Open Induction Day

[Darmus Onn]

Corran reacted way better to it than Darmus had hoped and before he knew it he was locked into a hug with the younger ranger. Kriff. This gathering was way too social and uplifting for him, plus what was that kid on about? All Darmus asked him he'd go talk to Corran as a distraction. At least he was right about one thing: That kid was easily offended and saw things too quickly as an attack on his person, so he was an ill-fit as a ranger and born to be a politician. Maybe the service wasn't for him, at least in Darmus' mind, but he thought the same about Corran for the first two years of that rookie's career and look at what he turned out to be.. a hugger.

kriff. The old ranger was right, Corran was unfit to be a ranger. "Get off me," he said as he -gently- removed himself from the hug, looked at the now champagne-stained tunic and sighed. "Touché, kriffer." Kid was quick to react, Darmus had to give him that. Probably why he was in the field and the old man wasn't. "Don't let me keep ya, just wanted to say good job. When your son got his own badge people won't shut up about how his old man got us this" he gestured around. This mobile HQ was not only a boon to have, but it would save a lot of lives by making the service a harder target than the planetside stations had been.

Post-gesture, Darmus put his hand on Corran's left arm and with his eyes tried to convey that he meant it. A sort of Mentor-pupil moment, if you will, but then the old ranger simply nodded and headed off. It was time to slice into that Captain's quarters, steal one of his clean shirts and get absolutely shitfaced.


@TerranSteel

 

[Draco Salem Virtus]

Draco Virtus barely had his first little cheers said before the Jawa slammed the drink and suddenly it was like the damn thing snorted 6 lines of spice and took a Death stick. The little shit started demanding drinks and slamming them back faster than Corran probably looked at himself in the mirror. "Holy sweet shit Zad." Draco looked at him point blank before being tapped on the shoulder after the third shot and falling off the chair to the floor.

Apparently that unleashed the beast as Ranger Uutkik got up and made his way to the stage. "I tink' we broke him'" Draco would say as he chuckled and ordered another shot for him and Zad. Clanking the glass he would put the glass to his lips and tilt it all the back before slamming it back on the table. Draco had a feeling that little Jawa is going to be in a world of pain when it wakes up in the morning.

Draco would light up another smoke and turn to face the stage listening to the tune being played as the Jawa was belting out some sort of Jawaese song shit and decided to belly flop the karking ground. "Fack.." the slap of the Jawa hitting the ground made the table next to his fall shake a little as Draco took a drag of his smoke. Held it for the tobacco to make him light headed and right away grabbed a shot and slammed it.

Shaking his head a little he would glance over to Zad in his calm southern voice.. "You wanna get him or me?" as someone needed to pick up this Jawa and get him to bed..or the medical wing. Regardless this was amusing to watch as he never really did a Jawa get absolutely smashed as he checked this off his list of insane shit he has witnessed.

@Die Shize @Scoobert

 

[Cyrene Nilar]

Finishing her sketch she looked down at her bourbon she had been sipping at. closing her pad she got from her table and made her way to the bar, she placed her pen behind her .

It seemed the Jawa had a bit too much to drink as she saw it fall of it's chair and then waddle over to the stage to sing, she'd never heard a Jawa sing before never mind a drunk one

"I think you two have made a monster" she mused to the two ranger that had been drinking with the Jawa (@Die Shize @Exhilian). "another bourbon" she asked the bartenders, lean against the bar with a smirk across her face as she stared at Jawa singing.

 

[Corran Velt]

Many things disgruntled the veteran slicer. Poorly flavored alcohol. Useless officers. People who left their passwords at their terminals. Corran knew he wasn't an expressive type just as Darmus knew Corran didn't particularly like being sprayed with champagne. It was an immediate revenge that paid dividends. As soon as the senior ranger began to push off, Corran released him and placed his hands on his hips. He huffed amused at the curse, followed by a shallow shake of the dead. Lieutenant Velt was about to brush off the compliment before Onn gripped his arm. It was his duty to provide for the safety and effectiveness of the organization, if he could help it, after all. But seriousness from the original mentor couldn't be ignored. The blond ranger searched the opposite man's face for any last-minute jest before replying with a nod, "Thanks, Darmus. I had a good teacher." His own compliment was equally serious.

