(FYI Snipes, what my character says in private he won't say in public.  Generally he won't say anything at all and his conversations are brief.  I would not discuss wine with someone at the bar, nor would I argue with you.  Arturus is reserved and quiet in public, and is always observing and processing what he sees, rather than participating in it.  He also is aloof, but not pompous, because he knows he is more intelligent than most of the people in the crowd, and he's a classical imperial officer in many ways).

Aeos tugged at the hem of the very stiff dress jacket she was wearing, flashing the fallen standing opposite her an awkward smile.

“You can take a girl off the farm, but not the farm out of the girl,” Maze mused with a twinkle in his eyes.

“I am just not a fan of this type of thing,” she retorted, finally managing to pull the uniform together. The skirt felt uncomfortable, and her shirt felt as if it had been ironed one too many times. 

The palace was magnificent. The crystals of the ice twinkled spectacularly while waiters gracefully went about their serving business in stiff icy blue suits meant to match the interior of the building. The huge ten feet tall windows gave way to another magnificent view of water, crater and destruction. The lush flora outside served as a beautiful frame to the lake who mirrored the starry night sky and the small peak of the mountain still visible in the pale moonlight.

Across the room, another individual just entered, and Aeos’ eyes lit up unexpectedly. Maze arched his eyebrows and turned around following her gaze where it settled on a giant of a man.

“Didn’t think he is your type,” he commented softly.

“Oh hush you, he’s new to the squad. Better go and drag his sorry face to the cocktail bar,” Aeos muttered with a small smile now glancing at Maze again.

She remembered when she first met him. It was on a small off-world mission to a grimy little circus. No matter how much she fought it, the falleen’s physical attributes completely overwhelmed her causing Merrick and Kami to doubt her competency as a squad-leader. Good times.

“If you will excuse me, my dear,” she made a small bow to the falleen who graciously returned the gesture.

“Jeg! Over here!” Aeos cried out, rushing over to the giant. The giant looked up, for a moment his face darkened before lighting up. The strong feutures of his face broke into a nervous grin of recognition before scoffing and gesturing at his uniform in a frown. Aeos snickered as she reached him and pointed to her skirt.

“Now there is something you don’t see every day,” he muttered in light humor.

The two shared a good laugh before an sudden awareness of each other stifled the chatty atmosphere. Aeos coughed and looked at Jegora.

“Didn’t know you were coming,”

“Angel said something about politeness and a social life,” the large man mumbled drawing another laugh from Aeos.

“Good, which means I have a date as of right now,”
Jegora’s eyes widened in surprise while  his mouth twitched into a nervous grimace.

“Charming,” he muttered again casting his eyes to the ceiling.
Trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach, Aeos grabbed Jegora by the one arm, and proceeded to give him a small tour of the current events and locations.

“You will be sitting over there,” she muttered pointing him to a place on a long rectangular table filled with a few other guests as well already. He nodded and started making his way over to the reserved spot while Aeos started making her way to the a small stage with a podium raised above the mixing crowd of Imperials.

She gave a small nod to a sullastan talking with Wicket, his ears covered with small and purpled puffy earphone. The music gradually started to fade off, leaving an excited crowd whispering about and turning to Aeos who was now trying to fight the urge not the blink every second at strong azure spotlight shining down on her.

“Rightio, I can see we all have benefited nicely so far from the open bar so far, try not to get too carried away,” Aeos started speaking into the hand-held microphone in her hands. Ancient tradition had always made use of this hand-held device and for Aeos it was quite queer.


“First of all, Snipes, where are you?” she called into the crowd. A soft whooooo!  with a bark-like yell sounded, and the crowd suddenly started separating as the eccentric Raiders Squad-Leader made his way towards the stage as well. Snipes carried him as gracefully as he could manage up the stairs and made his stance next to Aeos wearing a sloppy grin.

Aeos nodded to him with a big smile.

“I’d like to first say thank you all for coming to this event!” she shouted earning a big applause from the crowd who by now wouldn’t care if it was Rizzit or Cosmic making a speech.
“Firstly, to Field Marshal Fury, welcome to this very modest little event, and we hope you will enjoy your night thoroughly,”  Aeos lifted a glass towards a slightly darkened corner of the one side of the room.

