Open Tome of the Eyeless One: The Way

[Shadowpaw]

Hyperspace always mystified the young Chadra-fan. No matter how many times his ship punched into the milky mass of space, he made sure to take a few moments to stare out of the viewport and absorb the sights therein. Shaking himself from his musings, he turned back to the job at hand, his paws dancing over the controls of the Wayfarer Class Medium Transport he piloted. Slowly, he bought the lumbering vessel out of hyperspace, and into a slow descent over his destination.

Shadowpaw, as the Chadra-fan was known, was not the sole occupant of the ship on this particular journey. He had been chartered for a simple job, a drop-off and then a collection - alongside standing around with the client and ensuring an exit route was open if they needed one at haste.

Easy money if you can find it, Shadowpaw thought, hopping out of the pilot's chair and walking out back, to introduce himself to the passengers. I mean they could have chartered a ferry, a yacht, but no, they chose the best pilot in the entire galaxy, me. Well, one of the best pilots in the Galaxy, he paused in front of the doors leading to the small passenger area. No, believe in yourself. You're the best.

The door snapped open with the tell-tale hiss-clink he was used to, and he sauntered in, making his introductions.

"Welcome, Sir, Madam, Sentient - to the," Shadowpaw paused briefly, recalling which fake name the ship was operating under today "...Lothcat. I am your Captain, Protector, and Navigator - Shadowpaw. You no doubt have heard of me," he continued, swaggering to the centre of the room with a confidence he did not know he had "...to most, a friend, to many," he looked at the nearest passenger and winked "...a lover. But to all of you today, your host. On this voyage, for which I, Shadowpaw, have been commissioned, you will visit the famed, auction houses of this jewel," Shadowpaw waved his hand at the planet visible through the viewport "...where treasures untold and beyond the luxuries of most, do reside."

Now in the centre of the room, he stood on a small crate to make himself taller.

"Any questions?

 

[Maxims Tionson]

The fact that he was trying his best not to act like a Jedi was the only reason that Max hadn’t face-palmed halfway through the damned introduction. He reasoned that people in the wider Galaxy either had more of a tolerance for things like this or they were more aggressive about it. Instead of going with the aggression he just stuck with the tolerance and just stared at the sentient who was their pilot.

Watching him finish his routine, Max blinked once.

“Is your fly supposed to be undone?”

Moving swiftly on from that thought though, the disguised Jedi (in that he had his travelling robes covering his lightsabers so it wasn’t immediately obvious he was a Jedi), raised an eyebrow as he stepped closer to the viewport, taking in the planet. Instead of asking any further questions about the routine, he nodded to the planet.

“Bring us in on the auction house as quickly as possible please.” He instructed the pilot, “We shouldn’t be long so feel free to idle… keep the meter running as it were.”

He had paid in advance but he could give more to keep the pilot from leaving them in the lurch, of course.

@Nor'baal @Dread @The Good Doctor

 

[Oren Zapan]

​

Oren had encountered many, like the Chadra-Fan, during his brief stay in the Coruscant prison--for crimes planted on him by the Sith. They were quick talkers, cunning and mostly out for themselves. The Jedi Master could only snicker as he sat back in one of the ship's many seats--rolling his eyes slightly at the whole production, that was Shadowpaw's introduction.

Dressed in simple civilian clothing, you wouldn't be able to tell that Oren was a Jedi without knowledge of the fact. With the heavy scars upon the right side of his face, his mechanical hand, and greying hair--he came across more as some sort of grifting smuggler than a Jedi--but, if only they knew the truth.

"I concur," Oren would say in a strange Core World accent, "My employer is keen on several purchases, I'd hate to miss out on it because of you." The Jedi master would shoot the Chadra a wink before looking to Max with a slight smile.

tag: @Nor'baal @Dread @The Good Doctor @Nefieslab

 

[Darth Malicia]

Once again, Demolly was in a dress fit for Serenno nobility. It was a cover she'd been using so often that she was starting to get bored of the real noble that provided it for her. It was out of fear and greed on his part, obviously. She'd kept her lightsabers on her person, taking advantage of her dress layers and connection to the Force to avoid close inspection.

