Open The Party Forms

[The Storyteller]

The skies of Champala were dark and cloudy, the water below was high and full of chop, and flashes of lightning split the rain filled sky. The tower that Aharon called home was hundreds of stories tall built on a thick black rocky outcropping set in the middle of the ocean. The thick durasteel skeleton was lined with white tinted transperisteel which softly reflected the small amount of sun rays that would manage to escape the thick clouds above. The waves crashed upon the stone of the base of the building, yet to the droids below they acted like it was any other day. A pair of PK-series workers droids worked one of the three rear landing platforms, one inside the freighter on the platform counting out boxes while the other went over the manifest to ensure all of the supplies were there.

Exotic plants and drinks, local fish, the last finishing touches of the banquet that was to be held at this gathering. The chef droids had been working since before the sun rose to prepare these dishes personalized to each individual guest. Tailored for their planetary cultures, personal diets, all gathered from weeks of research by Aharon himself. He dug through every last frame and every last word they had on the net and created the perfect dish for them. This would be a very costly measure on his part, but the young Champalan senator knew that this was the best way to put people in a good mood. And then that would be easier to make strong connections with them.

The invites had been sent out many weeks in advance, and every RSVP was locked in soon after. Aharon made sure to mention that any gifts would be optional, as indeed it was his yearly birthday bash. Yet one would not tell that it would be anything like that from the decor. Nothing stood out that would say it was a birthday party, in fact what stood out was the decor of his home itself. It seems Aharon was a fan of artifacts and art as it lined his walls. Fossils, ancient armors and weapons, and even some very ancient carvings and unfixable droids were proudly on display for every guest. Every room had its own theme, with even the furniture matching the vibe. There was everything from minimalist rooms to rooms simulating different time periods in this massive building. Yet only a select few floors would be accessible this event: floors 110-113. The stair ways would still be open, yes, but the B8G labor droids acting as turbolift operators were told to not let anyone travel to the others.

When the guests arrived, there would be BD-2000 luxury droids patrolling pre-stationed levels holding a tray of horderves or drinks in one hand, along with one in a black "dress" that would move between levels and make sure everything was going well through both observing the party and occasionally talking to the guests. Each levels was home to a separate band with one being entirely made up of a wide variety of droids. To ensure that the levels were kept safe, there was a pair of N5 Sentry Droids guarding each turbolift and stairwell enterence the guests would be able to reach along with a pair on rotation between each floor. Aharon was always trailed by one IG-100 Magnaguard that had some flecks of self applied green paint as well as a cowl with green line patterns.

The main three landing pads for the guests' who should be arriving would be absolutely massive, able to hold any sort of craft any of the senators, dignitaries, or representatives that were invited. Once the invited member and any of their cohort would exit the ship the landing bay would open underneath it and slowly lower the craft into a docking port where it would be maintained and any crew could visit the lavish amenities down below the waves. Then the party guest would enter into a long main entryway, ended by a set of four turbolift doors. Halfway down the room would sit a circular desk, being managed by a single GG-series hospitality droid. The hot pink droid would make small talk while she would ensure the ticket was real and crosscheck the person who used it was not just the person it was assigned to but also had RSVPed. Then their bags as well as them would be searched by a pair of N5 Sentry Droids, though not entirely thoroughly. After that, they would be directed to an open turbolift and sent up.

@Richie B. @Fine Dining Set @LouJoVi

 

[Drakon Chaucer]

Parties among the Senators were never a straightforward affair, it was one of the golden rules that everyone knew that any gathering of the powerful was to be a place for secret agreements and a place for conspiracies to form. Now Drakon was going to be in the room where it happens. The invitation was for generally any member of the Jedi Diplomatic Corp, so it wasn't especially really him but what he represented. The Jedi needed allies in the Senate and so Drakon dressed his best. Drakon was wearing robes similar to what those of the High Republic Jedi were known to wear, a brown with gold trim vest with a white undershirt. Drakon had a fine brown cape attached to the robes with golden pins, in the shape of the Jedi Order symbol. With his lightsaber on his belt, Drakon began to land his starfighter onto one of the many platforms.

