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Post by SSJRuss on Aug 24, 2016 21:27:28 GMT
APOLLO'S PALACE - TARIS MID-CITY
  
It was to be a long, cold night on the city-planet of Taris.
However, with the cold comes the quiet. Only the hushed hum of the city's inner workings hung in the air.
Traffic was slow as much of the day's business had already been carried out.
But even on quiet nights, business on Taris never sleeps.
Which brings us to our scene inside the depths of Mid-City, where an extravagant party is being hosted by Taris' most prodigious underground crime boss.
***
"Welcome to Apollo's Palace," said the Protocol droid greeting guests as they entered the front door.
"Apollo graciously invites all patrons into the Guest Hall for refreshments and entertainment. We insist you enjoy your stay."
Crowds of people gathered in the Guest Hall...
Some guests sat at the lounge booths. Others drank at the bar. And others simply mingled.
All were just passing time until their host, Apollo The Golden Hutt, called for the official meeting that many of them had come for.
Illya and Adriav have come to the Palace separately and know nothing about each other. They do however, share goals as to why they have come. The prospect of expanding their business.
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Post by Terranova on Aug 24, 2016 22:27:32 GMT
When Illya Seville flashed her invitation at the entrance, the protocol droid greeted her with the same monotonous line it gave everyone else. When she passed through the next set of double doors, the bouncers looked her up and down before nodding their permission to enter.
Inside, the party rivaled that of nightlife on Nar Shaddaa. Gold, red, and neon greens decorated the room, making everything bright, despite the flashy colored lights above.
As Illya expected, Apollo hadn't arrived yet. It was a display of great wealth to arrive late to your own event. With the open bar, venue, and hired help to consider, he was spending a small fortune to throw this business venture.
Illya clutched her handbag and circled the room towards the bar. No reason to let an open bar go to waste. A few others had had the same idea. She recognized Ludwig, a Quarren businessman, on the far side of the bar. He was a friendly acquaintance, yet still far from a friend.
She tried to stifle her smile. At least if this business with the Hutt didn't work out, she'd still leave here with some money. She could sell Ludwig his own tentacles for a decent price when he was drinking.
Illya slipped into a bar stool, ordered a cocktail, and watched. Watched as Ludwig ordered an ale. Watched as more guests arrived past the bouncers. Watched just in case a potential buyer crawled out into view.
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Post by superkamijoker on Aug 24, 2016 22:44:19 GMT
Once past the protocol droid and the bouncers, Adriav Zatoq strolled into the main hall and looked around. Dignitaries from over a dozen worlds, some legitimate, some not. He was already flustered and annoyed. He expected this to be a quick business trip, not being roped into going to a soiree indulging Apollo's opulence. 'No matter', he thought, he'll humor the Hutt and maybe even pick up some new clients. He sighed and paced around the hall, killing time and sizing up the other people in the room
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Post by SSJRuss on Aug 24, 2016 23:34:03 GMT
Illya slipped into a bar stool, ordered a cocktail, and watched. Watched as Ludwig ordered an ale. Watched as more guests arrived past the bouncers. Watched just in case a potential buyer crawled out into view. Illya's scan of the room was returned with watchful eyes. She wouldn't know many of the people here, so it stood to reason that many of them didn't know her either. Which was either a good thing or a bad thing. She did however, catch a glimpse of who she thought was Josep Cornel, a wealthy Count whom now resided here on Taris. Before she could be certain however, a familiar Shistavanen by the name of Baron Orfess popped up in front of her. Immediately taking the seat next to her and extending his hand. "Seville! Seville! What a lady to see!!!" Baron said excitedly. Once past the protocol droid and the bouncers, Adriav Zatoq strolled into the main hall and looked around. Dignitaries from over a dozen worlds, some legitimate, some not. He was already flustered and annoyed. He expected this to be a quick business trip, not being roped into going to a soiree indulging Apollo's opulence. 'No matter', he thought, he'll humor the Hutt and maybe even pick up some new clients. He sighed and paced around the hall, killing time and sizing up the other people in the room As Adriav sized up the other people in the room, Adriav could tell that many of them were doing the same to him. Bounty hunters, pirates, well-off nobles and aliens were among the few that kept their stare. It wasn't a threatening look per say, but Adriav would be able to tell that many of the guests had experience with his kind. That be Zygerrian or Slaver, he couldn't tell. Adriav would recognize some of the patrons here tonight as well. A few were past clients. Others he had just heard of in passing. One individual that would catch his eye would be Zall Amhad, an Ugnaught with more wealth and influence than he'd like to admit. Zall was ordering something from a droid as he lounged alone on one of the sofas. |
