The building was large.  It was one of the few buildings on Tadath that stood four stories.  It was marble white, and had several men stationed out front.  The walls of the building were covored with creeping vine.  The building resembled the Old World style, and seemed to carch the eye of any passers by.  It was the home of Theron Batnamoc, one of the Imperial Moffs.  He had requested his most trusted advisors to join him at this party.
    Sergeant Slick stepped out of the hover limosine, and glanced at the building.  He was stunned by the elegance of the building, and was impressed by the style.  He knew that such a building would cost a fortune... That was the difference between troopers, and bureaucrat's.  Remembering his manners his extended his arm, and it was quickly taken.  Sergeant Evani took his arm, and glanced at the building.  She smiled at Slick, and he returned the smile.  Both troopers knew that they were out of their environment.  The military dress uniforms seemed to constrict their movements.  And both knew that they were unarmed... which made the entire ordeal worse.
    Slick gave a smile to Evani. and the two of them headed towards the doors of the building.  She gave him a small smile in return, but Slick wouldn't put it past her to have a knife hidden in her uniform.  Several Imperial valet's approached them, but Slick waved his hand, and they quickly retreated.  They mounted the steps, and the doors were quickly opened.  They entered the room, and were quite taken aback.  Many of their former squad mates were there... as well as many of their superiors.  They glanced at each other, and headed towards the refreshment table.  As they reached the table they both say a familiar face.

Slick grinned, "Gunnery sergeant Snipes. It is a pleasure to see you here!  Glad you could make it.  And this young lady is.....?"
 
-----------------------
Sergeant Slick
-=Wraith Squad=--=SL=-
SL/SGT Slick/4SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath[LoR][CoR][CoH]

Evani threw her head back as a laugh escaped from her mouth.

"Interesting guy" she muttered as she stifled her laugh.
"Why's that?" asked Slick curiously as he extended his arm once more towards Evani.
"He seems...unique" she answered as Slick lead them to through the crowd.  His usually ruffled  brown hair were neatly combed, and the  solemn frown he bore on his face during missions were replaced with a beaming grin.  The last time she had seen him was when the platoon assigned squads together in missions.

It certainly was a different setting as Evani glanced around her. When she wasn't on a mission filled with death and other unpleasant threats,
She was either at class or in the Drill grounds pushing her physical self. The roughly made pathways through the bush were now replaced with a fine carpet gracing a beautifully tiled floor. The fierce forests, and training camps were replaced with fine windows and marble white walls replaced the sky. The only spoil was the random security who's rifle poked from behind a pillar. It felt odd not being part of the security squads placed in and outside the building.

"You think anyone would try something?" asked a very familiar voice. Evani spun around surprised.
"Darr!" she exclaimed beaming with a smile throwing all formalities to the wind. In a flash she bolted from Slick's side into Darr-Rann's arms giving him fierce hug.
"You're awfully glad to see me," said Darr-Rann with a grin as he returned the hug. Evani ignored his comment and stepped back to study him.
"Where is your date?" asked Slick curiously as he stepped forward while Evani quickly readjusted Darr-Rann's collar.
"Oh she's on her way, " answered Darr-Rann uncomfortably as Evani tugged at his collar, Evani noticed his cheeks turning a shade darker at the thought.
"Must be really special for you to turn tomato" snickered Slick. Evani rolled her eyes.

"Stop torturing the kid and lets get to our seats," she muttered to Slick.
"Kid? You're the kid Hell," noted Darr-Rann dryly.
"Why not celebrate his new promotion?" suggested Slick seeing Evani's face reddening, whether it was in embarrassment or anger, he wasn't up to finding out.

"We will have to wait for his date, so why not take a look around," suggested Evani.
"Sounds good, see you later Ran?" asked Evani. He gave a small nod while his eyes searched for his date.

 
-----------------------
DarkDragoons
SL/SGT Evani/2SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1REG/1BAT/Tadath/VEA[LoR][ES2C][CoR]
TRN/IN Evani/Training 1-1/Lopen/VEDJ/VE

Slick watched Angel, and Kami enter the room, and gave them a grin. He smiled at Evani, and the two of them quickly found a table. He pulled her chair back for her, and she gave him a smile as she sat. He took his own seat, and looked around the room. He was still shocked by the elegance of the place. The tables were covered by blue silk with exotic flowers as a centerpiece. He quickly grabbed two glasses of champagne from one of the servers, and handed one to Evani.

"What should we toast to?" she said with a smile.

"Here's to a great evening in the most pleasant company." Slick said after a moment.

She nodded. "Sounds great."

The two of them sat sipping the champagne, and looking around the room. Slick kept glancing at Evani out of the corner of his eye, and grinned when she caught him. She cocked an eyebrow, and he laughed. The current song ended, and a round of applause went up to the band. A new song was quickly struck up, and it was a slow song. Taking a second to build up his courage, Slick stuck out his hand.

