a rookie no more, is he? Lieutenant Corran Velt. Gah. Maybe Darmus should admit the kid surpassed him. Probably won't, though, didn't want to make him think he could suddenly act like he outranked him. Darmus still had seniority!

So a couple of hours later the old ranger sat through a rather boring induction ceremony, trying to sip on his flask of Corellian whiskey and making an effort to at least look like he was paying attention. More young ones that would either be great, or be like him, or never reach his venerable age. He looked around, kriff, he really was the oldest kriffing asshole on this ship, so after the ceremony he moved straight towards the bar and refilled his little flask himself. Make sure they didn't skim.

It was then that Corran took the stage, so to say, and raised a glass with some choice words. Darmus raised his flask, "To not dying today!" Kriff was that pessimistic? Oh who gave a rat's ass, the cries for champagne were a cue for the old man to put away the flask and grab one of the bottles from the bar. Shaking it, he tried to find Corran amidst the crowd. Ohh this one would pop, alright...

 

[Klepti Uutkik]

It was his big day. Finally completed training, and now ready to go show these guys and gals who’s boss. Forget his size, he was feisty and ready to kick some giant criminal booty. In all seriousness though, this is a milestone in his career as a Ranger, and now he’ll be out protecting the galaxy.

Wearing his usual attire for work he came in his robes, wraps, and his unique hat. Klepti’s eyes glowing yellow, as a natural occurrence in Jawas. He looked around the room they were in and couldn’t see any other Jawas. Great, time for the awkward feeling of being smaller than everyone.

A toast was made to the new Rangers. Of course Klepti doesn’t drink, so instead he raised a water in a small cup and took a sip. Then he walked to a table and climbed onto the seat to speak with some Rangers he had found. Perhaps they’d be able to give out pointers.

“Wauh ikees Ut Kukiwi out Huiwiee as Ai ranger?”
(What’s it like out there as a Ranger?)

The little Jawa hoped to get an idea of what he was heading into. He wanted war stories. Who offed who. If he’d make a good fit in the Sector Ranger family or not. All of the juicy things any newbie would want to know.

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Sitting at a table, taking in her surroundings was Rylee Asuchi, a new recruit to the Sector Rangers. This environment was familiar, yet different. Having come from the Pantoran Military, she was used to mass gatherings on board ships like this, but this time, she was the new girl. No more Squadron Leader title, the members of her former squadron were no longer there to laugh and have a drink with, she was out on her own for the first time. Joining the rangers was not a decision she had taken lightly, but she had come to realise it was a necessary step. It would allow her to continue carrying out justice across the galaxy and remain on the right side of the law. But now was not the time to consider these things, now was the time to socialise and get to know her new colleagues.

Having been made aware that this was a social event and that, even at the best of times, the rangers didn't strictly adhere to much of a dress code, Rylee had opted to wear her usual black leather pants, pink top and red leather jacket. She hadn't much wanted to arrive and be the only one in uniform so chose to play it safe. When Lt. Velt made his toast, she raised her glass of Chandrilan Blue and took a sip. It was the blonde-haired lieutenant who was responsible for her being there in the first place.

After the toast, one of the chairs at the table was disturbed and a small Jawa hopped up onto it. Looking at him with her own golden eyes, the Pantoran couldn't help but crack a little smile. Seemed that it took all sorts to uphold the law. The Jawa asked a question, which unfortunately she could not understand. Though she had heard about Jawas, Rylee had not spent much time around them and couldn't speak their language.

"I'm sorry little guy, do you know basic? I can't understand" she said, earnestly trying to use hand signals to portray her apologies. It dawned on Rylee that she probably shouldn't have called a fellow Sector Ranger "little guy" on first introduction, but she couldn't help it, he did look quite sweet sitting in the chair next to her.

 

[Poet Severino]

Poet wasn't exactly a social butterfly and it showed with how baleful he looked in his quiet corner by the makeshift bar, nursing his drink (a can of soda) and the stick of an orange-flavored lollipop sticking out of his mouth. The half-Morellian knew that he shouldn't be here, aware that his typical sour mood could potentially spoil someone else's night – day? Kark it, it was always night in space – but he couldn't help but be present for the induction of new recruits.