“We are not going to make our speeches yet, I can see a few hungry guests, we’ll follow dinner with the rest of the formalities. Please make your way to your table where hors d'œuvre will be served while our entertainers will set to work with a show of icy acrobatic performed. The menus can be found on the tables.  Enjoy my dear guests,”

Snipes winked cockily at the crowd, made a sweeping bow and grabbed the microphone from Aeos.
“The greatest speech will be performed live later tonight by yours truly followed by the Pink Deathrocker star band,”

OOC:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Food Use this link to make up your own meal. Each table is receiving a different meal.
The Menu

At least with the Reconnaissance Troop Transporter I didn't scare off the valets Tank mused as he entered the the massive edifice.  The stormtrooper straightened out his army dress uniform, the red bloodstripes a recent addition.  The invite was a pleasant surprise.  Tank wasn't sure about attending, but his friend and ASL had talked him into it.

Looking around he spotted Garryll and Tanus; and did a double-take.  Tanus was shedding climbing gear while casually speaking with Garryll and a couple officers Tank didn't recognize.  As Tanus smoothed out his dress uniform Aeos was making introductions and other announcements from the podium.

Tank searched for his assigned table and found it after a few moments.  Most of the others were seated already and were reviewing the menu.  As Tank seated himself he noticed he was in the company of Pvts and PFCs.  He didn't know a single one.  Polite introductions were made, during which Tank got the impression most of them were far more nervous than he himself was.

This is an impressive menu Tank mused.  Braised nerf with Crystalweeds, Factryn meat pie, Rycrit stew with a side dish of Sautéed Munch-fungus, Munch-fungus bread (even available as breadsticks), drinks and desserts from all over the galaxy.  Whoo!  Better pace myself; that they have every Corellian dish in creation is a minor footnote here...

When the server came round their table Tank decided to start with the Braised nerf with Crystalweeds and wash it down with a glass of Twistler.  That would give him time to decide about the Factryn meat pie or the Rycrit stew; or both.  While he waited he glanced over to see Kanderin dancing with an amazingly beautiful woman.  When Tank realized it was Helena, he was glad he was sitting down.  The Pvt seated to his left made a crass comment and was promptly backhanded by Tank, who quietly but forcefully corrected the young troopers behavior.

A moment later a waitress arrived with a cart and started setting peoples' orders on the table.  As she placed Tank's Braised nerf with Crystalweeds he placed the order for the Rycrit stew with a side dish of Sautéed Munch-fungus, Munch-fungus breadsticks, a serviving of Factryn meat pie, a slice of Air cake and a carafe of Corellian noale to wash it down.

"make that two slices of Air cake and a double of Ryshcate." Saphira ordered as she took the seat to Tank's right.  "I'll have a bottle of Fermented fungus ale and one of Whyrren's Reserve, thank you." she finished flashing a smile at the server whilst her hand snatched up a fork and stabbed it into Tank's Braised nerf, stealing a quick bite as the waitress left with the empty cart.  Turning back to Tank, "So what did I miss?" she asked before stealing another bite.

Tank blinked once.  Twice.  "Nothing much.  You probably heard Aeos thanking Fury and a few others as you came in.  The major announcements are being held off for a bit, giving us a chance to eat."  Taking a forkful of nerf with Crystalweeds he resigned himself to sharing with Saph.  He didn't mind.  As they ravenously devoured the Braised nerf with Crystalweeds the PVTs and PFCs gradually snapped out of their shock and focused on their own dishes.

Tank was amused to note the others were much more visibly affected by Saphira's presence than himself, though admittedly it was through a herculean effort that he didn't make a fool of himself when he saw her in that magnificent dress.  He couldn't saw which affected the others more; how stunning Saphira looked in that dress or the fact that she was the drill instructor for most everyone at the table.

As they finished the nerf the Factryn meat pie arrived.  "The Rycrit stew will be a few more minutes" the waitress announced as she set the pie and Air cakes on the table, followed by the carafe and two bottles.  Tank made small talk as they picked at the Factryn meat pie (which was quite good), talking about new starfighters and vehicles at the ICS while his thoughts lingered on her choice of ordering the ryshcate...

