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Post by Zanear the Edge on Jan 18, 2012 0:46:34 GMT -5
(continued from Hyperspace thread)
Minor recap
The pair on the run had finally made it from Centerpoint Station to the surface in a borrowed spacecraft. Walking the streets they find a quaint bed and breakfast where they make their home, even if only temporarily. Looking out onto the Golden Beaches from the top floor of the simple ten story place they watched as the sun set and the lights of the city came to life behind them.
Arri had expressed a desire to eat, and his own stomach made a growling sound. It had seemed forever since they last had a meal. Yes, I think a good meal would do us both wonders, but first I need to make a call, these outlandish rags will never do if we are to go out in public! He put a touch of mock snobbish into that last bit, the grin on his face widening. Let me call down to Louis' Place, he's the cutting edge in fashion, and always has a few outfits on hold for me.
He lounged in a form chair as she spoke to him about all the things on her mind. He felt bad that Arri held a bit of grief for that Khari woman, her man on the side had decided to make things troublesome for the pair. And while Zanear knew that Arri would feel some remorse, if it came down to it he would gladly empty a blaster clip into both of Khari and Tress' heads if they got in his way of happiness. This Tress should understand that business is business and sometimes it's better to let things go instead of chasing it. Much like the Kath Hound, it could bite you in the shebs, as the Mandalorians would say.
Once again she inquired about seeing Cletis. He went to the comm station and input a series of numbers, and waited for the call to process. He waved a hand to the sanisteam room. Go and take a hot bath, once I'm done I'll join you...then it's off to Starpoint, a famous restaurant in downtown Coronet...you'll love it. The comm beeped several times before a voice answered.
Who is this? What do you want?
Hello Cletis, it's me.
Who? Oh....yes. I assume you've got my credits?
Why Cletis, you cut me to the quick! It's been so long and yet the first words out of your mouth are a paltry sum of credits?
100,000 is not a paltry sum Zanear...
Now Cetis, that's outrageous! I recall only 45,000..
Interest Falleen, and be glad I didn't double it! And we both know it was 90,000 with the double or nothing bet.
Zanear sighs at this point, making a show of contrition. Alright Cletis, 95,000 and not a decicred more.
The other end of the comm was quiet, and for a moment Zanear had thought the man had walked away. 95,000, PLUS whatever you want done this time, entirely upfront. No haggling. Now it was Zanears turn to be quiet. Yes, he still had alot of other money, but this would be a hefty price. Cletis was sure to charge at least double the normal fee.
Alright, alright, I suppose I deserve it for disappearing like that. A sigh, then he pushed onward. I have a bit of an emergency. I'm going to need to see you tonight.
Big surprise. If it wasn't an emergency you'd have waited until the afternoon tomorrow. What is it? Oh wait, never mind, tell me in person. You know where the shop is. When can I expect you?
Give us about three hours, then we'll be by.
A pause, then Us, eh? Is this a large party or for two?
Just for two.
Cletis made a Hhrumpp sound and then mumbled something indecipherable. Don't get followed. You know the rules. And I have a feeling I know what kind of trouble you need fixing. I'll see you then. And with that he cut the comm.
Breathing out a slow breath Zanear shook his head and then sent out a call to Louis. Yes he had several outfits for Zanear still on hand. Yes he had a few dresses and stylish Corellian clothes for a woman of Arri's size and figure. He would have them delivered in an hour. Zanear thanked him and sent over a credit transfer payment over the line. Watching the stars sparkle over the water to his right and the city lights flashing on his left, Zanear slowly got undressed, and made his way to the sanisteam.
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Post by kharivestra on Jan 20, 2012 17:11:17 GMT -5
It was a bizarre concept, Khari noted as they disembarked the shuttle, taking a commercial flight in stead of opting for one of their own. But honouring the rules that were in place here, she didn't want to be seen as 'just another official' clogging up their spacelanes with a fleet that needed to be inspected meticulously.
Of course that came with it's own set of pros and cons, the latter of which tended to be in the form of other first class passengers whispering and unsubtly nudging their companions in regards to what just she and the Senator of Anaxes were doing here.
Let them create rumours, she thought, this was official and there was nothing shady about their presence together, for once. Tress had been an eye witness, and victim, of the attacks on KDY, he had as much right to be here as she did. Khari did refrain from showing him her usual amount of attention, though, and that seemed to be getting to the pair of them, especially when it came to security keeping a close eye on them both. Her own men, of course, KSF had been granted permission to watch over their party, so long as they liased with Corellian security on matters that would concern them usually.
But now, both feet firmly on solid ground again, they had stepped out into the night...she was feeling space lagged, when they had departed Anaxes, it had been broard daylight. Several jumps later, and she was feeling highly confused.
"I don't know about you, but I'm in two minds about us leaving the terrors with my mother's telbun - " She murmured to Tress as they waited for their luggage. The 'terrors' she referred to, were the Knylenn youngsters, Rhy wasn't due back from his excursion for at least another standard Kuati week, and she wasn't risking bringing them to a system on the brink of engaging in a war with the Galactic alliance. They weren't their responsibility, and yet somehow in the absence of her mother, they had become that.
"I trust him implicitly, but he's not as young as he used to be...he had quite the task keeping tabs on myself let alone two...well you get the idea." It hadn't escaped her attention how Tress had warmed to the two little upstarts either, going so far as for them to call him 'uncle' - though Khari wasn't sure if that was just their way of trying to get under his skin.
"The meeting isn't scheduled for another two days, so we have until then to collect all our things and try this a second time around. I still haven't had word back from the Jedi council, I can only assume they...like their leader...what was the saying you had? Two kriffs they do not give?" She could tell by the way he looked back at her, she'd somehow muddled that saying up, but managed to keep her haughty composure.
"Let us hope this bears more fruit, hmm?"
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Post by tress on Jan 20, 2012 19:03:04 GMT -5
They had been together for a month now, the memory of his grandfather would always be there with him, but it was easier now. Spending time with her and the kids had given him ideas of family. About having one with her, though they had never spoken of the possibility of one, he did want on now.
He sighed knowing how she felt, well, not really knowing but over how he was feeling leaving them behind. Those two had grown on him and he was on the edge between asking Khari if she minded them taking over as guardians over not telling her and just doing it.
"I agree, should never have left them with him...." he was thinking more of Anara coming back and trying to use them against him or Rhy. They hadnt seen hide nor hair of her since leaving Bespin, so he was wondering when she would resurface. He still had his contacts keeping track of her and her associate, Logan Prescott.
He worried more about the kids now, but was happy to know he at least left someone discreet close by just in case. Not like a walking bird man was discreet but he was the only one he trusted to be there. "I told them not to cause problems and if they didn't they could come with us next time." it was a sort of an incentive for them to behave like he wanted them to. They couldn't have come now anyway, not with how things where.