When Ranger Onn strode off to likely have his own private celebration with either hard liqour or sleep, Lieutenant Velt turned back around to Kaz (@Sreeya). "He got me good, right? Did you get splashed at all? Sorry about that." He jerked his arms as if to shake off any droplets that still clung to his torso and arms to little effect. "I was serious though. I'd be happy to have you on a training op. And get some cases opened up to you. Good stuff to cut your teeth on," the blond ranger said with a sociable grin. Not too long ago in the past, Corran himself was working minor cases and filing documents for more senior officers. All it took was once case to get him out into the field for good. Ranger Tran reminded him a lot of himself that way. He gave is arm one last shake before excusing himself, "I think I'll go see if I can find a towel. Feel free to mingle or, uh, down more shots. Talk to you later."

Only place besides the bathroom in the hall or private quarters that held any towels was the bar. Something to clean up spills with. Corran's shirt certainly counted as that. His hands braced against the ad-hoc counter from the left and he leaned over, "Hey, pass me something?" The bartender turned around and got wide-eyed for a second before nodding and tossing a medium-sized towel his way. As the lieutenant was rubbing down his front, he recognized the passed out Jawa nearby. Sky-blue eyes glanced between Ranger Virtas (@Exhilian) and Ranger Ruzed (@Die Shize). The second one got a friendly scowl. "What the hell did you do to him?" Seems his advice not to bring alcohol to these two proved prophetic.

Not to far off, that Zygerrian Ranger (@christhebetrayer) from the corner of the room was also at the counter. This was someone new, despite attempts at studying all names and attendees. Corran reached down the counter and spoke loud enough to be heard above the background music, "Hey there! I'm Lieutenant Corran Velt. Afraid we've never been introduced. What's your name and station?" Drying off could take a minute and sharing a bar with this group seemed as good of place as any for now, even if he didn't say much.

@Eccles

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

“Wow indeed!” Zad agreed rather enthusiastically. This Jawa knew how to have a good time if not how to handle his liquor. Could Jawas handle their liquor? Not this one...

“Utinni…” Zad nodded at Draco’s comment about holy sweet shit. They were clearly thinking the same thing. A tap to the shoulder later and Klepti was almost tapping for a fourth shot. Then he fell.

Zad’s reactions were swift but he was also surprised. He had just managed to catch the Jawa’s shoulder but not the Jawa himself as he hit the floor. Unfazed, he was up and laughing just like that. That’s the spirit!

Before the rougher Ranger had a chance to check on the status of his Utinni counterpart, Uutkik was up with a kick as he wobbled away from his two new friends who he hopefully would not forget.

“Ehhh…” Zad trailed off beside Draco as he drank and watched. A moment later and Klepti was on the stage having a great old time. “No...I think we fixed him.”

A Zygerrian approached just then about the monster Jawa. “It was his idea.” Zad immediately pointed at Draco.

A moment later and the two Rangers celebrated their victory with a clanky-clank. They slammed the glasses down at the same time (because that’s what cool people did) and Zad was beginning to feel a beautiful buzz coming on.

“ 'Droid? Drink? This be a yes?' ” The lyrics were as lost as a drunken Jawa who just then crowdsurfed before collapsing. Gone so fast… Zad turned to Draco with a sigh as to who should go get the Jawa. “Let’s Rock Paper Scissors it.”

Before they had a chance to play, a familiar voice froze Zad in place. Shiiiiiit. Corran Velt was by far and large the very first Ranger that Zad Ruzed had actually made friends with. For a lone gunman in the galaxy friends did not come easy. It was less fear and more respect that concerned him about displeasing the Blond Ranger and his superior officer to boot.

“It was his ide—” Zad blinked, lowering his finger. “Just...gave the little guy a shot.” He shrugged. “Then another shot.” Scratched the back of his head. “And uhh...maybe another shot…”

@Exhilian @Scoobert @christhebetrayer @TerranSteel

 

[Kaz Tran]

Kaz watched Velt easily brush off Onn’s prank and it only elevated the man in his eyes. Clearly the Lieutenant wasn’t easily bothered and it was something Kaz would aspire towards. He knew he was a bit of a hot head and he had a lot of work to do in that regard. Kaz watched Velt walk off and he had a smile on his face, turning back to his drink.