Noticing everyone sat down, Helena quickly located her squad and sat with them on the large table. The drapes over the tables were magnificent, white in colour and laced around the edge to make a feminine effect on the trim. As Helena sat down, she scooped her dress underneath her, making sure she sat on it and nothing could be seen. She gave a quick smile towards Kanderin who sat to her right and then picked up her wine glass. The dark liquid sloshed around as she swilled it before taking in the essence it gave off.

“Mmm, vintage” she replied, before taking a sip and moving it around her mouth to savour the flavour.

“Only the best and expensive for you eh?” Kanderin replied, taking a gulp of his beer.

“Shh you, when it comes to alcohol you can’t afford to have the cheap stuff”

“What exactly is it Helena?” Leon asked, tipping his head to the side.

“Wine my dear Leon, something you wouldn’t know about” she giggled before placing the glass down.

Leon gave Helena a quick glare before looking at the menu. Helena followed soon after to be disgusted at what she saw. It was a whole section of dewback. She closed her eyes tight before taking a deep breath and moving on. She didn’t want to have a soup, it was far too messy and she didn’t want to run the risk of actually getting it onto her very expensive dress. That would be far too embarrassing for her. She then came across ‘Happy-Patty’ that brought memories back to her as a child. She smiled to herself and giggled before moving on once again. She couldn’t find anything that really took her fancy. She was a fussy eater.

“Kand, what are you having?” She asked.

“Hmm, I’m not sure” he answered, flicking over the pages for the well thought out menu.

Helena sighed, and then began looking again. She then smiled. She had finally found something she liked. Just in time to, the waitress had just began her rounds of the different tables.

“What can I get you Miss Leucine?” She curtsied politely.

“I’ll have the Berbersian Crab please” she gave a smile.

“And you?” She looked over to Kanderin.

“I’ll have the same please”

That was when the whole squad chimed in with the same.

“You don’t even like crab” Helena replied.

“I’m always up for trying things” Kand replied.

“Thank you guys, I’ll be back with your food momentarily”

The waitress then ran off, then literally seconds after came back with a huge trolley of food.

“She wasn’t kidding eh?” RK replied.

“Here you go guys, if you need anything just give me a shout”

She placed the food onto the table and Kand’s face scrunched up as he saw it. Helena gave him the serves you right kind of look and picked up her knife and fork gracefully. She had received a funny look from the squad as she began taking mini mouthfuls.

“What?”

“You use your knife and fork in the wrong hands” the squad giggled.

“Not my fault” she shrugged and continued eating, pausing every now and then to have a chat or take a sip of her red wine.

Gates had his feet on the table, his jacket on the chair- made of ice. He still couldn't get over it. He had a glass of champagne near his feet, and Orobos kept casting dark looks at his feet.

Tanus shifted in his seat, looking at the boots next to his food.

"Nice boots. Order your damn meal already."

Gates sighed, dropping his feet to the floor with a thud. The waitress looked despairingly at the man, her facial expressions zooming through, 'Oh god, not again,' 'dammit!' and finally, resignation.

"Don't worry, my dear, I shall not act obnoxiously to you while ordering," Gates said in a deep voice.

Orobos hit him. "Dammit Gates, take this seriously, it's a party."

"Right, I'll have a steak."

"Sir, of what animal?"

Gates shrugged. "Um, whatever he's eating," Gates said, pointing at a Navy man in a group of his friends, laughing his head off.

"Yes sir, of course." She moved on to Orobos.

"Hey Tank, Saph, why're you sitting at the kids' table?" Gates laughed, pointing at the PFC's and Privates. "C'mon, I'm not that bad!"

Lucky looked deep into Alan's eyes as they swayed to the slow, romantic music, cherishing every moment of this event. as the song ended and another came on, the tempo was the same but the sound was sweeter, she lay her head on Alan's shoulder and listened to everything around her: the slow beat of the music, each instrument she could identify, Alan's slow breathing near her ear and the vibes of everyone moving around them. After five more dances however, her feet were sore and she was starting to get hungry.

Looking up at Alan, she smiled up at him, gave him a light kiss and looked at the candle-lit tables in the corner. "All this dancing has worked up my appetite, you in for a bite to eat?"

"Definitely."

She took his hand and they slowly walked to a table and took a seat. A waiter saw them and walked over. Smiling at them politely he asked what they would have.