Looking around he nodded, "Baggage claiming is that way." he pointed to the left. "Then we can take a taxi to at hotel and settle in. This meeting. How is it going to get set up? I don't want to be alone here for to long in case we bump into trouble. Don't think Groola the Hutt has forgiven the Consortium for beating him out on some local deals. Best not to advertise our presence everywhere. If you know what i mean." he reached for her hand and headed towards baggage claims.
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Post by kharivestra on Jan 20, 2012 20:54:11 GMT -5
Now she felt a tad guilty, it hadn't meant to sound like the man was incapable of keeping an eye on the kids, he was reliable, more reliable than Anara was, that woman would sooner sell them to a hutt than have to suffer another Knylenn enduced headache. And she wasn't exactly living up to her promise either, looking after them like she should. Khari hadn't heard anything from her in weeks, and that was rather concerning to her. Usually the woman turned up in the media in some form, usually the latest political happenings and with Kuat wavering on it's decision to remain in both alliance or imperial control, she really should have surfaced, not delegated to her lessers.
It had made her daughter wonder if she had misread the situation with her and precott that day.
"No word from Rhy?" Her curiosity was just masking what she really wanted to ask, but she hadn't dared broach the subject with him, Anara. He was adament ever since his grandfather's death that she had nothing to do with this decision, their plans, and that she could live with, but the woman was still in office, and unless there was a call to have her ousted, that would remain so.
Her thinking was that she might have paid Rhy a visit.
Smiling both in and outwardly when he commented on what he'd said to the boys before leaving, she cast her mind back, trying to imagine it. He was going soft on them...didn't he know they were going to grow up to be just like Rhy? The time would come when their family asked for them back on Kuat, childhood was almost non existant there, much like the Chiss.
"...Alright then." Sliding a glance at him, she waited for him to ask her what she was agreeing to, and all she did was incline her head in a small nod, "You've been giving me that look since we left Anaxes...well, since we left Kuat. So alright, we can discuss it." Her cryptic nature wasn't really that, he would understand what she was talking about even if those around them didn't, and since that was the case, she looked for a well restrained reaction in reply.
He had broached it first, back right before they had gotten married actually, the subject of them starting a family. It was risky, or rather, riskier than what they had already, questions would be raised, and it would mean one extra head to worry about - then there was the subject of just how, such a child would be raised. She wasn't so willing to do things the 'normal' way as the rest of the galaxy saw it.
But as the subject of the meeting arose, it was back to business as usual, and not drawing anymore attention to themselves than was needed. Thankfully, due to the crisis on Corellia, the news hadn't reached this far without being dominated by said crisis, by the time any other coreward news made the HNN, it was bogged down by grim predictions for corellian futures.
"When we arrive at the place we will be staying, I can make the necessary calls then. I had my staff contact the Corellian representative ahead of our arrival some weeks ago. He seemed eager to speak with us, especially when I informed him of Kuat's unrest. We would make powerful allies, they and us, it's the systems in between I would concern myself with." She stepped aside while one of their accompanying officers hauled their luggage over to a nearby handling droid. They could then make their way towards the speeder taxi.
"And what's all this about a Hutt? Tress...please tell me you're not going to end up sat at the foot of some drooling hutt's repulsor sled wearing a metal bikini." She was only partially serious, obviously, but her tone didn't portray her as anything but seriousness. That was one of the fun things about being who she was, nobody, save for those who knew you very well, could tell when you were kidding or not.
"People would talk."
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Post by tress on Jan 21, 2012 17:12:51 GMT -5
He looked over in her direction as they walled, but remained facing forward. "Before we left Anaexes as a matter of fact. The annual board meeting is just around the corner and things are going as planned. We have the support we need, along with the players within the board ready to move when its time." Things were going as planned, Rhy was still sticking to side of things.
As a viceprex, Rhy was in position to be nominated as Exo of the CSA. KDY, Tress- with his control of Rendili Stardrive along with others supporting them on the Direx Board would stand to gain wealth, power and prestige when they took over. Rhy would be getting what he wanted back, his families honor and continue on as ExO of the CSA with all the perks it brought, but Khari and Tress would be the real power behind things. They would control trade, resources and several planetary economies. They would become a power that the galaxy hadnt seen since the clone wars.
When he spoke about the kids a little later he had this grin on his lips as he remembered their time together. It wasn't that he wanted to raise them, well, he did really want to do that. Though it was more like he wanted to again broach the subject about families with Khari. Wrong time with wars, dangers and other things that could happen, but she must have picked up on things.
He almost walked into somebody when he heard her say that, acting as if he didn't know he kept on walking. "I think your mistaken. It hasn't been a look, its more of a blatant stare hoping you see it." he joked but it was really what he wanted to talk about. Just not something he thought he would be speaking of in a crowded terminal. "Not really the place I thought we would be discussing this, but i feel that if it happens it happens." see if she understood that.
Grabbing their stuff and heading out still holding hands, cause quiet frankly it pleased him to do it, they stepped out into the open. Hailing a waiting taxi they walked closer and he opened the door as they loaded in their luggage.
"Good, this is going to be a learning experience for me." He had never been on at the table for one of these discussion before. Always it had been one board a Consortium ship running blockades and CorSec chasing them off. Good times, but as he had kept his involvement with the the Consortium low key, they naturally kept a good record he had no connection to it. Like his father, who was a respected businessman and untied to that sort of criminal activities. "Always wondered if CorSec knew about me, I mean really knew about me and had a file with my name on it." he was grinning with humor over that. Tyber had kept him out of it for the most part, while he had been running things for the last years. Nothing could ever be proven he was as corrupted as the worst of the underworld.
"I might not, but cant speak for you... " he looked her over and smirked. "Speaking of wearing a metal bikini. I know a shop here that sells some.....we do have a few days you said."
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Post by kharivestra on Jan 21, 2012 18:17:03 GMT -5
Best news she had heart today so far, things were starting to look up again for their fledgling coallition, not to mention the fact that what they were essentially reforming here had once been one of the driving power forces of the former CIS. The GA were going to see this as a threat one way or another, but she hoped they could do this with as minimum fuss and trauma as possible.
"The way things turned out with the Jedi, is less than encouraging. I hope the senate are more approachable on such matters. Our disbanding from their fold will unsettle many."
That was putting it mildly, she thought, but really it had gone way past the point of reason, and the way the Jedi had handled things during their discussion, was a poor excuse for diplomacy. It had been treated with high suspicion from the start, from the lies about making arrangements with the Barron administrator of Cloud City, to the highly suspicious way in which the grand master, herself, had blamed her underling for arranging it to begin with. Khari didn't believe that was the case for a second, nor had she taken kindly to the rude manner in which the Jedi had greeted them.
The Corellian approach looked set to be a bit more accomodating.
Deftly, she steered him away from colliding with a very bothered looking Bith female, obviously so caught up in his surprise that he'd failed to see the bulbous-headed being until he was almost on her.
Offering the other woman a apologetic expression, she had taken in everything Tress had said to the subject of what she'd agreed to earlier. And yes, he was very animated, she had expected that, but when he said not here, she couldn't help but laugh.