"Care to dance?" he asked Evani.

"I'd love to." she said as she took his hand.

The two of them headed out into the middle of the floor. Many of their friends were already out there, and from across the room Slick could hear Snipes laughing. Shaking his head he quickly faced Evani. He placed his right hand on her waist, and grabbed her other hand. She simply smiled at him, and he couldn't help but grin. I wonder if she's as nervous as I am he thought to himself. They danced slowly taking in the moment. Moving slowly Slick was surprised to realize that he was enjoying himself. As the song drew to a close Slick mustered his courage. He quickly leaned forward, and gave Evani a kiss. He leaned back, and looked at her with a small smile.

-----------------------
Sergeant Slick
-=Wraith Squad=--=SL=-
SL/SGT Slick/4SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath[LoR][CoR][CoH]

Snipes noticed Angel and Kami coming straight for him first from the corner of his eye, then when he turned to them he once again nearly choked, the damnable uniforms made everyone look so. . .respectable, he hoped it wasn't so complementary to him. Snipes really hated the idea of being a respectable citizen, something about it scratched at his bones like fingernails on a chalk bored, Snipes nearly cringed.

"Snipes," Angel said with a grin. "You've met Kami, haven't you?"

"Indeed" Snipes said, not knowing exactly how to greet them, he dearly wanted to hug them both for giving him something to do other than stand around, look for his date and generally appear awkward. Finally he settled for clasping each of their hands in turn with both of his and shaking excitedly. "Last time though I was face down in my room, covered in powdered sugar."

"Matthias, good to see you again," She said, Snipes thought he caught a hint of a giggle, "You know the jam was funny, but the syrup was too much."

"You shouldn't have touched the doll,"Angel added with a smile of true mirth.

Snipes threw his head back and laughed, "Please, Snipes, friends and comrades call me Snipes." Snipes turned his head then and addressed both of them, "How's business in I.H.?"

"Good, good, you thought about my proposition at all?" Angel asked.

"Yes, yes I have, for now Wraith needs me more, but we'll see where the stars take us." Snipes said, suddenly catching sight of something behind them, "You'll have to excuse me, I have something that needs attending to."

Snipes took off then, he'd seen a dress  and hair and breasts that looked a lot like those of his date, so he sleazed his way through the crowd, somehow keeping himself from running, jogging, or walking exceptionally fast. Somehow Snipes even managed to avoid being engaged for too great a time by any one person, instead a sentence or two would pass between them as Snipes walked by and waved politely. Snipes hight unfortunately made him stand out, but he was amiable enough and although he was a bit lacking in manners he knew enough about people to fake his way through most of it, sometimes assuming the role of a person completely void of any understanding for basic, sometimes pulling rituals right out of his arse and pretending to be from some small outer rim world or at times core worlds, the gods knew there were enough of them for him to fake his origin.

Finally, though songs had changed at least once, maybe twice, he got to where he had seen his date, he turned left, then right, then left again but she was no where in sight. Snipes shoulders slumped and his head hung. Then there was a hand on his shoulder and he spun around to be met with Angels eyes, Snipes quickly leaned back, almost falling over, he hadn't expected to see him, or see him so close. His old friend was a little red about the face, from the looks of it he had been dancing for at least one full song and the damnable dress uniforms allowed very little air circulation.

"Ey, figured you might need some help, or something." Angel said, the party was obviously not his styling.

"Eh, thanks, I'm looking for my date." Snipes said, regaining his composure.

"I was wondering about that, you don't see Snipes alone like that very often." Angel said, a smile creeping across his face.

"Indeed, anyway, she isn't here anymore, I think it's about time I wander some corridors, see if she's locked herself in a bed room or a ladies room."

"What did you do to scare her away?"

"Eh, I don't actually know, one minute she was there, the next, er. . .not."

"Heh heh, well lets see what we can do about that." Angel said

The two wandered through the crowd then, obviously with a purpose, they only stopped long enough to grab whatever drinks they could when the chance presented itself. Corridors led off the main area in a few places and it was no big deal for the two experience soldiers to slip past the less thank lively guards, in a room full of soldiers there was only so much that could go wrong.

The entire building was decked out the same, made of the same white and black marble with gold and silver banding in places, Snipes tried the first room he came across, walking up to the door, with it's cover of wood, he hit the button, it slid up, there was nothing interesting, Angel tried the one on the other side, the same result. The pair went down the hall the entire distance checking the rooms, but there was none of what they were looking for, Snipes even walked into the ladies bathroom and looked under each stall, but he couldn't find her. So, at last the pair came to a door that sat against the opposing wall, hidden from view by a clever trick of architecture, with a half wall that blended into the other wall so as to hide th door perfectly. The two looked at each other and shrugged, Snipes stepped up and hit the button, activating the door and making it slide up with a whoosh. Unfortunately Snipes was unable to find a light switch and so he rummaged around in his pockets for his lighter, lit it and then continued down, with only its flame to guide him and  Angel close behind.