Feeling a lot better, he took another drink off a tray and casually walked past the crowds to take a better look at the performances on stage. He hadn’t been paying attention to any of it up until then and walked right past two Rangers doing rock paper scissors or something.

“Oh sweet they’re doing karao-” It was then that he promptly stepped on a lump on the ground and almost tripped. He spilled his drink all over said lump and glanced down to see that it was...a Jawa?! Kaz’s eyes went wide and he looked around, alarmed.

Was this a fellow officer? Oh shit! Panic began to set in as he crouched down and checked for a pulse. Was he going to get written up for this??!!

@Scoobert

 

[Bast Emblai]

Poet’s multi-colored eyes displayed a rare intensity, as if deep within them was an unparalleled understanding for not only the things that had happened, but the things that would happen, as well. The heterochromatic coloring was particularly piercing, reflecting light like a broken mirror. His next words were soft, even gentle. "Tonokenaide," With nothing to pull meaning from but tone, Bast simply offered a confused half-smile. Were these some ancient words of wisdom? The kid leaned back, gesturing for another drink. The look in his eyes was sincere.

"Don't give me that crap. Others might overlook the fact that what you said is a lie, but don't lump me in with them,” He continued, but the woman had ceased listening. She simply blinked. Suddenly the Lieutenant became very aware of her breathing. It felt mildly restricted, as if she could not fill her lungs fully. In all her years, no one had ever called her bluff. It simply wasn’t done. The etiquette was to nod and smile, and either Poet was unaware or uncaring. Directness was a valuable asset to be sure, but there came a line between honesty and rudeness that he was treading, especially with her as the commanding officer. Her unreadable face shifted to an expression of curiosity, and after a moment, it was clear she had not taken true offense. He was an interesting specimen, his face sincere and his tone not mocking. Was the Ranger always so... crudely straightforward? Where had he learned it? Was it a result of ignorance or a nihilistic perspective that no one’s thoughts mattered?

“I’m not going to hit you.” She chuckled slightly seeing the boy relax. “It isn’t my style. There are easier and more effective ways to hurt people. However, you are part of the force. I bid you no ill will for your observations.”

At the mention of family, Poet seemed to shift uncomfortably, his gaze growing temporarily distant, directed by the whims of nostalgia. Instead of answering, he simply told her to wait. Completely at a loss for the appropriate social protocol when one’s conversation partner up and left for no apparent reason, she followed the advice, watching, brows furrowed. Heartfelt, if disorganized words, amplified by the microphone morphed into a bittersweet song. She didn’t know what the lyrics meant, but she returned Poet’s warm smile. He was bearing his sound for her, and she recognized the bravery in it, silently mouthing “Thank you” as he stepped away from the mic.

A smooth alto voice made Bast snap to attention. It was a young Pantoran woman with long lavender hair. She radiated confidence. At the mention of Corran her face split into a grin. If she got on with Corran, there would be no issue. “Indeed he can certainly sing. Nice to meet you Rylee. I’m Bast, although you had probably already ascertained that. Lt. Velt and I have been together on countless missions, so it’s always nice to meet one of his protégées. Congratulations on your induction!” The Lieutenant raised her glass. “Cheers. Now tell me about yourself. Whereabouts are you from?”

@Forsythe Crowholde
@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Rylee smiled back at Bast as the lieutenant grinned. She had a nice smile and seemed very friendly. Lt. Emblai was half a foot taller than the Pantoran so she found herself looking up slightly at her. Although Corran had explained earlier that Bast had been his partner through a lot of things, in actual fact it was the first time Rylee had been told about the Corellian. She was unsure why that was, but put it down to the fact that they had only really just met themselves. The Pantoran raised her glass, joining in with Bast's toast, before continuing their conversation.