"This is going to be a long day." Drakon spoke to no one in his cockpit when he landed, slowly letting the latch open so he could jump out of his starfighter and land quietly and gently thanks to the Force.

Sure displays like that weren't encouraged by the Jedi but when one is coming to a party for the Senator's and the goal is to return the Jedi to where they belong in the galactic community, showing off doesn't really hurt. Pulling out a small suitcase from his starfighter the gift he had gotten for the Senator, he watched his ship get pulled down into the building to be parked in an internal docking port. Walking confidently through the main entrance he got to the turbo-lift room with its droid attendant. It had stopped another guest and demanded of them their ticket, something Drakon had triple-checked to make sure it was in his inner vest pocket. The last thing he needed was to screw up so great as to get kicked out of the party before even getting in it.

When it was his turn to present his ticket Drakon walked up with a smiling ticket already in hand. "Name's Drakon Chaucer the Jedi representative."

@Olwin @Fine Dining Set @LouJoVi

 

[Steela Bol]

High-class formals were almost second nature for a politician such as herself. That's not to say Steela held any liking for them; far from it. The usual conniving and double-dealing was enough to put a bad taste in her mouth, though she had hoped it would be different this time. After all, she wasn't here to settle one's differences but to hopefully bring the core together.

The Nubian Starship pierced through the dark overcast above Champala, revealing the towering structure ahead. The senator, engrossed in the breathtaking scenery of tumultuous waves, was interrupted by her trusted intern senatorial aide. With a shy smile, he informed her, "Senator, we'll be arriving shortly." She smiled back at the young man, expressing her gratitude and assuming he would turn to make landing preparations. However, he remained sheepishly standing there. Seizing the opportunity, she asked, "Since you're here, could you kindly retrieve the gift for Senator Staergin, please?"

"Of course, ma'am," he replied and vanished momentarily before he returned clutching a parcel of moderate size. "Please hold onto it for the time being," she grinned while rising from her seat. The wrinkles on her modest, yet sophisticated dress smoothed out as she stood upright.

As the ship touched down, she maintained her composure, allowing her security team to exit first, adhering to the established safety procedures. Once the area was confirmed secure, she approached the welcoming droid, presenting their entry ticket. "Senator Steela Bol of Chandrila," she confirmed sporting a kind smile.

Once they received permission to enter, the two proceeded to the designated floor using the turbolift. As they made their way, Steela turned to her aide, Ro-Tahn, reminding him with a warm smile, "Remember to smile," she kindly demonstrated to the visibly nervous young man.

@Olwin @Richie B. @LouJoVi @Fine Dining Set

 

[Aharon Staergin]

Aharon had a busy day already. His daily workout was pushed an hour and a half ahead, to roughly what the Galacticc Standard Time would call 3:30. He worked right up until 5:30, where he then began his morning care routine. Ice pack for his face to keep any puffiness away, a face wash with a special blend of soaps and natural oils, lotion tenderly applied to every inch of his skin to ensure it was as soft and subtle as possible, and a good spray with all natural freshners. He was lucky that Champalans had no sweat glands so they would not smell rancid over time like a normal near-human would. Instead, throughout the day he would smell of a sweet summer breeze with hints of citrus.

Aharon had sent away his usual tailor droid and decided today he would need to pick out his outfit himself. He had just enough time to after all. This started with a deep purple vest/suit jacket/slacks combo, a crisp white undershirt, and a pair of deep brown derby shoes. The outfit was paired with a striped two-toned silver tie and matching handkerchief, a silver chrono-watch, and a pair of silver rings, one rounded and the other more pentagonal, on his right hand and his signet ring firmly on his left ring finger. Not a crease nor imperfection was found on his outfit. Much like everything else about this meeting it was perfect.

To his right flank throughout the day was his protocol droid CZ-84B, a slightly faded white CZ Communications Droid with feminine programing. It was common knowledge that he used her to supplement the hearing loss in his right tendril as he was nearly fully deaf on that side of his head. Luckily for Aharon the beginning of the day was mostly speaking to droids who spoke loud enough and clear enough that the young Senator did not need her to repeat what they said. It was only a half hour before the formal would officially start that his faithful IG-100 Magnaguard would approach and speak.