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Post by Terranova on Aug 24, 2016 23:58:04 GMT
Illya's scan of the room was returned with watchful eyes. She wouldn't know many of the people here, so it stood to reason that many of them didn't know her either. Which was either a good thing or a bad thing. She did however, catch a glimpse of who she thought was Josep Cornel, a wealthy Count whom now resided here on Taris. Before she could be certain however, a familiar Shistavanen by the name of Baron Orfess popped up in front of her. Immediately taking the seat next to her and extending his hand. "Seville! Seville! What a lady to see!!!" Baron said excitedly. Illya thought she saw Josep Cornel across the room. After their almost-meeting in the Upper City a few days before, she had been eager to run into him again. She had heard a dirty little rumor that he had found new brokers and she intended to fact-check that rumor herself. But Cornel --or at least the man that had looked like Cornel-- slipped into the crowd before she could make it to her feet. When Baron Orfess practically barked in her ear, she spun around to meet him, visibly startled. "Baron!" she greeted with a forced smile. She extended her hand to shake his, while sparing an occassional glance where she thought she had seen Cornel. "Funny seeing you here. Still trying to sell that credit-pit of a ship are you?" |
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Post by superkamijoker on Aug 25, 2016 0:01:02 GMT
Adriav rolled his eyes and walked, hands behind his back, over to Zall. He stood over the Ugnaught and peered down at him with narrow eyes, "How have those Rodian workers fared you, Zall? I haven't seen you in the King's court in quite a few rotations. I trust you haven't forgotten exactly who's responsible for you being important enough to be at one of these parties?"
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Post by SSJRuss on Aug 25, 2016 0:14:38 GMT
When Baron Orfess practically barked in her ear, she spun around to meet him, visibly startled. "Baron!" she greeted with a forced smile. She extended her hand to shake his, while sparing an occassional glance where she thought she had seen Cornel. "Funny seeing you here. Still trying to sell that credit-pit of a ship are you?" "Pit of a ship. Pit of a ship. Bit of a problem you know. Don't worry bout it. Turn it around tonight baby. Tonight. Yes. Yes." Baron said in one breath as he fidgeted with his hands after the handshake. Baron turned in his seat and got himself settled, facing Illya with a smile. "First time in here, ya know Seville? Up here with the big banthas now," Baron said with a joyful laugh. Not many of the party goers paid much attention to Baron, even though he talked louder than most of the people at the bar... Adriav rolled his eyes and walked, hands behind his back, over to Zall. He stood over the Ugnaught and peered down at him with narrow eyes, "How have those Rodian workers fared you, Zall? I haven't seen you in the King's court in quite a few rotations. I trust you haven't forgotten exactly who's responsible for you being important enough to be at one of these parties?" Zall turned his nose up to Adriav as he approached, knowing good and damn well this wasn't going to be a pleasant interaction. Hadn't even ordered my food yet and this guy shows up, Zall thought in annoyance as Adriav finished his thrashing. Zall smiled at his guest, "Oh you know the Rodians. Better than most, worst than some. And last I recall, I was invited because I sold Apollo one of his favorite pieces of Castellan Fine Art. Something of an achievement I would say you have not experienced yet my good friend. Give my King my regards, though. Excellent man that one," Zall replied as he confirmed his order with the droid and watched it whiz off. |
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Post by Terranova on Aug 25, 2016 0:30:38 GMT
"Pit of a ship. Pit of a ship. Bit of a problem you know. Don't worry bout it. Turn it around tonight baby. Tonight. Yes. Yes." Baron said in one breath as he fidgeted with his hands after the handshake. Baron turned in his seat and got himself settled, facing Illya with a smile. "First time in here, ya know Seville? Up here with the big banthas now," Baron said with a joyful laugh. Not many of the party goers paid much attention to Baron, even though he talked louder than most of the people at the bar... Illya held the smile, but cleared her throat awkwardly. "Yep. Big banthas, indeed." She glanced towards the crowd of new guests and picked up her cocktail. "Well, it seems like I have some mingling to do. I'll check in on you later." |