The walk down the stereotypically winding stairs was long, and the final area they reached was dirty damp and reasonably cool. Snipes was pleased with that at least, Snipes found a glow lamp by some miracle and turned it on, when, to his amazement, he found himself surrounded by wines of every sort.

"Jackpot" Angel breathed behind him
 
-----------------------
{Comnet Hermit}
TRP/GSG Sniping101/4SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR][IH][BoA][CDS]

Hard work has a future payoff, laziness pays off now.

Kami meandered about the edge of the dance floor, one hand raised to conceal a yawn, the other clasped tightly about the remnants of her champagne. Whilst it was nice to see the other officers bearing drinks instead of rifles, the night had already been awkward, with conversations forcedly turned from military matters to polite social chatter. Already Kami had been cornered numerous times by strange faces, all of whom seemed to know a lot about her when she in turn knew nothing of them.

"Sergeant Sharpe, a moment of your time!"

A beaming man drove at her from the left, dodging through dancers, his hand extended. Almost tripping over herself in an attempt to get away, Kami ducked behind a large leafy plant and skulked towards the buffet table. Coming up behind the punch bowl, she glanced back towards the direction she had fled to see her assailant chasing down another unsuspecting victim.

Letting out a soft sigh of relief, Kami procured a new glass of champagne, then stepped smoothly out from behind the table, scaring an elderly man and his wife as she emerged from the greenery. Flashing the couple a smile, she tossed her hair over her shoulder then stormed determinedly towards the bathroom.

 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
SL/GSG Kami/1SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [CoR] [IG] [GCA] [BC]
TRN/KAD Kami/Training 1-3/VEDJ/VE
-=Surrender to your darkest dreams, and you'll live as you've never lived before...=-
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

"Excuse me, sir, but this Imperial function is for invited guests only, I'm going to have to ask you to-"

Cosmic was sitting on one of the steps leading up to the ball room's entrance with his forearms plopped casually atop his knees. His long silver-white hair draped over his shoulders and down the sides of his face; the chill of night pressings its lips against his cheeks. Despite his frozen nose, the rest of his body was kept warm beneath both his newly-acquired black-white robe. He turned his head slightly at the sound of the doorman's voice, and a slightly reddish-colored eye peered over to his caller.

"-Oh! My apologies, Major General. I did not recognize you." The doorman clasped his hands together, embarrassed at not recognizing him.

Cosmic returned his gaze to the front and waved a hand, "No bother."

The doorman took a few steps forward, "May I ask what you're doing out here alone, sir?"

The young man in robes rose to his feet and began making his way down the steps, "Waiting for her." A landspeeder suddenly rounded a corner and parked in front of the steps. Cosmic nodded to the aide and gave a slight grin to his newly-arrived date. Petty Officer 1st Class Jen Knight rose from her seat and grabbed Cosmic's extended hand as she stepped down from the landspeeder. Cosmic nodded to the aide, and the landspeeder drove off.

"Thank you for inviting me, General, and the flowers weren't really necessary." Jen Knight smiled, failing an attempt to hide her blushed cheeks.

He raised his right arm as he waited for her to accept. She smiled and looped her left arm around his while carrying his dozen roses in her right.

"Have you ever been to one of these things before?" she asked curiously. Cosmic shook his head, "This is my first." She let out a small sigh of relief, "Ok, good."

Cosmic chuckled - something he hadn't done in a while, "I'll try not to step on any toes."

She smiled up at him and tightened her grip around his arm as they entered the grand hall.

-----------------------
Cleric "Cosmic" Vor'soth
CoT/MG Cosmic/HCA-3/SL/Drill Squad/Tadath/VEA/VE
[OPE][OTH][OPA][EW1][CDS][IH][GS][LM][SoS][CRoM][CoH][PoC][MSM][SCP][SoA][IOC]
-----------------------
Cleric "Cosmic" Vor'soth
SL/KPR Cosmic/Lion 1-1/Lopen/VEDJ/VE
[VP][WoS2][KC1][SoY][EoP][OAK]
-----------------------

There he stood, at the beginning of the sea of people, music floating through the air like a soft sea breeze, late and dateless. This whole scene, free of violence, was very new to Marka; the colours of the walls, the life, the bright, happy atmosphere. There was no real need to stalk through the people, to observe behaviour for the slightest mishap... no... he was no longer in that well-known mindset of battle and death. Instead, the danger and ferocity slipped away with the monotonous chatter of the room, spiced lightly with the band's performance. Oh God... let this be painless.