~- Good luck, Sir. -~ the green tinted Magnaguard said in a deep, horrifying binary. His chassis was massive at an astounding 2.15 meters, .2 meters over the original height. He was also built with a much heavier skeletal system to hold up his amplified and enhanced servos and actuators. Along with his enhanced ligaments brand new hydraulics were added on to key areas that would enhance his already greater strength. This droids rebuild would turn it from a lithe assassin with wide shoulders to an intimidating bodybuilder ready to crush anything it would fight. On his hip sat a heavy blaster pistol as he walked, and in his hands was grasped an enlarged electrostaff. Aharon would not do his much larger droid as it joined him opposite of his communication droid as he stepped out to greet early guests.

@Richie B. @Fine Dining Set @LouJoVi

 

[The Star Crawler]

On this dark and stormy night, the senators would have far more to fear than political discontent. As the thunder rumbled and lightning crackled, the ancient halls of Champala heaved about. It was as if the hall was alive. It was breathing with the rumble of the storms. The halls receded as flashes of lighting and thunder cast long, distended shadows into the night. Crisscrossing shapes formed cacophonous patterns against the splattering

Yes, the halls felt alive. A dark presence loomed across the diplomatic chambers, a presence strong enough that they could feel it. In their souls. The early, primeval instincts of a species that was once prey kicked in. Sweaty palms. Dancing eyes. Anxiety attacks. The once-innocent shadows formed into faces in a moment of fear. A misplaced chair looked like a security risk.

Were they seeing things? Or did something loom in the shadows?

For within the darkened halls of Champala's tallest towers, bloody red eyes gleamed from the shadows. A stench emanated throughout the level, combined with sound of several, heavy, scuttling feet. Each step had a horrible squelching and a heavy thud. Outside the thunder rumbled, the lighting raged, the waves crashed, and the shadows in the hall grew ever taller.

From down the halls, a blinding bolt of lightning was joined by a horrible, deafening screech. The glass windows vibrated, ruptured, and then shattered, exposing the senators to the howling winds and torrents of rain. And a form yet unseen hurtled towards them - the sounds of squelching, heavy steps lunging down the halls of the tower towards the Senate.

They had to act now. Or become prey of The Star Crawler.

@Richie B. @Fine Dining Set @LouJoVi @Scrumppe @Olwin

 

[Aharon Staergin]

The Magnaguard imminently grabbed Aharon's shoulder as he received a message from the security center. It was not good. Something just... appeared in the building. Something alien. Something that was not good. This thing was not identifiable to the sensors and scanners, and the droids manning the main security control hub made sure to pass the message up to the boss man himself.

~- Anomaly detected. Species: Unknown. Reccomend evacuation. -~the quick burst of binary rumbled from the gigantic Magnaguard as flatly as any other. Yet his posture showed he was on high alert. The screech was registered by the droid even if no one else could hear it, and with that he motioned to the young biologic that it was time to go. Aharon had never seen his heavily customized droid ever be this worried. And with that Aharon nodded up to his larger droid. The notice was to be given to all watch stations that it was time to evacuate.

The lights brightened as an alarm blared. Lights above the exit doors glowed a dangerous red as more security droids exited from hidden doors that led to the back rooms and made a move to ensure the evacuation of the tower would be quick and painless. The about twenty or so guests who had the time to show up would be sent to the sub-basement hangar where they would enter their personal craft and take off. From there the invites would be resent with a new meeting date, and hopefully some of them would return. Aharon would be one of the last ones out, helping to get the flow of the guests from a manic rush to a bit calmer.

@Richie B. @Fine Dining Set @LouJoVi @Scrumppe

 

[Drakon Chaucer]

Drakon was allowed into the party floors without much issue, his presence creating a wave of gossip and chatter. The Jedi did not usually come to such gatherings many still saw them only as religious warriors against the Sith, forgetting the honored tradition of Jedi being diplomats and the old representatives of the Old Republic. It was these roots that Drakon issued to remind the galaxy, and it was those aspects he displayed for all to see.