Gaining new members for the Sector Rangers was a thing to be rightfully celebrated. After all, their jobs were shitty at best (they're not), and they dedicated their lives into protecting the thankless (okay, that was mean). But that did not mean that what they stood for was worthless. Nothing ever was, when you're fighting for all that was good in the galaxy.

Poet was just being mean. At least he was keeping his thoughts to himself, otherwise he would have already received a punch to the face.

He pulled the lollipop off of his mouth and took a swig of his soda, then the lolly was back to where it belonged. The half-Morellian turned on his seat and watched the proceedings, expression still grumpy but a certain warmth glimmered in his (not hidden by contact lenses today) partially heterochromatic eyes. He could at least smile to convey even an ounce of happiness he felt, but his mind just wouldn't cooperate.

The Ranger prepared himself for receiving a punch to the face for the whole duration of the celebration. Might as well assume that he was going to unwittingly rain on someone's parade for being his usual catankerous self.

That's why you have a hard time making friends, Muse used to tell him when he was recovering from his accident.

Poet raised his can of soda for the toast, nevertheless.

"Here's to all the new blood," he muttered to himself. Then, a phrase he'd learned from his Dad's old friend – and in a much louder voice, "Ganbatte ne."

 

[Corran Velt]

Sector Rangers of all types, creeds, and species began to mingle now that festivities had commenced. Corran scanned the assembled crowd and gave a small nod of approval. The last time so many Rangers were in one place was that pool party on Corsin. Right before Captain Roland Rook died. Felt like ages had passed since then. This was different though. Memories of dirges wouldn't cloud today. The blond ranger stepped down from his elevated position and unzipped his jacket from its formal appearance. No need to look so strict now that the ceremony was over. Swinging by the bar was always the first stop for gatherings like these. He intended to mingle with as many Rangers as he could before the day was done.

Lieutenant Velt set his half-empty glass of water on the counter for the server to refill when a heavily armored man (@Exhilian ) caught his eyes. "Oh, Ranger..." He verbally stumbled innocently until finally snapping and pointing a finger at the man, "Virtus! Tatooine station. You've done good work there. I like your armor. Looks pretty stout." Corran had personally reviewed many of the names on the attendee list and looked up the ones he hadn't personally worked with. Nothing worse than not knowing a soul at a gathering. The bartender filled the half-empty glass with a dispenser and slid it back to the blond Ranger. "I'll be back. Gotta talk to some other people real fast. Enjoy yourself, Virtus!" A firm hand patted the man's pauldron. Only a few steps away from the counter, Lieutenant Velt glimpsed a fellow he'd seen before (@Forsythe Crowholde). He raised a glass and waved it in greeting, "Hey Ranger Severino! I appreciate you coming!" They had previously met on Corsin, but the guy seemed rather shy at first. Corran didn't want to crowd him so early in the event.

Other members of the crew nodded or waved as Corran passed through the main area of tables. Some drank, most chatted, and some were all business. Getting a ship this size remodeled to their specifications was an on-going project and some couldn't take their mind off it. The brig had been significantly expanded. Advanced sensors had been added to detect incoming and outgoing traffic or unwanted guests. The communication array had been majorly expanded to coordinate efforts effectively. Even the formerly neglected Technology and Slicing section had been given its own specific hub within the ship. That had been inspired by Darmus Onn.

It wasn't far through the maze of odd-angled benches and tables that a gathering of the latest additions to the Rangers caught his eye. None other than Squadron lea- Ranger Rylee Asuchi (@Bex) was sitting down next to a Jawa (@Scoobert) whose head barely was visible above the edge of where they sat. None of this would have been possible without the Pantoran. Through her efforts, the Rangers were able to acquire rights to this ship and others. Not to mention, they were good friends. The blond man strode up to the table, set his glass down on the edge, and rested his hands on his hips. He'd only caught the tail end of Rylee's sentence and decided to try and help. "What about Huttese?" Corran asked before transitioning over to the common trade tongue of the Outer Rim, "<Does Huttese work for you, Ranger Uutkik?>" Years of plying the trade lanes had made his accent almost indistinguishable from a native speaker. Sometimes Jawas spoke it, sometimes not.