"Marka! 'Bout time!" shouted a familiar voice. After turning awkwardly in his flashy new attire, the recent Raider ASL breathed a sigh of relief as he found Darr.

"Hello there Darr," he said, his voice relaxing dramatically, "having fun?"

Darr Rann only laughed, turning and leading the uncomfortable soldier and friend to the drinks. They passed some recognizable faces as they wove about dancing couples, uniforms swaying in fluent motion.

"No date, I see" Darr said playfully, taking a glass of champagne.

Marka shook his head lightly, his two braids swinging about his face gently. On the table was a bowl of some sort of exotic fruits, and after taking a bite of one, he decided that most of his time should be spent at that particular place. After a pat on the shoulder, Darr left, disappearing shortly after sliding past a rather large man. Letting loose a soft sigh, Marka took another bite of that succulent piece of fruit.
    Throughout his life, he had never actually been to a ball; his life would never allow it. He had only loved once, but it had ended in tragedy, as all love tales do, and even when she was around, there were no balls to take her to, no dancing to engage in. Instead, they worked on ship parts, or hunted. There was no glamour in the relationship, and maybe that was why it appealed to them both so much.

The party kept going with almost unwavering enthusiasm, the band playing superbly as usual, and still Marka stood, alone against the wall, waiting to grip his sword once more.
 
-----------------------
Private First Class Marka
Fire Team Leader
- Raider Squad -
FTL/PFC Marka/3SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/Tadath/VEA/VE
[LoR][ES2C]

"Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together"

OOC: Rizz, do you even read other people's posts? Snipes and I are down in a wine cellar


"You knooooow" Angel said, slightly slurring his words. With a dramatic flair, he tossed the empty wine bottle across the cellar. The bottle shattered as it hit the far wall, raining glimmering shards on the floor below. "Maybe thesh ball thingsh aren't shuch and bad idear."

There was a slight delay from Snipes, as his head was tilted back to polish off his own bottle. As the last drops crossed his lips, Snipes snapped his head forward and emitted an enormous belch which Angel could have sworn would shatter the rest of the glass bottles. The Wraith ASL wobbled a bit, the bottle slippiing from his hands to clatter on top of the pile forming below him.

"It hash itsh benefitsh." Snipes stammered. Slowly getting to his feet, he stumbled a few steps to the closest rack of wine, his right hand darting out to  catch himself from falling flat on the ground.

"Hey!" Angel somehow managed to say coherently. "One of you two Snipesh get me one o..." Without thinking, Angel opened himself to the Force and found a bright hot spot a few floors above. A rising fountain of irritation, giving way to anger appeared like a beacon in the Force, its light shining on the thought of one person.

"Uh-oh...I think I'm in trouble." Angel stuggled to get to his feet, finally succeeding after almost falling on his backside twice. His knees threatened to buckle underneath him, but he quickly used the Force to help steady himself.

"What d'you mean?" Snipes said slowly as he pondered between two seemingly identical bottles of wine.

"I think Kami ish going to h-hurt me if I don't get back up there." The world around him was spinning faster and faster, and black spots started appearing in the corners of his vision. Gritting his teeth, Angel tapped into the Force once more and his mind snapped into full clarity. The world around him stopped it's endless revolutions, and the two Snipes present melded back into the solitary man.

"Let's take a few for the road, then find Kami and your date." Angel said, shaking his head to get rid of the last effects of the alcohol.

"I'm going to need a hovercart..." Snipes said disappointedly...
 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
[LoR] [RoM] [BC] [CDS] [WM] [GRoM] [IH] {BoA}
------------------------
Sith Guardian
CM/SG Jikkyo "Angel" Nimiichi/Eagle 1-1/Sith/Dark Jedi Order/Vast Empire [VP:1]
------------------------

Talon didn't seem as amused by no one recognising him as Merrick was, and he had wandered off to find some people to talk to that did remember who he was, leaving Merrick to entertain herself for a while. After saying hello to the few troopers she could talk to without them cowering, she found her way out to the balcony where Fury was hiding out away from the crowd.

"Ah, hey boss, didn't mean to intrude."

Fury shook his head. "It's alright, just me and Bob here. This just isn't my kind of thing, you know."

Merrick glanced at Bob standing in the shadows and then nodded at Fury. "Not exactly mine either, but anyway. You ok for drinks sir?"

Fury held up his glass and indicated another on the bannister. "Everyone who has noticed me out here has brought me one. I'm wondering if they are trying to get me drunk, or just think it's an original idea." He chuckled.

Merrick smiled. "Well maybe they're gunning for a promotion. Anyway, I should go find Talon, enjoy your nice secluded balcony with your date." She shot another glance at Bob and laughed before heading back into the ballroom, strangely enough not followed by the sound of Fury's laughter.
 