"I wasn't suggesting you have your way with me on the luggage racks, Tress." And once more she was shooting someone else a glance when she spoke to him, this time the very flustered looking chief of staff for this excursion. "Just that we would discuss it, at a time when it's convenient for you and I."
Smiling, pleasantly, they lead the way out to the taxi speeder bay, and loaded up their luggage. Before long, everyone was on their way, taking in a few of the sights as they went along. Coronet was as colourful as it had looked in holos, and it had been some time since she had been here in person. Usually a well known representative got these kinds of duties, but appearences were everything, and she wanted to be sure she'd done everything in her power to make this happen.
The hotel that she'd had arranged for them to stay in was ostere enough that there would be a high level of security there. She didn't want any little surprise happenings at this one, as had been the case on their trip to Bespin. The word was still out on Prescott and her Mother, though, with neither being sighted since the whole ordeal. Khari wasn't sure that was necessarily a good thing.
"Good, this is going to be a learning experience for me." He had never been on at the table for one of these discussion before. Always it had been one board a Consortium ship running blockades and CorSec chasing them off. Good times, but as he had kept his involvement with the the Consortium low key, they naturally kept a good record he had no connection to it. Like his father, who was a respected businessman and untied to that sort of criminal activities. "Always wondered if CorSec knew about me, I mean really knew about me and had a file with my name on it." he was grinning with humor over that. Tyber had kept him out of it for the most part, while he had been running things for the last years. Nothing could ever be proven he was as corrupted as the worst of the underworld.
"I had KSI run a check" She said, still gazing out of the viewport of the speeder, "You're clear... Now." Thereafter she turned to look at him, feeling his stare burning into the back of her head, and smirked at him knowingly with that 'What?!' look in her dark eyes.
The mood in the speeder was particularly jovial for the most part, which made a nice difference when compared with the mood for the last few weeks. Tress was still reeling, Khari knew, from Tyber's death, but for the most part, he'd laid the man to rest. She just wished she had been able to get Prescott when she had the chance. But the risk had been too great, everyone would have known it was her and she wouldn't have put it past him to have had the room bugged.
Drawing herself up in her seat, and looking all prim and proper in doing so, she exhaled in a calm, calculated way that betrayed her inner focus. She had been reminded of something and she was going to make her point - he'd know that by now.
"I trust I won't be experiencing any occular discomfort during this meeting? I'd hate for the Corellian representative to be left wondering just what someone had placed on my chair."
Ah, but they did have a few days, and she intended to enjoy the downtime in between the importance. She just didn't know what she was in for, or rather, who they could potentially bump into.
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Post by Zanear the Edge on Jan 21, 2012 18:58:29 GMT -5
Her query about Jek froze him stone still. With everything that had happened he had quite forgotten the little fellow. He had been already half undressed and now his arms crossed his bare chest as he bowed his head in thought. The usual possibilities went through his mind and any one of them could be possible. He seemed to speak to himself for a moment, then looked out the big window into the street below. He walked over to it and watched as the traffic went to and fro. Without turning he called to her in a voice devoid of emotion. I don't know. Most likely he's either dead or with a new partner. He pulled out his comm and tried the number once again. And once again he got no connection. He put the comm away and shook his head. Walking once again towards the sani steam he finished undressing and smoothly slid into the hot water, the steam still evident as his skin began to change colors in the heat.
Leaning his head back he let out a long suffering sigh. Much better.... he hissed, sliding his body down until just his face was above the water. He lay there relaxing for several minutes without moving, then sat up so he could continue their conversation. I think we could stay here for about a month tops, then we would need to hit the space lanes again. We can't really stay in one place for too long, unless it was some remote world or something. Anyways, all that's much to dull. I need the excitement in life. He stayed casual about the whole thing, answering as if the outcome had no other option.
He laughed as she went on about identities. Oh Cletis will take care of all that. He's the best. He took the soapstone and began to leisurely clean himself. As far as plans, I hadn't really made any except to enjoy all the sights and entertainments. Maybe do a little gambling here and there, maybe work over a wealthy patron or two... he winked at her then, remembering how they had initially tricked Kuar. As long as we can avoid anymore Kuatine politics and back-stabbery, we should have a wonderful time.
At that moment a servant droid came into the room bringing several parcels of clothing. Delivery from Loius von Partten. Shall I hang it in the closet? Zanear simply nodded in the affirmative and the droid went into the bedroom and hung up the clothes. A simple minute and a half and the droid walked out and left the room. The Falleen gave Arri a devilish look and then in an inquiring voice spoke to her. Well then, is that our cue to get moving?
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Post by arri on Jan 22, 2012 16:54:15 GMT -5
Although Arri had never encountered Zanear's partner in crime, she felt somewhat bad for distracting him enough that he'd appeared to have forgotten about the little guy all together. He had been their original first port of call, but matters aboard Centerpoint had changed plans drastically. Now they were here, both of them had chance to reflect and contemplate their next move. A little downtime was as good as a change.
Lazily she watched him slip into the tub with her, almost feline in grace, the way he'd slunk through the door and settled down. The Falleen as a species just seemed to ooze charm in their own little way, it wasn't just an illusion brought on by the chemical aspects of their being, then. Somehow, this surprised her most of all. Everyone had stereotypes, though, it was nice to see a few of her own dispelled along with those others would have adhered to her own person.
The conversation soon turned to the length of their stay, it was a generous estimate on his part, she'd expected to have been gone by then. And that was just fine with her.
"After a good nights rest, I'll be eager to see what we can get started here. Did you have your mind set on any target?" They could, if they so chose, pick on just about any rich fool stupid enough to put their money where they mouth was, even if it was something as simple as a honeytrap operation. The thought had crossed her mind and she was uniquely experienced, as much as she hated to see it that way. Disguises were a must, though, while she was confident she could have done any number of tasks as herself, she was also destinctly not Corellian, be that the colour of her hair or the shape of her face, it showed. Even the way she moved about, if she let her act slip for a moment, it could unravel their plans.
"We could always resort to window shopping while we are out and about." Was her suggestion, and the good thing about a city like this was, every night seemed to be the night to go out on the town. The streets of Coronet had been packed when they had arrived and it was still only early evening. That bode well for prospective operations, and CorSec had their hands full with the anti war protestors, too much to have paid a couple of seemingly insignificant con artists too much attention.
All this did hinge on one thing, though...if that Hutt network bounty ad had made it's way into the mainstream holonet stations. Bounty hunters were one thing, but the fewer people there were to put the word out about her here, the less chance there was of being discovered.
Gambling sounded wonderful, particularly with his unique tallents. There were certain rules governing different species who could have swayed the hosts into handing over more than a player was due, understandably so. But he didn't need to be the one playing the whole time to influence anyone into paying out more, or delivering the slight of hand that could have won a game for her. They really were going to make a good team, it was an exciting time for them both and her inner self was buzzing with the heady mix of the unknown. Arri was next to certain that he would have sensed it in her.