 

[Cyrene Nilar]

Cyrene wasn't one for social events, much preferred to spend time on her own but she was promised they're would be free drinks and she couldn't refuse that.

she was sat on a table on outer edge of the mess hall, a glass of bourbon by her side, a pad of paper lay in front of her, may considered paper a privative material but for art it still had it's purpose. A pen twirled amongst fingers as her cat like eyes scanned the room looking for interesting characters.

Her eyes passed on a man (@Exhilian), human, they were often rather plain to draw for her with how common they were across the galaxy. her eyes continued to find a Pantoran and Jawa sat next to each other with the LT joining them, it was odd group. A smirk graced her lips as her pen touched pad as she began to draw, her eyes glancing back forth between the paper and the group

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Zad Ruzed might not be the oldest one on the ship but he was getting there. Some more years down the road and he might suffer from the same poor bladder control that his father had. For now, the Ranger had been looking forward to the Lighthouse and the facilities it had to offer.

“What do you think?” Zad asked the guy standing beside him.

The latter shot him an awkward gaze. “I...don’t compare…”

Zad binked back. “No...about the ship.”

One pour later and the man was off. Zad shrugged it off. He had only just come onboard, his own ship suffering a plumbing problem while he suffered from a full bladder. After emptying it, he left the pristine restroom and headed back into the cantina that was the mess hall.

Everyone was occupied with having a good time, sharing drinks and chats and dancing or trying to. Oops… Zad scratched the back of his head. Guess I missed the toast…

Taking a glass of blue stuff off a tray and ignoring the server’s protest about the drink belonging to that table yonder, Zad paced the floor looking for some familiar faces. He didn’t know many rangers, being the drifter that he was, but the Blond Ranger was here somewhere and the two friends had a drink to share as promised. That could wait, though. The bar would come first as this blue stuff would not last long.

Posted at the bar was some fella in a cowboy hat that spoke after Zad’s own heart (@Exhilian). He just had to say hi.

“Howdy, partner,” Zad smiled with two rows of pearly whites. Unless the other guy got the wrong idea that greeting was not just in regards to the hat. That’s just how Zad talked as much as his boots were made to walk. “I dig the getup.”

There was something about that hat with that armor that just popped. So did Zad’s tastebuds as he sipped from his glass of blue stuff and scoped out the floor and the mass of folks upon it. “This party too.”

 

[Klepti Uutkik]

Of course Klepti knew Huttese... kinda. He knew it enough to know how to trade stuff off, but never really became fluent. Though for the sake of his Ranger brethren he would try to speak it a little.

“Jee oop keekah soh smadd bosrases.”
(I only know small phrases)

The Jawa stood onto the chair to make himself a little more visible. Unfortunately this only made him look more like a child in front of his brethren as his little arms leaned against the table with his palms on the surface. He looked to the man who spoke to him and shrugged his shoulders before continuing to ask,

“Bal doo nambo bu dopa uba”
(Do have name the two you)

The speech was a little broken and harder to interpret but Klepti never learned how to speak basic. Only Jawaese and a little Huttese. Hopefully he could help them learn and them him. After all, what are pals for if they can’t help ya out once in a while?

Klepti listened to the names of those around as he drank from his cup. To them it was like a large shot glass. The Jawa was definitely uncommon in this profession but, all the help the better is how Kelpti looked at it.

@Bex @TerranSteel

 

[Draco Salem Virtus]

Draco Virtus would be enjoying his drink as the mingling continued. Back on to the rest of the shindig as he suddenly heard something very close behind him. Turning his head ever so slightly with his cowboy hat on he would see it was Lt Corran. He seemed to snap right into focus and began to say Draco's name and his home station along letting him know of how good of a job he was doing. The Lt wasn't wrong in that remark as Draco was busting his ass protecting Tatooine with his small crew there. Impressive he knew his name as he figured the Lt must've did his homework on most of the people around. Feeling his hand touch his armor as he complimented him. Draco giving him a firm cowboy like nod with a quick tip of his hat."Tank' yeah kindly Lieutenant." his twang sung out with a bit of a gruff in his voice. Naturally his tone. Small stuff like this goes along way and Corran was a true officer which mean't alot to those working in the field.