"Could we have a combined platter?"

"Certainly, madam"

She looked down at the menu, pensive. Alan looked over her shoulder and she picked out some Corellian and Tatooinian foods and drinks.

"Could we have a bottle of Whyren's Reserve,some Charbote root, a slice of spiceloaf and some Tatooine Flatbread?"

"All excellent choices, your meal will arrive shortly."

"Thank you."

With that the waiter walked away and they were once again left in each other's company. "Wonder if r2 and betty have gotten into a fight yet."

"Don't know and if they have, they'll have to resolve it themselves."

Smiling, she gave him a soft kiss as the waiter came back with a bottle of Whyren's Reserve.

She ate her meal slowly, savoring every morsel until there was nothing left on her plate. Boy was I hungry, she turned her head in Alan's direction who was still eating and was staring at her, his mouth full. She smiled which made him smile in turn and she waited until he had finished his food before speaking.

"You sure finished fast" he commented, laughing.

"Guess I was really hungry", he laughed even harder before giving her a quick kiss.

She took the bottle of Whyren's and poured them both another glass. as she was taking a sip, the waiter came by their table and asked if they wanted anything else. Both declined, they had eaten a lot and were thus full. Before the waiter walked away, she asked for their tab and sat silently for a minute, admiring the silence about their immediate environment and watched everyone who were either dining at a table, sitting at the bar or dancing.

She took her time looking around and sighed with contentment.

"Ready for another dance?"

"I think I'll just sit awhile and digest what i just ate."

"Good plan"

The waiter came by with the note and she paid him before he smiled at her and walked away.

Everyone seemed to be having a good time, but it was a tad awkward for Fury.

He spent some time talking to the Corps folks, but they couldn't discuss their current missions with him so he figured he'd better go.

He went over to the Navy folks, but their only ties were business and, well, this wasn't the time or place for that.

Presumably there were Dark Jedi running about behind the walls or communing with the Force in the men's room or something, but he couldn't feel them so no use looking for them. No ties with them other than a mysterious order from time to time.

So...he finally gravitated to the bar, talking to the various support staff and crewers. Commodore Elith was nice enough to dance a few numbers with him, but mostly he was making small talk with those who made the Empire work from day to day while doing a better than average at avoiding the sycophants and hangers-on looking for some kind of political favor.

He'd rather buy a round for the chauffers than be buttered up with free liquor from a politician's aide. How they got into a military ball was beyond him.

Somehow a couple cases of very good Whyren's had made it to the ball and that was flowing nicely. He kept his smoke whiskey for the time being. That was almost harder to get his hands on.

He noticed a cluster of retired troopers heading towards the gaming tables and figured he might have found a home for the night. If nothing else, he could gamble a few hands and not have to worry about hearing some state secret he shouldn't be listening to.

Jegora was, for lack of a better word, nervous. He had never attended anything like the Imperial Ball before, and he was finding it quite distasteful. Not only were there just too many people present, but Jegora found his Class-A dress uniform quite uncomfortable. Glancing around, he shook his head. Some of the people in attendance seemed to be enjoying themselves, and Jegora envied them.

Sitting with his fellow Jesters at a table near the edge of the room, Jegora waited for his meal to be brought to him. After the standard delay it arrived, along with everyone else’s. Never one to waste good food, Jegora dug in. After the first few mouthfuls he realized the rest of his companions were staring at him. Swallowing his mouthful of food, Jegora looked around.

“What?” he asked innocently, taking another bite of his steak. As he chewed, Angel began to laugh. Shortly, the rest of the squad broke into quiet laughter, while Jegora continued to eat, feeling very self-conscious.

Eventually everyone finished their meals, and waiters came to take the dishes away. Once the tables were clear wine was brought out for the patrons. Jegora, unlike most of his companions, refused the drink, explaining that he couldn’t drink anything but Corellian Ale. As he sat at the table, watching his friends sip their drinks and talk about things that weren’t really important, Jegora let his thoughts wander.

He was shaken out of his reverie by a light touch on his shoulder. Looking up, Jegora’s eyes found Aeos’ face staring down at him. He was suddenly mesmerized, unable to move or speak.