"Believe me, politics and backstabbery are the last things on my mind. Just some good, semi-clean fun. I can't wait!" She schmoozed, sitting up a little in the water so that she could see his face clearly, restraining a little laugh at how he looked when his custom topknot clung lank and sodden to the crown of his skull.
The droid heralded it's arrival with their ordered clothes, while Zanear gave it directions as where to place them. She, meanwhile, busied herself with getting cleaned up, waiting for the delivery droid to leave before she pulled herself from the concealing warmth of the water and stepped out onto the tiled floor beside the tub. Reaching for a towel, she wrapped it around her lithe form then settled on the tub's edge, watching him lounge where he was peacefully.
"Our cue indeed...and remember," Arri cautioned with the raising of one index finger. She was only half-serious. "If you're going to be using those pheromones of yours this time, warn me first. While a cat fight might be entertaining for you, the authorities tend to take a different view when someone grabs the nearest blaster and...well, you get the idea."
Pushing up off the tub's edge, she walked back into the main room, drying herself as she went, to see what the droid had left for them. She wasn't to be disappointed, either.
Wonderfully, he hadn't just ordered them evening wear, but something for the day, too. A variety of items that could be mixed and matched according to their individual tastes and a great turn up for the books? He'd gotten her size correct...either he was very observant or Zanear had been poking around inside her skull again. Neither would have offended her, but he'd know that already. And then there was the fact he could always just ask.
A brief moment's pass and she dried off, slipping into a slinky looking number that was not so understated that she would look like little effort had gone into making herself presentable, but it didn't create that neon sign effect either. Just perfect for what they had planned, and keeping a somewhat low profile.
Smoothing the creases out of it's long, silken skirts, she busied herself rearranging her hair, enjoying the freedom of creativity she had with it now that whatever she did, it wouldn't be ruined by a tragic case of hat-hair.
"How long do we have before your friend is expecting us?" Arri asked, mid thought about just when she was going to get that gods awful mark of her's removed. It would be tender for a few days, but then getting it had been no different, and this pain would be worth the results. A few bacta patches and she would be as good as new anyway.
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Post by tress on Jan 23, 2012 17:52:02 GMT -5
"In the end they mean little if nothing to the greater scheme of things, the order is on its last legs and will soon crumble." He told her with a shrug, "All we are doing is hastening that end. As to the Senate, hard to say. Might come as a shock to them will even try to keep Kuat in the fold ...even if it means aggressive negotiations." Its what he was expecting really. He didn't see a path that didn't lead to GAG letting the largest producer of sharships out of their grasps.
Would be helping them gain more support if that came to pass, free will of each planet to join or leave if they were unsatisfied. There were numerous planetary systems that would rally to Kuat if GAG tried to keep the shipyards by force.
"They either play into our hands and stand to lose others, or will let Kuat leave on good terms." he looked over at her to see what she thought about it. She always saw other directions it could go which helped them prepare for every eventuality.
He glared at the Bith, she could have moved around him. He winked at Khari in thanks and continued to walk beside her. "Rude people i tell you." he joked along with her, completely ignoring the Bith now.
When he heard what she'd said he looked over at the luggage racks and contemplated if it was possible, she would have guess what he was doing. "I don't know i would have giving it a try, but your right later would be better."
The trip to the hotel was a simple affair really, just a short ride by taxi through the city. They got to see some of it as they cruised by on their way. They spent the time enjoying the drive and looking out the windows talking about past adventures.
"Not even going ask..." he smirked at her.
"I have no idea what your even talking about, that was an accident. Besides i got that fixed while you painted my most prized possession ...PINK" he glared at her, knowing she had thought it funny.
"Besides i do got something else planned for the next two days if your interested.?"
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Post by kharivestra on Jan 23, 2012 18:45:12 GMT -5
With official matters left to speculation for the time being they had settled in for the small trip to the hotel. The scenery was colourful to say the least, and the majority of that was in a good sense, if they wanted a bit of rough they could have taken the alternative route, but since they were taking regular transport for this journey, that wouldn't afford them as good security, and there was always some thief out to rob you of your last credit.
Yes, it had taken quite a bit to get those particular discrepancies taken off of the records, along with the strict assurance that Tress wouldn't be here under anything but diplomatic status. No business, just his worlds best interests at heart. Khari wondered just what the CorSec official she'd managed to pay off, was going to do with the hefty sum he'd asked for. There would be no tracing it back to her, of course. If it was one thing the Kuati knew how to do, it was clandestine bank transfers. And the records wouldn't so much as show them speaking, much less such a pay off.
"No, best you just let the nice man enjoy his five star vacation on Dac...or wherever." She commented with a nonchalant wave of one hand and a pleasant smile. Things like that did often come as second nature sometimes.
Odd that it didn't bother her morals much, though those had come into question of late, particularly when it had come to Anara. Oh she knew what she had to do, but doing it was another thing completely. That the senator hadn't been seen since Cloud City did bother her, but with this impending meeting, as cruel as it was to say, her mind really was on other things.
And then there was Tress...having her around while he was still grieving, wouldn't have helped at all. It was as good as a betrayal and she couldn't do that to him.
That stirred her, and not just because they had pulled up at their destination either. The pilot kind enough to open the doors for them to disembark.
Eyebrow raised, she shook her head slowly, with an audible 'tut' at his comment. He knew exactly what she was talking about, and that was the point. There was no holding back on the girlish giggle she emitted when he mentioned the pink ship, though.
"I fixed that, did I not? And you know me well enough by now to know when my interest is piqued, do tell." She had wondered when they would get back into the swing of things, that oneupmanship game they'd played so often in their early days. Now, things were starting to piece together, there was always a golden opportunity for a return to said fun.
"I need to know it doesn't clash with my plans, purely innocent, you understand." Knowingly she winked at him and climbed out of the speeder taxi, taking ahold of a few items of luggage and placing it on the pedwalk for the hotel porter, who had come down to meet them, to collect.
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Post by Zanear the Edge on Jan 25, 2012 15:54:36 GMT -5
As the Falleen let his body relax he found himself entering a state of calm that he hadn't really meant to fall into. He was resting, he was relaxed, at peace...and his mind seemed to wander. He began to feel the Force, the very binding and surrounding effects of it, the sensation of it's being. He was in a meditation trance; but much gentler and way far easier then his time aboard Selena. That concept he found intriguing...had his time with her expanded his Force awareness? Or maybe it had just let it flow into him easier? It was a fascinating idea, one he would most assuredly look into when he had some free time. But time is always a precious commodity, and invariably much too short.
Arri had begun to inquire about his plans, what potential marks he had in mind and some such. He simply flashed his white teeth at her and shook his head. Now is not the time to concern ourselves with such things, he spoke to her softly. First we have a dinner date, and then a business appointment you've been eager to get to.