-----------------------
Jester Squad
XO/1LT Merrick/VEA/TADATH/VE [CotE][SoA][CoH]
Army Executive Officer
Verastinian Republic - Minister of Subversion
-----------------------
To thy protection fear and sorrow flee, and those that weary are of light find rest in thee.
If you love something, set it free. If it doesn't come back, hunt it down and kill it.

Darr-Rann and Dawn finished their dance, then walked over to were the others were talking. Rizzit walked up to him in his ridiculous looking uniform. "Enjoying the party corporal?" He said.

"Yeah, It's pretty fun." Darr-Rann said.

"Who's your date?" Rizzit asked.

"This is Dawn. FTC of Chimera squad, Slicer spec."

"Pleased to meet you, Dawn. Anyways, I have to go, I just wanted to give you my congratulations on getting command of Raiders." And he walked off. Darr-Rann looked into the crowd to see Slick and Evani were dancing again.

"I have to talk to him later..." Darr-Rann thought to himself. Just then, the two of them finished, greeting them and walking over.

"So this is Dawn." Slick said, grinning.

"Hey Slick, I need to talk to you for a moment. Do you girls mind waiting here for us?" Darr-Rann said. Slick nodded and they set off, until they reached a empty hallway.

"Alright, what did you want to talk about." Slick asked.

"What are you doing with Evani?"" Darr-Rann asked, crossing his arms.

"What do you mean?" Asked Slick.

"You've just been through a divorce. If you want a relationship with Evi, you better be serious about it," He said, "She's like a sister to me. If you hurt her, I promise I'll hurt you." Slick grinned.

"I understand. By the way, nice job getting Dawn as a girlfriend." Darr-Rann grinned.

"Anyways, we should get back to the party." Darr-Rann said, and with that they set off to find their dates once more.

Crap post, but I wanted to write
 
-----------------------
Raiders
SL/CPL Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|FL/PO2_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)
CORPORAL
SENIOR CREWMAN
one of few - A vast Empire medic
Read Losses of Vandetta by me and Hellra
Flashmaker

Kami ducked out of the toilet, her green gaze scanning the dance floor below for the slightest sign of long lost date. Seeing nothing, she muttered a brief curse, then weaved her way gracefully back into the throng of people dotted about the ballroom

"Kams!"

She span at the sound of her name to see a grinning Zafo, clad in his dress uniform, the recently promoted Platoon Adjacent Kairo at his side. Her old squad member raised a full glass of champagne, "Drink?"

Flashing Zafo a smile, she stepped forward, gratefully taking the glass, "Thanks Zaf, alcohol always helps." Turning to Kairo, she winked, "Good to see you again Sergeant, congratulations on the promotion."

Kairo smiled and declined his head, "Thanks."

"Second glass," Zafo informed, sighing down at his champagne, "I thought there would be more to do than drink."

"Where's Angel tonight Kami?" Kairo asked, glancing behind her.

Kami pulled a face, "Who knows. Him and Snipes disappeared a while ago."

Zafo laughed, "Not a good combination Sarge, perhaps we should send out a search party?"

Kami's reply was interrupted as a scantily clad woman tumbled backwards from the dance floor, crashing into her from behind. Giggling madly, the woman pulled herself to her feet, "Sorry hun, that wine's gone straight to my head."

Spinning about, she cast herself back into the arms of an equally intoxicated man, then dragged him off towards a more private corner of the dance floor. All three officers arched eyebrows as the two fell into a very public and drunken embrace near the buffet table.

"Well at least someone's having fun," Zafo commented, polishing off his glass and reaching for the half empty champagne bottle, "Kams, fill er up?"

"You two racing now?" Kairo commented, half amused as Kami extended her empty glass.

"Not a bad idea," Zafo retorted, sending Kami into a fit of giggles and causing Kairo to roll his eyes heavenward in despair.

 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad
SL/GSG Kami/1SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR] [CoR] [IG] [GCA] [BC]
TRN/KAD Kami/Training 1-3/VEDJ/VE
-=Surrender to your darkest dreams, and you'll live as you've never lived before...=-
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

"Careful Slick." Mara teased as he walked over. "I'd hate to have to duct tape you back together tonite."

Slick laughed in an attempt to not have to elaborate in full details what had happened between him and Evani not too long ago. Rizzit and Mara were good friends, but it just wasn't something he wanted to discuss with them. The six of them sat there talking with one another for a long while. They would have been there all night, except dinner had yet to be served. An announcement came over the speakers for everyone to get to their assigned seats. After about 10 minutes, everyone had finally returned to where they should be sitting.