Suddenly, Aeos giggled, breaking the moment. “How about a dance?” she asked. Jegora just nodded, letting himself be led out onto the floor. It was only then that Jegora remembered he couldn’t dance.

OOC:

This was before Lucky's post.

A few silent moments passed on the Wraith table as the squad tucked into their meals. Helena held the crab filled fork to her pursed lips before opening her mouth and savouring the rich creamy flavour. The hall glistened and glimmered in the lighting which surprisingly didn’t melt it, considering it was all ice. Helena, not wearing the most suitable outfit for the cold, was starting to feel the chill of the ice from the chair greet her bare skin on her legs. She quickly finished up her meal in record time. Tapping Kanderin’s shoulder and smiling warmly, she took his hand pulling him up out of his chair.

“What was that for, I’ve not finished yet?” He questioned as his silver ware went flying across the table, almost hitting RK square in the forehead.

“Come dance?” She smiled, clutching her hand around his.

“If we have to” he smirked back.

She pulled him from the table and led him to the dance floor, to which many were still at it, drunk, but still at it. The music varied in tempo, making it cater for everyone. Kand had just got the hang of dancing after a few songs had past when Helena dragged him back to the bar. Helena slumped into an iced bar stool and waited for the bartender to work his way around to her.

“What can I get ya sweet cheeks?” He said with a wink.

“I’ll get a umm, peach schnapps” She blushed.

“Actually, make that two”

“Sure thing”

He briskly walked to the edge of the bar, locating a pink bottle and bringing it back to Helena. He then reached for 2 upturned glasses and placed them in front of her, pouring the pink liquid into them.

“There you go” he smiled once more.

“Thank you”

Helena bit her lip, and brought Kand back to the table to be with the others.

“Seemed like you were having fun” Ron laughed.

“Shut up will you. You can take the next dance” Kand replied trying to catch his breath still.

Meh

just arriving to the party of some sort, skrat saw many, many unfamiliar faces. That could be for he had bad memory and plus he was just a recruit. Knowing, since ice wasnt his sort of idea of "enjoyment", he knew he probably wouldnt have a good night. Plus seeing all the dates that were human and he was pretty much the only Trandoshan for miles upon miles, he doubted many things would go to his liking. Atleast i brought something to do while im in the ice-hole, he thought to himself. While waiting for a fight or something "exciting" to break out, he ordered up a few drinks and sat in a dark spot in the back of the bar, hoping to have peace and somewhat quiet.

Requiem stood still in his chair as he than fluffed his collar, he continued to get ready to go back into the ball's center to look for some companions. He had never actually been on the hunt before, but something told him he was ready to go for it I've seen enough movies to know what I'm doing he slowly got up and looked to Zeshaun as he somehow had a menacing look on his face, they exchanged glances back and forth. Requiem slid the rest of his ale over to Zeshaun and than spoke out.

" You look like you need it more than I do " he laughed and Nick did as well as he than pushed back his chair. He than slid from his seat and continued to fix his suit. He felt a foot in front of his at the last second but couldn't retaliate and tripped and fell to the floor in a clatter.

" What the hell Zeshaun ? " Requiem yelled in protest as he than raised his arm's high into the air. He than turned to his left and his right only to see the guest's of the imperial ball staring him down with unusual look's on their faces.

He tried to calm down the crowd. " Oh, uh sorry. . .  small misunderstanding, go back to your lives " Requiem said as he turned around on the spot trying to speak to every guest. Requiem than slowly sunk back down in a heap in his old chair and looked over to Zeshaun.

" You just made me look like an idiot. . ."Requiem said as he looked to Zeshaun with an angry look in his eye.

" Oh that's just the beginning " Zeshaun said under his breath to make sure no one heard.

" What ? " Requiem asked since he heard a small fraction of his dialogue.

" Nothing go back to the dance floor, I think I heard the girl's calling you. . ." Zeshaun said as he held back a snicker.

Requiem gave Zeshaun the 'Evil Eye' and than continued to fix his Tux he than tripped over his own shoelace and than caught his footing before he fully capsized. Requiem winced and than placed his hand to his forehead. Requiem than continued to step towards the 3 girl's in a small pack watching him from afar. look good, act cool, you got this in the bag Req Requiem than stood still as he saw Alan and Lucky swoop in front of him and than stop as they gave him a stare.