Her cultists were around, dressed up in typical garb for guards. The wealthy didn't travel without guards, though she'd sent them off to the sides to watch the flow of things. She wasn't interested in their protection. Her arms were wrapped around Newton's arm, her "date". It wasn't romantic. She'd taken an interest in Newton and his raise through Blackwell, and this was more of a business-relationship bonding trip.

They were standing outside when something hit the small Sith's senses. Two signatures, one familiar. She had no doubt it was the Jedi Master from Tatooine. He was the reason she'd learned a new skill, one she was steadily growing more powerful with.

If she could sense him, no doubt he could sense her darkness. She didn't miss a beat before she reached out to him through the Force. "Daddy! You came back!" she sent at first. "You really did just go to the store for cigarettes!"

She paused for a second before sending her next message in a completely different tone, "Lift a single finger against me and I will kill as many as I can before you can stop me." It was a threat driven by the hunger inside. It was constantly bringing her attention to the life around her. But, even if she didn't go through with her threat, attacking her would look bad and likely prompt security against the Jedi.

@The Good Doctor @Nefieslab @TWD26

 

[Newton]

It's so weird having actual friends, it's a strange feel for him, as he finds himself back with Demolly; whom Newton knows as a Serenno noble lady. Newton himself only had acquaintances or business clients as he preferred the company of droids or spending time working. For today, she is with Newton on what he understands to be a "date", but he isn't quite sure. There is no romance involved, their relationship is professional as partners.

Newton left his droids in his shuttle the Messier 7 which is at a landing pad in the city spaceport to watch over it while he is away. They should be able to hold the fort on their own.

The Blackwell employee was dressed in a nice suit and tie. If Newton was being honest he doesn't care to be dressed to the nines, but on Serenno in this auction with his noble lady friend he thought it would best to suit up

Newton had his hand on his hips as Demolly was holding around his arms. They looked like a couple. Newton would then look at Demolly as she paused. He thought she was just looking at something and Newton looked in that direction, not seeing anything of note. Newton doesn't know that Demolly is a Sith or that there is anything more to her.

The Coruscant native would then turn to ask Demolly. "Hmmmm, do they have any drinks at these things? I could go for one if we still have time." Newton wouldn't know, he never been to an auction before, much less one on Serenno. And it doesn't look like they are starting bids yet.

@Nor'baal @Nefieslab @TWD26 @Dread

 

[Shadowpaw]

“Is your fly supposed to be undone?” with effortless ease, Shadowpaw continued his stroll around the room, owning the fly situation until he could sort it more discreetly. A man of his calibre did not embarrass himself in front of customers, after all. “Bring us in on the auction house as quickly as possible please.” the Chadra-fan nodded, as the customer continued.

"I concur," the customer known as Oren interjected, "My employer is keen on several purchases, I'd hate to miss out on it because of you." Shadowpaw smiled, and made his way to the landing ramp as the tell-tale 'clunk' of the ship touching down echoed through the vessel.

"Keep us running," he shouted back at is Droid, before sweeping his hand around the gesture down the boarding ramp, and saying "Sirs, after you!"

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Their pilot was enough of a professional that he didn't react much to the revelation that his fly was undone. Likewise Max was enough of a professional that he didn't visibly react to the contact from the Sith in his mind. It was a direct connection so he didn't need to worry about Oren suddenly wondering why a Sith was calling him 'Daddy'. If it came up later he already knew he would blame Hans for being a corrupting influence.

'Baby girl, you know you're being bad. Don't make me have to spank you in front of all the nice people. Why not just take your toys and go home?'

Yeah he didn't think it was going to work so even as he was projecting the message to her through the Force he glanced at Oren.

"Sith."

It was a whisper that their pilot was unlikely to hear. If the pilot did hear it? Well that was as good a reason as any to keep the engines running. Nodding to the pilot, he stepped out down the ramp and started toward the auction house they had landed at. Already he could feel the Dark Side and only some of it was from the Sith he had had the chance to meet on Tatooine.

The wayfinder stank of it.

He held the door open for Oren with a smile as they entered the party set before the auction itself.