Raising her free hand and pointing a finger towards the golden markings on her blue face she said "I'm from Pantora. Lt. Velt recruited me from my role in the military. Served ever since I enrolled as a cadet. I was a Squadron Leader before I came here." Rylee casually ran her free hand through the end of her ponytail as she continued. "Believe it or not, I used to out-rank the lieutenant, but I guess I'm his student now. I kinda insisted on him tutoring me if I decided to sign up."

In that regard Bast was right; Rylee was a protégé of Corran's. It didn't really bother her, otherwise she would never have joined up, but it was an odd situation nonetheless, for a veteran of military combat with all the skills she had learned, to still be learning. Rylee had the self-confidence and belief to rise through the ranks of the Sector Rangers herself, but for the time being she was still the new girl.

@Kestrel

 

[Draco Salem Virtus]

Draco Virtus was halfway through slamming a whiskey before he stopped mid drink. A Zygerrian made a comment about them creating a monster..Well she wasn't entirely wrong. He would finish his shot before glancing over at Zad who mentioned him being the mastermind of the shots idea.."Well.." he said in his gravel southerin voice.. "Ain't no one puttin' a gun to his head." that was literally his only defense. Other than that Draco was shit out of luck as to why he ordered shots. Draco would sigh and slide a small coin back from the table that was part of the bartenders tip. "One sec, I'll giver' back." he said as the bartender weirdly nodded. Turning back to Zad, Draco would flip the coin up and call it in the air. "Who takes care of him..Heads..Me..Tails you.." with that the coin spiraled in the air before coming back down to his open hand. It would land perfectly flat and revealing the head side facing up.

"Well kark." he sighed as he tossed the coin back to the bartender. As he did this suddenly Lt Corran was next to them and had his blue eyes piercing the pair with the following question of who done this. Zad BASICALLY through him under the bus as he almost finished the entire sentence of whose idea it was. It took everything within the galaxy to give his new found FRIEND a slap upside the head while whispering "Shut the kark up partner, god damnit" but he kept his mouth shut and watched Corran move off to talk to the Zygerrian. Draco shot a glance at Zad like "Thanks man." before turning to head over to the Jawa which recently just got walked on. He stood next to the Ranger who literally fell over him and began checking a pulse. Bending over Draco would grab the little Jawa by the back of his shirt and lift him up with one hand.

"Yeah partner, he's just peachy." with that he would walk out of the room with the Jawa hanging from his hand with his arms and little legs dangling as if he was on a zipline. A nearly full armored cowboy carrying a Jawa out of a party like it was your average galactic citizen carrying the garbage bag to the bin non cholent like. The smoke in the corner of his mouth still burning and leaving a small trail. "Let's get you to bed pal." he mumbled as he went out to the hallway and down the corridor until he seen a medical infirmary. The door would hiss and slide open as the staff on duty seemed rather quiet and busy doing medical shit that Draco didn't overly care for.

As the door opened they would just stop and stare as the armored cowboy with his hat held the Jawa. "He drank enough tequila to kill a fully grown Bantha..Might want to keep a eye on him." with that he would carry him over with the one hand and lay him gently down on the bed. Once put on the bed carefully he would turn around and make his way back to the main area.

@Die Shize @Sreeya @Scoobert @christhebetrayer

 

[Cyrene Nilar]

Eyes glanced towards the voice addressing Cyrene, her eyes glanced over the blonde-haired and blue-eyed ranger in front of her, she knew of the man before her, he was held high regard amongst rangers that much she knew, though seemed rather young.

"Nilar, Cyrene Nilar" she ignored the station pert she wasn't to stick to any one station, she followed her where they went, checking at the station along the way. "and you must be..." a finger raised up and waggled beside her head before pointing at the LT "Lieutenant Velt, you're repetition proceeds you though i expected you to be a little... older."

@TerranSteel

 

[Poet Severino]

He'd taken a few detours before he made it back to where Bast was. Alright, it wasn't much of a detour but a few Rangers stopping him with questions about his song that delayed his return. Poet surprised himself by answering without losing his patience, and he even had to restrain himself for jokingly calling out one particular Ranger (@Sreeya) for trampling and killing – alright, too much, too much – one of the rookies (@Scoobert) who lay wasted on the floor. He didn't wait to watch a cowboy (@Exhilian) pick the Jawa and send the latter to bed or something. Might prompt Poet into making another joke about babysitting this time.