When the droid arrived he watched her as she rose from the tub. Her mocking tone held an under current of seriousness when she mentioned his pheromones. Something about it excited him, and briefly he considered pulling her back into the tub and making some intensely physical and passionate love to her...but again they were pressed for time. That would have to wait until they returned from tonight's errands.
He sighed thinking about having to leave the bath. He could have spent hours in it. But as she arose and began going over the clothing; he could hear her rustling about, Zanear decided to get going himself. Draining away the water he slowly dried himself out, and let fall the topknot of hair, combing it forward and then to the left side of his head.It lay in a quarter pattern that was unusual but stylish on his homeworld. He applied products to his hair to keep it in place and also to give it a shine. Then he ran a color change element through it, streaking the black with three lines of red. He grinned at that, the subtle homage to the Corellian bloodstripe was just the touch he couldn't resist.
Sauntering into the room he saw the dress she was wearing while she also applied hair styling, and caught his breath. She was radiant; nay magnificent! The perfect balance of subtlety and elegance had his heart skipping a beat. He began to desire her all the more, but instead turned to his own clothing. He choose the black on black three piece suit and jacket combination, all with a shimmersilk cloak that was satin black and appeared to reflect light like diamonds had been embedded into the fabric.
He responded to her query as he finished dressing himself. Dinner in forty-five minutes, and then off to see Cletis. I told him roughly three hours, it's been about half an hour since we last spoke.
Once your ready, we can go. Would you rather walk or take an air-taxi?
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Post by tress on Jan 25, 2012 17:09:19 GMT -5
He didn't know what to say about that, in all reality they wouldn't have done anything to him as he was here under diplomatic circumstances. If they had tried to apprehend him or stop him for questioning, it would have caused an incident within the Senate and New services. Though this way was better for them all, they were here to work on deals not cause trouble. "I'll have him hunted down and your credits returned ...or work them off in trade." was all he said looking forward. Saying something like that didn't need that eye woggling to accompany things, it would be understood well enough.
He helped her get out of the taxi and even laughed at her giggle. He always did as it was hardly heard as it was, it always made him smile to hear it. Even if it was at the expense of his his beloved ship.
"A husband needs secrets, you know to keep things exciting. Lets just say it wont kill you to go along with things i have planned. Might even be enjoyable in some cases..." a few coughs and a smirk when he looks back at her. "Lets get going shall we? A nice sonic bath and snack to pass the time."
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Post by arri on Jan 25, 2012 19:28:29 GMT -5
Arri simply nodded in agreement, they had all the time in the galaxy to think of their next move, even if they made it on the spur of the moment, like coming here to begin with. Though it was always at the back of her mind that they might have been traced here, especially if CorSec were aware of anything, those guys were the next best things to having a team of Bothan's on the wrong side of you, short of imperial spies, they were people the GA wanted on side, the Corellians. Too bad for them it all seemed to be going down the pan. But that wasn't their concern now.
Finishing up getting dressed, she walked to the tall miripanel that was set on the nearby wall, and admired herself, turning this way and that to see how she looked from a variety of angles. And even she was surprised at just how little of her there really was - when one took away the stiflingly heavy robes of a telbun, there was a svelt human being on the inside. Years of carrying that weight and other duties tended to do that.
When she turned back, she found Zanear dressing, his hair now arranged in a rather interesting homage to the Corellian bloodstripe - as if he could have gone unmissed enough to begin with. That was him alright, doing nothing to hide in plain sight, but dazzle instead. The more people looked on and wondered, the more time they got in leiu to get away.
"Very nice, and sophisticated too...you'll have to introduce me to this friend of yours, his taste is good." Arri commented sincerely as she looked over what he would be wearing that night. He, typically, dazzled her with another charming smile, one that left her blushing like a teenager on their first date...well, this was, sort of their first date. Unless you counted what had occurred back at KDY. Now that simply made her smirk, and it wouldn't have taken long for him to have plucked her thoughts out of the air, by force or by expression alone.
While he gave her the lowdown on how long they had, she had already made her mind up about their mode of transport. You only visited places like this on the spur of the moment, so Arri fully intended to enjoy every second.
"Walk...if it's not too far. I'd like to look around along the way, time allowing." She said, settling on the end of a nearby chez lounge and elegantly slipping on the glimmering shoes that had been set aside for the occasion. They'd probably leave her feet raw by the end of the night, but she didn't care, they looked amazing. "You'll have to lead the way though, I'm afraid I'm a total novice when it comes to navigating my way round an old city like this. Somewhere I haven't memorized yet, anyway."
Wasn't that the truth? She reflected, she'd always been given directions, but her sense of direction was completely off the wall. Some found it humerous, Arri found it a curse and a constant source of frustration. Not in the least bit humerous to her.
Standing, she meandered her way over to the large, spanning window, and looked out over the spectacular landscape, there would be many more views to appreciate and commit to memory, but that view drifted out of focus when she caught sight of his reflection in the transparisteel. Now it was her turn to dazzle him with a smile, even one cast back over one demure shoulder.
"All set?"
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Post by kharivestra on Jan 25, 2012 21:18:20 GMT -5
Khari chuckled alloud at that, she could just imagine Tress going to all the trouble of making good of that promise too. Not so good for their inter planetary negotiations, as he well knew, but the thought was very amusing.
"A drop in the ocean, don't bother the corrupt officials now, or I'll have to give them more." She teased rather playfully, in that sly but rueful way she often did. They both knew it was always in jest, but the conspiratorial way in which they acted might have given others the wrong impression. With that in mind, they had exited the speedertaxi and made for their designated hotel. It was a place Khari hadn't really spend much time in prior, though she had been to Corellia before now, and knew of this hotel, it's reputation was good enough for it to be chosen and that was all that really mattered. It was a base of operations for a short while, she didn't imagine they would be spending much time contemplating the drapes.
All too happy to let the hired help carry their things - it came as second nature and expectance anyway - they started up the hotel steps towards the main doors, she with a curious smirk emblazened on her lips, though somehow she managed not to look ridiculously befuddled doing it, and him with that all intentional look in his eyes.
"No danger? No risk? Where's the fun in that." Khari muttered back to him, all mock disappointment and aloof airs, "My plans on the other hand, well...you'll just have to wait and see husband dearest. Oh yes."
She might have tapped him on the end of his nose, that singular gesture of terms so saccharine they could have been glazed fruit. But there were people around and they still hadn't come clean about their marriage...or what it could mean in the grand scheme of things. So far as this went, they were allies, even close allies, one could say, the rest was just media speculation. Who were they to deny or confirm things?
In any case, she wasn't trying to belittle him, merely accent her point, keep him wondering.
Somehow, Khari realized, she actually missed those little games of trying to outdo eachother. Maybe she had been a little harsh painting his ship pink, but he had almost made her disgrace herself in front of the Imperial Regent. How that hadn't made the holonet didn't bear thinking about.