"Just a heads up - if a short goth-looking woman calls me 'Daddy', prepare for combat." he warned his friend with a small shrug, "Her 'political views' are very opposed to mine but, what can I say, she left a mark."

@TWD26 @Dread @The Good Doctor @Nor'baal

 

[Oren Zapan]

​

The Jedi peered towards the strange woman, noting the clothing as well as Max's comments on the woman. The term aside, Oren was prepared for whatever the force brought their way. Though, truly, the Council member was still mostly in the dark. But, if this woman was what he assumed she was, then this Auction wasn't your normal galactic trading affair.

Oren folded his hands behind his back as he entered the party, leaning in to whisper to Max, "She seems rather young for you, but I suppose I always took you for such the type." The Jedi Master would offer a slight smile before continuing into the party. A deep breath escaping his lips, as he felt the signature of the woman--Things never change, do they?

tag: @Nor'baal @Dread @The Good Doctor @Nefieslab

 

[Darth Malicia]

"I think I saw some this way," she answered Newton, walking towards a table.

The Jedi Master's message came through shortly after, prompting a smile from the small Sith. "Spank me? And in front of others?" she sent back at first, a fake 'surprised tone' to it. "Oh Daddy, I thought you'd try to discourage me."

She let go of her date as she got closer to the table, completely ignoring that the Jedi half-jokingly attempted to get her to leave. Demolly was only encouraged to stay now.

As she sensed the Jedi closing in on her location, a waiter went by and she stepped in front of him. She took two glasses of wine and handed one to Newton, of course. She was obviously distracted by the Jedi, but still desired to build a connection to the businessman.

After she'd helped herself to drinks, her yellow eyes flicked to the location the Jedi entered. "Hm, I think I just spotted a friend," she said to Newton, making a b-line to the two Jedi with absolutely no hesitation in her steps. On the way, she noticed the new Jedi—the second one— was older too. He was probably another master. Her eyes flicked up and down the new man before she looked back to the master she'd fought on Tatooine.

"Long time no see" she said with a smile. "I normally forget faces... even after a good night," she added, staring at the Jedi Master as she took a slow sip of her wine. "But I remember yours, just not your name. What was it again?"

@The Good Doctor @Nefieslab @TWD26

 

[Newton]

Oh, there are the drinks, Newton saw them as Demolly walked towards them. Demolly then let go of him, she said she spotted a friend and then took off in a hurry, Newton would look to where she was going. Those must be her friends. No doubt a wealthy and powerful Serenno noble like her would have other friends on Serenno. Newton didn't feel like interacting with her friends though, he didn't really feel comfortable in this place, and he isn't much of a social butterfly.

So, he would just get a beverage from where the drinks are, pour a glass, and then walk a few steps. He would glance around the place, but he would have Demolly in his main field of vision.

Hopefully it won't be too much longer until the bids start, or until Demolly is done with her friends. He'd take a sip of his drink. "Not bad" he muttered to himself. It's a Serennese drink.

@Nor'baal @Nefieslab @TWD26 @Dread

 

[Shadowpaw]

Sauntering off the landing ramp, Shadowpaw ignored his clients as they went about his business, and did as all good smugglers pilots did; made a beeline for the bevvies. Walking up next to a young human, (@The Good Doctor) he rose to the height of the man's elbow and produced a stim, which he lit, offering one to the man. "Same," he gestured to the man's drink, as the barkeep responded with ease "...I mean I ain't payin'." he chuckled, adding it a tab in his client's name.

"And another for my friend," he jumped up on a stool and extended his free paw to Newton "Names Shadowpaw, a pilot by trade. You?" he asked, after all - he had nothing much else to do, so why not make friends?

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Once again Max regretted spending time with Hans.

Only the corrupting influence of his friend could have made him ever think that making the joke about 'Daddy' would end in any way other than badly. That he had banked on not ever seeing the Sith woman again was probably his downfall but he could accept that he supposed. He would just have to learn never to try and jokingly flirt with a Sith again - they took that crap and ran with it.

"Oren I swear to god..." he muttered with a sigh, wanting nothing better than to slam a whiskey already, "Don't make me remind you of the age gap between you and my cat. Besides - it's honestly not like that."