Self-restraint, self-restraint. He'd already joked once, someone might scream out about the end of the universe if the half-Morellian attempted another.

Remembering Bast's smile and gratitude was what ultimately led Poet to abandon those who had waylaid him with their questions, making a beeline back to the bar. His brows furrowed at the sight of one of the rookies talking to the lieutenant. That was good. The half-Morellian had long decided that he'd really try to mingle tonight – making some sort of a speech before starting an impromptu karaoke really made the decision for him now, did it not?

One hand flying consciously to pat down his unruly fringe, the Ranger finally approached the two and stood beside Rylee. While respecting personal space, of course. He wasn't an uncultured bastard, regardless of his oftentimes rude personality.

Problem was, he was unsure how to ease himself into the conversation. Sure, he had been speaking to Bast first, but did first come-first served apply to stuff like this? No, right?

He stood there, looming over the two ladies almost threateningly – towards others, though – until he spotted his candies still on the counter. Poet's eyes glimmered with an almost childlike relief and with a polite "excuse me" he leaned forward a little to grab the three lollipops and looked at Rylee with a neutral expression on his face.

Poet waited for her to finish speaking, before starting with an offered,

"Raspberry, chocolate, blue– no, never mind this last one, it's mine." He smiled at Bast and continued, "Bast here turned my offer down which is a little heartbreaking," an obvious joke, now with the appropriate expression on his face "but don't worry about doing so as well. I'm used to having my heart broken, and I'll take no offense, really. It would just mean more candy for me."

"Poet Severino, resident a-hole. Welcome to the squad, Ranger Asuchi."

@Kestrel @Bex

 

[Callahan McKoy]

Cal finished his whiskey and ordered another, his mood was darkening as the puzzle of his cousin’s disappearance taunted him. The crowd around him continued in their revelry and his jealousy bubbled into an acidic ire. He closed his eyes, mentally breathed himself for letting his addiction throw his emotions into a bi-polar frenzy then took down the rest of his new drink.

A newcomer caught the Corellian's attention. They made eye contact and out of social obligation, Cal, brandished a nod and tip of the glass, before signaling for a third round. The former CorSec officer kept his gaze forward while waiting on his drink when the newcomer asked his question. Cal glanced his way, then looked over his shoulder, and when he didn't see anyone facing the man realized the guy was talking to him.

"It's a ship," he said with a non-commital shrug. Honestly, McKoy hadn't given the base a second thought since he'd arrived. Sure, he'd enjoyed the seamless transition in the hangar bay, but aside from that, it was similar to any other ship he'd been on. The Ranger glanced at the drink in the man's hand and pondered the purpose behind non-alcoholic beer. Cal's third drink arrived and he took a sip. An awkwardness had dirtied the air between them and a pang of guilt spurred McKoy to speak.

"Uh, I'm Cal. Sorry, I'm not much of a talker. You been with the ranger's long?"

@llamallove

 

[Kanan Marek]

Kanan nodded, silently granting the blonde haired ranger’s assessment of the ship. That was fair. It was just another ship. It lacked the point-defenses of many other carriers, but it would still serve the Sector Rangers well.

A silence fell between the two Ranger’s after that, but Kanan did not mind. His gaze returned to his Cliff-Dweller, his eyes lost in the deep orange colored drink. It was a refreshing, energizing beverage that he had discovered on Batuu a number of years ago. He liked to have his faculties and wits about him at all times, so this drink served him well.

The party seemed to be getting louder by the minute. He decided he would only stay long enough to finish his drink. His eyes wandered lazily from the bar to their surroundings and then back to the ranger beside him as he spoke.

“Kanan,” he replied, “No apologies necessary. I’ve been with the rangers about...”

He thought back. It felt like a lifetime ago that he moved to Coruscant and joined the Sector Rangers. Sometimes it didn’t even feel real but rather like a dream, or someone else’s life entirely. So much had changed since then.

“Nine years,” he finally answered, shaking memories of his life before away. He tried not to dwell on them. He returned his focus to the man beside him. “What about you?”