"In that particular order? Because I could really use that bath...that little bothan bratling behind us on the shuttle was shedding..." It needed no further explaination, and as they walked through the ostere doors of the hotel, a moment was spent checking in, grabbing their keys and then it was but a trip away to their suite. Things had gone unacustomedly smoothly, and she wasn't entirely sure why that unsettled her. Things could simply have just been that good, but there it was in plain sight.
When the turbolift doors closed around them, and it was simply they and the attendant droid present, she felt they were in confidence enough to speak a little more freely than when out in the main atrium.
"About what we were discussing before...leaving the boys back on Kuat? They'll be fine, you know...and I know you have been considering taking custody, but I'm not so sure that's wise." It wasn't as simple as he might have thought, but she broached the subject gently, nevertheless. There were several factors he would need to consider, and not least of all was how much of a handful the two little gundarks could be sometimes. They were, after all, miniature versions of Rhy.
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Post by Zanear the Edge on Jan 26, 2012 1:32:44 GMT -5
He admired her as she spoke, her causal yet sophisticated ways totally transformed her from the image she held as a telbun. Her own style and confidence had come to the fore, and he was so very proud of her, and counted himself lucky. Zanear answered her question as she put on her shoes. It's not too far my dear, and a walk in the city would be divine. The lights, the shops, the crowds...it's so intoxicating to me. He breathed in and exhaled in a jovial manner, his smile now a genuine feeling of joy.
He slipped on his own shoes then arrayed his cloak. My dear, the night might be cold, perhaps a shawl at the least? Zanear queried, then went back and got her a wrap that really accented her dress. There, just in case. He seemed to enjoy the opportunity to pamper her with a bit of dress up, everyone would expect fugitives or wanted people to be shady or hiding, certainly not flamboyant and dressed to the nines. Often times the subtle things you do throws off suspicion better then clandestine maneuvers.
He held out his right arm for her to take, then escorted the lovely Arri down and out towards the front entrance. Down by the door there was a rack with canes, and he eyed one with a reptilian head closely. What do you think my dear, is the cane too much? he grinned and held back a laugh. All he would need is an extra large hat to go with it if indeed he was seriously contemplating such a foppish fashion faux pax.
Come, let us enjoy the night! And then they walked out into the city. The night was full on and the lights flashed in the sky in ever changing colors and patterns. They walked along the ped walk slowly, without hurry and he let Arri gaze in every shop and bistro along the way. He set no pace, nor did he remind her of the time, he simply luxuriated in her joy. He watched her; studied her every excitement and movement, whether her gaze went here or there, or what trinket or bauble might catch her eye. If she desired to purchase an item he would simply nod his head in the affirmative, then have the shopkeeper deliver whatever she wanted to their room. This was her moment, he would let her enjoy it fully.
But all in due time they arrived at Starpoint, one of the most exclusive restaurants in all of Corellia. Zanear ignored the line and spoke directly to the man at the door, whispering something in his ear and then procuring a credit chip. Swiftly the pair were ushered in and they went straight to the turbo lift. Up and up it went, and after about twenty or so stories the inside now became outside, the transparisteel view magnificent as they continued to climb into the night sky. They were up to the top when the lift doors opened, and they walked along a velvet red carpet leading to another lift, this one now up into a skyhook.
Traveling along they could see why it was called Starpoint; not only could they see they entire city below them, but a huge amount of the land mass itself. And yet all one had to do was look up, and the stars themselves were visible to the eye. The contrast was breathtaking.
The doors opened once again and the pair were waited on hand and foot, being taken directly to a cozy spot for two. The place was dimly lit yet extravagantly furnished. They were served the finest of Corellian wine and given some quiet time alone to decide on their meals. Zanear of course continued to watch her every move, her every moment as she saw things from this side of the robes rather then as a servant.
After they were finally alone, he slid his hand into hers, holding it as one would hold a delicate flower. My love, a toast, he said, raising the glass with his other hand. To us, and to the future!
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Post by tress on Jan 26, 2012 18:14:18 GMT -5
"It's for that very reason I want to go after him, hes corrupt and i can use it against him. I can blackmail him over the ruin of his reputation, or i can shake him down to secure inside information on things happening from the government here." he was thinking out loud, but he couldn't see it hurting them an anyway. The corrupt official could possibly be getting continual pay offs for his services.
"Would be useful to have an ear or another ear inside the system." was all he said before he dropped the subject. It was up to her, she was better at this sort of thing and knew the implications better than he.
"Been there done that...its time to up the ante." he responded just the same. "Danger and risk have their place, but other things might make it worth your while to experience. That's on my agenda so best to clear a day for that, the other day you can have for whatever it is you planned."
He had to actually come up with something now that he had showed it up some. What could they do? Gold Beaches? A trip to the country side? Shopping spree at Cornet city? He'd come up with something on the spot if anything.
It was the little things like that that had him wondering if she really wanted kids of their own. The bothan bratling was shedding, there was that Kuati snobbery lurking. Though he really knew that it wasn't about that, she didn't mean it in a bad way. It was just what it was, she wanted a shower over being covered in fur.
"Yes, just in that order. Then some relaxation...?" he asked hopefully. He wanted just to stop and do nothing but spend time together. No interruptions, no live threatening situations....just them to alone for once.
Turbo doors closing and he leaned back against the wall and looked at her while she spoke. "I know they will be safe." it wasn't that that he was worried about, it was Anara using them against Rhy or them. If one of them were to get hurt it would ruin everything they had planned with Rhy and all that had been put into motion would be lost.
"Why not? It wouldn't be forever." that was true at least. After the deal had been done, Rhy would able to come back and resume his role as guardian. "I know its a big responsibility and its a daunting task, but maybe we can give them something else to look up to? Show them its not all pomp and snobbery. "
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Post by kharivestra on Jan 26, 2012 20:31:41 GMT -5
Those things had a nasty habit of getting back to a person, but she supposed he already knew that much, he had been the heir to a criminal empire for the majority of his life, and while she, like most on her homeworld, might have dabbled when the occasion suited, he would be in a better position to call that one than she was. Even if she did have to dot the i's and cross the t's. He had a fair point, the corrupt ones had their uses, and everyone had a price, but they were also loose cannons.
"With any luck, this meeting will go a lot better than our last one, and we won't need the help of an inside ear if we can pass through here freely as allies." It certainly couldn't go much worse than the last one. Khari wondered, idly, if the Jedi were still back there, unaware of the complete botch up they'd made of relations. And when their grand master had stated that she'd had 'friends' on Kuat to witness the destruction caused by Kage Dooku, she had seen to it, personally, that every inch of that array underwent a security sweep. Anal that might have been, but Jedi spies were unwelcome spies with few advantages to exploit.
"And if they don't, well we try things your way." She added with a wink. There was more than one way to skin a nexuu.
Khari gave an affirmative chop of the head in understanding. She knew how this went, they both did. And this was the other side of the exchange. She couldn't deny it, it thrilled her as much as made her feel somewhat intrepid, knowing that he might have some way to cause one or two of their days here to go awry in that chaotic fashion that threw she and her rigid sensibilities off on a tangent she had never expected. And likewise, when she realized what he was doing, she would retalliate - it all escalated from there.