Droids began to file out of the kitchen. Each droid went to a different person to collect their dinner orders. There was practically no limit to the possible order combinations. Rizzit ordered the twin-sun steak, and Mara ordered some dish that Rizzit hadn't heard of before. Surely, she must have more class than me. I've never even heard of that dish: must be really fancy. Once all the droids returned to the kitchen, it wasn't long before they emerged again: this time carrying plates of food. This was going to be one meal most troopers would remember for a long time...
 
-----------------------
Lieutennant Colonel Rizzit BlackHeart
Wildcard Platoon Commander
Phoenix Company Commander
Army of the Vast Empire
PC/LTC
Rizzit/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE[OPE][OTH][EW1][RCoD][CRoM][CoH][OPA][SoA][SoS][SCP]
Everything expressed truly from your heart and soul is as pure as gold in the minds of anyone who listens!"--Rizzit

The wave of voices penetrating his ears caused him to slightly close his eyes and pause for a brief moment. Jen, who had been by his side, stopped when she found him no longer walking alongside her, "You alright, Cleric?"

There was a brief pause before Cosmic finally nodded, "Yeah. I'm fine." The death of his love was still fresh in his mind, even though it had happened a few months past. The stain of death was hard to remove. "I just need some air." Jen nodded and grabbed his arm with her left hand and began leading the way onto the large balcony.

"This okay?" Jen queried, genuinely concerned.

Cosmic made his way over to the edge and placed his hands over the railing, grasping the cool marble as he took in a deep breath of the cool night air. "This is perfect." He looked up into the night sky and gazed at the billions of stars that blanketed the planet.

Jen took a few steps closer to him and looked up at his face, "What's wrong?"

"There are just times, " he started, "when you just wish you had a lamp you could rub and wish for all of your pain to disappear - to vanish forever." He looked down into her eyes and then to the ground floor below them. "Part of me wants this pain to leave me be - another craves for more."

Jen nodded, "I understand. Being a pilot, I undertake a lot of stress at times." She smiled slightly, "Perhaps we could go up together sometime?"

Cosmic chuckled, "Go up there?" he motioned to the stars above.

Smiling, Jen nodded, "I could show you the world. Shining, shimmering, splendid."

A droid shuffled its way towards them and bowed slightly, "I am sorry to interrupt, General Cosmic, but dinner is being served." Cosmic nodded and turned back to Jen Knight, "Shall we?" Jen Knight smiled and gave a slight nod as she wrapped her arm around his. "Indeed."

-----------------------
Cleric "Cosmic" Vor'soth
CoT/MG Cosmic/HCA-3/SL/Drill Squad/Tadath/VEA/VE
[OPE][OTH][OPA][EW1][CDS][IH][GS][LM][SoS][CRoM][CoH][PoC][MSM][SCP][SoA][IOC]
-----------------------
Cleric "Cosmic" Vor'soth
SL/KPR Cosmic/Lion 1-1/Lopen/VEDJ/VE
[VP][WoS2][KC1][SoY][EoP][OAK]
-----------------------

Snipes tucked the bottle of 26 year old Battlemont Merlot into his uniform jacket, then tried buttoning it up. He was mournful to note that there was no way the custom fitted jacket was going to adequately hide it.

"Angel, there really are too many choices here. Look, here's a 43 year old Port from the farm next door!" Snipes exclaimed, pulling another bottle down and reading the dust covered label. Snipes was keeping the alcohol in his system under some variation of control, for the time, faking sobriety was a well practiced trick of his.

"Uh, I know, but where did Jak go?"

"Who?"

"Jak, big guy, just fell out of the ceiling"

"Oh, him, uh, he's not here, uh, anymore. But his clothes are, you don't fink he went streaking does you?" Snipes asked.

"Hurry Snipes, Hurry." Angel said, most of the slur gone from his voice.

"Alright, Alright." Snipes said, getting the last button fastened.

Soon as he managed to stager back to Angel the Senior Sergeant got up and began climbing the stairs, it wasn't easy, neither of them were entirely sober, although Angel now seemed to be a lot closer than Snipes wanted to be. It didn't help any that Snipes had refused to put back the 43 year old Port.

When they did finally make it up they took a few seconds to straighten themselves up, get the last of the dirt out of their uniforms and try to do something about Snipes hair, which at some point had slipped out of its band and was now content to drape about his shoulders. This was eventually solved by a servant that walked by and heard what they were talking about. She gave Snipes a red strip of cloth to tie his hair back with. Then scolded them at length for being drunk.

The problem was further compounded when as soon as they exited the niche in the wall they ran directly,(and Snipes literally) into Kami, who it seemed had been standing there for awhile listening. Snipes could tell she was getting angry so he decided to cut his losses, then held the bottle of port out towards her, she grabbed it out of reaction, and while she was still trying to figure out what had just happened Snipes left, quickly slipping into the crowd.