@Zay

 

[Bast Emblai]

A muffled squeal caught the Lieutenant’s attention as she sipped her drink. Another Ranger had just spectacularly tripped over and doused a small bundle sprawled on the floor. Kark. Was that the new Jawa recruit? Much to her own surprise, Bast laughed, inhaling some of her juice, then promptly doubled over coughing. It seemed the poor kid was okay. Rising, a little red in the face, though from embarrassment or lack of oxygen was unclear, she turned her attention back to the Pantoran.

“I’m so sorry. Please continue.”

Rylee’s story was an interesting one. Her posture and slim physique were telling. Too loose to have been in training for the first time, but not civilian-like either, as if she was used to a weight, perhaps a blaster, hanging from her waist. Squadron leader was indeed quite the title. For a selfish instant, Bast wanted to ask if she had ever lost a man. Of course, such questions would be completely inappropriate and out if place. No one ever asked them. The sorry hope for finding connection in such dark things was immediately gone. What was wrong with her? Why did her mind wander so?

“I don’t blame you for wanted to work under Corr— Lt. Velt. He’s a good ranger and an even better man. He saved my life once. Don’t tell him I told you that, though, or his pride might swell so much he explodes. We have to keep them humble, you know?” Bast smirked at her own joke. Corran was nothing if not humble, as Rylee well knew.

Poet, who had been dodging his many admirers, had finally rejoined them. He hovered at the edge of his seat, perhaps nervous. Shy? She had not pegged him for the shy type. Feigning shock at his accusation of breaking his heart, she winked. Actually winked. It had been years since she winked. What was this party doing to her?

@Bex
@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Rylee heard the thud of someone hitting the floor too and turned her head to see that Ranger Uutkik had landed flat on his face. What he had been doing she wasn't quite sure as she hadn't really been paying attention but nevertheless she hoped the little guy hadn't hurt himself. Bast, who had clearly seen more of what had happened gave a chuckle but ended up choking a little on her drink. Rylee asked if she was okay but the lieutenant composed herself soon after.

"I know exactly what you mean, my lips are sealed" smiled the Pantoran in response to Lt. Emblai's request, "I've already saved his life once myself. He got himself into a spot of bother with some privateers we were in the process of apprehending. I still can't believe he left cover when we had the situation under control..." Rylee did not go into any further detail about this particular mission, but it was clear that Corran's choice of tactics at the time conflicted with her professional opinion as a soldier. "But anyway, he's fine now - that's all that matters. Though I did see him get a shirt-full of champagne a moment ago. If he's as particular about his clothes as he is about starship licencing laws I doubt he's gonna be a happy bunny in the morning."

As the two spoke, the looming figure of Ranger Serverino returned. Whilst Bast was half a foot taller than Rylee, Poet stood a full foot taller than her and she definitely had to look higher to speak with him. His presence seemed almost threatening as he stood there and Rylee wondered if the ranger had maybe taken offense to her engaging Bast in conversation whilst he had been performing. Severino broke the silence when he reached over and collected three lollipops from the counter. The half-Morellian then proceeded to offer the Pantoran one of his sweets - though apparently blueberry had been reserved.

"I'll take raspberry, if you don't mind" said Rylee. There was something about Ranger Severino that gave her the impression he was perhaps uncomfortable with this kind of social interaction, but the Pantoran had a good heart and was keen to ensure her new colleagues felt she was approachable and inclusive. Taking the lollipop, unwrapping it and placing it in her mouth, she reached out to shake Poet's hand. "Nice to meet you Poet, though if you keep introducing yourself as 'A-Hole' the nickname might stick so be careful!" she joked, giving him a friendly smile.

@Kestrel @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Zad Ruzed]

Spoiler: Music IC

At Draco’s demand for Zad to shut the kark up, Zad just pulled one of those looks you pull when you were being told off by your mother for speaking out of place at dinner.

He had only been playing, if a little awkwardly, and hell his partner was right in that no one was putting a gun to the Jawa’s head. Who were these two Rangers to know that one other Ranger could not handle their liquor? And would go dancing onstage singin’ gibberish before crowdsurfing into the floor? To be...stepped on...like a lump?