Buried the lead there for sure.

As the Sith wandered over to them he did his best to keep his thoughts to himself for once. He was not about to let this get further out of hand than it already was. Max smiled a little bit, making it seem like he was so very happy to see her.

"My dear it's been too long." he agreed with a small nod of his head, "Forgive my manners - can't imagine what I was thinking not introducing myself properly. I am Max. May I know yours now?"

His smile sharpened ever so slightly as he held out a hand for her to take.

"Or have you changed it?"

@TWD26
@The Good Doctor @Nor'baal @Dread

 

[Oren Zapan]

​

Oren thought of Nashyr for a moment, her soft eyes came into view, and the Jedi's breath shortened for a moment. He took it in, accepting it and pushing it to the side. He would always miss her, but the pain of it all had been taken care of long ago. "There is no god," he'd say with a smile, "There is only the force. As for your friend, do call if there is trouble." The Master would say with a wink, his hand tapping the Jedi's shoulder.

"I'm going to have a look around, see if I can find this much needed item." With that, the Jedi would slowly slither away from Max and past the bar where the Chadra-Fan was conversing with a random man. He'd offer them a simple smile if they looked, but otherwise would continue further into the auction crowd.

tag: @Nor'baal @Dread @The Good Doctor @Nefieslab

[/QUOTE]

 

[Darth Malicia]

"Max," she echoed. "I know someone who named their Corellian Hound that." Demolly smiled widely, amused by his name, or fake name. Whatever it was.

But then he asked her name and she didn't answer right away. Her eyes shifted to the Jedi leaving them, then back a max as he extended his hand. As much as she desired to take it, she shook her head. "It'd be a pity to leave your friend alone," she answered, turning and walking towards the other Jedi.

She walked swiftly to catch up with the other Jedi, keeping an eye on the man. He was an easy target to catch up to because of his Force signature.

However, Max's question was on her mind. She hadn't answered right away because giving a Jedi her old name felt like it'd be wrong, even though she was undercover with her old name. It took a few seconds for her to decide but she projected her answer through the Force to Max, "You may call me Darth Malicia."

@Painus @The Good Doctor @Nefieslab @TWD26 @Nor'baal

 

[Ana DAmico]

Ana huffed, but smiled politely at the man boring her with yet another tale of how he “bagged a beautiful dame on the lake,” as if it were meant to impress her. She’d been to myriad galas, balls, functions, and auctions before, and every time the type of person one might expect to be there was always there. Some up-and-coming young noble looking to network and schmooze some of society’s elite in the hopes of planting the seeds of their own rise to relevancy was usually the easiest one to spot, given how loud they tended to be. This man was no different, but Ana continued to entertain him for as long as she was willing to bear.

She was no noble by any means; in fact, were any of the people here were to learn she was actually a noble’s bastard child, then, well, their attitudes towards her would shift dramatically. Still, she blended in well among the people of her home world and knew how to navigate the social battlefield that was higher society. When the man’s advances failed for a third time, he moved on to find someone less sensible and more easily-wooed, which offered Ana a moment of respite. She was here because she had heard about a priceless Dark Side artifact going up for auction, and, finding the lure of ancient knowledge far too great to ignore, joined one of the Order’s Lords in retrieving it.

Or, at the very least, in helping stop someone else from retrieving it.

She was dressed in modest, but still refined, clothing. A simple blue cloak concealed her elegant outfit, as well as the lightsaber hidden carefully beneath a layer of fabric. Where the Lord was… far more obvious with regards to her true nature, Ana lacked the overt corruption of the Dark Side, both in the physical sense as well as that of the Force. To most, she was simply a short, pale, dark-haired noblewoman. She actively suppressed her signature as best she could, but the overwhelming taint of the to-be-collected artifact permeated the room, masking whatever diminutive dark presence she might have displayed. She plucked a glass of red wine from a passing server and continued on her way, scanning the crowd. Pockets of the elite dotted the room, but her gaze fell upon Malicia and those with which she spoke.