Pulling himself together enough to fain sobriety for just a little longer Snipes strode off towards the table, he couldn't remember if seating was assigned or not so he tried looking for his date, she was no where to be seen. So he looked for a familiar face. The first one he picked out was Evani's. Snipes knew Slick couldn't be far away, unless something had gone far awry. So he made his way over to the table.

___

Snipes plopped himself down between Slick and Evani unceremoniously, although he had had to steal a chair from the table next. The entire table was shocked, orders had already been taken, Snipes hadn't been seen, it had been thought that he had left, and the seating was assigned. But nobody said anything, Snipes hair was much less tamed, his uniform wasn't as crisp as it had been, his boots were somewhat dirty and he had a tacky red piece of cloth tyeing his hair back. Nobody doubted that Snipes had been drinking.

"Find your date?" Slick finally asked, as though nothing was odd, and once he took Snipes antics into mind he realized nothing was odd.

"Nope, I've" Snipes paused and appeared to gather himself. "I've been drinkin'." Snipes face erupted into a very pleased grin, the rest of his face calmed and took the most horrifying turn to comfort.

Slick was about to say something about how stereotypical that was, but he was interrupted by a waiter droid, who must have realized Snipes just took a seat.

"Sir, your order?" It said, something about the voice was aggravatingly high pitched.

"What's most expensive?" Snipes asked, still with his stupid grin.

"The meal is complimentary, sir." It said, sounding not a little insulted.

"Yes, I know, that's why I asked." Snipes said, absently, as though it were a perfectly polite reply. "Just give me whatever it is that costs the most, I'll be happy."

The waiter droid emitted what passed for a prissy sniff, "And to drink?" The voice was even more nasally.

Snipes face went into a shocked expression so suddenly that everyone at the table nearly jumped and reached for their non-existent guns. Then Snipes did reach into his jacket for something and pulled out a bottle of wine. Every else's faces went quizzical, but Snipes' went back to pleased.  "This'll be fine."

And with that the droid wheeled away, or walked, nobody was really paying any attention to anything but the bottle of wine that had Snipes last name on it. Snipes paid no heed though as he stole four clean glasses from a near by table, then opened the bottle with a corkscrew that he'd pulled from a pocket and began pouring everyone half a glass.

"Same year as me." Snipes said, still grinning like a fool.
He held up the glass and, curiously, everyone toasted with him. The wine was fine, although Slick didn't have extensive experience with the particular variation of alcohol. Snipes poured another round, then picked up a fork and knife (both stolen from the other table, which people had begun sitting at) and held them at the ready.

-----------------------
{Comnet Hermit}
TRP/GSG Sniping101/4SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR][IH][BoA][CDS]

Hard work has a future payoff, laziness pays off now.

Whilst Snipes still absently concealed wine bottles and Angel became suddenly interested with a portrait on the wall, Jakireth unzipped his stealth-suit and let it slide to the ground, revealing the formal Imperial uniform underneath. He had spent hours folding it correctly to avoid creases upon retrieving it from the cleaners, and it was now time to put it to use. Tucking a pocket-sized household incinerator into the clothes heap on the floor, he stared curiously at the decorated treads that would be his portal to the festivities. Without notifying the two of his imminent absence, the now sharp-looking trooper made his way to the spiral stair unit that lead perpetually upward. As he climbed, he could feel the air rid itself of the damp coolness of the mansion's cellar; sensing the ecstatic party atmosphere above.

No one payed much attention to him, fortunately as he expected they wouldn't. He had emerged silently from the basement just as everyone was beginning to settle down for dinner, so the motions were mainly for the brilliant tables that were scattered contently about the massive ballroom. Whoever had the pleasure of retaining residence here was certainly well-paid, probably quite high on the Empire's ladder as well. Everything, from the exquisite decor to the wonderfully laced utensils spoke of upper-class living. Hell, this place almost crossed into a realm of its own, even having some guests engaged more over material beauty then that of which was their dates.

A few nods were exchanged between Jakireth and other party-goers, but the subtle show of respect was thankfully one of a handful of things that strayed his attention in an unwanted way. This was completely hitting the opposite wall of the spectrum that was battle, but it was still important in his mind. Besides, he probably wasn't the only one to enjoy it.

"Where is he..." The Lance Corporal said out-loud, sighing slightly as he slipped around the corner. He was headed in the direction of the electrical conduits described from the blueprints he obtained earlier.

*    *    *    *    *

"My friends!" Theron Batnamoc exclaimed, obviously excited over the events that were transpiring in his home. It had taken weeks to successfully plan an event of this size, and gathering guests such as Surface Marshals Taurus and Fury was slightly...difficult. He was simply happy nothing had gone wrong.

At his comment, the masses of people silenced accordingly, nearly everyone focused entirely on the man who had coordinated their evening.