So you did what every sensible Kuati woman wouldn't have done, and you married the man. And you don't regret a moment of it. She thought with a smile, just remembering the way she'd delivered that news to Anara. Or rather Tress had. Poor old bat looked like she was about to drop dead on the spot, her daughter, marrying a man. And she? It didn't need further thought than that. Anara was what she was, and always would be. Flighty, stubborn and set in her ways.
"I'll clear two, then." She said wryly, she could almost hear the machinations wirring away in his mind. Trying to second guess her like she was him. "You'll probably want to clear three, yourself. And brace for impact."
That sounded heavenly right now, and after the chaos of the passed few weeks, they had seldom had a moment alone together. One that wasn't spent plotting, working out a new strategy and dealing with aspects of either side of their own little empire here. Worlds could have fallen around them and they'd been so wrapped up in those dealings, neither of them could have noticed. The Kuati had taken a moment to check the status on that bounty they had out on Arri, though, there were leads but nothing concrete. Nothing that screamed 'she was here'. A shame it had come to this, but that was that. She could have no regrets in business and war.
Love though, she didn't want to regret not taking him up on his offer.
"As soon as I have let the representative know we are here, I fully intend to oblige you, and myself, in that very thing. No Knylenn's, No family, No business interruptions." Turning to face him slowly, she drew closer to him, and for a moment took into serious consideration about pushing him back against the turbolift's panneling...but it all seemed a little offputting with that droid present, so in stead she settled for kissing him sultrily, "Just you, and me."
He still didn't trust that Anara wasn't going to use them for her own schemes. She could well understand that, the woman hadn't thought twice about feeding her own daughter false information, which had lead to the death of her biological father. The investigation might have been relegated to a cold case file, but Khari knew that one day, and she hoped she wasn't alive to see it, one day someone would learn the truth.
But the elder Vestra couldn't stand the two Knylenn's, the only member of their family she was even slightly interested in was Rhy - and that wasn't a business or friend relationship. That was lust-convenience and Rhy was just as bad for it too. She couldn't really see her doing anything to harm Rhy, unless he became an inconvenience...and she had seen the way that Logan Prescott had looked when she had told him what Tyber Zann and Anara had been up to.
There was a lot more there than just your average feud, she'd made him mad with that comment, and that pleased Khari no end.
"Don't pull that face at me..." Khari cautioned, she was impervious to a lot of things, but what she'd come to refer to as 'that face' was only used when he was really vying for something. And thus far, she'd been steadfast on the no Knylenn's subject.
"Do you have any idea what they'll grow up to become?....What am I talking about, the evidence is sitting in one of our subsidary companies...Rhy...Tress, they'll become Rhy!"
Emphatic and over exaggerated could have best discribed the way in which she gestured at him, but it didn't seem to be doing much good at all. With a sigh, she them chose to fight fire with fire, and give him her rendition of 'the face'
"Think of our unborn children, Tress...they'll be tainted by association, do you really want your son or daughter growing up looking up to Rhy jr?" Dramatically, she shook her head and went on a little wander to the transparent side of the turbolift, looking out over the cityscape. It was all entirely for effect, "Oh you'll think they'll be fine with us for guidence, but one day you're going to come home from a long trip visiting some distant world and OH NO!" Spinning sharply on her heel, the dramatics had reached their crecendo, a distant, but mockingly woeful look in her dark eyes, glimmering, "They're wearing a big, crushed-velvet, purple hat!"
Even the lift attendant droid seemed a little less than oblivious to what was going on here, perhaps trying to work out what a droid's programming would react to this highly illogical logic of her's. Such a pity so few were programmed with humour recognition, though this worked to her advantage currently.
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Post by tress on Jan 28, 2012 17:24:17 GMT -5
"Well, here's to things working out better then." he gave her a small nod in salute and hoped they did go better. Though he was thinking of other things, things that might help him out in other ways.
"Wonder if i can use it as a good will offering to smooth the ways with that Hutt i mentioned earlier. Groola the Hutt has the ear of the Hutt Council and a friendly gesture could smooth ways to becoming allies if not informal ones." In his way of thinking it offered a chance to amend things with Groola, but also left them out of things. The Hutt was in a better position to deal closely with the corrupt official being on the same planet. They where not, so maybe it could work out for everyones favor. "The Hutts, react to good or bad news differently so we keep an eye on them and plan our moves accordingly".
When their talks turned to other things, he had fun with her in a round about way. He gave no clues, nor did he come out and say what they would be doing really. Cause in reality he had no clue what they were going to be doing.
Way to add the pressure there, wife. Now he had to make them something to remember, but with her it was always like that. Like that first day they had met. Drinks. Making a scene in a club. hanging for life on a balcony. Slaps and other fun memories.
"Ill have to check my schedule first, i had only cleared the two days...." came out as he leaned against the wall. Looking around he smiled and nodded, it was just what he had hoped for. "Two days is pushing it really, I'm a very busy man."He said with airs. Forgetting the fact that his Senatorial aides did the majority of his work which left him free to roam here and there.
He had his eyes closed at that smiling with just picturing that. "Just us two, that i can get used to and we really have to make the time to see that it happens more often than not." opening his eyes he looks at her and grins. "Want to make a weekly date, mandatory alone time just us two no matter what is happening around us?"
When the talk turned to the kids, it sort of took a turn for the worse.
"Your so dramatic, my love." he was grinning.
"Look how far they have come, they are growing out of that." point in case was them wearing country clothes on Anaxes. Up to no good getting dirty and trapping wildlife. He had even taken them camping. They had changed from those high born Kuati to something more relaxed, yes they still switched from the back and forward. "We can show them another way, and our children will be raised by us to be what they want to be."
"There will be rules in our house stating no big, crushed velvet hats allowed." he was teasing her now, pulling her closer so he could wrap his arms around her. "Just think about it, is all i ask."
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Post by arri on Jan 28, 2012 17:35:05 GMT -5
Layers, she had been trying to avoid them out of a compulsion to stamp down the habit. But as he brought her over a matching shawl, she couldn't really refuse his reasoning. It would be cooler out there once the night really drew in, particularly this close to the coastal region. Wrapping it around her shoulders, with his help, she draped it up and under her arms, stylishly, and allowed him to take her arm in his.
Without a moment to spare they had taken to the streets, just taking their time about picking their way to the restraunt and their reservation. Time, it seemed, lapsed into infinity while she was out here among the bustling cantinas, shops and stalls. This area was clearly used to the tourist trade, but there was a destinct presence of security, and several times now Arri had glimpsed the watchful eyes of CorSec from every innocuous corner of every street. It reminded her of the Yuuzhan Vong war, how everyone had been under suspicion because literally anyone could have been an invader in disguise. Now they didn't even have the luxury of being able to discover if someone was an enemy agent. Not easily, persay.