Watching as he made a polite exit as Draco once again gave him a nod with while his fingertips touched the brim of his hat as a kind gesture. As he was turned to see Corran walking off he would spot a odd crew sitting around a table..Well not so much you don't see different species as Rangers as that was common but a ...Jawa? Interesting. The small creature stood up in the chair to show his full self as Draco was amused. He never underestimated the Jawa as you can be any size and still put a hole into somebodies chest..Draco would know since he's seen it happen. Took big kahonas for someone the Jawas size to serve and he admired that. Passion and the right to serve did that to people. It makes good Rangers. Draco turned back to down a mouthful whiskey as suddenly he was approached again but this time there was a twang almost near his greeting him.

Turning his head once more to spot an older gentleman who appeared human approach him. It seemed the fellow enjoyed Draco...Whether his intentions were flirtacious or just kind was up for debate. "Howdy." Draco said back with his usual tone and tipped his head slightly with his hat on and fingertips on the brim. Taking a glass of whiskey that was given to him by the bartender and taking a swig before setting it down. "Keeps me alive" he chuckled with his twang as the heterosexual took his drink in his hand again for another swig. He would slide his hand underneath his plating and retrieve a small cigarra case he plopped a smoke in the corner of his mouth and lit it. Upon doing this the bartender would slide a glass ashtray right by him as Draco offered a smoke from the pack to the man. "Not my cup o' tea but it's a good thang we get a break."

@TerranSteel @Die Shize @Scoobert

 

[Vera Coulter]

She listened to the young man's speech, and didn't really bother beyond giving a small toast with her own beer. Truth be told, she wasn't much for grand talks. This was the time of the youngbloods, and she wouldn't rain on their parade too much. The sight of another older Ranger made her smile slightly.

Ranger Onn's reputation preceded him. Kark, wasn't he also in Byblos or something? She'd have to talk to him later. But he looked like he had a mission in mind; she would offer him a brief smile and salute of her glass (@Eccles ) before sipping it and eyeing the rest of the crew assembled. Some of them seemed a bit like her, sticking to the fringes, and others seemed more social.

It wasn't so much she disliked the kids, she just never knew what to say around those young pups. She felt old just sitting there, but really, what could she do? She shifted once, eyeing Darmus again, before giving a sigh.

She'd need more of a strong drink before she'd be up for being truly social.

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Just as things could potentially have gotten awkward, a familiar face arrived at the table. It was Corran. Clearly he'd overheard her response to the Jawa as he immediately asked whether the little fellow could speak another mutual language. Huttese was something that Rylee only knew a limited amount of, but had more chance of understanding it than the language of the Jawas, as it was more widely spoken in the Outer Rim.

One thing that did not need translating however, was the Jawa's name. Lt. Velt had addressed him as Ranger Uutkik and Rylee jumped at the chance to introduce herself in the hopes of making up for the language barrier. "It's nice to meet you Ranger Uutkik, my name is Rylee, Rylee Asuchi. I'm one of the new recruits thanks to this guy here" she said, jabbing a thumb in Corran's direction. The Pantoran then reached out and offered a handshake to Uutkik. She would not say anything further to enable the lieutenant the time to introduce himself as well.

Rylee sat back in her chair as the two others spoke. Her golden eyes scanned the room for a moment, just observing what else was happening around them. By the bar a couple of rangers appeared to be introducing themselves to each other for the first time, much as she was, and off in the far edges of the room, Rylee spotted someone she believed to be Zygerrian who appeared to be doodling on paper, which she thought was most unusual. Taking another sip of her drink, Rylee turned her attention back to the conversation with Corran and Ranger Uutkik.

@TerranSteel @Scoobert

 

[Bast Emblai]

Organized chaos reigned. Upbeat music shook the floors and a chatter filled the space, rising up the walls and bubbling towards the ceiling like champagne. Bast remained at the back of the crowd, quietly sipping juice and watching. She had taken the open invitation to the induction party, partially to see old friends, and partially to see the fresh faced former recruits, the future of the Rangers. While she was not at all involved in the selection and training processes, the Lieutenant took a certain pride in taking the younger rookies under her wing. Teaching them her mistakes so they would not have to make them. Occasionally whipping them into shape was necessary, if they came in with an attitude, but now was the time for celebration, whatever that meant.