" Where are you going ? " Lucky asked as Alan and her rotated in the same spot.

" Over there " Requiem said as he tried the step forward. They stopped him in his tracks, and they than blocked his way.

" You've made a fool of yourself already Requiem. . .we dont need anything else to make fun of you for tommorow sit down. . ." Alan confessed as he grabbed a rose from a table's vase and than placed it in his mouth.

Requiem turned on the spot and walked back to the table and he swore he heard the word " TANGO " being yelled across the ballroom in a muffled voice and he took it to be Alan's. Requiem sat down in a heap at his table as Nick and Zeshaun looked at him, he than slowly scrunched up his face and stuck out his tongue like a child. player haters. . .

Darkness filled the outside, in contrast to the illuminated building that the Imperial Ball was taking place in.  Kristof O’Neill made his way inside; he was a short bit late for the festivities, but it did not seem to really bug him. When he approached the door to the building, it slid open, at which time the area glowed with the lights and sounds of the ball. He gave a short half-laugh, and entered. Upon which he walked up towards the doors to the main room.

“May I take your coat, sir?” The coat checker asked.
Kristof could see that the man was bored to hell with his job; always asking the same question, and getting the same answer.

“No.” he said with a small grin.

The man looked in almost shock at the answer, “Very well? Have a good evening.”

“Yeah…” Kristof said as he continued into the main room.
‘Why the hell am I here? I hate social functions…’
He looked across the room, and saw all the members of the Vast Empire socializing with each other, getting to know their comrades.
’What a great party …’ he thought to himself as he walked into the room.
He reached into his coat pocket to make sure it was still there, he made sure it was before he left, but he checked again.  He shook the bottle, he then knew it was there.  With the hand in his pocket, he opened the bottle and removed two of the capsules. Sealing the bottle, he set the capsules under the bottle, he would not be leaving them there long.
He walked up to the bar, and asked the bartender.

“What can I get for you, sir?” the bartender asked.

“How much for a pint of ale?”

“Open bar, no cost.”

“Alright then.”

“Variant?” the bartender strangely asked.

“Excuse me?” Kristof asked, confused at what he asked.

“What variant of ale would you like?”

“Hell if I know, I don’t drink.”

“Fair enough then, I’ll just get you the most popular kind.”

“Okay?” He said, not really concerning himself with anything the guy was saying.

Kristof looked around the room, still a boring party, no action.

“Your drink, sir.” The bartender said, as he set a pint in front of Kristof.

He looked at it, and then turned back to the party. He was just strangely staring off into nothing, as if his mind was somewhere else. Then, out of nowhere, he faked a cough, and slipped the two Urtazox capsules into his mouth. He then picked up the pint of ale, and got a drink.

“Can I smoke in here, or will they throw me out?” he asked the man.

“Hrm… good question. I know there is an area out the door to the far right where some events use for a smoking area, but I am not sure about this one.”

“Another pint.”

“Alright …” the bartender said confused, as he looked at the full pint that he already had.

As the bartender filled the glass, Kristof pulled out a credit chip for five credits.

“Here you are, Sir.” The bartender said as he set it down.

“Thanks…” Kristof said, as he set down the chip, and picked up both glasses. He then got up and walked towards the door.

[[You really think you are going to fit in here? You think this will make up for all you have lost?]] the voice said.

“Quiet you, I really don’t care.” He mumbled to himself.

[[You are just running from you past, it is futile. Eventually you will see that these people are not your family. Your family is gone, and nothing can replace that.]]

He continued to walk towards the door, “Enough.” He said.

[[What? After all these years, you are sick of hearing me? I am your conscious… I am your soul.]]

“I said enough!” he loudly said as he stopped walking.

A few people turned to see what was going on, but seeing nothing strange went back to the festivities. Kristof again started to walk, and headed for the door at the far right.

Tank and Saphira took their time enjoying the air cakes before tearing into the Rycrit stew and Sautéed Munch-fungus.  Being a first-timer Tank was amazed at how good it was!  Tank couldn't help making "mm-mmmn" sounds of approval, This is even better than Saphy described!! he thought.  Saph for her part acknowledged Tank's tacit appreciation with a knowing grin between bites.