"I'd like to extend my thanks for your attendance tonight, I feel honored to play host to the best and brightest of the Vast Empire Army." He stopped briefly, gathering his thoughts and allowing time for his compliment to set in, "After all of our heroic and expertly collaberated efforts in the field of battle, many of the command staff had thought good to give our leaders a much deserved break. Working efficiently under the stress you experience on a daily basis is an amazing feat, and I personally appreciate all that you do to make this galactic expanse safer."

Applause erupted thoughtout the crowd, several whistles being tossed into the celebration as well. The Moff was now smiling widely, clapping furiously along with the people in front of him. The faces staring at him from the tables were all lit up with happiness, and he truly felt the warm emotion spreading throughout the building.

"and with that my comrades... let us feast!" Theron yelled, throwing his hands up as the final 'OK'.

*    *    *    *    *

"Damnit..." Guardsman Neider muttered, finally coming up with the courage to speak into his ComLink:

"Lieutenant! We have a problem in energy compartment 'C'!" He screamed, surely not ready to take blame for something on his first assignment.

The supervisor rushed into the small room at a sprint, leaning backwards upon entering to slow himself in order to steer away from the other man in the room. He was shaking, almost in fear, and Lieutenant Crandei knew whatever he had been called for wasn't good.

Why in Gods name do we put the new ones on security detail... He said to himself while raising an eyebrow.

"Problem, Neider?" He asked, surveying the room to hopefully avoid the blind excuse almost sure to come from his 'colleague'. The more seasoned protection staff didn't really consider anyone recently placed on duty at their level.

"Sir, it appears someone unauthorized slipped into this section and tampered with the electric settings."

Shit... The overseer thought.

"How so?"

"Well, the access panel outside the door was stripped of its entrance wiring abilities."

"...and you consider that an 'appearance', Guardsman?"

Neider shrugged, replying sarcastically:

"Sir...the door is frickin' open when it shouldn't be."

The Lieutenant gave a sneer in the other's general path, raising his ComLink to his mouth, "All available units, backup requested in EC 'C'."

*    *    *    *    *

"It worked!" Corporal Darien observed from the left-balcony, looking towards Jakireth for acknowledgement. The LCPL was a friend, and had asked for some help in his plan for tonight's Ball.

"Of course it worked...it is me we're talking about, Dair."

"Shut it..." Came the reply, still locked on the flow of security scurrying feverently towards the decoy room.

"Did you prepare the equipment already?"

Jakireth shrugged, tilting his head and slightly improving his ability to recognize the chatter from below.

"Wasn't that hard. I saw what looked like the new kid come walking down the corridor, and decided to draw the rest of the force away from our escape route. The rest of the stuff is already planted and reset in the structurally adjacent electrical grids."

The Corporal grinned in his response, turning back to face his friend as he spoke:

"Is Jasper waiting outside?" He was met with a nod, and continued, "This all seems exceedingly simple."

"It wasn't meant to be difficult, just something to pass the time... Us guys aren't entertained as easily anymore." Jakireth said with a laugh.

"Well we're making perfect time...wait!" Darien stated as he pointed towards the Moff on the lower level who had recently stood. He was preparing to speak once again, and the crowd appeared to be gathering their attention already. Jakireth had attained a gleaming appreciation, his face almost sparkling.

"Go time..."


Moff Batnamoc rose slowly, standing with his closely seated staff rising in a seemingly rehearsed motion.

"So..." He asked, still trying to finish off the last piece of meat being chew in his mouth, "How is dinner?"

His comment sparked enough round of applause, the crowd obviously happy they didn't have to eat the crap served at the barracks. Theron chuckled softly, beeming towards his audience.

"Well then...I'll have to make a note to praise my chefs... With that, friends, I'd like to... What!?!"

The Moff was cut off, and he along with the population of the Ball room had their eyesight locked on the two figures appearing from above. They were both completely naked, swinging quickly from the deserted balcony to their left. The two were quite built in the athletic department, their bodies definitely grabbing some attention from a good amount of women situated throughout the area. With a war cry of satisfaction escaping their mouths, the pair nearly flew downward as they jumped off the rappeling wire and broke into a run. Security was still attentively located near the decoy room, only a few turning their backs towards the event occuring. Giggling madly, Jakireth and Darien tossed themselves at the door that led to the foyer, closing and locking the entrance as fast as possible. With the cool night air now brimming over their bodies, the two made their way to the waiting get-away vehicle outside that had conveinently posed as a delivery car.

 
-----------------------
The"Stallion"Horsie
Iron Horse Squad
Army of the Vast Empire
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TRP/LCPL Jakireth/1SQD/1PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA[LoR]
Rep/Reporter Jakireth/NewsRep: 2/News Division/VET/VE