Zad scratched his head at that thought, if a little apologetically. He felt a pang of sorrow as Draco, having lost the bet, was the one who had to carry the Jawa back to bed. Though, truth be told, Zad was sorry that it had not been him who had lost the best. Klepti was an adorable little guy…

With a sigh, Rough and Tumble, as Corran liked to refer to him as, ordered another whiskey. He had a buzz to build on and had only just begun. He had however just lost two friends, in part on account of his own buying of the shots (Draco was not the only one to blame, poor guy), and needed to replace them prompto.

After dealing with Corran’s response, Zad looked left, spotted a Chevin, quickly looked away and spotted a Zygerrian. This one he had already met. “Buy you a drink?” Zad smiled regardless of the level of liquid present in her own glass. “Bourbon, right?” He was ready to wave the bartender over at a whim.

“So...what do you think?” He gestured into the mass. “About the party. And the Jawa. I reckon.”

@Exhilian @christhebetrayer

 

[Poet Severino]

He told himself he'd refrain from cracking another joke, but Bast's answering wink to the one he made about her breaking his heart had Poet briefly closing his eyes in preparation for the destruction of the universe.

One eye cracked open, followed by another, and the half-Moriellian let out an audible sigh of relief. End of the universe averted, he clutched at his chest and made a show of dying from heartbreak when the lieutenant winked at him.

"See?" the Ranger continued, gaze finding Rylee's with an honest to goodness pout. Singing in a hall full of his colleagues seemed to have a positive effect on the usually grumpy man – he wouldn't be joking and making a fool of himself if it didn't. "Didn't even bat an eye, winking at me like that. How cruel, Lieutenant Emblai."

The cheeky grin he flashed Bast contrasted the mock pain in his words.

The raspberry lollipop was soon plucked out of his grasp as Ranger Asuchi accepted his offer. Poet nodded sagely at the Pantoran, hand clasping her own and giving it a firm shake. "A wise choice," he told Rylee with a seriousnesd that belied the amused and grateful twinkle in his heterochromatic eyes. "Raspberry is one of the top three favorites amongst the criminals 'round dear old Coruscant. Except I just made that stuff up."

A chuckle escaped the half-Morellian in response to Rylee's joke. "Maybe I should stick with resident grump instead? Or rude bastard?" He turned to regard Bast with a conspiratorial grin, reminded of how he just called the lieutenant out on her bluff earlier. "Maybe the latter fits better, huh, Bast?"

Poet wasn't usually this friendly. He'd rather sulk on a corner and bare his fangs like a hissing lothcat at anyone who would attempt to brighten his mood, but something about the way Bast behaved earlier prompted the half-Morellian to genuinely play nice and make friends. He didn't know what others might be going through, and being needlessly unkind towards them was a sucky thing to do. Not to mention Rylee and the way she seemed to ensure that anyone who engaged her in conversation would feel comfortable during the interaction.

Perhaps he ought to try to be a little kinder towards his colleagues. And while changing from being a catankerous bastard into a sunshiny bastard wouldn't happen overnight, it was the effort that counted, right?

Really now. What's this party doing to you, Poet Regulus?

"Anyway, if either of you wants to vent or something about our gritty occupation, I'm all ears," he advised the ladies. "Weird offer, right? It's something I won't even tell myself, but someone once told me that mental health's important, you know. Can't keep bottling negative stuff and leave them unattended nor unacknowledged. Sometimes you gotta make a molotov cocktail out of it."

He fought the urge to cringe. Maybe this weirdness was partly the reason why he didn't have friends?

@Kestrel @Bex

 

[Callahan McKoy]

Callahan let out a low whistle in response to Kanan's admission.

"Nine years? Not bad, I was with CorSec about that long, I've only been with The Ranger's a few months. Any tips?"

McKoy shifted in his seat deciding Kanan was someone worth bullshitting with.

Nine years was a decent amount of time to be with any organization, let alone one as polarizing as the ranger's had been in recent years. The galaxy sat teetering on a razor's edge and The Ranger's were one of the forces that helped keep order, but so too were those that hoped to sow chaos. It was the way of the universe he supposed.

Cal baptized his internal pontifications with bourbon in hopes the philosopher in him would be silenced, but he was at the level of inebriation where every thought seemed to hold the answer's to every mystery in the gods damn sky.