The cane he'd debated over had her torn between chuckling reservedly and and outright telling him her opinion. They had to be the two best dressed people here. The implications he'd clearly been considering in a humerous light, however, made it nigh on impossible to do anythying but smirk.
"Do you possibly think you could make yourself any more rakish than you are currently?" She queried with a raised eyebrow, a healthy dose of cynicsm was never far from the fore.
Her curiosity was overwhelmed by the merriage of everything going on around her. Now that she was free to take it all in, she felt giddy with the essence of it all, almost like an awestruck child trying to take in everything at once and not knowing just where to begin. It was a heady mix, this elation and curiosity both, but one she wouldn't have traded for anything. That he was there to witness it all did embarrass her slightly, and when she would catch a glimpse of him looking her way, or smiling to himself regarding her interest in a particular sight or item, she felt her cheeks flush warmer.
It would have had to have been the thousandth time it had happened, when she turned to him, leaning in close so as not to shout over the humdrum going on all around them, and whispered her weakness.
"Apologies, it's not that I haven't seen these sights before now, it's just now I can truly take them in. They appear shiny and new." She made a small flourish with one hand rather frippantly with a brief giggle, which transformed into a happy sigh thereafter.
"Almost makes you forget there's a bounty on your head, doesn't it?" Was now a good time to explain all about that one? He knew the bare minimum and that was, essentially, all he really needed to know. Maybe, one day, if he ever inquired about her past, she would tell him. But by then there was a chance that whoever would catch up with her. It wasn't wise to dwell, and this was supposed to be an enjoyable moment. In kind, that was exactly what she intended to do, enjoy the moment.
Their walk had taken them through the winding streets of the city, sticking to the more affluent areas since they were on foot. But eventually culminating at their arrival. The restraunt was every bit as bijou as it was ostere, precisely the sort of place she would have been taken on numerous worlds, and then asked to make herself as inconspicuous as possible...which was rather difficult in all that garb.
It was to her surprise that they were lead on something of a tour, taken to a nice, cozy spot out of the way, perhaps usually designated for VIP use only, she couldn't be sure, and left alone to make their decisions. At least this menu she could read - she'd had a momentary look at the on-offer signs and notices at countless establishments along the way, and found herself frowning in consternation at just what some of the delights on offer were. These, though, now these made sense.
Sat near a large balcony view window, they had one of the best views in the house, and while she admired it, she would always look back every so often, when she caught sight of him looking her way in the reflection of the glass.
As the waiter poured them a glass of the finest corellian wine, he drew her attention again, violet eyes glimmering opalescently, taking hold of her hand delicately and proposing a toast.
Now that was something she could drink to. Picking up her glass with her free hand, she raised it to 'clink' against his, then took a small sip of the crisp tasting beverage.
"To us and the future" Arri repeated, smiles all round it seemed until she took to glancing at what seemed to be a small gathering across the street below them.
Curiosity piqued as ever, she nodded her head in the direction of the interest.
"What do you suppose is going on there?"
A sizable bunch of CorSec operatives had gathered around a speeder taxi, outside the Coronet Grande Hotel, waitying for the occupants to disembark and walk their way up the steps to the entrance. No force in the galaxy could have prepared Arri for what she'd see next, though - and when it happened, she nearly choked on that austentaciously expensive wine.
She wasn't certain at first, but the moment that one of the figures, then the next, turned around to pick up a few things before heading up the long set of steps, she knew.
"Sithspit...."
This wasn't supposed to happen, what were they doing here?!
Calming the welling sense of panic before it had chance to grip her fully, Arri turned away from the window, and took a very large gulp of wine. When her nerves steadied, she looked sideways at Zanear sharply.
"Tell me that's not really our Kuati friends, please." She hissed conspiratorially, they weren't in full view here so it would have been extremely difficult for either Khari or Tress to have eyeballed them at such a far distance, and such a poor vantage point. But Arri wasn't taking that chance for thr sake of a second peek.
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Post by kharivestra on Jan 28, 2012 18:19:20 GMT -5
"Yes, you looked extremely busy snoozing all the way from the jump point to ground. And that moment you spend snoring your way through the in-flight safety talk...positively flat out with effort." Khari sarked quite merrily, making it all appear completely natural. She could have woken him at any point, of course, but had chosen in stead to record the event on the sly with her personal datapad's holorecorder, keeping her promise to the ever increasingly clingy Rufus Knylenn to keep a holo-diary of all the fun they were having on this trip that was too dangerous for him to come along on.
There was the added bonus that in doing so, she'd play it back to him later and watch his embarrassment...though she had woken him up before he'd started talking in his sleep, they were in public and nobody needed to hear 'that'.
"If you wanted me to give you a glowing relations report to your superiors, you need only ask. Not that you're going to be working for the senate much longer. Shouldn't you be trying to disuade me from making this move, by any means necessary right about now?"
He didn't really need to ask that question, she was already nodding. That was a given, a must.
"As long as we're not being shot at, blasted or generally harrassed at the time, yes. That goes for shooting me, too, by the way." Lightly, she poked his chest at the center, applying just a small ammount of pressure right where he'd managed to stun her all those weeks ago. It seemed like a lifetime already, and how far they had come in such a small ammount of time.
Though half of her expected for him to try some sort of crazy stunt at any given moment, she wouldn't have changed that in him. From day one he'd been a little unhinged in his daringness. Making assumptions which had lead to her walking out on him insulted, and then he hanging by his nails from her hotel balcony while commenting on what nice pins she had. But that was Tress, and she was herself, responding in that uppity way that was synonymous with her by now, and making a crack about his lack of jet pack to go with it. The memory drew a small laugh from her, and when she expected him to question she answered ahead of time.
"No dangerous climbing expeditions this time, though hmm?"
Kissing him softly, again, the subject had drawn onto the custody of the Knylenn boys again. She had only been half joking about their kids being tainted by association. Maybe even three quarters, but a sliver of that portion was truth. Yes, they had calmed down significantly with much more to do than ordering their servants around and expecting to be able to cause chaos without any due rammifications. And indeed, she would be lying if she said she hadn't grown fond of them and their brand of mayhem...in small doses. But the decree had been for Anara to take care of them, she was just going to use that against them.
"Your so dramatic, my love." he was grinning.
Dramatic was the correct word, intentional and prudent both. But she allowed him to cajole her into this one, just as he'd pulled her into his arms with due affect. She always seemed to relax some when he did that. And this time, she hung her head slightly, distant for a moment, but brightening after - Khari knew she was going to regret this.
"I'll think about it. But I stress THINK."
The droid announced their arrival at the top floor, and the doors opened to reveal a long hallway beyond. One step closer to a small bit of downtime, and a communique later, they'd be settled for the evening. She'd been itching to go somewhere lately too, on non official terms that was.
"Come on, let's drop off our things and you can pick somewhere to go tonight. Just don't order me an eyeblaster again...I've still not recovered from the burning liquidy delights of the last one."
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