She had always felt uncomfortable at parties, just mingling. It felt as if she should be doing something. Did anyone even notice she was there? The whole thing felt pointless. The Corellian had never gotten any joy from the events, just anxiety. Hopefully this one would be different.

Corran’s toast was short and sweet. She raised her glass as he raised his, willing to bet 50 credits it contained water- not that she actually gambled, of course. To think they had met as rookies. Now he was one of the more well known and respected Rangers, his scar proof of his courage, his smile proof of his heart. No one could be a more perfect poster boy. On the other hand... her eyes scanned the room, settling upon a sullen young man gripping a lollipop. Perhaps he was not the personification of enthusiasm, but she felt a certain safety in talking to someone without having to pretend to be thrilled. He would understand, or that was the hope.

Approaching the kid, she offered a smile. “Hey. I’m Bast. Are you one of the fresh blood or have you been here awhile? Sorry, I don’t work much with other Rangers.“ Corran and Darmus, after all, were the exception. She trusted both immensely. Corran had been her partner for years and Darmus like a grouchy older brother. “It’s always good to see people at the social events.“ The woman trailed off, hoping the other Ranger would pick up a thread of conversation. She really did want to know who he was.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Kaz Tran]

“Whoaaaaaaaaa,” Kaz said out loud, of course, when the music had a quiet dip. He was looking around vacantly, marveling at the set up. The fact that the Rangers had a mobile HQ was thrilling to begin with, but a party set up like this? He was thrilled about being a Ranger now more than ever. Kaz was only a few weeks out from his general meter maid duties. He was on rotation for other lines of work and he hoped against hope he would be put on crime.

He looked all around him, spotting Lieutenant Velt (@TerranSteel ) giving a toast. Kaz was entirely convinced Velt thought he was an imbecile ever since that time he got a bit too trigger happy against some syndicates members. Kaz felt his face grow suddenly hot from embarrassment, and he quickly shuffled over to get himself a drink.

Kaz turned to spot the new Ranger (@Bex) in question, offering her a bright smile and waving. She looked as if she had enough company around her and he would go say hello later. Instead, the Ranger turned and walked to the bar.

He spotted Darmus Onn (@Eccles )and waved cheerfully, “Oh hi Mr. Onn!” He said brightly, “Dude you’re like a living legend!” Kaz couldn’t pinpoint exactly why, but his name was often associated with critical operations, “I heard you kicked some major ass at Byblos!” He quickly cleared his throat, “I mean, uh, I heard you were an integral part of the victory at Byblos, uh, sir.”

 

[Corran Velt]

As the celebration got into full swing, Corran quickly glanced about the room. A good number of his comrades remained at the edges. That made some sense. Many a Ranger operated on their lonesome or in small groups at best. A Zygerrian (@christhebetrayer) Ranger seemed to be dotting something down in a far corner of the room. A rare sight, one such as them and something as rare as paper these days. He made a mental note to introduce himself as part of the social rounds. The living durasteel Ranger herself, Vera Coulter (@Killa Ree) was sipping at some liquid courage at a table of her own not far off. Not that she needed. Not even Sith could toast her. They even tried. A quick look over Corran's shoulder revealed two very important people had made their entrance too.

Ranger Zad Rused (@Die Shize) was striking up conversation with his fellow frontiersman Virtus. Zad was the first Ranger Corran had ever met. Together they had fought off killer beasts on Ryloth and helped investigate the location of Trys Aran when she had vanished. There were few people he trusted more than the rugged gunslinger. One such individual that held his absolute faith without question was also near the bar, striking up conversation. The ever dutiful Bast Emblai (@Kestrel) was speaking to one of the wall-flowers. If she ever needed a kidney, Corran would be the first to volunteer. The cases and adventures the two of them had survived were too numerous to list. But one thing was beyond all doubt - she was the best partner he ever had. Sometime tonight Lieutenant Velt would take an opportunity to chum it up with that duo.