Drakon had expected a party and found that as he had only begun to mingle when the real party started.

Shattered glass fell towards those Drakon was standing near and many of them crouched down afraid of the glass cutting into them. Only for them to realize none of them were hit and that Drakon, with visible effort, stopped the glass with the Force, having called upon its power to shield them all. The four people in business attire quickly thank the Jedi before rushing away to the red exit lights unable to hide their panic and fear.

Letting the glass fall harmlessly to the ground, Drakon grabbed his double-bladed lightsaber and ignited only one end, afraid of accidentally hitting anyone still running to safety. Drakon slowly backed away to those exit signs drawing on the Light, feeling the calmness wash over him and making him a near beacon to whatever force had entered the tower. Drakon was only a Jedi Knight but that was all he needed to be, for life and light he would protect those behind him running to safety.

He stood towards the edge of a large circular room, with one main entrance towards the turbo lift, the others to his right a staircase that led both up and down, and he left another door to another part of the tower he wasn't aware of. Drakon stood in front of the exit door, his body a shield for those powerless against the strong evil in the tower.

"Come foe, face the Light." Drakon spoke softly.

The small tables and banquet bar scattered around the place. This was the first floor of the party and hopefully the one which the monster would have to go to first.

@Fine Dining Set @Aharon Staergin @Scrumppe @LouJoVi

 

[The Star Crawler]

Chattering, scattering, through darkened halls and depths, the Star Crawler called and grown men wept.
Many legs and many eyes on body long and bleak. It lurched towards the Jedi, but the blade of light did make it creak.
Shunned from the light, the Star Crawler cried. Its eyes turned about, and finally settled outside.
Long claws on many limbs jutted out into the floor. To outside its body moved, rather than the door.

The creature enveloped in shadow charged forward - only to be met by a presence which repelled its bodily form. Down the hallway, Drakon could see its misshapen form. Its body was long, covered in tendrils and sharp feet and claws. At the front of the beast were glowing embers of eyes, burning with hatred and hunger, on a painted porcelain face. It was more akin to a giant insect than any bipedal creature - covered in legs and secreting a sticky slime that left behind it. Instead of engaging the Jedi Knight head on, the Star Crawler cried again and crawled out the broken window, onto the side of the building itself. It scuttled along the metal railings, using its talons and ooze to hang alongside the building.

Its long body followed it outside, where would attempt to just crawl past the light-wielding roadblock that sat between it and its prey. This was not a strong hunter, but a cowardly one. It's hunger so ravenous it could not stand waiting and fighting the Jedi. Disappointed to see its pretty prey running through locked doors, it slammed oily talons through the walls of the tower, shredding through metal angrily. As the senators and their security retreated, the Jedi, now, was the only thing in sight.

@Richie B.

 

[Drakon Chaucer]

The Light gave the Jedi the courage and strength to hold his ground against the creature. He watched it, the bug-like thing rushing toward him but stopping before actually hitting him. The creature appeared to be scared of the Light, by the power the Force can bring forth when channeled properly. Drakon had never seen an Exalted before and didn't know what to make of this one, or how he would defeat it.

Whatever the person was it was now a monster a sad, pain-creating monster that needed to be put down. It was sad really, Drakon couldn't tell what it was before the transformation and perhaps he never would. Never know what the person behind the horror was. How they were turned into this and if perhaps had he the knowledge what they could have become once they were fixed.

But now in front of the innocent Drakon knew only one truth. In defense of life sometimes death is the only answer.

"No, you don't." Drakon would call out when the creature went through the broken window, and call upon the Force to reach out and grab hold of a portion of the creature's body gripping it and attempting to drag it back into the lobby.

Drakon hadn't thought of how great it would appear to the Galaxy that despite the differences between the Senate and the Jedi one of the Jedi Knights still stood in the defense of those who had shuned them out. His only goal was the safety for those around him.

@Fine Dining Set