Apart of him wanted to bring up his cousin's case. Nine years was a decent time if Kanan had been in Nar Shadda recently.... He stopped himself. This the bourbon's idea. There were millions if not billions of scum bags on the smuggler's moon. His cousin was in the wind and even though Darren was generally a screw up he was very good at disappearing.

"Working on anything interesting at the moment?"

@llamallove

 

[Bast Emblai]

At the mention of Corran’s accident, Bast glanced up, surveying the crowd for an unhappy looking blond man. She found him rather quickly, although his expression was one of mirth rather than surliness. The man was truly unshakeable. Not even half a bottle of champagne spilled by Darmus, who took every available opportunity to annoy his commanding officers, could faze him. Raising an eyebrow, she sent a meaningful glance his way before returning her full attention to the riveting conversation taking place between the lanky man and the firecracker-like Pantoran.

Poet had clearly appreciated her feeble attempt at humor and rightfully teased her about winking. If she didn’t watch herself, she would be dancing on tables next. Anyone who knew her would either order a scan for a brain-worm or strap her into a taxi and send her home, thinking her very drunk, despite the fact the only thing she was sipping was a bitter juice.

“I would suggest not making that your nickname, unless you want to be introduced after the famed Sith slayer as Poet the a-hole. Rude Bastard is better, but lacks the prestige. You got a nickname, rookie?” Rylee would hopefully see there was no malice in her eyes, the question more joking than genuine. The newness would rub right off, and the former soldier would no doubt outrank her within a decade. She simply carried a prowess the Corellian had either lost or never had.

She burst out laughing at the Molotov cocktail comparison, any tension in the conversation immediately released. Poet was right, in a sense. Still, talking didn’t always help. It didn’t stop the paralyzing fear of the night terrors or the intense revulsion at any sort of helplessness. No matter how many times she told herself what had happened wasn't her fault, the guilt would creep in and she would play games. Flip a coin. Heads meant she resigned, tails meant she stayed. Of course, she never actually flipped the coin for fear of what she would find, that her doubts would prove to be true. She could not live with herself either way and it felt as if the walls were slowly closing in and she could not summon the courage to move. Logically, Bast understood none of it made sense, so naturally she shared none of it.
“If I tell you, kid, you’re going to start charging me by the minute.“

@Bex
@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Corran Velt]

Problems usually began, and ended, with Zad Ruzed. Gun fights and drunk Jawas alike. Extra ammunition from Draco didn't help either. Corran could only give a small shake of his head at the two frontiersmen. "Three shots? By my count that's two too many for a being that size. You've got to remember not everyone can hold liquid courage as well as you," the blond man pointed a thumb back at himself. None of this was scolding in the least. A new recruit went a little too hard too quickly and ended up blacked out. He had anticipated such things, especially given the company of ones such as Zad, and had the medical staff on-call. Draco was already taking care of the situation, carrying the diminutive Jawa like an old handbag.

Conversation moved onto the one of the few attendees that Corran had never met before. A Zygerrian who introduced herself as Cyrene Nilar. Unlike the uninformed lieutenant, she knew whom she was speaking to right off the bat. "I didn't know I had a reputation," he replied with sincerity. In fact, he privately worried it was a bad one. Corran tugged at his shirt absentmindedly to keep it from uncomfortably clinging to his chest as he spoke to the alien, "My age? How old did you think I was? Given my 'reputation'." Only two fingers provided the air-quotes.

While still listening in on Cyrene's reply, the blond ranger took a moment to glance away from the bar. The party was still thriving in some parts of the room and winding down to pleasant small talk in others. Sky-blue eyes panning the room suddenly were arrested by green ones. It lasted only a moment before returning to the small crowd that had gathered around her. Bast would never realize it, but many relished her company. Himself included. Corran made a mental note to talk to head over to that corner table if given the opportunity. Not just for Bast, but for fear Rylee was getting fuel for any of her jests down the road. He turned his gaze back to the bar and figured enjoying the night here was one of his better ideas after all.

@Die Shize @Exhilian @christhebetrayer @Kestrel