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Post by SSJRuss on Aug 25, 2016 1:10:43 GMT
Illya held the smile, but cleared her throat awkwardly. "Yep. Big banthas, indeed." She glanced towards the crowd of new guests and picked up her cocktail. "Well, it seems like I have some mingling to do. I'll check in on you later." Baron didn't give a response as Illya picked up her drink and walked away. He'd most likely just talk someone elses head off. The bulk of the crowd had already made their way into the Guest Hall at this point. Now many guests were engaged in conversation, drinks, dining and enjoying the festive entertainment playing on the many platforms around the room. During Illya's mingling, she'd notice a few pirates eyeing her from their table. Ludwig would also be eyeing her from a nearby stool as he drank with a fellow Quarren. |
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Post by superkamijoker on Aug 25, 2016 1:20:42 GMT
Adriav's eyes flashed and his tooth filled grin, brighter than any of the neon and artificial lights in the room. His clawed hand shot forward and grabbed the Ugnaught's throat, as he lifted and slammed him on the table. He leaned in close to Zall's face, his smile still shining brightly and eyes burning. "You should learn how to properly speak to your betters, Zall. As much as I'd love to teach you manners myself, I don't feel like owing Apollo another favor." He dug his claws deep into the Ugnaught's neck until beads of blood trickled down. "You and I both know the only reason I haven't killed you is because you were fortunate enough to be sowed by a whore with a name." He hissed softly as he released Zall from his grip.
The truth is, Adriav had no real reason to harass the Ugnaught. But he needed to kill time and work off some of the stress from the trip. He stood up, straightened his armor and resumed his pacing around the room, with a smirk.
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Post by Terranova on Aug 25, 2016 16:37:39 GMT
Illya held the smile, but cleared her throat awkwardly. "Yep. Big banthas, indeed." She glanced towards the crowd of new guests and picked up her cocktail. "Well, it seems like I have some mingling to do. I'll check in on you later." Baron didn't give a response as Illya picked up her drink and walked away. He'd most likely just talk someone elses head off. The bulk of the crowd had already made their way into the Guest Hall at this point. Now many guests were engaged in conversation, drinks, dining and enjoying the festive entertainment playing on the many platforms around the room. During Illya's mingling, she'd notice a few pirates eyeing her from their table. Ludwig would also be eyeing her from a nearby stool as he drank with a fellow Quarren. Illya waded through the crowd of black market businessmen and crime bosses, mostly keeping to herself and her cocktail. Mingling was difficult as most thugs kept to their own cliques. Smugglers, spice dealers, slavers, and freelance men for hire. And she didn't exactly fit in amongst those sorts. She thought about visiting with Ludwig, but even he had found company with another of his own species. Illya noticed a band of pirates at a nearby table and smiled. She recognized them from her early days away from Arkania, back when she had hitchhiked the galaxy to learn her way around the underground. She finished her drink, passed it off to a protocol droid and decided to to go say hello. |
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Post by SSJRuss on Aug 25, 2016 17:17:54 GMT
Adriav's eyes flashed and his tooth filled grin, brighter than any of the neon and artificial lights in the room. His clawed hand shot forward and grabbed the Ugnaught's throat, as he lifted and slammed him on the table. He leaned in close to Zall's face, his smile still shining brightly and eyes burning. "You should learn how to properly speak to your betters, Zall. As much as I'd love to teach you manners myself, I don't feel like owing Apollo another favor." He dug his claws deep into the Ugnaught's neck until beads of blood trickled down. "You and I both know the only reason I haven't killed you is because you were fortunate enough to be sowed by a whore with a name." He hissed softly as he released Zall from his grip. The truth is, Adriav had no real reason to harass the Ugnaught. But he needed to kill time and work off some of the stress from the trip. He stood up, straightened his armor and resumed his pacing around the room, with a smirk. Zall struggled to break Adriav's grip, but was unsuccessful. The Zygerrian wasn't known for his strength, but what he possessed was more than enough to overpower the Ugnaught. The entire section of the room, those that could