There was almost a degree of familiarity between them, and Ana grew curious. She stood nearby a window, pretending to gaze out of it while focusing her hearing on the conversation. Indeed, the two did know each other somewhat, piquing her interest. Malicia clearly had a plan brewing that involved chasing after his friend, so she took it upon herself to meet this Max. With a quiet inhale, Ana turned from the window and walked towards Max, laughing to herself at some untold joke.

In her humored bliss, she bumped into the man! Her glass of wine tipped forward and onto his outfit, staining the man’s outerwear. ”Oh!” she exclaimed, feigning being equal parts shocked and embarrassed. ”Heavens, my sincerest apologies. Please, let me help you with that-“ she continued, reaching out for a napkin to hand the man.

”Stars above, I have no idea what got into me, mister…?”

@Nefieslab @The Good Doctor @Nor'baal @Dread @TWD26

 

[Newton]

Oh, someone nearby agreed with Newton, he would shift his eyes over and he would see some sort small walking hamster/rat alien. Clearly not from Serenno. Newton isn't well traveled or otherwise been out there enough to know all these different aliens. He would shake his head to decline the offer of a stim, he isn't into that stuff. "I'm good" he declined the offer of another drink, politely doing so.

He would introduce himself when the Chadran did so himself. "Newton" he gave his first name. "Droid engineer" he shared his occupation as well. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance" he nodded his head. He would turn his head over towards where his 'date' was, seeing what she was doing. Looks like one of her apparent friends didn't appear to be interested in the conversation and just walked away, a smaller lady bumped into the other guy who Demolly is talking and looks like she is apologizing profusely for her clumsiness. She looked like she is from the planet, he wonders silently. How embarrassing this might be in a gathering of wealthy nobles.

In the surroundings, Newton can hear the murmuring of the other patrons getting more and more audible. If he had to guess, the first bids are going to begin shortly.

@Nor'baal @TWD26 @Nefieslab @Dread @Painus

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Yes, he'd heard many times that his name didn't quite fit but he didn't often introduce himself as Maxims. He preferred jokes about having a dog's name to being called out for having a name he literally looked up in a dictionary and thought might work. Picking his fake name after leaving his old life as a cop had been a bit of a rushed job in some places he would admit. If she had mocked his real name he might have found himself a little bit concerned.

"Bet it was a good dog." he agreed before raising an eyebrow, "Didn't realize I brought my distracting friend, oh well."

Darth Malicia?

As in Malice? Why not be Darth Spooky Goth Girl if you were going to hit the nail on the head with a hammer that bloody big? It might make a difference when and if he saw her in a different light but right now she was just the trouble Goth girl with Daddy issues from what he'd seen. He didn't broadcast that, instead he just shook his head slightly.

'Yeah not going to do that.'

He turned slightly away to try and blend in with the party when the party decided to crash into him rather literally. Thankfully having one petite woman spill wine on him was the least of his problems so he was able to just smile a little bit. Taking the napkin from her hand with one hand, he took the hand with the other and ducked his head to her in greeting before dabbing at the wine with the napkin and releasing her hand from his soft grip.

"If all it costs me is a stain on my outfit to meet a lady as lovely as yourself then I shall consider it a low price indeed." he assured her with a warm smile, "Max, my lady, and you might be?"

As alert as he was by the very presence of Demolly, he was not able to full sense the Force within people around him. The Wayfinder was such a blanketing presence that it hard to feel much beyond that unless he knew to look.

@TWD26
@Dread @Nor'baal @The Good Doctor @Painus

 

[Oren Zapan]

​

Oren had pushed through the crowd slowly, his eyes shifting between the different auction items placed along the walls, giving potential buyers a glimpse to see what was to come. Now to find this item, Oren thought to himself with a subtle sigh escaping his lips. The darkside was strong here, a lingering feeling of it seemed to permeate through the auction hall--no doubt it was the item they needed.

There were the girl to attend to as well, and her plaything, if he posed a threat. The Jedi Master had no desire to cause a fight tonight, it would only look bad for them all if such things would come. Slip in, slip out, easy enough. But, it seemed things would not be easy, the little white haired woman seemed to be following him.

Well, she's most likely after what Max wants. I just need to tip her off. As he made his way down the hall, he would feel the darkness growing stronger, they were getting close. Now to find something to cause a distraction.

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