Rylee's introduction to the now-standing Jawa brought the blond Ranger's attention back to the table. Uutkik had some grasp of Huttese at least. "<Her name is Ranger Rylee Asuchi>," Corran quickly translated, "<New member of the Sector Rangers. Like yourself.>" He then gestured to himself with a open palm on the chest, "<My name> - name in Basic - <Name is Lieutenant Corran Velt. We're both pleased to meet you.>" The added nicety probably would have gotten him a punch in the arm from the Pantoran. Not because she didn't say it, but because Rylee might have been annoyed by someone else speaking for her. Corran tilted his head to look at the former soldier. "We should really teach you Huttese. Comes in handy a lot out there. Though with your accent, who knows how pronunciation will end up." His eyebrow twitched in a subtle sign of jest. Pantoran's had a fairly obvious twang in Basic already. Something in Huttese might actually be amusing.

@Bex @Scoobert

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Zad Ruzed, a fellow heterosexual for whatever it was worth, could not help but glue his eyes to the dancing Twi’leks and Zeltrons. Sure, there were other species about but why else go to a party if not for the Twi’leks and Zeltrons?

The curvacious ladies would give the Ranger a run for his money if he was dumb enough to come onto them. No, they were generally the ones dumb enough to come onto him. Yeah...not much to brag about, eh, Zad Ruzed?

Cowboy Hat proclaimed that this party was not his cup of tea to which his fellow partygoer could only blink. Sure, Zad knew a bad dig and gig when he came across one but what more could one expect from a Sector Ranger get-together? What did this armored guy want, some official service with beat-to-quarters or standing ceremony holding a salute for ten minutes?

Nah… Zad relaxed as he accepted the cigarra or cigarette or whatever-it. “It’s a nice shindig after several shenanigans…” He effected before lighting up and blowing a cloud. Whatever that means. “Can’t ask for more than that…”

Whatever his counterpart might immediately follow up with, Zad downed what was left of his blue stuff and tapped the glass on the counter in time for the bartender to witness.

“Whiskey. Neat. Top.” A moment later and Zad stood at the bar sipping from a glass of some rather sophisticated whiskey indeed.

“Zad,” He introduced to Armored Cowboy. “Zad Ruzed.” Another sip. Damn. That’s good. Well, he was never one to stand on ceremony so may as well do the unnecessary. With that, he reached inside his blazer and produced his badge. There was no reason for this except because.

Spoiler

@Exhilian

 

[Poet Severino]

Perhaps one of Poet's undesirable traits was that he never forgot a slight against his person, no matter how unintended nor petty it might have been. So when Lieutenant Corran Velt called out to him in greeting – all sunshines and rainbows with that smile of his – and expressing his appreciation for the surly man's presence, the half-Morellian 's mind instantly flashed back to that pool party on Corsin where the lieutenant splashed him after that stupid dive into the pool.

Of course it was unintended on the blond lieutenant's part, but a slight was a slight (to Poet, anyway), and so the dark-haired Ranger frowned distastefully at Lt. Velt. But, his mother's teachings about politeness kicking in, not without waving a hand back at the other man in greeting. His ears turned red at the unconscious action once he was made cognizant of what he just did, and Poet grumpily kept in mind to dump a bucket of water on the happy-happy, joy-joy lieutenant when thr latter least expected it in return for splashing him on Corsin.

Embarrassed by his conflicting rudeness and politeness, Poet went back to sulking on his seat. He crushed the candy between his teeth, sucking moodily on the sweet as he plotted his revenge for the bastards that got him spluttering on pool water, but his thoughts soon turned sobered upon remembering that the late Captain Rook had been one of them. It had been a while since he was killed, and yet the half-Morellian still felt irrationally angry over Chief Hudson's words on the holos.

What a memory to think of at a celebratory party.

Poet drank the last of his soda and was about to order something alcoholic this time but a voice cut through his thoughts. He could already see the smile on the person's face just by the tone of their voice alone. Lifting his gaze he was met by the sight of one Lieutenant Bast Emblai, a smile on her face as she continued to speak. The half-Morellian first saw her in that same pool party in Corsin, and he remembered her being escorted away from the revelry by another Ranger. He didn't know her personally, but Poet could feel the same level of concern he felt for her that time. She looked somewhat distressed, after all.

He studied her for a bit, the sullenness in his frown melting to give way to thoughtfulness as he politely gestured for her to take the seat beside his. Poet listened quietly as she trailed off, and he could pick up on her attempt for a conversation. Under normal circumstances he would have shoved her away with as much of his typical rudeness that he could muster, but he held his temper at bay as he remembered the way she behaved and held herself in Corsin.