Pouring herself and Tank each a glass of Fermented fungus ale they washed the wonderful stew down.  Following Saph's lead, Tank used a Munch-fungus breadstick to mop up the remnants of the tasty stew.  Again he couldn't contain the inevitable "Mmmmnn" reaction to the ecstacy his tastebuds were experiencing.

Gates was oblivious as he chatted it up with Orobos (why did notice but politely said nothing).  Oro was just glad he was succeeding at keeping his food away from his ASL's feet...

Finishing up the breadsticks, Tank fished a small package from his jacket pocket.  Saph looked at him quizzically.  "Happy holidays, Saphira.  I saw this in the Imperial Center Store and just knew you had to have it."  Tank smiled as he handed it to her.

"Why thank your Tank!  You shouldn't have." she said smiling back as she took it in her hands, her lekku twitching in anticipation.  Barely containing herself she tore open the wrappings.  Opening the box delicately she was nicely surprised by the Ruusan necklace she found inside.  Faster than Tank could blink she gave him a quick kiss then asked "Help me get it on?"

Clearing his throat "Of course.  It would be my pleasure."  Saph turned her back to him as he draped the light chains around her neck and latched the clasps together.

Saph noticed that their Ryshcate hadn't arrived yet and had an idea.  Smiling mischievously she stood and pulled the taller stormtrooper to his feet.  "Our ryshcate hasn't arrived yet, so we should have time for a dance.." she said as she led him to the dance floor.

OOC:

dancing to ultraviolet http://view.playlist.com/14492853771/asx

Tank was a little nervous; he never considered himself a great dancer.  Tank consoled himself with the fact he hadn't had any complaints as he resigned himself to his fate.  With a little effort he relaxed and followed Saphira's movements, flowing into the rythm of the music.

"Not bad trooper..." Saph said as the song ended.  "I'd say you were enjoying that, near the end.." she said playfully.

Before he could answer her Helena surprised them both "May I cut in?" she asked as another track of dance music started.  "I seem to have worn the others out..." she said flicking her thumb toward her squad's table.  Sure enough, all her squadmates were slouched in their seats, most too tired to move.  One Tank couldn't recognize was barely able to eat, but Kand was ravenously ripping through a meaty dish to get his strength back.  As Tank noted a few men at neighboring tables in a similar state he heard Saph...

"Sure you can borrow him!  Don't worry Tank!  I'll save plenty of ryshcate for you!" she said with a wicked grin as she retreated to the BlackJack's table.  With a strength that surprised him, Helena hauled Tank back onto the dance floor and started dancing to the rythm without missing a beat.  Tank was impressed.  And a little worried.  He didn't know Helena half as well as Saph, and she outranks him.  I hope I'm not turning too red he though as this dance was more hands on than the dance with Saph, but Helena was the one in charge and Tank did his best to keep up.

By the time the dance ended Tank was relived.  "Thanks Tank. Your not bad, you just need to loosen up more an' relax" she said.

"Thank you, Helena." he said as he made a slight bow.  As Kand took her back for the next number, Tank made his way back to Saphira and the Ryshcate.

Gnawing absently on a piece of ryshcate Saphira grinned and handed a piece to Tank as he took his seat.  "The warrior returns!" she says before taking a biteof her own ryshcate.

Tank gives her a look that says 'be nice' as he sinks his teeth into the ryshcate Saph gave him.  Saph and Tank eat their ryshcates in silence for a bit as Garryll's jokes has Oro rolling his eyes.  Eventually Saph opens the bottle of Whyrren's Reserve and pours glasses for herself and Tank. 

"Come on Tank, admit it.  You're having fun!" she said then quaffed a shot of ale.

Tank smiled back at her, "Yeah.  I am." he admitted before taking a shot himself.  Together they made small talk as they ate the ryshcate and washed it down with shots of Whyrren's Reserve.  As they finished the ryshcate a song Saph liked started playing, and she brooked no objections as she took Tank back out on the dance floor...

Tonight is a good night.  I'll have to thank Garryll for talking me into it... he mused as he danced with Saph.  Interesting, and nice...

"You know, i could help you with your technique sometime" Saph offered as they danced. 

"I think I'll take you up on that offer..." he answered... noting Kand and Helena were still going...  They look happy....