see what was going one, froze. It wasn't unusual for guests to fight amongst each other in places like this, but every time it did happen, people would stop to watch it unfold. And as soon as Zall fell back to the floor, the guests went about their business. The only people that seemed to care were the guards placed at the back of the room for security. Gamorreans, Droids, Selkath, Dowutin, Transdoshan... They all kept shuffled in Adriav's direction until Zall was released. Afterward, they held their position. Keeping eyes, and ears on the Zygerrian. Zall had no response to his attacker. He simply regained his composure and returned to his seat. While Adriav paced, a slim-looking Twi-lek painted in gold as customary for each of Apollo's servants, turned in his direction with a plate of various refreshments. "Fresh drink, Sir?" Illya waded through the crowd of black market businessmen and crime bosses, mostly keeping to herself and her cocktail. Mingling was difficult as most thugs kept to their own cliques. Smugglers, spice dealers, slavers, and freelance men for hire. And she didn't exactly fit in amongst those sorts. She thought about visiting with Ludwig, but even he had found company with another of his own species. Illya noticed a band of pirates at a nearby table and smiled. She recognized them from her early days away from Arkania, back when she had hitchhiked the galaxy to learn her way around the underground. She finished her drink, passed it off to a protocol droid and decided to to go say hello. Cylan Krosh, Kaleesh Pirate Lord of the Zenox Cluster, waved Illya over as he spotted her approach. Cylan would welcome her with a smile, but it was unlikely that either Illya or his crewmates would be able to tell with his mask on. "Illya Seville. What a surprise," said Cylan. |
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Post by superkamijoker on Aug 25, 2016 17:51:39 GMT
Adriav eyed the servant with a raised eyebrow. He dropped his gaze to the tray and noticed a small glass of Bloodsour. He grabbed the drink without a word and continued his walk around the hall. He smiled to himself, Apollo should owe him one this time for livening up his party, at least for a moment.
He finally ended his strut and settled in near the door that would lead to Apollo's chambers. He sipped the red and yellow liquid, casting a wry glance and grin at the guards still looking in his direction.
Adriav scanned the room, more out of boredom than interest or paranoia. His thoughts drifted back to home, wondering how Dakou and their mother were faring in his absence.
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Post by Terranova on Aug 25, 2016 18:01:23 GMT
"I've moved up in the galaxy, Cylan," she said, approaching the table and eyeing the crew. She only recognized a couple of them. "I see you've got some new men on your crew."
She hovered by the side of the table, waiting for an invitation instead of seating herself.
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Post by SSJRuss on Aug 25, 2016 18:31:00 GMT
Adriav eyed the servant with a raised eyebrow. He dropped his gaze to the tray and noticed a small glass of Bloodsour. He grabbed the drink without a word and continued his walk around the hall. He smiled to himself, Apollo should owe him one this time for livening up his party, at least for a moment. He finally ended his strut and settled in near the door that would lead to Apollo's chambers. He sipped the red and yellow liquid, casting a wry glance and grin at the guards still looking in his direction. Adriav scanned the room, more out of boredom than interest or paranoia. His thoughts drifted back to home, wondering how Dakou and their mother were faring in his absence. Adriav's scan of the room would tell him little information that he didn't already know. Most of the party-goers were still preoccupied with drinks and conversations. Before anyone else could interrupt Adriav's train of thought, the large double doors leading the Apollo's Throne Room opened, signalling that it was time for the meeting to begin. "I've moved up in the galaxy, Cylan," she said, approaching the table and eyeing the crew. She only recognized a couple of them. "I see you've got some new men on your crew." She hovered by the side of the table, waiting for an invitation instead of seating herself. "You remember my First Mate, Synok Dirggin and his brother, Vortho Dirggin," The Trandoshan brothers nodded to her as they offer her a seat next to them. Cylan would continue introductions. "The other two we picked after a skirmish on Felucia. Names are Kalla and Beezu," Kalla, a female Wookiee, would bow her head at Illya's arrival. Beezu, a young Rodian male, would just give the same nod as the Trandoshans gave earlier. After a response from Illya, the conversation would be interrupted by the sound of the doors leading to Apollo's Throne Room opening. |
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