Kinda reminded himself of how he had been when Muse died, really. Poet couldn't turn away people like that.

(Curse him and his soft heart.)

"Lieutenant," he finally greeted her in return, voice calm and even. "I'm sorry, but can I call you Bast instead? Thanks."

Should she take the seat beside him, Poet would tuck one hand in his jacket's pocket, rummaging a little, before pulling out three more lollipops and placing them on the table. He would push all three to her in offering, but he won't take offense should she decline.

"Raspberry, chocolate, or blueberry. Pick anything you want. The blueberry one turns your tongue blue, though. First two are okay."

He met her gaze, uncaring if she would think him weird for offering a grown-up some childish sweets. Had to get his blood sugar steady, so...

"No need to say sorry. Er... been here for a while, but not much with regards to field work, I'm afraid," Poet continued in response to her question. "I've just recently returned from that. Been delegated to paperwork and desk duties after I took a tumble and cracked my skull open in one assignment. So much blood that time, and brain fluid, too."

He wasn't trying to throw her off or something by sharing that bit about his accident. They would have to get used to the sight of more than blood and brain fluid in their line of work, after all. Much like Bast, the half-Morellian was just trying to keep the conversation going – albeit more awkwardly. And just like her, he sincerely (though he hid it) wanted to know who she was.

"So, um... how are you?"

@Kestrel

 

[Darmus Onn]

Darmus didn't miss Vera's salute while looking for Corran with his eyes and upon finding the former rookie he realized he needed Vera as support for this when-

Did that kriffer just wave at him? One of the young rangers seemingly recognized him and while it flattered him to be recognized for his accomplishments it also stung him his apparent fame wasn't so much noticed by the brass. They liked stoic rangers like Lieutenants Velt and Emblai, not the kind that were planning what he was about to.. "Kid, come over here-" he motioned for the young ranger to come closer (@Sreeya), "Go talk to Lieutenant Velt, make sure he has his back towards me. Got it?" he was banking on whatever adoration these young ones seemed to have for him was enough to get them to play along.

The bottle in his hands was definitely ready to pop and it'd be now or never. It was time to remind Lieutenant Velt who taught him the most important tricks of fieldwork. That person was Darmus -kriffing- Onn, ranger extraordinaire, apparently a living legend to the younger generations, but most of all, the one to make his mark on this part and then dip to slice into one of those luxury 'Captain-rank' quarters and make it his home for the night. No way he was gonna bunk with the young rangers.

 

[Draco Salem Virtus]

Draco Virtus took a long drag of his smoke before tapping it into the glass ashtray. He would chuckle a bit as it seemed the other ranger was most impressed with the ceremony. "Aye, it is nice.." he would trail off a bit before taking a mouthful of whiskey and swallowing it. "but there's somethin' nicer bout' having a small camp out in the Tatooine wastelands.." he smirked as most would assume he was being sarcastic but he was far from it. Nothing he loved more than being out in the outback by a good fire, well set up camp stocked with enough whiskey to kill a Nerf. He added while taking another sip of his whiskey. "Not to forget the casual sounds of Tusken Raiders wailing in the far off canyons mixed with the fire cracklin'" he almost could picture it in his head. Picture perfect and just about as far as what most would want for relaxing but Draco wasn't your average person. Shifting his gaze back to the bartender for another round as he had a strong glance around the place.

"She's gettin' busy."

Only to snap back into focus when he heard the Ranger produce his name. Draco nodded firmly as he replied with his twang. "Draco." while he drew his cape a little more back from his shoulders to reveal his badge. [ In Signature ] "Draco Virtus." He perked a eyebrow as he took his cigarra back from the tray and managed to get a inhale good enough to keep it burning as he puffed on it in the corner of his mouth. "Outer rim? Where you stationed?" he was curious as it seemed more people were coming together in the place and Corran (@TerranSteel was making all the stops and being the center of the room for moving around to checking on people. Shifting his eyes back over to see someone looking brooding (@Forsythe Crowholde ) with a Lieutenant. Draco wasn't good at noticing Officers by face considering being based out of Tatooine you aren't really running into many of the higher ups. Staring a little bit longer until he overheard a name of Bast being said. Focusing back on Zad as he would wait for his answer.

@Die Shize